Couple Or Group

So not including families with kids, do you prefer a quiet cruise with your SO or a fun group filling a bigger boat?

When we chartered in the BVI's a few weeks ago (just the 2 of us) we discussed who we could invite to fill a boat. But then we saw so many dinghys loaded down with 8 adults and thought it must be much easier to not have to coordinate a larger group for everything every day of a cruise...a cruise that in my mind should be a relaxing vacation.

I guess costs would go down significantly with a group?

Thoughts on pros and cons of each?

Each of us live in a different set of circumstances.

For us we charter a boat as a couple/family and treat that boat the same way as the boats or homes we own. We always cover all the expenses on the boat. We usually will start a charter as a couple or just the family. We then invite other friends and extended family as guests.

We cherish the time at the beginning and end of the charter when it is just the two of us or our kids.

Not having a group a on the first or last day can be a much more relaxing experience to start or end the adventure. Others bridge that gap by checking into a hotel alone or at the end of the trip.

We have done every combination you can imagine here. It all started in college during the 70's when we would gather a party group and over divided and share all the expenses and tabs as the boat bar moved from shore bar to bar.

Some days are still a big party with friends. I do not think my spouse will ever go back to a full shared party boat from start to finish. Most will never get it until they cruise off as just a couple or small family. One caveat... Do not do that, UNLESS the rest of the small crew is ready, excited, willing, and able to handle the tasks on the boat with you alone.

We haven't done it with a large group of adults. Two years ago we chartered a moorings 4000 with another couple and it was a blast. Yes definitely cheaper, halving costs basically) We know this couple quite well and have travelled with them and their kids before and other than difference of opinions in regards to air con/ non air con there were no issues (not that this was an issue really!)

I would say it is best to know whether you and the rest of the group would get a long because it is tight quarters. Obviously the larger the group the more difficult to find compatibility.

Keep in mind too that the larger the group the larger the boat required. So if you are going from a 35-40' ($3500) monohull for two people to a 48' Cat ($10-12k) for 8 people how much are you saving really especially after the hassle of arranging everything? My 2cents anyway.

It really does depend on what you like. I love going with a group of friends, we have so much fun together! Everyone seems to not really care what we do, where we go, or what we eat. I do all the planning and for me it is part of the adventure.

My husband and I go by ourselves on many other trips, but the BVI's I love to take my own party.

Chartering a boat as a couple (that requires AC) is price prohibitive for us. (I could take two land based island vacations instead!) We also have trouble finding like minded friends that think a self-catered floating RV is fun, can afford the trip, and have the time off work and childcare at the same time we do.

The handful of times that it has all come together, we have had a blast. Currently day dreaming of the BVI and shopping for my next crew...

We've done charters of 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 and 2. They've all been fun. Each one has its benefits. There's none that were significantly better then the other from a perspective of the number of people.

I've done completely couples, gentlemen's getaway and family of three.

Each group was different and all have been awesome.

My wife and I mostly cruise with just the two of us and we love it. When we do invite other people, we find that 4 others (6 total) is the perfect amount for us and our boat. Some of our most memorable trips have been with close friends.

As a far as coordinating a larger group, it really isn't a big deal. Most people go with the flow and are happy to do whatever you suggest. People assume that we are the local experts and know the best places to go. Prior to the trip, we always make sure people understand what a typical day is like and that they always have the option of relaxing on the boat with a good book instead of the "group" activity. The only downside are the "required" visits to the famous spots that we have seen many times.

We have a Leopard 42 with 4 cabins and 4 heads. We have sailed just the 2 of us (whitch I really enjoy) 4, 6 and 8 total crew. Never been an issue regarding too many people. Always a great time. Granted, 4 or 6 people Give you more room but depending on the boat, the number isn't the issue.

The number of people comfortable on a boat is analogous to "how many people can a beach house comfortably sleep." Depends on the house. For boats to be comfortable, depends on the number of real berths. Many "single" berths should not count. And NEVER put people sleeping in the salon.

Most boats for coastal(island) cruising can be well managed by a couple(2 people).

If chartering, the cost is usually optimized by utilizing all the real berths (as well as the age of boat and "creature comforts" such as Gen/AC). For some it is a non-issue. For others, it is a real priority. Finding what fits you and your budget gets you to your "happy place"

Remember, the boat "shrinks" a foot a day per person on board. yes, you can have fun with a large group, but be careful who you invite. And if you can, plan on sending them home a few days before your charter ends.

My wife and I have done both family trips as well as trips with guests. Enjoy both of them. We find it a little bit challenging to find the right people to invite on our trips. I'm pretty easy going but at the same time I really want someone that (a) has somewhat close life style, (b) is easy going and definitely not annoying. We own the boat so for us it's not a cost consideration but if I was chartering I would think it a mistake to qualify someone to join based on their ability to pay their share vs. (a) and (b) above.

Space has never been a problem for us. Even when the boat was "full" we were out with family and/or friends we enjoyed. I told my wife the other day that I would sleep standing up in a closet if it meant going out on a sail trip.

I like this, and will use it in the future.



Like many here, my wife and I have done everything from the 9 person party barge to just two couples, and each has its advantages. Personally I go on vacation to relax, not heard cats.