Chartering with Baby

catamarans · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007

Is chartering with your baby to much of a hassle? Have any of you ever done this? Any recommendations?

Cruisingdad · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007

No one has answered, so I will. I have not chartered with kids (I own my boat and go that route), but going with kids is a lot of fun. We had ours on board at 5 days... so the age is not a problem. Air conditioning will be an issue if you go when it is hot. I do not knwo if charter boats have a genny and ac. Opening the hatches at night will about freeze you out, but you need to take a netting to keep the no-seeums off (not mosquitoes, mind you, no-seeums). We had a very miniature covered playard made by Fisher Price that worked very well. It is a half-dome on stands with a zip-up netting. Never had a problem with bugs and Chase loved it.

Take a lot of bug spray and good SPF (water babies) for the youngster. Their fair skin will get sun burned even under a bimini all day. Pack for a long week like you were going camping, and you will be fine.

Hope that helps. Let me know is you have any specifics.

- CD

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2007

We chartered with a 2 year old once long ago in the Virgin Islands. Was a lot easier than being at home! go for it!!
I think CD offers some great advice....we didn't have to worry about bugs or air conditioning in the BVI's. The babies love the warm and the water. Just bring the pampers and some strong hefty bags and enjoy!

leventyapan · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007

Hello Catamaran...How old is your baby? I am planning to sail for a week with our four month boy...I don't if it is crazy to sail with him or not?? I need some advise too..

hellosailor · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007

One hand for yourself, one for the boat.

Which means you either need a spare person to tend to the baby, or lots of velcro to make sure it stays secured on board.

Other than the fact that babies need constant supervision (or lot of velcro) I can't see why there would be any problem besides the need to pack lots of diapers and a diaper pale.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007

While they're not chartering, but living aboard a boat... you might want to read their blog as they have a toddler aboard their Alberg 30.

Strathgowan's Blog.

If you have the room, a portable playpen is a pretty good way to corral the kid, and a bit more kid friendly than Hellosailor's velcro...

Cruisingdad · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007

Leventy,

It is no big deal at all... it really is not. You will have fun and it is actually easy at that age because they are pretty imobile (ie, not trying to go up the companionway). just do what I talked about eariler and you will be fine. Have fun and PM me or write back if you have specifics.

- CD

Jotun · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007

Anyone found an effective gate to keep them in the Vee berth? My youngest is 1 and can walk. I want to be able to put him down in the Vee for naps, but don't want him to be able to crawl out when he wakes.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007

Two words for you Jotun: Doggy Gate... get them at any pet supply store. The plastic ones will work really well and won't care that they're on a boat.

If it is him falling off the v-berth that worries you... setup a portable playpen...instead. It'll keep him safe and confined.

If you think he's too old for a playpen, setup lee cloths and put him behind one when he's napping... if it is the full length of the berth, he won't get by it very easily.

Cruisingdad · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007

I wish I had pictures, but we made what looks like the side of a crib and were able to force that between the cushions and bulk head on our 380. On our 400, that did not work as well, so we mounted it on a hinge so it could be opened and closed. Glen finally graduated this last month and no longer uses either. Truth was that he had been crawling around it for over a year. However, it does work for the most part.

- CD