Restaurant reservations needed?

We will be a group of eight on our first time bare boat. Chartered a Power Cat thru TMM. We have a general itinerary worked out but of course will be very flexible for changes in course. As a rule, is it necessary to make reservations at restaurants at our destinations? I envision us doing more casual beach bar type meals rather than fancy restaurants. We don't want to have to pack too many dress clothes! Is it easy to get reservations on the fly Rather than try to book all before we go? We are heading down this Saturday (assuming it ever stops snowing in the Boston area and we can get out!). Appreciate any suggestions, planned stops are Normans, Coopers, Leverick, Trellis ,JVD maybe CGB and Peter Island.

This is high season and every restaurant will appreciate a reservation..especially for 8. That does not mean some places wont accomodate you but why risk it?

I would suggest reservations by 3 or 4PM to be almost mandatory this time of year.

So we could book reservations as we go? Didn't know if we need to make them now before we go down.

Yes. Generally you can book mid day same day.
I would book coco maya a day early.

Peter May have a dressier code.

Cooper island make your reservations early, ie in the morning.

You might find better luck using a phone rather than vhf to make contact.

Dis be de ilons mon. Things are largely informal but provisioning is always a challange. 4 or 5 hours notice so they can plan the supply needs is greatly appreciated. Just raise them on the VHF or cell phone as you settle on a mooring.

peter island only has a dress code for dinner at tradewinds, collared shirt, long pant, and closed toe shoes for men, resort chic for women, you can also enjoy dinner at deadmans beach bar as they change up the lunch menu to more appropriate dinner fare, there's no mention of dressing for dinner at deadmans

remember that there are different reasons to make reservations.

Sometimes if the place is busy OR darn near empty...they can plan staff

Some places, cook to order (you order at reservation)

Rarely is the case off season where there are no seats available. However, in high season 1,2 or 3 of the above may be the case.

Either way, if you don't make reservations, you risk getting a table, and ZERO service.

..and all of the above are magnified when you're talking 8 people, versus, say 2..

Last time I was at peter island, the restaurant at the beach was not open for dinner. Hence it might be dressier there.