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Do you need A/C in July? #149229
11/28/2017 10:42 PM
11/28/2017 10:42 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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drcabral Offline OP
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drcabral  Offline OP
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I'm new to bare boating and will be taking the family (3 girls ages 6,8 and 9 and wife) down to the BVI for a week in June or July. I'm researching the charter company and catamarans and have tons of questions. For starters do you need A/C with generator on your boat to stay comfortable at night?

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Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149230
11/28/2017 10:53 PM
11/28/2017 10:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 29
Safety Harbor, FL
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MattN Offline
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Safety Harbor, FL
You will get multiple opinions on this one. I have gone with and without a generator and A/C down there at all times of the year. In July the winds can be lighter. All that being said, my wife prefers A/C and will keep coming back if we have it on the boat. Happy wife, happy life. I’m not sure how your wife will fare......consider that as a factor though.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: MattN] #149231
11/28/2017 11:07 PM
11/28/2017 11:07 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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drcabral Offline OP
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Agreed. I want her to be comfortable so she would be willing to put up with my sense of adventure again. I'm already pushing her comfort level bare boating without a crew, chef and personal masseuse.

Are there any other amenities that I should take into consideration for non-sailing enthusiast such as Watermaker etc..?

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149232
11/28/2017 11:12 PM
11/28/2017 11:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Ontario, Canada
The boat may have enough water capacity and not need a water maker


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: warren460] #149233
11/28/2017 11:55 PM
11/28/2017 11:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 481
7
706jim Offline
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706jim  Offline
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A/C? Yes yes yes!

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: 706jim] #149234
11/29/2017 05:14 AM
11/29/2017 05:14 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
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Deepcut Offline
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Georgia & South Carolina
Agree with A/C... You don't have to use it but likely will like it. And if you hope to come back with current wife, you want A/C (and therefore generator). Water maker is not absolute but this year, more concern about water availability and also lessens captain's anxiety of inexperienced cruisers not being as thrifty on water usage.

Also with crew described, I would stick with catamarans as more space for your crew and easier for inexperienced to move around underway. While I may love 1 rail in water, most of my family do not.

I expect well planned, family will be asking "When can we come back?" even before they depart Tortola.


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: Deepcut] #149235
11/29/2017 09:12 AM
11/29/2017 09:12 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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An island state of mind
A/C helps dry the inside of the boat out. Otherwise, things like towels will be damp all the time.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: Deepcut] #149236
11/29/2017 09:15 AM
11/29/2017 09:15 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Bradenton, FL
I have to say.....yes....particularly if you are on a catamaran as those hull cabins can be VERY stuffy -- we have been fairly comfortable on a monohull at that time of year with just the two of us on the boat, since we don't need to close a cabin door, etc. and therefore ventilate the boat better.


[Linked Image]

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: Winterstale] #149237
11/29/2017 09:47 AM
11/29/2017 09:47 AM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 239
S
steve74 Online content
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steve74  Online Content
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Posts: 239
drcabral, I just sent you a PM. Steve

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149238
11/29/2017 12:31 PM
11/29/2017 12:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
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aarpskier  Offline
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Rockford, Michigan
Yes to A/C. No to watermaker. Small cat, e.g. Moorings 3900 or 4000, both of which are available in 3 cabin versions. If 3900, confirm generator A/C.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149239
11/29/2017 03:45 PM
11/29/2017 03:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
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If you really want to make her happy a 3 cabin Moorings 3900 or 4000 would be perfect. Or any other similar owners style cat.

And as said, yes on the A/C. I love my A/C and can go without it, but I am much more comfortable with it.


Matt
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149240
11/29/2017 05:15 PM
11/29/2017 05:15 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
agrimsrud Offline
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Apex, NC
I think if you search the archives the question on needing AC comes up and is debated in a thread every few months. You might also take a look at my write up for my boat regarding AC that can be found here:
Do you need AC?

Second I think there has been some assumption in this thread based on your post that you are looking for a Cat. My recommendation would be to charter whatever configuration you have experience with. If that's a mono charter a mono and if a cat charter a cat. And be realistic about the size of boat your are comfortable with. Two adults and 3 small kids you will fit onto just about anything available. Sailing in a new area can be enough anxiety - you don't need to add to it by chartering a larger or different configuration. You are there on vacation and your goal is to have a good time doing it.


Life's short - sail more!
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149241
11/29/2017 11:39 PM
11/29/2017 11:39 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
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aarpskier  Offline
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Rockford, Michigan
In 2014, we took our four grandkids for their first trip to the BVI. I created a manual, giving them each one chapter a month between Christmas and June, to let them know what to expect. Here is a link to the generic versions, in Word and pdf.

