Set Up a Day / Weekender Business in USVI?

[andreas.mehlin]

I'm interested in a boat located in St. Thomas. I don't actually have a plan what I want to do, but one of the suggestions is to let it stay in USVI and start up some kind of business with it. I have heard of six-pack charter.

How does the bureauracy look like if I would lile to set up this kind of business? I have heard the competition is very strong in St. thomas, so maybe one of the neighbour islands would be a better choice.

I don't expect to get rich, I just want to make a living.

Best Regards
Andreas

[GordMay]

Of which country are you a citizen, Andreas?

[Papa Joe]

Andreas,
I spend a great deal of time in both the USVI and the BVI throughout the year, and from all economic indicators, you could not pick a worse time to start a charter business. Check the brokerage lists and look at the number of boats for sale which include charter businesses. Get a boat, enjoy the area, but don't plan on making a living doing it, this would not be an economically sound decision.

[andreas.mehlin]

Originally Posted by Papa Joe

Andreas,
I spend a great deal of time in both the USVI and the BVI throughout the year, and from all economic indicators, you could not pick a worse time to start a charter business. Check the brokerage lists and look at the number of boats for sale which include charter businesses. Get a boat, enjoy the area, but don't plan on making a living doing it, this would not be an economically sound decision.

I'm located in Sweden at the moment....but are looking for the tropics again

Yeah, I was afraid of hearing that.
Maybe it is a better option to sail around in caribbean taking paying crew instead?

[MarkJ]

What may be a good idea is to join a charter boat as crew for a few months, or a season or 2. Get to understand the job and its requirements, and at the same time asses the industry and potential for you to lose money or not.

[JanetGroene]

Taking paying crew is a good option, especially since you're possibly in a position to get a lot of Swedish or other European customers? Another choice might be to find a resort that has a dock and no resident charter boat. Angle for free dockage and perhaps a very modest retainer to be on hand for the guests. Resort gets a commission, of course, for booking. Meeting U.S. rules may be a stumbling block for you or the boat.