Anyone Charter a boat in the BVI?

mnm99

mnm99

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2015
2,447
Long Island
Boat Info
2004 340 SeaRay Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1 Merc
Next January I'm planning on heading down with a few friends. How many of you ever did this? What were your experiences? Going with a friend who has done this like 10 times.
 
Have friend who rents sail boats in Caribbean. He gets beater boats form third rate renters only thing they guarantee is the engine is good. Prices are about 50% of what the reputable agents rent for. No information on who he uses. Sounds like internet search.
 
mnm99 said:
Next January I'm planning on heading down with a few friends. How many of you ever did this? What were your experiences? Going with a friend who has done this like 10 times.
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I did in May of 2022. We chartered a boat called Jan's Felion with three other couples. Strange name, awesome boat and crew!

We had a really great vacation. Is there anything in particular you would like to know? Are you already familiar with the BVI, or are you looking for input on both BVI and chartering?
 
We have done it and had a great time. Since we knew what activities that we were probably up for, we had a full crew (Captain, cook and mate). It was awesome to leave the planning to them and just modify based on what we wanted to see & do
 
I have done 20 plus bareboat sailing trips through the Moorings. Happy to answer any questions you may have.
 
Did my research. I may go through Marine Max because of the boat layout with 3 cabins. If I can get another couple I'll do the Moorings. 7 day charter, where did you go first? How hard was it to rent a ball? what are the places you would want to stay at longer?
 
It's been 10 years since we did it. Bare boat for 10 days. Great experience but marginal boats. Would go Moorings or MM next time.

Regarding mooring balls, we would just show up and grabbed an open one. First come first serve. They'd find you to get paid later in the evening.

Only once we couldn't find an open ball so we just motored on to the next bay.
 
I'll throw in my 1 cent opinion.
The typical places you will visit are so close together, that a power cat isn't really needed, UNLESS you plan on hitting Anegada. That's a run, but well worth it. The fuel burn will be substantial over a stick boat, but you may be more comfortable with a power boat. I did a 57 Lagoon in 2016, before Irma rearranged the islands. It was a captain and chef charter, and honest to God, even though we had a boat full of Captains and repeat offenders to the BVI, we never thought once about taking the helm. If you can swing it, I'd do a crewed charter anytime over a bareboat just for the relaxation part. Stay away from the Baths on cruise ship day. THAT was a cluster F$%^K I will never repeat.
BTW, I got my charter through VRBO of all places. Privately owned, and very well maintained vessel. Looks like she sold and is out of charter now.
 
I want to do this myself. Wife isn't interested, so I think it will be myself and a couple of buddies. Sounds like even though many of us have the ability to do a bareback (power cat in my case) most are choosing to have a captain / mate ? Has anyone joined the Moorings floatilla?
 
BillK2632 said:
I want to do this myself. Wife isn't interested, so I think it will be myself and a couple of buddies. Sounds like even though many of us have the ability to do a bareback (power cat in my case) most are choosing to have a captain / mate ? Has anyone joined the Moorings floatilla?
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My issue has been the wife unit as well. I thought it was built in that women like boats. LOL
 
Ive done a week long charter to the BVI on several occasions. These are some of the most beautiful, relaxing and cool vacations we've ever taken. We've always chartered with Moorings. They are professional, experienced and have the cleanest and most reliable fleet of "lease back" charter boats in the industry. I personally don't want or need a captain or a crew and I doubt anyone on CSR needs them either. However, if you want meals made for you or want someone to run the boat for you then perhaps that's the right choice. To me captaining, planning and provisioning is part of the fun and adventure. Also, Anegada is a no brainer. Everyone makes a big deal about running out there but trust me if you're a boat owner already....no big deal and well worth the lobster dinner.
 
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