We just purchased a 44' catamaran in the BVI. We're going to use it over Christmas and then leave it for a couple of months while we wait for the weather to improve so we can take it north (to Canada). Does anyone have any leads on cost-effective places we could leave the boat for a while? Either a mooring or a marina would work. Having someone watch over it is optional at this point. Thanks.

Luke.

Talk to the fellow who collects the mooring fees for the Loose Mongoose moorings in Trellis bay. You can get a discounted monthly rate and he will keep an eye on the boat as he is out collecting mooring fees every day. He can also run you to shore where you can walk to the airport.

Penn's Landing Marina, East End have competetive rates, staff on hand and very easy to provision from Riteway close by. Have Marina berths and moorings. Well worth contacting.

You know...if you need someone to drop down and check on your cat for a week or two...just to make sure it's a-ok...let me know. For a small fee plus expenses, I'd fly down, check out all the systems, take her out a bit to see if she is still sailing ok, while making sure the mattresss in the berths remain comfortable. Pretty sure I could find time to help you out and I'm sure that would be worth your investment.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Penb's is a good place. I would be a bit worried about theft at Trellis. You can't leave the boat unattended that long. You will have to pay someone to do weekly checks. Talk to the boat broker or Penn and they can help you. Trust me that it will cost you far more in repairs then the babysitting costs if you neglect the boat. It needs to have the systems exercised, engines and generators run and batteries topped. The boat also needs to be opened up and ventilated.
G

+1 on George. It will not happen in every month and in every Caribbean harbor. But, leaving a boat closed up and unused for period can and does lead to nature's critters taking over. You would be amazed what spiders and other critters can leave behind in just a few weeks when they are active. Boat babysitting in the caribbean is both an art and a profession. Done wrong and you end up with a mess. Note: Some of the bottom paints are not antifouling in stationary water after just a few days. The boat should be inspected once a week, cleaned of anything visible, and the motors run for at least 30 minutes to get 100% of the oil and lubes to full operating temp. At the first sign of marine growth a diver will need to clean the bottom. A proper inspection should be done at least a week before your arrival to make the delivery north to reduce the risk of delay or disaster shortly after you cast off a boat that has been idle for an extended period of time. Light or little use of a vessel in the months just before of the delivery are a consistent trouble for delivery crews.

I will also add that if this is a older boat you will need the fuel polished and tanks cleaned before you start the trip North. Sailing in the ocean will stir up all the sediment and junk in the bottom of the tanks and clog the filters at the worst time. I know this from experience!!