How to go cruising for a limited time ???

danlarson · #1 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

Hi All,
Just wanted to get your thoughts on the following.
I'm trying to find a way of cruising in the Caribbean for around 60-90 days starting Jan/Feb 08.
I have 3 months off work and want to spend all of it afloat. This time period seems not worth buying and then selling a boat and yet to charter from regular charter companies for that period of time is crazy expensive. Ideally I guess I'm looking to "borrow" a 40ish footer monohul from someone who is taking a break and wants to earn some extra cash. I'm a qualified RYA Yachtmaster with many years of experience, looking for an extended vacation. (pref St Martin as a starting point).

Any ideas?
Dan

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

Dan-

It is very unlikely that you'll get any takers... the problem is the insurance... even with an RYA Yatchmaster, most insurance companies would balk at insuring a boat being used by someone not the owner for such an extended period of time. Also, if they were to take payment for your use of the boat, it would void most insurance policies...since to take payment effectively requires a commercial insurance package, since you've effectively chartered their boat, and that kind of insurance is something considerably more expensive than what most have or would want to have. Finally, most people cruising long-term live on their boats...and I seriously doubt that many would be willing to have a stranger living in their home for any extended period of time, particularly one they don't know, and won't be there with.

uspirate · #3 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

you would be better off just outright buying a smaller seaworthy boat for that region. then possibly selling afterwards.

Waterrat · #4 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

Hello Dan

The Dog is probably correct but you never know becasue some people may have a good reason to take your offer. They may need some cash to visit the family or what ever motivates them. It is worth a try and I hope for your sake someone actually does but if it was me, I hate to say, but I wouldn't. I may let you come down and visit but where I am now its snowing. Best of Luck. The RAt

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

IMHO, buying a boat doesn't really make sense, unless you're looking to own a sailboat. Most boats, even new, are going to require a fair amount of work over a three-month time period. Unless you're capable of doing this work, you'll have to pay someone to do it. What might be your best option is to crew and boat hop around the Caribbean. Granted, this isn't quite the same thing as having your own boat, but it would be one possible way to do it without incurring major capital or chartering expenses. You'd also get to meet a lot of different people over the three months, and probably learn a lot about sailing, cruising, and various aspects of boat maintenance. It also might be a good deal less expensive than cruising on a rented boat—since your fuel and board costs would be split or in some cases paid for.

BTW, one of the reasons I said what I did is I've talked to people who were in fractional owner programs, often with people they got to know and trust, and many spoke of their dissatisfaction with having the boat not be setup exactly the way they have it, and how frustrating that was... and that they wouldn't do fractional ownership again...even if it meant getting a slightly older or smaller boat.

Boats, unlike cars, are very specific to their owners. Even brand new boat will generally require several thousand dollars of small modifications to get it to be "perfect" for the owner and the way they sail the boat. Things like how the reefing is done, whether the lines are run aft, whether it has mid-boom or end-boom mainsail sheeting, what kind of traveler is on the boat, where the winches are located... are often things that people customize for the way they use their boat.

Faster · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007

Long odds on this one, I'd say..

But if you live in a desirable area, perhaps you could tempt someone into a "House/Boat" swap for that period. Problem is most people are trying to get to the warm zones that time of year. But, as Waterrat suggests, you never know.

A boat swap would be more liklely successful, but it doesn't sound like you're in a position to offer that. Again the season isn't quite right.

Good Luck