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Re: Power Cat info
[Re: Schwendy]
#72349
10/24/2015 03:28 PM
10/24/2015 03:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199 Devon, UK
salica
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
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We enjoy April or May. Christmas winds are well out of the way and the heat of high summer not yet arrived. Not so busy, yet everywhere still open. Works for us, but obviously everyone has their times when they are more able to take vacation. We have been visiting the BVI for over 15 years now, generally spending a minimum of 14-28 days in the islands per trip, so we do have a little experience! Been in nearly all months for the year, except July-October, but we are still learning!
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Re: Power Cat info
[Re: Schwendy]
#72354
10/24/2015 10:27 PM
10/24/2015 10:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288 Kansas
Chriskal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288
Kansas
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I had a 47' powercat two summers ago and am counting down the next two weeks until we take over on a 39' for a piece.
I charter PC's because, simply enough, I'm not a sailor. I've owned large powerboats for almost 20 years, but, my sailing experience is limited to eager winch monkey on friend's boats. I don't really want a sailboat, and hopefully, the charter companies wouldn't give me one..
Gas was no big deal. we ran the gen everyday, did a fairly typical loop and if i remember correctly our fuel bill was less than $300. Keep the speed reasonable and the PC's are pretty fuel efficient for a large powerboat.
Good: go where you want when you want unbeholden to the wind. Big fly bridge. Big beam and widely spaced props =great maneuverability.
Bad: nothing, other than you're not actually "sailing" if sailing is your thing.
Advice? If you have a boatload of inexperienced people be sure that at least a few are willing to help, and learn the basics. Cleat a line, hang a fender, empty the holding tanks while motoring etc.
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Re: Power Cat info
[Re: Chriskal]
#72355
10/25/2015 03:10 AM
10/25/2015 03:10 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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I'm a sailor usually but we chartered a PC in the Pacific Northwest (San Juan Islands) a few years back because that area doesn't have the same perfect winds like the islands usually do. The company had a notebook with owner's comments - which I wish all charters had - lots of good tips. One of the things the owner included was fuel efficiency at different speeds - he should know better than anyone, he and his wife did the Great Circle Route with the boat. That boat would mosey along at 4-6 knots on very little fuel, there was a bad spot in the mid range and then you could get it up on a plane to move along quickly. Much more fuel efficient than the average "cabin cruiser/stink potter". Also great visibility from the flying bridge and great maneuverability in close quarters. I don't remember total fuel cost but it was pretty cheap I thought.
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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