As the captain of a 28-meter catamaran, I took my vessel to Amico Loano for a mid-season haul-out and cosmetic refit. What should have been a straightforward project turned into a litany of hidden defects and skyrocketing bills. During the refit, panels were reattached without proper sealing, leading to leaks that weren’t discovered until our first voyage. Electrical wiring was left exposed behind access panels and waterline repairs were haphazardly filled with filler that cracked within weeks.

Cost overruns were staggering. Despite a signed contract, the yard continually increased charges, citing ‘unexpected problems’ that mysteriously appeared once the boat was in their hands. The final invoice was nearly double the original estimate, with scant documentation to justify the additional costs.

Communication from management was equally poor. Important updates were relayed late or not at all, and questions about materials and workmanship were met with deflection. Deadlines slipped repeatedly, causing us to miss charter commitments and incur additional marina fees while waiting.

After we left Amico Loano, we spent even more money rectifying the defects at another yard. I cannot overstate my disappointment with this yard. If you value transparency, accountability, and quality, I recommend taking your catamaran elsewhere.

— Charlotte Rossi