cheapass acomodation at koh phagnan & where to catch boat?

Why not catch the train to Surat Thani?If you get the overnight train from Hualamphong Station, you can then get a boat to Koh Phagnan,I believe.(or at least to Ko Samui,then onward travel to Koh Phagnan)It's much safer on the train(not the same chance of having your luggage 'rifled' through!),and even a reclining seat(sleepers are often booked ahead)will get you there feeling refreshed.If you DO decide to take the train,make sure you go straight to the ticket booth for 'foreigners';don't listen to any well meaning English speaker wearing loads of passes etc,who may tell you that all the seats are booked,for the next few days,but,if you go upstairs with him,in the station,will get you a seat on the V.I.P.bus!(speaking from experience here!).Stay in the queue at the station and you will get a ticket.It's about 600 baht and they bring you a little snack/drink before you go to sleep and again in the morning.And a blanket and pillow too!
Good Luck,
Enjoy,
Julie.

i see you have received no recomendations for accomodation, or beach. i live here on the island and can say 100% go to thong nai pan yai, it has the best of everything, and definately the best beach spot on the island. as for places to stay the cheapest spots are 1. 'paradise bungalows' 200-300b, set back a bit far, and some say the rooms need airing, but nice place and people cant go far wrong. 2. 'thai terrace bungalows' 300b, new rooms, a gem of a garden and its only just beind the beach, this place is a bargain. 3. 'bamboo bungalows' 250-300b nice guy who runs it ,just ask for Ed, has a backpacker feel, a little more run down, but really good vibe. hope this helps your travels.
p.s. any cheaper and you find your so far from the beach you can add on the expanse of a motorbike to get anywhere

i also live here and would recommend thong nai pan yai. i think the cheapest rooms here are at AD View bungalows... or try #2's suggestions.

you can get the overnightbus to koh phangan from sai tai bus station in bangkok. it goes on the ferry direct to the island.