TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands $15 annual Boaty Ball fee?

$15 annual Boaty Ball fee?

If you followed the BoatyBall announcement, you would note that there are numerous folks abusing the app by having multiple Individuals and bots attempting to make reservations that clot clogged the process for legitimate requesters. I am not thrilled about the $15 membership, but in the end, a tiny fraction of 1% in the cost of a BVI trip. Headed that way next week and will see how this new development impacts the process.

The fee/membership is well worth the Aero evac benefit. And the bar hop benefit will also add fun to your trip.

The problem is not BoatyBall; the problem is too many boats chasing too few moorings, especially in prime spots. Old timers cling to the FCFS system, which some BB anchorages still have. Ratman fondly remembers Fritz Seyfarth, and thinks it was better when boats were under 30' with no propulsion. That ship has also sailed.

More people prefer being able to get the most out of their day.

We don’t use BB but the membership fee makes sense. The number of posts on social media of people panicking because they couldn’t reserve a BB may drop.

The biggest problems with BB is when people grab a ball that they didn’t reserve or stay on a ball past noon. BB could greatly alleviate the overstaying by levying a fine. They could include in their terms & conditions that they will fine violators $100. BB already has their customers’ credit card numbers, so it would be a simple process. As for the people who grab balls they didn’t reserve, the charter companies could let their customers know that they’ll charge an extra $100 if they are notified of the violation.

The last time we charted was pre Covid. There was no BB. At least did not notice. We sail early Summer, June 1st. On our previous visits the only time I saw an over full anchorage was Trellis on Full Moon. Other than that never had an issue finding a mooring. Kind of prefer moorings as it is easy and simple compared to anchoring. Also the moorings are usually in good spots.

I read thru the BB site and understand the drift of how it works. Just seems a bit off that it costs more to reserve than FCFS.

Have the mornings changed that much over the years, so now owned / rented mainly thru BB. Or are there still plenty of openings?

Dave

I was there last summer and didn't have a problem with FCFS balls. I didn't really want to have to get up at 7 and hopefully reserve a ball.

Having just returned from eight days in the islands, I should note that there is a marked difference between the relatively light fleet on the water in the summer season than high season January -April. Add to that the heavy weather that we experienced this past week where we had two back to back 30-35 knot winds and a massive north swell that essentially kept all boats hunkered down in the most protected sites created a massive demand for secure balls and anchorages. Sites like Marina Cay, Cane Garden, little Jost were fundamental non suitable. I am guessing that Anagada was a less than pleasant experience. The Bight on Norman looked like a WalMart parking lot (side note, a substantial number of the balls at Norman were in terrible disrepair while being charged $50 for crappy FCFS balls). Bottom line, those who were lucky enough to secure balls via BoatyBall were more than grateful for their system and peace of mind. Only wish that BoatyBall would allow multi-day reservation.

Are FCFS mooring balls $40 or $50 now?

Depends on the location- The Bight at Normans charged us $50 this past week

A million dollars here, a million dollars there . . Pretty soon you're talking real money - Sam Walton - Founder of Walmart