Power Cat info

Can anyone tell me their experiences with power cat charters in BVI? How much fuel did you use/cost? Why did you go with a power cat vs sail cat? Anything good or bad I should know? For years I have dreamed of a bareboat charter but always struggle to get friends on board with the idea. I have a lot more power boat experience than sailing and intend to do the online NauticEd course this winter. My itinerary will probably be pretty simple being my first time but I really want to spend a couple days in White Bay and possibly a trip over to Anegada but I am aware that will depend on my experience and comfort level. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Maybe you haven't had any responses yet due to your thoughts of spending a couple of days in White Bay. Have you read the thread just below on rocking and rolling all night? Don't know anything about power cats as we sail, but if you motor fast you will use far more fuel than at 8 knots. Don't over plan and enjoy.

Yes I did read that about White Bay! That does make me reconsider overnighting there! Been to Jost several times and it's always seemed so calm! I'm definitely not looking to take chances so maybe spending the day and heading over to the harbor in the evening is a smart move. Don't have my group together yet and I will likely be the only one with any experience so not dealing with sails takes a little out of the equation. What's the best time of year for the calmest boating weather?

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!

I would kill for a 14-28 day vacation. Anywhere! Think I remember 10 days in BVI once. Been many times too. I don't mind the heat so usually summer is my time, cheaper rates and no crowds. Thinking of doing the charter in Sept./Oct. for several reasons. Best deals, off season and it's my 50th bday along with couple friends that will probably join us. It's a surprise for one of them so I might be set on that time of year unless weather is a big issue. Land based, don't worry so much, even about hurricanes but on a boat, another story.

We did 10 days on a 474PC. I figure we did a typical "loop" including Anegada that added up to perhaps 85 miles or so. Running at 8-9 knots, we ended up with a fuel bill of $330 including generator use. I have lots of powerboat experience but zero sailing experience so that settled what boat we would charter. As for Anegada, just follow the channel or better yet, a mono which would ground out before a cat!

I'm not saying to charter a sail cat and never raise a sail. BUT there have been times we never had sailing winds for the entire week (except maybe a couple hours for 2 days. Anyway, the most we have ever paid for fuel was about $80. With motoring 95% of a weeks vacation was have only used a total of 18 gallons for both engines. Of course a power boat will move a tad faster but it works for us

September/October is the peak of the Hurricane season, that's why rates are low.

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.

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.

Thanks everyone for all the info! Just what I was looking for! I'm well aware of the Sept./Oct. hurricane season. Been through many in FL, NC and VA. Is the weather generally good for boating (power cat) notwithstanding a hurricane? I figure if one is on the way, the charter ends anyway and I'd love to take advantage of the sparse crowds and great deals of off season. Plus, that's when everyone in my group so far seems to want to go.

As some have mentioned, sailing is definitely out of the question for me. While I have many fond memories sailing with friends as drunken crew, I have none as captain other than a Sunfish I had in high school! Think I'll just be going from point A to point B on the shortest/quickest route early morning to get a mooring and limit moving around as much as possible. First time chartering on my own with friends that have no experience will just make me nervous and ruin the trip for me. Still working on getting one or two friends that do know their way around a boat. The rest will be fine helping me out I hope.

We just returned from a 10 day charter and the weather was perfect. It rained about 5 times on us, for about 15 minutes each. We love October for crowds and price!!

One other consideration regarding power vs sail cats:

The trampoline!

A power cat has an unimpeded front deck that makes mooring a LOT easier than when you have to contend with sail rigging which ends of being in the way during mooring. Also, the tramp is not the steadiest foot support.
The front deck on the 474 PC was large enough to dance on!
And if you are travelling with inexperienced boaters, tell them to NOT attempt to fend off the boat if a collision with a dock or other boat seems imminent. These powercats are just too heavy to stop by hand.

My last trip was on a 393 Power Cat it was a pleasure the fuel cost were minimal less than $300.00 for the 7 day charter I kept the speed down to about 9 knots which is a nice enjoyable speed. I choose power cats because I am not experienced with wind sailing. The boat handled like a dream really nice and if you want to get someplace faster the option is there.

We have done 40+' power cats several times and I am always amazed at how little fuel they use. Even with fuel at its highest price, we have always come in at right around $300 for 10 day trips.

Good luck and have a great time.