(Grand)Kids Crew Manual

Feel free to use it if you think it might be helpful.

There is also a long thread here with regard to that trip, that may give you some additional helpful information pertinent to your kids.

The BVI And (Grand)kids

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149242
11/30/2017 11:20 AM
11/30/2017 11:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 277
trueblue Offline
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Many thanks aarpskier. In 2015 we used your manual as a guide to creating a guide for our 7 grandchildren when we did a budget blowing trip with all the families. Your manual was great! We cut and pasted our own family details, gave everyone, adults and children, titles and jobs. We gave the manual out at Christmas to be studied for a July sail. The grandchildren loved having their own copies. Good prep for the trip and happy memories afterwards!

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149243
11/30/2017 02:04 PM
11/30/2017 02:04 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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drcabral Offline OP
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I was looking at the Moorings as well. I've seen mixed reviews on tripadvisor and the consistent comment revolves around expense and service. Can you tell me why you like the 3900 and 4000
Quote
aarpskier said:
Yes to A/C. No to watermaker. Small cat, e.g. Moorings 3900 or 4000, both of which are available in 3 cabin versions. If 3900, confirm generator A/C.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: maytrix] #149244
11/30/2017 02:06 PM
11/30/2017 02:06 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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drcabral Offline OP
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drcabral  Offline OP
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What do you like about the Moorings 3900 and 4000?
Quote
maytrix said:
If you really want to make her happy a 3 cabin Moorings 3900 or 4000 would be perfect. Or any other similar owners style cat.

And as said, yes on the A/C. I love my A/C and can go without it, but I am much more comfortable with it.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149245
11/30/2017 02:24 PM
11/30/2017 02:24 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788
Kannapolis, NC
ndfaninnc Offline
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ndfaninnc  Offline
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Kannapolis, NC
aarpskier, I am 54 years old and probably enjoyed your manual as much as a child. Being an Irish fan from Niles, MI I especially enjoyed the UM and MSU fish reference. Too funny. Thank you.


Go Irish!!

Bill

[Linked Image]
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: ndfaninnc] #149246
11/30/2017 04:26 PM
11/30/2017 04:26 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
purplelily Offline
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purplelily  Offline
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Texas
YES, YES, and YES again to AC in July! If it rains (and it will), you will wish you were being waterboarded instead of being trapped in a stuffy, steamy coffin covered in OFF and sweat with 10,000 mosquitoes. Add 3 little kids? Kill me now.

There's not enough rum, trust me. We tried to just get so drunk we wouldn't care (didn't work).

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149247
12/01/2017 01:27 AM
12/01/2017 01:27 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
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aarpskier  Offline
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Rockford, Michigan
Quote
drcabral said:
I was looking at the Moorings as well. I've seen mixed reviews on tripadvisor and the consistent comment revolves around expense and service. Can you tell me why you like the 3900 and 4000
I am a big fan of, and contributor to, TripAdvisor. However, you will get better information here regarding your BVI trip planning than you will get on TA, for the reasons I stated in my PMs. Maytrix and I suggested the Moorings 3-cabin 3900 or 4000 because it is a small cat that will give you the A/C you need and want, a nice size owner's suite for you and your wife, and the flexibility of two smaller cabins in the other hull for your 3 girls. However, I re-read your earlier posts and saw the reference to "non-sailing enthusiast." If you are referring to your wife, then the cat is the condo on the water she will like. If to yourself, then maybe you should be looking at a similar powercat?

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149248
12/01/2017 03:00 AM
12/01/2017 03:00 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,766
Med/ Caribbean
sailbynight Offline
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sailbynight  Offline
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Posts: 1,766
Med/ Caribbean
Zero reason not to have AC on a boat in July in the Caribbean.
Bopping around the BVIs and getting water, used to be quite simple and I'm sure it will be again Soon. You're never far from a dock.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: sailbynight] #149249
12/01/2017 08:25 AM
12/01/2017 08:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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GA/NC
You don't Need AC in July. It was not that long ago that no charter boats had AC. You do need to pick where you moor/anchor. Newbies tend to want to anchor in close. Anchor out where there will be a breeze and you will be cooler and remain bug free.
Having said that AC is nice, very nice if it rains at night!
G

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: GeorgeC1] #149250
12/01/2017 11:33 AM
12/01/2017 11:33 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
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aarpskier  Offline
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Rockford, Michigan
Quote
GeorgeC1 said:
You don't Need AC in July.


