As a delivery captain myself, I would suggest first and foremost check references, experience on that
route, look at the resume' and see what your intuition has to say after you talk to the potential captain. A contract is always a good idea so things are spelled out and you are both on the same page. Also, check with your insurance company for their requirements.
That particular trip in Jan can be difficult. First thing is a window to cross the Gulfstream. Once across, There are 2 ways to do it and most delivery captains (depending on the boat), myself included, will go
offshore through Hole in the Wall and
head east to around 25N 65W before heading south. That might be modified a bit for a landfall in PR but not much as there is
current setting you west as you close the islands. The other
route is through the
Bahamas which is usually longer. The advantage is there are places to stop if weather becomes an issue or for breakdowns etc. My usual estimate for the offshore route is 10 days at minimum. A good weather window will help and what you are looking for is a frontal passage which will give usually a few days of good
wind direction to make some "easting" This would be true for both routes.
If taking the offshore route a
liferaft is a must and would be a good idea in any case. After leaving the protection of the
Exumas, it's all
blue water and longer stretches between a place to stop and I personally wouldn't want to be bobbing around in a dinghy if there was an
emergency. Life rafts can be rented or you may just want to
purchase one and have your own.
For rates, you can private message me and we can chat about what is expected as far as having your boat ready.
I hope that helps some and answers some of your questions!
All the best,
Judy