[ericf]

Hi, we'd like to get our "feet wet" in liveaboard cruising by trying a few months, say 3-6 in the caribbean. (As you might guess, my wife is pushing back on the idea of just buying a boat without some long term experience.)

Is there any (economically) reasonable way of doing this? Charters seem fine for a few weeks, but can you lease a sailboat for a few months or even a year at a reasonable cost?

thanks,
Eric

 

[Faster]

This is the closest thing I could find to 'reasonable' with long term possibilities.. it's in a great area but it's unclear if it's truly a travelling charter possibility or simply a moored 'floating hotel room'..

Put your original holiday on the water.: 1 BR Vacation Yacht for Rent on Les Saintes , Guadeloupe | HomeAway.ca

With most of the other listings featuring large vessels and catamarans at an average $1K/night I can't imagine considering anything like that for any length of time!

 

[FarCry]

This is a place in my area that does long term charters. Seabbatical Long Term Bareboat Yacht Charter - BVI Bareboat Charters

 

[Faster]

This is a place in my area that does long term charters. Seabbatical Long Term Bareboat Yacht Charter - BVI Bareboat Charters

Good to know it's possible, but during the 'good' seasons it's $8-11K/month

Could probably buy an ex-charter boat down there and sell 6 months later for less loss.. might be the better plan!

 

[ericf]

"Faster": I was thinking about that, but was wondering about the expense (sales fees, taxes etc), but also that the time required to buy then fix up the boat would be excessive. Does anyone know someone who did this?

 

[ericf]

Mark, that's probably out of our price range and also a bit large for 2 of us.

thanks,
Eric

 

[rgscpat]

Are there folks who might have piled up some weeks of Owner's Time?

 

[keepintune]

You might want to connect with the manager at each of the charter companies and make them an offer on a mid-term charter rate. I would think they would consider taking 1/2 charter price if it is a 3-month lock. Predictable revenue is a nice thing for most businesses.
Of course, off-season your chances are much better.