BVI Charter

[jkimberly]

We, my wife and I and another couple, are in the preliminary stages of planning a BVI weeklong bareboat charter. I've been searching through the various outfits based in Tortola that surfaced through a Google search for charterers in BVI. According to my searchiing, they "seem" to be all the same but different, if you know what I mean.

I received an email from a guy from ed-hamilton.com after finishing one of those quick and easy, internet bareboat tests I found on ebare.com. Apparently this company is a broker for bareboat charters and is offering to 'guide' us through the various choices. I've asked what's in it for them and why should I use you to put together a charter for me. I was told that based on the list of boats (and associated opinions thereof) that they sent to me to review, they were knowledgeble about chartering in the BVI and this service was at no cost to me because the prices they've put together are the same as the ones I could get on my own with the various charter boat companies.

This sounds really too good to be true but I wonder . . .

Has anyone ever heard about this company? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

The answers I've gotten from him on several questions indicates that he's on the level and, in fact, knowledgeble regarding bareboating. I'm still wondering though . .

john

[jackdale]

There are a few charter company brokers. I have not used any, but the one you mentioned seems to have a good reputation.

If check around this site you will find a variety of experiences with each company. To some extent it is a matter of you get what you pay for. Newer, better equipped boats will cost more.

Use the search function on the charter forum (http://www.sailnet.com/forums/chartering/) to check out experiences posted there.

[mksailnet]

Haven't used him (probably because I never think to), but he was around when we did our first bareboat charter in 1997; he certainly isn't a fly-by-night operator, or I am sure he wouldn't have lasted this long.

I am sure he will probably be able to get you a very good rate.

Some others may add to the list, but a few things to consider:

-where the marina is for your charter company. This is important if you plan to provision by yourself or plan to be ashore before and/or after your charter. What's around for shopping or dinner? Easy walking?

-the age of the boat.

-support reputation of the company. Had minor problems, once with Catamaran Company and once with Moorings. Both were out within an hour to fix so didn't lose much cruising time.

[Minnewaska]

I think Jack nailed it. You get what you pay for down there. Bargain prices always mean older boats. Some don't care, some do. If you want the best equipped, best inventory and most support, the Moorings has that spot locked up and you don't need a broker to help. You move down from there. If you are looking for bargain basement, some local knowledge might help, but don't expect a Moorings product at some Mom and Pop.

[FarCry]

Minn,
Other than the obvious fact that Moorings is the biggest charter fleet in the BVI area, how did you come to your other conclusions? Who else have you chartered with? How old were the boats you were on? Did you not have the option to get a newer vessel? Could you define a Moorings product? Can you think of any disadvantages of chartering with Moorings as opposed to another "smaller" company?

John,
There are people that make a living from being a charter broker. Yes it is true it does not cost you anything, their fee comes from the charter company. Since there is no fee to you or obligation, I can't think of a downside to seeing what they may have to offer. Think of a broker as a travel agent 20 years ago before the internet. Sometimes they have access to unadvertised specials, not always but sometimes. It might be worth your time to visit traveltalkonline dot com and go to the forums under BVI or chartering and read up on what hundreds of people have written about their experiences with charter companies.

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

I think Jack nailed it. You get what you pay for down there. Bargain prices always mean older boats. Some don't care, some do. If you want the best equipped, best inventory and most support, the Moorings has that spot locked up and you don't need a broker to help. You move down from there. If you are looking for bargain basement, some local knowledge might help, but don't expect a Moorings product at some Mom and Pop.

[malyea]

jkimberly -

I researched, planned and executed our first ever BVI charter last Feb - it was a complete success. We thought thru and planned it all - company selection, boat selection, provisioning, packing list, travel, anchorages, itinerary, etc

I got a bunch of good advice off this site and some not so good/accurate advice - much depends on what you want the trip to be.

If you care to discuss all of our lessons learned plz PM me and we'll talk.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by FarCry

Minn,
Other than the obvious fact that Moorings is the biggest charter fleet in the BVI area, how did you come to your other conclusions?

What other conclusions? That's pretty much my point and, IIRC, their entire fleet is less than a few years old. The last boat I was on there was brand new. I'm not pitching them, but the largest, newest fleet has the advantage and they charge for it. You could be very happy with less of something. Your call.

[coultereng]

I've used Ed-Hamilton for several charters. I've been very pleased with their service. Make's things very easy.

[FarCry]

I was initially trying to understand how you came to believe:
1) That you get what you pay for. So anything less then the highest possible price is not a good thing?
2) Bargain prices mean older boats. Not sure how you're defining bargain. It probably doesn't matter.
3) Best equiped. Really???? How so? I'm really intrigued by this comment.

I'm not knocking Moorings/Sunsail/Footloose or anybody else. They didn't get to be the big dog by accident. Clearly they appeal to the masses. Saying the biggest is the best and one shouldn't go anywhere else or it'll be a lesser experience somehow is like saying only buy GM because they are the biggest auto manufacturer and all vehicles are comparable.

I was just trying to better understand your perspective based on your experience with any other charter company in the VI. Bigger is always better, it's clear now, thanks.

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

What other conclusions? That's pretty much my point and, IIRC, their entire fleet is less than a few years old. The last boat I was on there was brand new. I'm not pitching them, but the largest, newest fleet has the advantage and they charge for it. You could be very happy with less of something. Your call.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by FarCry

I was initially trying to understand how you came to believe:
1) That you get what you pay for. So anything less then the highest possible price is not a good thing?
2) Bargain prices mean older boats. Not sure how you're defining bargain. It probably doesn't matter.
3) Best equiped. Really???? How so? I'm really intrigued by this comment.

I'm not knocking Moorings/Sunsail/Footloose or anybody else. They didn't get to be the big dog by accident. Clearly they appeal to the masses. Saying the biggest is the best and one shouldn't go anywhere else or it'll be a lesser experience somehow is like saying only buy GM because they are the biggest auto manufacturer and all vehicles are comparable.

I was just trying to better understand your perspective based on your experience with any other charter company in the VI. Bigger is always better, it's clear now, thanks.

My goodness, FarCry, what got a bee in your bonnet over this? Did you run a competitor or is it just island fever? Not sure this wrestling match is worth it, but let me try to clarify your questions.

1. I did say you get what you pay for, which is a generality, not absolute. I did not say that anything less than the highest price was not good. You are likely to have to give up something. Availability, amenities, age of fleet, something. One may find the trade off acceptable.

2. By bargain, I am referring to bottom prices in the market. Do you know of a vendor that is offering brand new boats at the lowest prices available in the charter fleet in BVI? If so, I'm interested.

3. By best, I was still referring to new sails, new rigging, modern chartplotters, etc. I can see that one might have thought I was suggesting they had lots of toys. Moorings boats are all identically equipped to their standard. They have some toys, but nothing excessive.

For the record, I've only paid for Moorings boats. I've been aboard several others, and I don't have enough fingers to count the friends who have shared other experiences. I suspect that will discredit my opinion with you. So be it.