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Seaadventurers · 24-08-2016, 15:38

Hi,

My wife and I are preparing to live aboard a catamaran when I retire in 3-years or so. We have some time this winter to try out how we like living aboard a catamaran in the Caribbean. So, we are thinking about renting a cat for a month to 6-weeks this coming winter. We have gotten boats from the Moorings before, but renting from them for a month would be cost prohibitive. How would we go about finding an owner who would be willing to rent a catamaran for that period of time? We would be looking for something in the 40 to 48 foot range.

My wife and I are both US Sailing certified for bareboat and catamarans.

**Cotemar** · 24-08-2016, 17:32

Moorings has the newest catamarans and they are the most expensive to charter.

Sunsail charters are 5 years or older and a bit cheaper to charter.

FootLoose are the oldest catamarans and are the cheapest to charter

Moorings / Sunsail / FootLoose are all the same company.

model 10 · 24-08-2016, 19:02

You should just go ahead and buy one and fly back and forth for a few years. There are a good number for sale on the Rio.

pathlesschosen · 24-08-2016, 19:27

Try:
http://www.longtermcharters.com

Or a lower tier charter company asking for a long term rate.

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MarkJ · 24-08-2016, 20:16

I doubt people will rent u their own owner boat.
If they do it won't be anything like new.

Seaadventurers · 25-08-2016, 04:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I doubt people will rent u their own owner boat.
If they do it won't be anything like new.

I'm sure there are people out there who would rent their boat. We ran into a couple one time in the Caribbean who rented through Moorings. They were perfectly willing to rent to us directly. However, I'm assuming that they were willing to give up one of their weeks with Moorings in return for the cash. One month would be another matter.

805gregg · 25-08-2016, 08:07

Try Pro Valor Charters, cheapest in the BVI, we got a 10 day charter for the cost of a 7 day in the off season

capnmatt · 25-08-2016, 11:02

You could try sailonline.com which is a site that facilitates direct rentals from owners of boats in charter fleets. If the boat is in a guaranteed income program they likely wouldn't be able to do a direct long-term charter in high season, but if they are under an active ownership contract it may work. We booked a three week charter direct through that website and saved a significant amount of money, but it was during the summer. Might be worth taking a look at their database and maybe contacting a few of the owners.

Matt

captstu · 25-08-2016, 11:36

Seabbatical Long Term Bareboat Yacht Charter - BVI Bareboat Charters

These folks are in the business of renting well maintained catamarans to people who want to try living aboard for a while. The boats are older, very well maintained, and clean. They have a variety of cats in several locations and with some negotiation let you pick the boat up in one place and drop it elsewhere a month later.

Ideal for your needs.

Their pricing is geared for one setup and cleaning every long period of time - and you aren't charged for the dockage you don't need after you pick the boat up and go on your way. In most cases, they can provide a captain for a few days if you are new to catamaran sailing.

Disclosure: I worked for them about 10 years ago - it was an excellent experience, but I've had no financial contact since about 2005.

Seabbatical Long Term Bareboat Yacht Charter - BVI Bareboat Charters

LTDsailing · 25-08-2016, 13:02

I would second the Seabbatical recommendation. I worked with one of their clients who needed some help getting started on their long term charter.

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**Bulawayo** · 25-08-2016, 13:51

Try speaking to Mike, from Bare Cat Charters in Sea Cow Bay, Tortola. Older cats but affordable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaadventurers

Hi,

My wife and I are preparing to live aboard a catamaran when I retire in 3-years or so. We have some time this winter to try out how we like living aboard a catamaran in the Caribbean. So, we are thinking about renting a cat for a month to 6-weeks this coming winter. We have gotten boats from the Moorings before, but renting from them for a month would be cost prohibitive. How would we go about finding an owner who would be willing to rent a catamaran for that period of time? We would be looking for something in the 40 to 48 foot range.

My wife and I are both US Sailing certified for bareboat and catamarans.

Vasco · 25-08-2016, 14:12

Try a third tier company like Conch. They will do longer terms at reduced rates. Saves on the weekly turnaround. Only thing is you might be restricted as far as limits to navigation go.