Good Bareboat Companies in Belize??

benlolson · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004

We''re heading down to Belize for the annual sailing trip during the month of August and I''m having trouble finding any good deals. I''m looking for a cat or mono about 42'' or so, and want to charter for two weeks. Last year in the BVI''s Conch Charters rented us a nice 37'' Lagoon cat for two weeks for the price of one ($2800) during their low season.

How come I can''t find any companies offering anything better than $3500 a week? Anyone know of an alternative? I am not so concerned with the boat being brand new and flawless, as long as she''s a good sound vessel.

Eva · #2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004

There are basically two charter companies operating in Belize: the Moorings, with a few boats in Placencia, and TMM with boats in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Placencia. Of the two, you are likely to get a better deal with TMM, which has a larger fleet with a greater range of ages.

However, a couple of things conspire to make Belize more costly than the BVI. For starters, you have only two charter companies -- no competition=no deals. Secondly, without a huge marine industry, it''s much harder and more costly to maintain and repair the boats. Provisioning and other supplies are harder to come by, and more expensive, as well.

I chartered with TMM in Belize last February. It was probably the best charter I ever had -- and I''ve done over a dozen over the years. The solitude and escape from civilization (and hordes of other charterers) was priceless, rendering the cost virtually meaningless.

Irwin32 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004

I have chartered with Conch and was satisfied for the price. I agree - I do not need brand new.

I just chartered from TMM in belize out of Ambergris. I agree with the last post on every point. I will return to Belize before I return to the BVI. My resume is not as good - 2 BVI and one Fl Keys, but Belize was far and away the best. Worth the extra money. See my earlier posts. TMi was great!!

benlolson · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2004

How much can we expect to spend a week in provisions? We live pretty simple... mac & cheese, ramen, that kind of stuff, usually have a few bottles of booze around,etc. In the BVI''s there was 6 of us and we probably spent about $200-300 a week total for all food and drinks we needed for 6-7 days (not including going out to dinner here and there). Like, what does a loaf of bread cost in Belize? Or a gallon of water, etc?

Thanks, Ben

tugboat1 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004

We chartered with TMM and had a brand new 41. Very nice