Trying to decide between two different boats in the Grenadines:

TMM's 2003 Jeanneau 43Ds - Havikah III, or Barefoot's Wind Dancer, a 2007 Catalina 400

It's only the two of us, yet the Jenneau is $700 cheaper for a two week charter. I have sailed on Elli Rose a 43DS Jeanneau in the BVI's, with 6 aboard, and think it is a lot more boat than I will need, but would like to hear from anyone who has sailed Wind Dancer, or a Catalina 400.

I have no experience with those boats, but can vouch for Barefoot's Jeanneau 40, Winters Gate. We sailed her in 2009 and as recently as mid-Feb. She is in very good condition, sails well, and with 2 cabins and one head has plenty of room for 2 people.

Yo Dawn,
Just happened to catch your question on Windancer.
I delivered that particular Catalina 400 to Barefoot a few years ago from Ft. Lauderdale. She took really good care of us as I had two crew with no offshore experience with me. I can’t tell you how the ventilation is in the forepeak or how comfy the mattress is as offshore that’s not really a premium bunk. What I can tell you is she sails great. I personally do not like in mast furling but hers worked really good. She sails really close to the wind for a boat with vertical battens. The galley is laid out efficiently and everything worked when I dropped her off. If you want some picture I could probably dig a few up. Barefoot is a fantastic company and if you go with them say high to the crew from Rick

We chartered Wind Dancer two years ago. Took her down to PSV and back to SVG in 10 days, close hauled both ways.

Dawn - drop me your email in a PM and I'll send you the very lengthy trip report from the first half of the trip. I have not finished the full trip report, but you would learn a lot about Wind Dancer from it.
In 2010 Wind Dancer was a solid boat in good condition.
She'll sail much closer to the wind if you use the vang well and haul the traveler car to the windward side of the boat. She'll do about 100-degrees tack to tack like this, at a speed through the water of about 5.5 knots. Cracked slightly off the wind (from being closed hauled) she jumps up to 6.5 knots.

In-mast RF main and RF jib.

Thanks Twanger, will do!

Thanks Rick, appreciate the help

Tothedogs, I didn't inquire about any other boat, as the Wind Dancer caught my eye for the two of us.

I have dealt with Barefoot before, loved their operation back in 06, so have no issues there, it is mostly the cost verses the boats, and TMM's operation, which I know nothing about.

Thanks!

We went through TMM in BVI's in 2010 and they are great folks. Quick and efficient at both ends of the charter so we did not lose a lot of time at check-in and check-out. If they work the same way down island, then I would not hesitate to go with them. Cannot offer any insight into the 2 boats, we chartered a cat.

Thanks all for your input. Decided to go with Barefoot's Wind Dancer - Seth went the extra mile, as always!

You go Seth.
Dawn have a great time and let us know how it worked out for your crew. The salon table when on the short leg makes a great bunk. Good air circ.
and the main furls really good if you stay a few ticks off
wind.

.

Thanks Rick! I never had to ask, isn't that awesome!

Are you angling? You are more than welcome to test the forepeak?

No - just good memories of boats and good friends. Oh well back to work but I'll be thinking of you all. Geeeez
Dawn, trip report Please.

Only teasing Rick, and I know what you mean - every time I see someone on here planning their trip, the DIF gets worse!

Will do a trip report for sure! I'm not going until June, but it can't come soon enough!

Thanks again!

So, I was informed yesterday that Wind Dancer is no longer in charter, and they've "upgraded" me to an older Jenneau 43DS that just started with them 6 weeks ago.

Really wanted to sail a Catalina, but at least we're still going!

Gotta love the charter business, it would drive me nuts to have to deal with all this stuff, but as usual Seth @ Barefoot was very forthcoming and helpful!

Don't have any more details on the boat yet, except for the fact that it was owner used for the last three years and just refit for charter.

I'm sure you'll be fine, and will enjoy the longer water-line length of the 43DS in the open-ocean.

Sorry to hear Wind Dancer is going out of service.
We enjoyed sailing her.

Yeah, me too - although she's going up for sale in St. Thomas... maybe it's a sign, Walt! ~grins~

That's very interesting.
Maybe CYOA could pick her up...

I was thinking more like me or you! LOL

Yes, and then per her into charter with CYOA!

I double-dare ya!

LOL - If I was going to buy a boat, I'd be on it all the time, not putting it into charter - soon come, soon come!

Too bad they couldn't wait another 2 weeks, I woulda delivered her for free! ~grins~

Wind Dancer <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Enjoy the Grenadines Dawn!