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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#136513
07/24/2017 02:18 PM
07/24/2017 02:18 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 109 Bozeman / Minneapolis
snowdog
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 109
Bozeman / Minneapolis
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Hi Alli! Welcome to the forum. Since you guys are experienced power-boaters I would stick with what you know. Why go on vacation and worry about your lack of sailing skills? Switch to a Power-Cat. Unless your powerboat experience is on a great lake, you will have plenty of new things to learn with boating on the ocean. Keep it simple and fun for your group. Your other option is to hire a captain since you do not have the required experience to safely operate a sailboat.
s/v Snow Dog - Leopard 46
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: d_fish]
#136516
07/24/2017 06:13 PM
07/24/2017 06:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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I wouldn't have worried about safety since there would be little to no difference between them (aside from top speed) if you never used the sails. But given that you aren't using the sails, the power cats do have a better helm and upper deck area that would (for someone not sailing) make that a far better option. As well as the increased speed when desired.
Matt
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: Alli]
#136520
07/24/2017 09:55 PM
07/24/2017 09:55 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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If it wasn't mentioned, you could probably dispute it with your CC company. In fact, since the whole thing occured within 24 hours, you might be able to do that anyway. Worth giving them a call at least.
Matt
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: Alli]
#136521
07/25/2017 01:57 AM
07/25/2017 01:57 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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All in all an odd situation. I though all charter outfits had a free 24 hr hold. I assume that if they don't like my sailing resume they'll tell me I need a captain, or a captain for a day or no go. If no go I wouldn't expect any charge. Maybe the office manager or owner would be worth contacting?
I'm a sailor but when we went to the San Juan Islands I didn't want to mess with funky winds so we chartered our first power cat. If none of you have ever piloted one you'll be amazed at how fuel efficient, maneuverable and stable they are. Since I already know how to sail and the winds are usually very consistent in the Caribbean it really is great for sailing so I'll stick with that at least until we physically can't raise the sails as we age.
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: beerMe]
#136522
07/25/2017 07:07 AM
07/25/2017 07:07 AM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304 Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
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beerMe said: Since I already know how to sail and the winds are usually very consistent in the Caribbean it really is great for sailing so I'll stick with that at least until we physically can't raise the sails as we age. Thank goodness for electric winches (and strong children / grandchildren)! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: maytrix]
#136524
07/25/2017 08:58 AM
07/25/2017 08:58 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761
Central Florida!
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There is no automatic right to cancel any contract, just because you change your mind, even if it is within 24 hours. There is one for airline reservations. I would certainly dispute the cancellation charge, if it was nowhere in the documents. However, I find that odd, if there was not a cancellation charge in the contract, as otherwise, people could make a booking and cancel the day before sailing with no penalty. 3.5% sounds like a credit card fee to me..
Carol Hill
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#136526
07/25/2017 10:40 AM
07/25/2017 10:40 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201 TN
msdj69
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201
TN
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I've chartered both power and sail cats several times. I have plenty of sailing and powerboat experience and I don't own a charter vessel so I'll stay out of the argument about charter companies renting to inexperienced sailor.
If you plan to navigate under power most (or all) of the trip, there's little difference in the platforms. The horsepower difference doesn't really matter. The sail cats will typically go 7-8 knots under power, which is plenty fast enough. You can move a little faster in a power cat (12-15 knots MAX, in my experience) but you will pay dearly in fuel costs. Trust me. I know. Sail cats practically sip fuel. Advantage: Sail cats.
I don't find the rigging to be a big issue on deck. You have to walk around the standing rigging but it doesn't really get in the way. Still, power cats have no rigging so navigating the decks is easier and more familiar to a power boater. Advantage: Power cats.
The big advantage of power cats over (most) sail cats is the extra space gained on the fly bridge. That's actually the thing that draws me to the larger power cats most of all. It's a very nice thing when you have 6-8 people on board looking for their own space to get away. Advantage: Power cats, for sure.
The nice thing about sail cats is it's easy to find good deals with 2nd and 3rd tier charter companies. Foot-for-foot, sail cats are cheaper to charter. Advantage: Sail cats.
For me, it's almost a wash. It depends on who I'm taking on a particular trip, what boats are available, and what kind of deal I can get.
Oh yea, another power boat option to consider is Virgin Trader. They have a small fleet of motoryachts. I've never used them but I hear the boats are well-kept and service is very good.
Mike
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Re: SailCat vs PowerCat
[Re: msdj69]
#136528
07/25/2017 05:14 PM
07/25/2017 05:14 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 67 Raleigh, NC
camsbored
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 67
Raleigh, NC
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msdj69 said: The nice thing about sail cats is it's easy to find good deals with 2nd and 3rd tier charter companies. Conch now has a few ex-Moorings power cats which is new for them in the last year or so, so maybe options for better deals on 2nd/3rd tier charter companies is improving. http://conchcharters.com/the-fleet/?type=powercats
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