Best Bareboat Charter in USVI/BVI Area??

[mallory67]

I am newly certified for bareboat catamarans (thanks ASA . Looking to take the wife, kids and 1 other family for a 1 week cruise in March/April 2018.

Learned to sail on Leopard 44 ... so would be most comfortable on one of those ... and in the BVI area where I took my course.

Looking for specific recommendations like:
1. Can anyone recommend a good charter company? Are the big companies like Dream/Moorings the way to go? Or pick a smaller firm? Any recommendations?
2. Any specific itineraries for family fun with young kids (Ages 3-6)
3. Specific questions to ask?
4. What kinda costs would be appropriate? 8K-10K for the boat for a week? Is that too high or low?
5. How is Mar/Apr for cruising?

Thanks in advance ...

[PhiSig1071]

There are a small handful of members here who have boats in charter and sell their time, you could possibly charter thru them at a very reduced rate:


http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...le-188082.html


I don't have any first hand experience with Moorings, but they're the big dog in the business, so they must be doing something right.

[DeepCut]

1st: March and April are great times for the BVI (Almost any time is great).

There are many great charter companies. Large and smaller. DYC/ Moorings are large. Many frequent cruisers prefer the small to medium size companies such as TMM, CYOA.

Having just done the course, I would be focused on size. Particular make and model would be good, but not essential. Some would recommend trying various makes/ models to see the differences.

The check out process should be in depth to get you up o speed on the parculiarities of specific boat compared to what you trained on. The larger companies tend to be very brief on check out (as long as your credit card is good). TMM did a 1.5 hour, 1 on 1 checkout of the boat.

Don't be surprised if a check out skipper is required... It is a few hours of making sure you are comfortable with boat and to orient you to anything you may be less than comfortable with.

March and April are still in high season so costs may be higher than other times. Direct from owner can be beneficial.

Good luck and have fun./ Be safe.

PM sent as well.