I strongly advise yacht owners, programme managers and captains to think twice before entrusting Amico Loano with any refit or repair work. What should have been a straightforward overhaul of my 40-meter motor yacht turned into a series of costly and frustrating setbacks.

From the outset, it was clear that basic workmanship was neglected. Bulkheads were re-veneered with thin plywood instead of marine-grade panels, and substandard adhesives were used in areas exposed to moisture. Shortcuts were taken at every turn, leaving us with loose fittings, peeling finishes and systems that failed shortly after leaving the yard.

The lack of transparency in pricing was equally alarming. The original quote bore little resemblance to the final invoice, which ballooned by almost 100%. Unapproved “extras” and vague line items appeared with no explanation, making it impossible to manage the budget.

Timelines were missed repeatedly. Despite firm assurances, the project ran well beyond the agreed schedule. Each delay caused additional disruption and expense as we were forced to reschedule charters and crew.

Management’s response to these issues was anything but professional. Rather than taking responsibility or offering solutions, they deflected blame and refused to acknowledge the impact their actions had on our operations.

Amico Loano presents itself as a capable refit yard, but my real-world experience says otherwise: cut corners, inflated costs and poor accountability.

— Oliver Grayson