Has anyone charterd from a company named BVI Yacht Charters out of Tortola? They seem to be much more competative than the "big guys". Thinking of Bareboating their 1996 Beneteau 40. Have not chartered in the BVIs before. Am I better off with the Moorings one of the other bigger companies? Thanks in advance
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marina idiot
tradewinds has good prices and boats but watch out for the idiot manager running the place on Tortola. Thinks he is shecky green and will make the familiarization meeting way too long telling obscene jokes
tradewinds has good prices and boats but watch out for the idiot manager running the place on Tortola. Thinks he is shecky green and will make the familiarization meeting way too long telling obscene jokes
Just Returned from Moorings at Tortola
Although I do not have info on BVI charters, we chartered through the Moorings last week, 11/8 through 11/15. Unfortunately the weather was very bad, tropical depression that stalled and 23 inches of rain as well as very high winds, 60 knots plus at times, only 2 half days of good weather. The islands had significant damage. We chartered a Moorings (beneteau) 402 center cockpit. The condition of the boat was very tired for 1999 boat. The interior was worn and the boat leaked very bad everywhere (I understand 23 inches of rain is not normal but it leaked bad). The engine had 2600 hours. Dodger and bimini very poor condition. Spoke with many other who had similar problems. There were problems with the boat upon arrival, windless did not work and swim platform shower was constantly running and leaking into aft cabin and soaked the mattress. When brought to the attention of Moorings management they fixed the problems at the cost of about three hours prior to leaving. I was pleased with their concern and attention but not the loss of time or the rest of the leaks throughout the trip. Upon return they gave me one days credit for a future trip. I strongly suggest that you make sure you know the condition of the boat prior to booking. Also, if you stay within the BVI, excluding Anegada, the Moorings has chase boats and will come to you and fix problems you may have during your trip. That gives one some piece of mind. Each boat has a cell phone and a call to the Moorings is free. They are a very busy Company and were sending out 40 boats on the day we left. We will charter with them again but will be very specific as to the boat we are getting. Due to the storm we held up at the Bitter End for four nights and three days. If the weather is bad watch for chaff while on a mooring. Good luck and enjoy. The BVI is beautiful and well worth the expense and time to get there. As said above we will be going back, hopefully next year. Hopefully the weather will be more in our favor. Bob and Camille, sv Kathryn, Stamford, Ct
Although I do not have info on BVI charters, we chartered through the Moorings last week, 11/8 through 11/15. Unfortunately the weather was very bad, tropical depression that stalled and 23 inches of rain as well as very high winds, 60 knots plus at times, only 2 half days of good weather. The islands had significant damage. We chartered a Moorings (beneteau) 402 center cockpit. The condition of the boat was very tired for 1999 boat. The interior was worn and the boat leaked very bad everywhere (I understand 23 inches of rain is not normal but it leaked bad). The engine had 2600 hours. Dodger and bimini very poor condition. Spoke with many other who had similar problems. There were problems with the boat upon arrival, windless did not work and swim platform shower was constantly running and leaking into aft cabin and soaked the mattress. When brought to the attention of Moorings management they fixed the problems at the cost of about three hours prior to leaving. I was pleased with their concern and attention but not the loss of time or the rest of the leaks throughout the trip. Upon return they gave me one days credit for a future trip. I strongly suggest that you make sure you know the condition of the boat prior to booking. Also, if you stay within the BVI, excluding Anegada, the Moorings has chase boats and will come to you and fix problems you may have during your trip. That gives one some piece of mind. Each boat has a cell phone and a call to the Moorings is free. They are a very busy Company and were sending out 40 boats on the day we left. We will charter with them again but will be very specific as to the boat we are getting. Due to the storm we held up at the Bitter End for four nights and three days. If the weather is bad watch for chaff while on a mooring. Good luck and enjoy. The BVI is beautiful and well worth the expense and time to get there. As said above we will be going back, hopefully next year. Hopefully the weather will be more in our favor. Bob and Camille, sv Kathryn, Stamford, Ct
I've rented from BVI Yacht Charter
several times. I all cases the boats were worn but generally well kept. Once I had to tighten a cable and clean some connections to charge the batteries and once I lost the depth gauge while out, but I'd already been to Anageda so I didn't worry about it. Those are the only two problems I've had with their boats. All the folks are very friendly and flexible. Like the others they have cell phones and chase boats if you need them. I rented high end once out of 10+ charters and didn't find it worth the difference in cost. If you want to know more e-mail me I'll be glad to answer any questions. Kevin
several times. I all cases the boats were worn but generally well kept. Once I had to tighten a cable and clean some connections to charge the batteries and once I lost the depth gauge while out, but I'd already been to Anageda so I didn't worry about it. Those are the only two problems I've had with their boats. All the folks are very friendly and flexible. Like the others they have cell phones and chase boats if you need them. I rented high end once out of 10+ charters and didn't find it worth the difference in cost. If you want to know more e-mail me I'll be glad to answer any questions. Kevin
Totally Agree
We are going for our second charter with Tradewinds this spring. Prices are great, people are wonderful to deal with..They answered all our questions. A great company to deal with!!
