Using VHF Channel 16

Studying up for our first trip in a few weeks. In the cruising guide it states for restaurants/marinas to contact them using VHF channel 16. Is that what everyone primarily uses or do you use your cellphone to contact them? Thank you!

You hail them on 16 and then switch to a working frequency. Having said that if you have a cell plan for the BVI it's easier to call. Either is acceptable.
G

When you make your reservation over open channel - don't give your "actual" boat name. 'Cause, once you do, anyone and everyone will know that your boat will be vacant at such and such time that evening. Instead, use your fictitious boat name, and show up at the restaurant with that name. Meanwhile, all the bad guys, will be motoring around the harbor looking for a boat that doesn't exist.

We usually go to shore and have a cocktail and make our dinner reservations. Then back to the boat for a swim and shower before going in for dinner.

Thanks for the responses. One more question along the same line. Before heading into a marina for fuel, water, ice, etc. do you call the marina to get clearance or direction?

Always call the marina. They will tell you where to go and what side to set up lines and fenders. Get those setup before approaching the dock.
G

Oy. Can't say it enough. Please don't clog Channel 16 with silly requests for restaurant reservations. Use your cell phone. That's why God gave it to you. Even if it costs $1.99 a minute. How much will you spend on dinner? $200?

I once was in the middle of relaying a Mayday to VISAR and USCG, a boat on a reef in Anegada, and was constantly being overpowered by some jackass wanting to make dock arrangements at Leverick.

Seriously...use your freakin' cell phone.

Cell phone or in person is what we do! Nice to go ashore and check things out before making a reservation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We, often times, use maritime signal flags. It becomes a little confusing when asking what the daily catch or special is. Sometimes, other boats signal us with similar questions about the restaurant. We have to, politely, signal them back to wait their turn. Every once and awhile, we arrive that evening at the restaurant to find, we don't actually have a reservation. But, everything works out fine, once we pretend to be the proprietors of the one of boats that did succeed in scheduling.

And why didn't you respond the last time I hailed you with my signal mirror? Just plain rude...

+1. On sending at least part of the crew ashore with a polite island request for dinner seats. The other option for us in a large group would be to call by telephone earlier in the day. In our group the delegated dinghy captain would ferry in those that want to check out the dinner options.

ggffrr11 and Jason,
I love it.

Signal flags really? You're just kidding. Got to be!

I build an open fire in the cockpit and then using wet seaweed to raise a good smoke, we communicate with smoke signals.

We just use a flare gun <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We digress but funny for sure.

Digress is included in the TTOL secret manual. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />