have been reading through many threads on TTOL and TUG in the hopes of narrowing down my search and making a decision (Yay or Nay) regarding purchasing a timeshare in Sint Marteen.
Here is what I know:

1) All timeshares are a risk and timeshares on St Marteen are NOT deeded properties but RTUs
2)Little or no protections for US buyers should a developer owner of a resort take the money and run (lots of hx with Caranvasia (sp) Pelican and…..who else?) or mismanage
3)Many owners of TS on this island have been coming 10-20 plus years and have made good use of their purchase (Flamingo, Simpson Bay, Royal Ilander, Divi,LaVista, Towers at Mullet Bay etc)
4) People who LOVE ST Marteen are concerned about the escalating crime, decreased safety on the island (I was there recently and did not have a problem took precautions, drove to casinos at night alone).

Here is what I don't know/understand need more info on:

5) Where can I find a true indication of the resale market online (not Tug or red week their listing prices are not indicative of the market IMHO)!
6)Is it better to buy a fixed vs floating week? (I would like to go every year or EOYin shoulder season Nov-mid Dec)?
7) How do these resorts trade with II/RCI compared to the MFs?
8) How do you get historical data on MF assessments at any given resort?(can only get for Diamond RESORTS on tug AFAIK)
9)Any information on Dawn Beach CLub? (seems there was some controversy mentioned in a thread "we all know what happened at Dawn Beach"…no I don't can someone enlighten me?
10) ROYAL RESORTS owns and manages SBR and Mexico properties does anyone have info on the reputation of this company?
11) If a 2bd lock off is available at any St Marteen resorts can they be split to 2 weeks for same MF?

OK guys thank you in advance and…..GO

Respectfully,

V[color:"purple"][/color] I TRIED TO START AN NEW THREAD BUT IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SO I JUST COPIED AND PASTED I