We are going for our second charter with Tradewinds this spring. Prices are great, people are wonderful to deal with..They answered all our questions. A great company to deal with!!
Totally Agree with Daryl
We are going for our second charter with Tradewinds. Prices great, people wonderful..A great company to deal with!!
We are going for our second charter with Tradewinds. Prices great, people wonderful..A great company to deal with!!
TMM
I used Tortola Marine Managent (TMM) the last time I went down. Very pleased with service and personnel. Will use them again when I go. I've been with Moorings 3 times and found the quality the same. Sometimes the boats are beginning to get tired. In your case, it seems like the boat was at the end of it's chartering life. A 1999 is 4 years old. That's the time (four years) that Moorings retires a boat.
I used Tortola Marine Managent (TMM) the last time I went down. Very pleased with service and personnel. Will use them again when I go. I've been with Moorings 3 times and found the quality the same. Sometimes the boats are beginning to get tired. In your case, it seems like the boat was at the end of it's chartering life. A 1999 is 4 years old. That's the time (four years) that Moorings retires a boat.
BVI bareboating was Great!
It was over ten years ago, but our experience with BVI was excellent! I hope to return someday...We chartered an ODay 36
It was over ten years ago, but our experience with BVI was excellent! I hope to return someday...We chartered an ODay 36
I can help
Since 1984, my wife and I have done 15 bareboat charters in the US and British Virgin Islands, for a total of about 8-9 months on the water down there during just about every month of the year. We have used the big charter companies like The Moorings, and some of the smaller companies, and also some which are now out of business, chartering monohulls up to 51 feet and catamarans up to 48 feet. I don't want to violate this site's guidelines in replying to your post and suggest that you email me directly (robertclasalle@netscape.net) or call me (973-698-3956) and I would be happy to answer your questions and make suggestions. Happy sailing, Bob La Salle
Since 1984, my wife and I have done 15 bareboat charters in the US and British Virgin Islands, for a total of about 8-9 months on the water down there during just about every month of the year. We have used the big charter companies like The Moorings, and some of the smaller companies, and also some which are now out of business, chartering monohulls up to 51 feet and catamarans up to 48 feet. I don't want to violate this site's guidelines in replying to your post and suggest that you email me directly (robertclasalle@netscape.net) or call me (973-698-3956) and I would be happy to answer your questions and make suggestions. Happy sailing, Bob La Salle
Avery's
In 1959 Dick Avery established Avery Marine Inc as the first VI bareboat operation. We chartered with them from 1975 through 1994. We bought h40 #217 in 1996 and have not recently chartered. Avery's is more laid back and far more flexible than the typical big operation. Check them out at (340) 776-0113.
In 1959 Dick Avery established Avery Marine Inc as the first VI bareboat operation. We chartered with them from 1975 through 1994. We bought h40 #217 in 1996 and have not recently chartered. Avery's is more laid back and far more flexible than the typical big operation. Check them out at (340) 776-0113.