George, "need" is a relative term. Per OP's second post: "I want her [wife] to be comfortable so she would be willing to put up with my sense of adventure again. I'm already pushing her comfort level bare boating without a crew, chef and personal masseuse." If we had not transitioned from monos with crappy windscoops to cats with A/C in the mid-2000s, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> I am pretty sure our crew's charter days would have ended long ago!

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: aarpskier] #149251
12/01/2017 05:36 PM
12/01/2017 05:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
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Twanger  Offline
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Posts: 6,100
Maryland
We go almost exclusively in June/July/August and yes we really enjoy our Gen/AC during that time.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: Twanger] #149252
12/02/2017 05:20 PM
12/02/2017 05:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 799
San Diego, CA
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gjconsult Offline
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San Diego, CA
I am not an AC fan, but if my charter boat has AC I do find it helpful to put it on in the evening during meal prep time. It cools down the interior during late afternoon sun, cools down the galley and dries out the interior somewhat. This is usually the time everyone is showering off and changing to dry evening clothes, except the kids who basically live in their bathing suits and cannot be bothered to change their clothes.

Does come in handy during rainy season so you don’t have to do the hatch closing drill

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: gjconsult] #149253
12/03/2017 10:23 PM
12/03/2017 10:23 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
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Deepcut Offline
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Deepcut  Offline
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Georgia & South Carolina
^^^

That seems to be an endorsement FOR A/C from a "Non A/C Fan".... And I understand it.
I love not using A/C....
But I love having it when conditions make it VERY desirable.


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: drcabral] #149254
12/04/2017 11:44 AM
12/04/2017 11:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,925
Milton, MA
JudyG Offline
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JudyG  Offline
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Posts: 2,925
Milton, MA
FYI, decided to try BVI in July one year; it was 95 average and STEAMY on land.

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: JudyG] #149255
12/09/2017 05:15 PM
12/09/2017 05:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 316
UK
J
Jakehound Offline
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Jakehound  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 316
UK
NOT an a/c fan. Despise it, waste of energy. However, it may be prudent to consider the wishes of those in your party who might "need" it.


Woof woof!
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: JudyG] #149256
12/09/2017 08:21 PM
12/09/2017 08:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
Quote
JudyG said:
FYI, decided to try BVI in July one year; it was 95 average and STEAMY on land.



Might have felt 95, but 88 is the high for Road Town, according to our friends at Google. You need A/C in the summer, especially the aft cabins can get extremely stuffy

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: sail2wind] #149257
12/10/2017 01:36 PM
12/10/2017 01:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Quote
sail2wind said:
Quote
JudyG said:
FYI, decided to try BVI in July one year; it was 95 average and STEAMY on land.



Might have felt 95, but 88 is the high for Road Town, according to our friends at Google. You need A/C in the summer, especially the aft cabins can get extremely stuffy


Are you saying that 88 is the all time high for Road Town in July?

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: NCSailor] #149258
12/10/2017 02:34 PM
12/10/2017 02:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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I just Googled it

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: sail2wind] #149259
12/10/2017 03:07 PM
12/10/2017 03:07 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Online crying
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Manpot  Online Crying
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
We spend July in the BVI's every year and I have never seen the temp climb into the 90's..

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: Manpot] #149260
12/10/2017 03:14 PM
12/10/2017 03:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,475
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,475
Central Florida!
There is heat and then there is humidity.. Even 85 degrees and high humidity is intolerable to me, for SLEEPING...


Carol Hill
Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: sail2wind] #149261
12/10/2017 06:33 PM
12/10/2017 06:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 481
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706jim Offline
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706jim  Offline
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It's hot and humid. Think about it: You're in the BVI because you live where it's cold. And in the humid environment aboard, it might be a good idea to make your short (and expensive) vacation as pleasant as possible. My vote is to get the A/C. You can always turn it off. We did 10 days aboard a 474 PC and ran the A/C most nights. Our fuel bill was just over $300 for generator and engines; a small fraction of the thousands the trip cost us.

Get the A/C!

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: sail2wind] #149262
12/11/2017 08:48 AM
12/11/2017 08:48 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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NCSailor Offline
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Charlotte, NC
Quote
sail2wind said:
I just Googled it


Average high in July is 89. Record high is 99.

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=VIXX0004

Re: Do you need A/C in July? [Re: NCSailor] #149263
12/19/2017 08:29 PM
12/19/2017 08:29 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 42
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drcabral Offline OP
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drcabral  Offline OP
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Posts: 42
I wanted to thank everyone for the their advice. I pulled the trigger on Moorings 3900, with AC of course. Now I just need to find some cheap plane tickets from DC to St Thomas.


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