Catamaran home and the charter

[Goldenrower]

Hey guys,
Firstly I'm new and this is my first post so hope I'm in the right area?

The plan is to buy a cat that will then be home for 6 month/year while our home is developed in the Bahamas. The idea is to then move in to the house and charter the cat to clients. At the moment we are planning on buying a Lagoon 45 2014 (currently negotiating).

I would like to know any of your thoughts on this or advice you can offer, particularly regarding the plan to charter and what people look for in selecting a boat?

I didnt want to ask to much at once so feel free to hit me with questions.

Thanks guys

[Dulcesuenos]

Are you Bahamian? If not be careful, you need or are supposed to have a Bahamian business partner. I know someone with a charter business for snorkeling in the bahamas and even with a Bahamaian partner the government found a reason to jail him until he agreed to pay a ridiculously high "fee" each year. He had been in business 3 years and had nothing good to say about it (due to the government) except he did make money.

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Goldenrower.

You might want to check with the Bahamian Port Authority:

➥ https://forms.bahamas.gov.bs/dp_agency.asp?aid=PORT

➥ http://www.bahamasyachtconcierge.com...egalIssues.pdf

➥ http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/portal...vZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

[2Hulls]

When you say "charter the cat to clients" exactly what do you mean? As a bareboat charter or with you or some one you hire as Captain on a crewed charter? Day trip charters or multiple day charters?

What island in the Bahamas?

2 Hulls Dave

[Goldenrower]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies I will of course look in to this in more detail soon.

To give you a better idea, I'm british and will be working for another British citizen on their island they have brought in the Bahamas.

The business side is quite a way off yet and in the meantime we would apply for residency so hopefully all will be fine.

The cat's will initially be used as 'home' while the refurbishment's take place then they will be used as a crewed charter for any duration the client would wish.

[valhalla360]

If the chartering is just for fun and won't impact your ability to be finacially solvent if it doesn't work out, go for it.

If you are at all counting on it to defray the cost of the boat, I would definelty get the chartering thing sorted out before buying. A residency permit may or may not allow you to set up a chartering buisness. Get it in writing from an official source. Taling to the local constible, won't do you any good if he is replaced 3-4yrs from now when you start chartering.