TMM also
Went thru TMM. Everything was great. Boat was new,clean and everything worked. All personel from taxi driver to TMM staff were great,
Went thru TMM. Everything was great. Boat was new,clean and everything worked. All personel from taxi driver to TMM staff were great,
? to Bob LaSalle
Please share your experiences with all of us. How is telling us what you've experienced a violation of "this site's guidelines"? Thanks. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy 1995 h336 Chicago
Please share your experiences with all of us. How is telling us what you've experienced a violation of "this site's guidelines"? Thanks. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy 1995 h336 Chicago
Reply to Ned Strain
Marc contacted me by email and I sent him a comprehensive response about chartering in the Virgin Islands, which I would be happy to share. However, it's quite long, about 3 full pages, covering anchorages, charter companies, weather, bars, restaurants, navigation, hazards, etc. Part of my reply also includes information about my own boat which is a brand new Hunter 41 available for charter in Key West. I didn't feel that it would be appropriate for me to include that part here. If anyone's interested, I can email a copy directly. My email address is robertclasalle@netscape.net.
Marc contacted me by email and I sent him a comprehensive response about chartering in the Virgin Islands, which I would be happy to share. However, it's quite long, about 3 full pages, covering anchorages, charter companies, weather, bars, restaurants, navigation, hazards, etc. Part of my reply also includes information about my own boat which is a brand new Hunter 41 available for charter in Key West. I didn't feel that it would be appropriate for me to include that part here. If anyone's interested, I can email a copy directly. My email address is robertclasalle@netscape.net.
Watch out for Footloose
I have chartered in the USVI and BVI 9 summers, from small private companies, CSY (now defunct), and Sunsail. Last year we saw several Footloose charter boats and they are tired old dogs that the first line companies dump, and so even though they save money they are not recommended. For my money Sunsail was somewhat cheaper than Moorings, but not greatly so, and the quality was good. What is clear is that what I want on a charter is freedom from breakdowns and quality equipment, and that is worth a little extra money. When it's all over you will not miss having spent a few hundred extra bucks, but you sure will remember being plagued with breakdowns which will limit what should be a fun experience. So I recommend Sunsail or Moorings. Ivan Bekey H356 "Victoria"
I have chartered in the USVI and BVI 9 summers, from small private companies, CSY (now defunct), and Sunsail. Last year we saw several Footloose charter boats and they are tired old dogs that the first line companies dump, and so even though they save money they are not recommended. For my money Sunsail was somewhat cheaper than Moorings, but not greatly so, and the quality was good. What is clear is that what I want on a charter is freedom from breakdowns and quality equipment, and that is worth a little extra money. When it's all over you will not miss having spent a few hundred extra bucks, but you sure will remember being plagued with breakdowns which will limit what should be a fun experience. So I recommend Sunsail or Moorings. Ivan Bekey H356 "Victoria"
Cat Co
Check out the Catamaran Company if you are looking for a cat. Have done both keel and cat. Totally different experience. The cat was great for 8, otherwise I am back to keelboats...
Check out the Catamaran Company if you are looking for a cat. Have done both keel and cat. Totally different experience. The cat was great for 8, otherwise I am back to keelboats...
Just returned last night
We just returned last night from the BVI's and missed all the rain from the prior week. We used Trade Wind and it had to be the pits. It was a 41 footer 1994 Beneteau...and was totally worn out. We checked in and the boat was not fueled (had to get it fueled in Road Town) had to fill the water ourselves and the refrig went out after two days. Boat leaked every day from the rains and we spent the first five days pulling the cushions out daily to dry out. Knot meter did not work and the bottom was totally fouled. The price was good but we will either check out Moorings, FootLoose, or SunSail we we go back again next year. You get what you pay for so leasson learned. Overall trip was great since we fixed the items outselves and just kept ice in the refig the whole time. Enjoy and have fun! ...Larry... Oh, call Bobbies for the provisioning...Trade Wind price include a 20% overhead charge if you get the provisioning from them...they just get the items Bobbies so deal direct with Bobbies and save the 20%. Trade Wind does not tell you that we you order the stuff.
