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Wow! What great responses everyone. I can't thank you enough. You have given me much food for thought and bolstered my confidence with a larger boat. Our main concern right now is cost. With everything included, a cruise in BVI or USVI might be out of our reach THIS YEAR. We might have to settle for a smaller boat in the Florida Keys. After researching, it looks like with airfare and all the extras, we can cruise for about half the price of a VI bareboat, which is substantial to us this year. We found a little company out of Marathon that has a completely refitted Balboa 27' for $800 a week. It draws 22" with board up which will allow us to gunkhole without a dinghy. The boat has good reviews and was featured in a Cruising World article a few years ago. It's not ideal but it will have to do this year.
When this economy picks up, a VI bareboat will be much more doable. Thanks for the warm welcome and I hope to be a contributing member of this forum for years to come. I hope to be able to report back with a glowing post next year!!!
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