Construction Updates!
Whether or not you’ve been following us on social media, you might have heard by now…we’re giving the lodge a little love and a bit of a makeover.
But have you been keeping up with the progress we’re making so far?? Things are really moving along!
Following up alongside our first block of 8 brand new rooms that we finished in January, our second building of 8 more bedrooms is just about wrapped up. These additions are designed with the same charm and Casa Vieja Lodge detail you’ve come to know and love, just with a little extra shine for your next stay.
And if you’ve already stayed in one of our new rooms, then you know exactly what to expect! Yep, it means even more space for you and your crew on your next trip.
To quote our Jefa, Kristen Salazar: “It gives our clients a lot of options to be able to sleep alone, they don’t have to sleep with their best friend that’s there snoring all night.”
And that’s not all—the new pool is officially in motion! As you can see from some of the pictures below: the dig is done, the structure is set, and we’re now in the final stretch of finishing up cement and laying tiles, plus with a bridge that will come from the helicopter pad to the lodge, and also be an iconic spot to jump off after you’ve caught your first Pacific Sailfish!
Last but not least at all, we’d like to formally recognize our amazing Casa Vieja Lodge staff for all their hard work. While we do have an actual construction company out here, that hasn’t stopped our mates, cooks, or even bartenders that you know and love, from picking up shovels and lending a helping hand. We truly wouldn’t be moving along as efficiently without them!
Everything’s shaping up just in time for an awesome fall season. It won’t be long before you’re cooling off in style after a day offshore! Every step brings us closer to welcoming you back this fall with a fresh new look and even more ways to relax when you’re off the water.
Check out some of our newest construction updates in the pictures below, and don’t forget to get your reservation on the books ASAP for the newly renovated Casa Vieja Lodge!
La Chingona: Then and Now!
Before she was La Chingona, or Isla Mas, this 43′ Merritt was originally built in 1972 as the Caliban III!
A very special vessel indeed, this was the 19th hull built by Merritt Boat and Engine Works. Actually built by Roy Merritt—the third generation owner—for his grandfather Frank—one half of the original owners! Roy Merritt acquired the factory in 1971, from his uncle (one of Franks sons) Buddy Merritt, and is still at the helm of the Florida-based company today.
She’s had a couple names throughout the years, starting as the Caliban III—the name Caliban coming from a sea monster in the Shakespeare play, The Tempest; but she has also gone by: Later Cosa, Sea Otter, Stood Up, Patients, and most recently as you’ve known her, the Isla Mas.
Even though this boat is technically 42 feet, the Merritt company marketed this line of boats as the 43′ series. The 43′ series was a type of hull that started a little bit before Roy’s ownership, in 1968, and continued on successfully through 1982. This era of boats was inspired the 42-foot Hopalong—the 13th, and longest, hull Buddy Merritt had designed at that time—built for Fletch Creamer and Capt. Buddy Lander in 1965. What set these class of vessels apart from the rest was the transition from framed to cold molded construction.
In January of 2025, Our Jefa, Kristen Salazar, acquired her as the 10th vessel in our Casa Vieja Lodge fleet. Her first solo purchase after the passing of our beloved Jefe, turning into an incredibly solid investment. She took a chance and we’d say it’s paid off well!
Since coming to Casa Vieja Lodge, we’ve completely retouched and revamped the entire boat from top to bottom, while keeping its original charm of course. Now, we can say with absolute confidence—even more than before—this is truly a vessel fit for a queen.
Check out the transformation from when we got her to where La Chingona is now below!
Have you set up your trip to fish on our all newly renovated La Chingona?? Call us right away and we’ll fix that for you ASAP if you haven’t yet!
