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First time bareboat charter questions!
#88259
02/28/2016 03:46 PM
02/28/2016 03:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 348 Pittsburgh, PA
Schwendy
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 348
Pittsburgh, PA
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I am trying to book a power cat charter for August. Dates are flexible between late July early Sept. but August for good deals/weather/low crowds so I don't have to worry as much about crowded harbors and mooring balls. Been told not to worry about hurricanes although I know that's not completely true. Been to Jost and Anegada in August and always liked that time, never had bad weather and never experienced anything being closed. What places are closed? Major sites, restaurants, bars, grocery, marinas? I don't care if it's just me and the bartender as long as I can still get a drink! Want to avoid the big festival/holiday week in August but other than that is this time of year going to be an issue? Boats: Contacted 3 brokers so far. Virgin Traders reviewed my resume and said I'm approved for up to a 52' yacht! That sounds insane to me but okay! I'm really wanting either the Marinemax 382 (2 cabin) or 443 (3 cabin) but second choice would be a Moorings Leopard. So far have 4 of us confirmed and one couple very iffy at this point. Do I be done with it and book the 2 cabin Marinemax which is more expensive, has wifi which I don't care about but is newer and has the water maker which I hear is pretty unreliable or for the same general price go with a Leopard 3 cabin? Confused about which Leopard model because there seem to be 2 different 3 cabin options. Moorings has a new one significantly more expensive, same age as MM slightly more or one from Footloose slightly cheaper than MM but again these are 3 cabin compared to MM 2 cabin. Is it dumb to have extra cabin if it's only 4 of us or good in case last minute I can get another couple on board. Concerns about the Footloose boat being 5-8 years old? I can't sleep trying to make these decisions. No one quoted me with any specials like 10 days for price of 7 or even 1 free day. No free sleep aboard, nothing. Thought there were some nice incentives that time of year. So what boat and why? Book it for 4 and be done or book a 3 cabin and have open possibility for later? MM 382, MM 443, Leopard 393, Leopard 433 seem to be my choices. I am planning a check out capt. for the first day even if not mandatory just to ease my nerves. No one other than Virgin Traders has said they reviewed my resume and given any real confirmation I am good to go. Don't want to get there and someone say I have to have a capt. for the week!
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88264
02/28/2016 08:11 PM
02/28/2016 08:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 482
706jim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 482
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I haven't looked at the 433 so can't comment yet. The last time I looked at the Moorings site, there was only the 393PC. Guessing the PCX might have larger engines.
Now, think about this fact: The greatest single run you are likely to make would be from Anegada to Tortola; maybe 20-25 miles. And you are there on holiday, not for a race. While the powercats can supposedly do close to 20mph (many are governed so that they do less) there is really no need to run them much above sailboat speed. We had a 474 with twin 150hp diesels. It ran just great at 8-9 knots. I opened up the throttles on the run from Anegada to Cain Garden Bay and I think it gut up to 12 or 13 knots, but at this faster speed, was noisier and didn't track as well. Even if you are hurrying to an anchorage to catch a mooring ball, you are going in a straight line and most sailboats are not, so you'd get there first even if you left at the same time.
At the end of our trip three years ago, the fuel cost was only about $330 for a typical BVI loop. My point is simply that you don't need larger engines because of the short distances between anchorages and also that fuel cost is minimal unless you run the boat near full throttle.
Back to the 433: If it has a walk through to the front deck, this would be a real convenience compared to having to walk backwards to the cockpit in order to go forward on the boat, which is what you have to do with the older designs.
The watermaker sounds like a good idea, but in itself wouldn't be the deal breaker for me. I think I read someplace that boats that had them never used them much but don't take this as gospel.
Whichever boat you get, I'm sure you will love it. We all look forward to your comments after you return home!
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88271
02/29/2016 12:55 PM
02/29/2016 12:55 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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My wife and I rented a 393 in October of last year, and will be doing the same in May of this year. We loved the boat. It worked flawlessly, and the Moorings did a fine job.
Have fun!
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88275
03/01/2016 04:25 PM
03/01/2016 04:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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I sailed last year from Aug. 28 - Sept. 7. We did lose a day on the front of the trip because all the boats were in hurricane hole for TS Erika. Lots of places were closed but we did find enough open places to stay busy. Open: Leverick Bay (not upstairs), Cow Wreck, Wonky Dog, Anegada Beach Club, Big Bamboo, Neptune's Treasure, Scrub Island, Soggy Dollar (no dinners), Ivan's, Gertrude's, Foxy's, Myetts, Brandywine Bay. Closed: Potters, Cooper Island, Corsairs, lots of CGB stuff.
You'll find enough open to have fun!
