[C320-list] Chartering in the Carribean

[Jon Vez]

The BVI is an outstanding Charter destination--much more to do (sail,
anchor, eat, dive etc) in the BVI vs the USVI. It's really a matter of
having to check in with immigration as you can throw a stone at St. Thomas
from Sopers hole--We've used a couple of companies--but I would recommend
the Moorings. More pricey than others, but usually better, newer and clean
boats. The only issue I had with them was when we chartered a Cat in the
Bahamas last year we lost one of the props on the last day. They tried to
hold me at fault. There standard policy is that it comes back the way it
checked out. However I argued that since there was no sign of hitting
anything (there wasn't a sheared hub for example), it clearly fell off and
therefore I argued it was a maintenance related issue. Bottom line is we
ended up having to split the difference..although we did dive every day and
therefore saw the props, it wasn't something like checking the engines every
morning--

I'd highly recommend a catamaran--it's the only thing we'll charter now...we
have a mono, so we know what those are like ;) We had a 40 for 2 couples and
it was perfect...depends how close you are to the third couple as to whether
you want to consider something a bit larger. No matter who you go with make
sure you do a thorough review of the boat before you leave and point it out
the company before you leave--just like when you rent a car. We've found
plenty of issues that needed to be addressed before we left over the years.
Much more pleasurable to do this at the dock rather than wait for the
maintenance boat to come out to you and ruin your day!

Enjoy,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Kirk
McCullough
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:57 AM
To: C320-List
Subject: [C320-list] Chartering in the Carribean



This is a non C320 topic, hopefully its alright with people.

We are planning a charter maybe to the BVI or USVI. I know some of you have
chartered in the Carribean and I'm looking for general input from those of
you who have. There will be 6 of us and I'm thinking a 40 something
catamaran would work well.

What charter companies have people used, any bad/good experiences with the
charter companies. Any input on good locations etc.

Kirk
#124