We just returned last night from the BVI's and missed all the rain from the prior week. We used Trade Wind and it had to be the pits. It was a 41 footer 1994 Beneteau...and was totally worn out. We checked in and the boat was not fueled (had to get it fueled in Road Town) had to fill the water ourselves and the refrig went out after two days. Boat leaked every day from the rains and we spent the first five days pulling the cushions out daily to dry out. Knot meter did not work and the bottom was totally fouled. The price was good but we will either check out Moorings, FootLoose, or SunSail we we go back again next year. You get what you pay for so leasson learned. Overall trip was great since we fixed the items outselves and just kept ice in the refig the whole time. Enjoy and have fun! ...Larry... Oh, call Bobbies for the provisioning...Trade Wind price include a 20% overhead charge if you get the provisioning from them...they just get the items Bobbies so deal direct with Bobbies and save the 20%. Trade Wind does not tell you that we you order the stuff.
Avoid Tradewinds... (long)
We have chartered with them for the past 3 years and I am tired of all the excuses, plus they will say anything to close the deal. Examples: May 2001, Beneteau 331 (Sea Sou) had bad batteries and terrible refrigeration, TWYC said we just had to live with it. May 2002: Beneteau 381 (Negotiator) Same thing, house batteries would not hold a charge and would be dead 2 hours after shutting down the engine or disconnecting from shorepower. May 2003 (Tack's Shelter) Beneteau 381, this one really pissed me off. Was promised in-mast roler furling, confirmed 3 times (one in writing) and ended up with a stack-pack that jammed. Never could get the main up. Interior was beat up, engine gauges dead, depth finder rarely worked, GPS dead, auotpilot useless, but the refer and batteries were very good. TWYC told us to live with it, but offered 2 bags of ice as compensation. The in-mast furling was important to me since it was just my wife & I on all three charters & she gets a little neverous when I am up on deck wrestling with a large main. I just hate being lied to. BTW, I am very mechanical and don't mind dealing with normal boat stuff, but I think this stuff should be working when the boat is picked up. Another couple chartered a cat in May at the same time and the water tank flooded the cabin, one engine constantly stalled, generator rarely ran, refer sucked, etc. One owner I talked to took his cat away from TWYC because he said they would do no preventive maintenance and he lost an engine due to lack of oil changes. He said they wait until it breaks, ignore it for a while then half-assed fix it. The boats were clean and the marina staff very friendly and we did have a great time. However, I reccomend using Sunsail or Moorings because they have a big enough fleet to substitute another boat with better service & support. You get what you pay for.
We have chartered with them for the past 3 years and I am tired of all the excuses, plus they will say anything to close the deal. Examples: May 2001, Beneteau 331 (Sea Sou) had bad batteries and terrible refrigeration, TWYC said we just had to live with it. May 2002: Beneteau 381 (Negotiator) Same thing, house batteries would not hold a charge and would be dead 2 hours after shutting down the engine or disconnecting from shorepower. May 2003 (Tack's Shelter) Beneteau 381, this one really pissed me off. Was promised in-mast roler furling, confirmed 3 times (one in writing) and ended up with a stack-pack that jammed. Never could get the main up. Interior was beat up, engine gauges dead, depth finder rarely worked, GPS dead, auotpilot useless, but the refer and batteries were very good. TWYC told us to live with it, but offered 2 bags of ice as compensation. The in-mast furling was important to me since it was just my wife & I on all three charters & she gets a little neverous when I am up on deck wrestling with a large main. I just hate being lied to. BTW, I am very mechanical and don't mind dealing with normal boat stuff, but I think this stuff should be working when the boat is picked up. Another couple chartered a cat in May at the same time and the water tank flooded the cabin, one engine constantly stalled, generator rarely ran, refer sucked, etc. One owner I talked to took his cat away from TWYC because he said they would do no preventive maintenance and he lost an engine due to lack of oil changes. He said they wait until it breaks, ignore it for a while then half-assed fix it. The boats were clean and the marina staff very friendly and we did have a great time. However, I reccomend using Sunsail or Moorings because they have a big enough fleet to substitute another boat with better service & support. You get what you pay for.
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