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: WayneC]
#88276
03/01/2016 05:26 PM
03/01/2016 05:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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Wayne, We rented the "Hidden Treasure" in October and didn't have a single problem. We'll be there May 19th to the 29th. We'll look for you! Tom WayneC said: Treetop we did the same thing rented a 393 last May and am back for a repeat this May, the 18th to the 27th. The boat we had "Knot-A-Clue" was really nice and had no problems. It was our 4th trip with the Moorings.
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: WayneC]
#88278
03/03/2016 11:50 AM
03/03/2016 11:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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Wayne, We won't be sleeping aboard on the 18th, but will be picking up our 393PC on the 19th. We'll look for you. It will be just my wife and me so keep an eye out for us! Tom WayneC said: Tom we are a sleep aboard on the 18th of May the first day of our charter is the 19th from the Moorings. I don't know what the name of our boat is but it's a 393PC. Maybe we can hook up for a beer.
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: WayneC]
#88281
03/04/2016 03:44 PM
03/04/2016 03:44 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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Wayne, We'll look for you. My wife and were there in October of last year for 10 days and loved it. Booked our May 2016 trip as soon as we got home... Tom WayneC said: Tom There are 4 of us my wife, son and one of his friends. Looking forward to it. Is this your first trip?
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88282
03/04/2016 03:47 PM
03/04/2016 03:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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Congrats on your booking. You're going to love the 433. I just hope your experience with the Moorings is as good as ours was last year. Enjoy! Tom Schwendy said: I took the plunge and booked a 433 power cat with Moorings! If anyone will be there Aug 28- Sept 4 let me know! Really didn't want to go with Moorings. I know most have good things to say about them and others do not. My gripe is the nit picking and gouging with money. I hope their service is worth the price. No discounts at all compared to other charter companies.
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: WayneC]
#88289
03/21/2016 01:47 PM
03/21/2016 01:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61 San Antonio, TX
TreetopFlyer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 61
San Antonio, TX
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Hi Wayne, We'll be hitting Norman, Peter, Cooper, VG (probably 2 nights), Anegada (2 nights), JVD, and possibly St. Johns for one night. The only thing set in stone is the full moon party at Trellis on May 21st... Tom WayneC said: Tom have you given any thought to your itinerary for your May trip yet?
Tom C.
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: TreetopFlyer]
#88290
04/11/2016 04:39 PM
04/11/2016 04:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 348 Pittsburgh, PA
Schwendy
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 348
Pittsburgh, PA
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I think I have my itinerary down but want to know what the experts think. Doing sleep aboard and hoping for early start on: Day 1 Norman- hit the Indians on way over, get mooring, dingy over to Caves, back to boat eat at Pirates or on boat then night at Willy T.
Day 2 Leave early straight for Baths for couple hours then up to North Sound. Everyone says Leverick instead of Bitter End but what about Saba Rock? I like the fact the mooring comes with a free bag of ice and 250 gals. of water! Plus, I could easily dingy between Saba and Bitter E. and go around to beach at Prickly Pear. I think we will be horrible with water conservation (showers) so how often/where are the places to get it?
Day 3 Leave early for Anegada weather conditions permitting.
Day 4 Anegada to Cane Garden Bay. More water?
Day 5 Cane Garden to Jost and stop off at Sandy Cay and Bubbly Pool/Foxy's before heading to Great Harbor for mooring.
Day 6 White Bay, Jost.
Day 7 Jost to Cooper, stop at Rhone for snorkel, moore at Cooper last night for 10 am return to Mooring's Base.
Any schedule/marina suggestions for water/ice/fuel? I was thinking we would fill up water tanks at least once if not twice during the week.
What happens with payment of mooring ball fee if we aren't on the boat around 4-4:30 when someone comes by to collect? Do you have to plan on being on the boat to wait or can you just pay at the bar/marina/hotel, wherever if you miss the collection guy?
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88292
04/11/2016 05:46 PM
04/11/2016 05:46 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 164 SouthEastern Pennsylvania
WayneC
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 164
SouthEastern Pennsylvania
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Schwendy said: I think I have my itinerary down but want to know what the experts think. Doing sleep aboard and hoping for early start on: Day 1 Norman- hit the Indians on way over, get mooring, dingy over to Caves, back to boat eat at Pirates or on boat then night at Willy T.
Day 2 Leave early straight for Baths for couple hours then up to North Sound. Everyone says Leverick instead of Bitter End but what about Saba Rock? I like the fact the mooring comes with a free bag of ice and 250 gals. of water! Plus, I could easily dingy between Saba and Bitter E. and go around to beach at Prickly Pear. I think we will be horrible with water conservation (showers) so how often/where are the places to get it?
