Mooring ball or a slip at Leverick.

I plan on being at Leverick in early May. We will be on a large cat. Can we use our generator for air conditioning while tied up in a slip or do we need to use the shore power? Also, do they rent a slip for the same price as a mooring ball for a large cat. Seeing as how a cat that has a 25 foot beam takes up two slips. Thanks in advance for any comments.

Using the generator at the dock will vary with marina rules and your own sense of consideration for those berthed nearby.

Using a genny on the dock is bad manners. Just hook up to shore power.

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I think I should have worded my two questions differently. This year will mark the start of when I began sailing 40 years ago. I've learned a lot in those 40 years. How to behave at a dock and consideration for others are some of the things. If,,, I found the dock space mostly empty, except for me or if I were assigned a slip at the far end of the dock and it was not possible for anyone to hear the generator but me, is it allowed? This assumes that the generator is as quiet as they claim it to be. If the generator is noisy, the question is moot. I hope my rephrasing the question makes it a little more understandable. Thanks.

The marina charge does not normally seem to vary with length or beam for the size of a typical charter boat. I have no idea about the generator use at the dock, except to state that I would not run a generator in that circumstance.

Leverick slip and ball same price. 100 gallons water and 2 bags ice I believe is included. Electric is extra but modest fee. Well worth it to take a break from the rumble of the generator

Thank you for the helpful replies. Normally my wife and I sail with just the two of us on board. We are happy to tie up to a mooring ball with the hatches open. This time we have 4 people on board who have never done anything like this. We have done cruises on cruise ships with them and as a result we are all good friends. Two of our crew are a little unsure of this adventure and I will go out of my way to keep them feeling secure. That is the driving reason for my questions, their well being. Otherwise, my wife and I couldn't care less about spending a night in a slip. Your response has helped me with what to expect. Thanks again.

Hi Calvin since its the same price and very convenient taking a slip at LB has been the way we go when there. I don't remember when you said you were going but there won't likely be "a lot of vacancy" in the marina so shore power will be your likely choice. It's cheaper than $3-$4 an hour to run the genset for sure. Have fun get a hold of Nick in advance for a reservation. I'll be there next week and will check it out for you! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Contact <nick@surfbvi.com> And make a reservation for a slip. Cost is the same whether mono or cat. Nick has talked about charging more for a cat due to the beam, but I don't think they have done that.

Nick's crew at leverick is fantastic! They helped me greatly on my first attempt to back in a 40 foot cat Into the slip. Tito: "Cap, lock the wheel, Just use the throttles!" I've learned lots since,but always recall how nice they were to a first time credit card captain! Last trip, Nick came looking for us on the slip just to say bye as we had missed him the last couple of trips. Great guy. (Have him arrange a car or safari truck for the day to explore VG)

We've docked since without problems. Two years ago, one of my crew checked us in while I tidied up. I Neglected to tell him to ask for the TTOL discount rate. So I had to go back and get an adjustment which was certainly forthcoming. Leroy: "No problem, Mon!"

We've been on power and no power on Leverick slips. But never on genny. With good power on the dock, agree it would be bad form to run the gen while in a slip.

I will share that we ran the gen in Greece this past Sept while at dock/quay. (Med moor was lots of fun! ) And without access to any shore power, it appeared standard practice to run the gen. In Hydra, we had two boats on our bow, and tight as sardines on the beam. In one port, the shore power on the quay was unreliable, and we disconnected in the middle of the night and kicked on the gen.

I agree that with your crew of some first timers, you do want to make them feel comfortable. Especially if you're on a large cat and spending $10,000 for a week. What's a few bucks for shore power? Same thought about slip versus mooring ball. When just two or four of us we might stay on a ball. But if there are six or eight, it is far easier to use shore facilities when at the slip.

Thanks for the additional replies. Very Informative. If you ever get the chance, you must ask Tito to show you how he can tie a one handed bowline knot. Like a magician, he can take a straight piece of line, twist his wrist, move his hand and presto, a perfect bowline! We aren't sure when exactly we will be at LB because I have been informed by the crew that we will be attending the Full Moon Party at Trellis on the 10th. Likewise, I have informed the crew we must have dinner at the LB Upstairs Restaurant at least twice! I'm also sure the ladies will want to try a Bushwacker from Saba Rock. So, we might be spending about 3 days in the North Sound. I will call Nick when we are sure about the exact time we will be there.

One thing I'll add is that if that I'd make sure the group you are going with realizes this is nothing like a cruise and the only similarity is that you will be sleeping on a boat.

If you are going to spend a couple nights at Leverick, I'd recommend two things. 1) The Friday night BBQ - it's a fun time with good food, band and Jumbies! 2) Rent a car, tour the island and do dinner at Coco Maya.

Yes, rent a car or hire a taxi and tour the island (especially over the mountain to Spanishtown, the Baths, etc.) is a must do!

I wish Michael Beans wasn't leaving on the 3rd (not sure that is correct), but it looks like we will just miss him. Our crew would like him a lot.

I was in touch with Nick at Leverick Bay Marina this past week with similar questions re our trip in June. He said the slip fee is $1/ft and the the first elec cable is $20, and the second cable is an additional $10.

Yes, CaptRobear, $77 a night sounds realistic and Nick might provide a little discount, but not on the electricity. I'll tell the crew and let them decide. I can probably persuade the crew to stay on a ball and take the dink to shore. My main concern is that they enjoy the cruise.

End of the day, a slip at Leverick is the best deal in the BVI. I think what is often over looked is the conveinence of just being on the dock. On the dock, everyone can come and go as they please.

My wife prefers a mooring ball, but enjoys being on the dock at Leverick for all the convenience it offers. It's also a nice change from being on a ball which is what you'll have nearly every place else.

Agree with renting a car while there, drive to the Baths the first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive. Then stop at Hog Heaven for lunch on your way back. The views are spectacular... It may be the high light of the whole trip!

I'm guessing they will tell me to get a slip at the dock. One of the crew told me in no uncertain terms that she was going to have a "real shower" from time to time. This was after I explained a "navy shower" to save water. Yes, we want to rent a van and go on the Nail Bay road to Hog Heaven with several stops along the way for pictures.

Did you ask for the TTOL discount? We were just there this past weekend. Paid $35 for the slip and $20 for elec. Definitely worth it. I think the mooring ball prices have increased slightly as we also paid $35 in Great Harbor JVD. (our current location).

rigirly

Ok, now my vote will count. I am in, finally!

Blondie, are you going to tell everyone on TTOL that you are the one demanding "real showers" for your BVI cruise?

Well...... I guess NOW I am! at least a couple.

Blondie, I'm glad you registered on TTOL. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge on this board and the people are willing to share their knowledge. If you get a chance, check the "trip reports" section. You will find a lot of information that will be helpful for your first cruise to the BVI. It will be totally different than a cruise ship.

Will check it out. Knowledge is key......Can't wait to check the BVI off my bucket list.

Don't check it off your bucket list just yet. There is a good chance you will want to go back.