A pleasure to meet everyone. I'm a frequent sailor on
SF Bay (Lagoon 380 &
Beneteau 430) and am heading to the
Caribbean next Feb/Mar to buy a
boat and begin living my life a new way. I'm excited! As you know, much to think about and learn. Background info:
- Early 50s / Male / good
health /
single
- Experience sailing (SF Bay/some BVIs) / very social (do numerous theme
events on my boats just for fun (i.e. luaus, wine tastings, etc.

)
-
Budget for
boat <$100k (I can pay more/but only if needed to support plan; paying cash (no monthly pymt))
- Working on certs to offer paid charters/services
--> My initial question (it influences budget, revenue & boat choice):
1) Initial game plan in BVIs? Do I just cruise the area for awhile (i.e. no revenue), take on paid crew for short or longer trips, or do weekly charter service?
My first thought was to do the usual Cat
charter service in BVIs,
Bahamas or perhaps St. Martin. Since that plan requires a Cat (in my view), my
research suggested a $150k outlay (min) to get a decent boat (i.e. less than 15 years old, etc.). Since I don't know if that's really what I want to do, my thought then shifted to getting a nice
monohull for under $100k, get to the know the area (BVIs/Caribbean), talk to locals sailors, and then decide if I focus on a paid crew model w/the
monohull (for shorter or greater distance trips) or sell it after a year only if I'm very clear on pursuing a Cat and starting a charter business. Thoughts very much appreciated!