Day 3 Leave early for Anegada weather conditions permitting.
Day 4 Anegada to Cane Garden Bay. More water?
Day 5 Cane Garden to Jost and stop off at Sandy Cay and Bubbly Pool/Foxy's before heading to Great Harbor for mooring.
Day 6 White Bay, Jost.
Day 7 Jost to Cooper, stop at Rhone for snorkel, moore at Cooper last night for 10 am return to Mooring's Base.
Any schedule/marina suggestions for water/ice/fuel? I was thinking we would fill up water tanks at least once if not twice during the week.
What happens with payment of mooring ball fee if we aren't on the boat around 4-4:30 when someone comes by to collect? Do you have to plan on being on the boat to wait or can you just pay at the bar/marina/hotel, wherever if you miss the collection guy? . We had a 393PC last year with 6 of us the water lasted for 4 days. We only had to refill once at Leverick Bay. The mooring collection people always seem to catch you so I wouldn't worry too much about being on board at 4 to 4:30 . You mentioned water at CGB I don't think they have any available. The run from Anagada to CGB is quite a distance the 393PC cruises at about 8 or 9 knots
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88293
04/11/2016 07:17 PM
04/11/2016 07:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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Schwendy said: I think I have my itinerary down but want to know what the experts think. I feel like a need a nap <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> That's covering a lot of area between stops. I know you are in a power cat, but I don't think that means you have to go far between stops. You could easily fit the same things in and not have to go as far each time. And personally, I wouldn't spend a whole day at White Bay. I think two days is probably good between CGB and JVD depending on when you get there. Benefits to Leverick are simple. Best hosts around. Plus Friday you get the BBQ and Jumbies and in my opinion it is the best place to visit the baths from. You also get a great TTOL deal on the dock and being on the dock is nice so everyone can come and go as they please. I'd say two nights there is much better then 3 nights between CGB and JVD. The drive on Virgin Gorda is an experience of itself and then you can see the Bath's and take all the time you want, Coppermine Point, Savannah bay, Hog Heaven and whatever else.
Last edited by maytrix; 04/11/2016 07:18 PM.
Matt
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88294
04/11/2016 09:18 PM
04/11/2016 09:18 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288 Kansas
Chriskal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288
Kansas
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Schwendy said: I think I have my itinerary down but want to know what the experts think. Doing sleep aboard and hoping for early start on: Day 1 Norman- hit the Indians on way over, get mooring, dingy over to Caves, back to boat eat at Pirates or on boat then night at Willy T.
Day 2 Leave early straight for Baths for couple hours then up to North Sound. Everyone says Leverick instead of Bitter End but what about Saba Rock? I like the fact the mooring comes with a free bag of ice and 250 gals. of water! Plus, I could easily dingy between Saba and Bitter E. and go around to beach at Prickly Pear. I think we will be horrible with water conservation (showers) so how often/where are the places to get it?
Day 3 Leave early for Anegada weather conditions permitting.
Day 4 Anegada to Cane Garden Bay. More water?
Day 5 Cane Garden to Jost and stop off at Sandy Cay and Bubbly Pool/Foxy's before heading to Great Harbor for mooring.
Day 6 White Bay, Jost.
Day 7 Jost to Cooper, stop at Rhone for snorkel, moore at Cooper last night for 10 am return to Mooring's Base.
Any schedule/marina suggestions for water/ice/fuel? I was thinking we would fill up water tanks at least once if not twice during the week.
What happens with payment of mooring ball fee if we aren't on the boat around 4-4:30 when someone comes by to collect? Do you have to plan on being on the boat to wait or can you just pay at the bar/marina/hotel, wherever if you miss the collection guy? I would skip the second night in White Bay and add a 2nd night in North Sound bracketing your, weather permitting, jaunt to Anegada. Check out white bay by cab while your moored in Great Harbor. Stay on the dock at Leverick your 2nd night, top off the water and everyone showers ashore preserving the tanks for Anegada. I'd go directly to Leverick, and as Matt suggested, take a rental car to the Baths and all the other awesome VG sites. The way back from Anegada would be a a good time to experience Saba/Bitter End and then mosey on to CGB/Jost the next day. Even in a PC Anegada to CGB is a long boat ride. I am by no means an expert, but you did ask for suggestions . . . <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
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Re: First time bareboat charter questions!
[Re: Schwendy]
#88297
04/12/2016 10:05 AM
04/12/2016 10:05 AM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Schwendy said: I don't know how everyone gets a crew together! Been the hardest part for me for years! Easy! find a really rich friend and get them to pay for everything! I plan on making some friends while I am in North Sound. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
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