Conch Charters offer

[fullkeel7]

Saw an advert. in the 'SAIL AWAY' section of the May 08 issue of Sail Mag. offering a 2 week Tortola charter for the price of a one week midseason rate on any boat between June 16 thru Nov. 7th. Other than being at the beginings of and right at the height of hurricane season, sounds like a pretty good deal. Definitely a trip insurance 'must buy' time of year!

Has anyone had any experience with this company, good/bad or comments from friends about any dealings with Conch in Tortola? I've done some slanted research from their web site, but this would be my first charter as person in charge of paying the bill and would appreciate any info/comments you might have about this company.

Bob

Sorry, can this be moved to "chartering"?

[camaraderie]

Conch has been around quite a while and generally gets favorable reviews BUT you must be aware up front that the good prices are because these are older, well used boats for the most part...beyond the age where moorings or sunsail etc. would still have them in the fleet.
Obviously this means you can't expect a ''new boat" experience but you should be able to count on a clean boat in reasonable shape in exchange for a good deal on price.

[sailvi767]

That is a good deal however it would be much better if they offered the two weeks at the normal low season rate. The standard low season rate at many charter companies is often close to half the high season rates. There are lots of Bargins at the moment. The charter company I have by boat with is offering great deals at the moment and its a new boat.

[fullkeel7]

Thanks Cam, I'm not too concerned with the "new boat experience" as I am with, "is the boat reliable?". Guess breakdowns can happen with all things mechanical, so is it worth the increase in price to move up to near new charter? Clearly, there's some research in my future.

Sailvi767, I'm looking for a boat in the mid to low 30 foot range if possible. Can't see any reason not to have a look-see at their web site. PM or e-mail from profile? Thanks.

Bob

[sailvi767]

Hello Bob,

Commercial posts not permitted ...though I appreciate the effort you made to keep it off the board. 2 more posts required till you can PM members.

Bob...if you are interested in a commercial offer..PM sailvi767.

[PierreMundo]

Bob,

It's Low, low low season! Always shop around. Try this:

Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. - Bareboat Companies

Good luck,

Pierre

[fullkeel7]

Sailvi--will do maybe tomorrow.

Pierre--One stop shopping! Shortcutted the site.

Thanks to you both.

Bob

[sailhog]

Fullkeel,
A good friend of mine had his boat with Conch for several years, and it definitely had its problems. Nothing too major, but during a cruise in August of 2005 I recall having to return to Tortola because the ignition switch died on us on day two or three. We sailed back, called in for a tow, and had it fixed within a few hours. The boat was a 1994 Beneteau 461 (I think), and had previously been with the Moorings for five or six years. The people at Conch seem to be reasonably honest about the boats in their fleet, but don't be surprised if you have a similar problem. The canvas will probably be a little worse for the wear and tear as well, the hull a bit scuffed. The refrigeration probably won't be all that great, the sails a bit blown out...

[fullkeel7]

Sailhog,

I'm begining to think, especially with the 'low season' prices in effect, it may be advisable to go ahead and bite the bullet with a newer fleet. Visiting paradise would be no fun if your stuck waiting for repairs. Much more research is due. Thanks for the comments.

Bob

[camaraderie]

Full..you DO know that many of the restaurants and other stores are closed in the off season there right? It is not nearly as pretty either with the green hills kinda burnt out. But the water is just as beautiful as in high season.
Just wanted to mention that in case it would affect your satisfaction with the trip.