The US Islands must adhere to the much more stringent US Coast Guard Regs. In the past the BVI was much more flexible in some areas. Maybe that is changing?

When The Mooring really exploded the French income tax could easily reach 90%. One "loophole" was you could make just about any capital investment with full depreciation over 36 months. Then immediately sell the asset with no recapture of the depreciation. Buy a Beneteau and deduct the full cost over 36 months. Sell that boat for cash in the BVI with no tax consequence. Maybe no record you even have that cash? All things being equal and they are not. The dock space was not available in the USVI.