Last Minute Charter Question - St. Martin

[Jerry Woodward]

Does anyone have experience with last minute charters? I am looking to charter a boat (36' or so, for two people) from March 26 to April 2. The prices quoted by Sunsail and Moorings for those dates are all full rate, high season. But I have been told by some that if you wait until 16 days prior, that some companies will give up to a 50% discount.

I realize that it is a gamble, but I am flexible on the boat, and I can't imagine that every boat on St Martin would be booked for that week. I will also be on the island for two weeks prior to that date, and I'm thinking it should be possible to find a boat at a discount. Has anyone else done this.

(please don't tell me to fly to the BVI, my schedule is already set).

Thanks
Jerry

[GordMay]

You could ask Sunsail/Moorings if they offer "last minute" discounts. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they did.

➥ Latest last minute bareboat specials

[nautical62]

I know both sunsail and the moorings often advertise last minute booking discounts when they have excess supply. However, banking on that fact for one particular small base is quite a gamble I think.

Give them a call, they will probably give you a straight forward answer.

[bstreep]

Late March to Early April, they will likely have some boats sitting. If you aren't particular, it COULD work out well. I haven't tried in a while, but I think you can look online and see what is available and when - and you can get a idea of how sold out they may or may not be.

[Chuteman]

As mentioned earlier, the fleets/bases in Oyster Pond/SXM are much-much smaller than BVI with fewer examples of each model - so that adds to the challenge.
Have you checked with Horizon or Dream Yacht?
Sailonline also offers last minute & owner's time options

You might luck out with Pre-Easter timing - good luck.

[Steve W]

try Conch Charters, BVI. Just got an email from them offering big discounts on available Feb & March boats. Used them twice, really liked them a lot. very competitive with ex-Moorings and Sunsail boats.

www.conchcharters.com

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

Does anyone have experience with last minute charters? I am looking to charter a boat (36' or so, for two people) from March 26 to April 2. The prices quoted by Sunsail and Moorings for those dates are all full rate, high season. But I have been told by some that if you wait until 16 days prior, that some companies will give up to a 50% discount.

I realize that it is a gamble, but I am flexible on the boat, and I can't imagine that every boat on St Martin would be booked for that week. I will also be on the island for two weeks prior to that date, and I'm thinking it should be possible to find a boat at a discount. Has anyone else done this.

(please don't tell me to fly to the BVI, my schedule is already set).

Thanks
Jerry

MUST Marine Unlimited Services Team Marigot St Martin

French Caribbean Bareboat & Yacht Charter

[JustHank]

Don't know if you've checked out LateSail, a web site focused on last minute charters, but it's probably worth a look:

Yacht charter last minute and special offers worldwide from LateSail Yacht Charters

I haven't used them; also have no affiliation.