I just replied to somebody else the name of a charter called treazzure. I have a hunch that he would take 7 people because he's got a 60' sail boat. I have been to jost with captain joe on treazzure and loved it. It's just an option but like I said he's got such a big boat I would thing he would take 7.Hopefully this will help you.

Thanks for the info. I checked the website and Treazzure is a large boat, but it lists a maximum of 6.

I am finding that 6 seems to be the magic number for most of the ones that get mentioned and ones I find on the internet.

Does anyone have other ideas? I dont' want to have to draw straws for who stays behind.

Thanks.

Boats being listed for a max of 6 passengers is usually because of the captain and his/her license, not capacity of the boat.

A basic Coast Guard license is an OUPV, commonly refered to as a "6 pack" because it allows the captain to carry six passengers max. To carry more a captain has to have a Masters license.

Some of the rental companies in Redhook have boats for 7 or more people, try one of these:

https://ihscnet.commercebox.com/~seeskic/contact.html

http://st-thomas.com/nautinymph/

Outlaw, a first class boat out of St. John is coast guard certified to take up to 12 people. Paul and Vickie do a first class job. There website is www.sailoutlaw.com

We have 8-9 people going and some people suggest Born to Rhumb. I contacted Captain Kevin and he's been nothing but nice and gets back to me really quick with any questions that i've had.

There's a minimum of 7 people and they don't mix groups.

I highly recommend Born to Rhumb. They can take up to 12, Captain Kevin and his first mate Andy are awesome. We took are second trip with them just a few weeks ago and will definitely use them again next year! Borntorhumb.com.

Why don't you rent a power boat from Nauti Nymph or Ocean Runners and for an extra $100 (or so) you can hire a captain for the day and he will take you wherever you want to go 🙂

Pia

http://st-thomas.com/nautinymph/ (the STT link but they are also on STJ)
www.oceanrunner.vi

I have a private boat for up to 14 in US waters or 12 to the BVI's.
Check out the website and let me know if I can be of help to you and your party.
Capt Frank
www.seamorecharters.com

$1500 for a day charter? They should call you PIRATE Frank!!!!

Tortola...it does sounds pretty steep to me. The other thing is, and maybe Frank can clear this up for us. I don't like the idea that some boats take you somewhere to eat. It adds another 40-50 pp to the day. When we went on New Horizons, we didn't understand that. We really would of rather of brought our lunch, sat on the beach and went in the water. I realize that now. So...with Born to Rhumb, we're allowed to bring our own lunches and snack, which I prefer. Especially with 9 people, the cost of stopping for lunch would just be out of our budget.

Frank...have anything to say on your behalf?

As stated above about the six pack license ouvp (operator uninspected passanger vessel) any one with this license can only take six paying passangers. This also applies to the boats any us vessel can only take six paying passangers regardless of the license of the master of the vessel unless it is an inspected boat. This means all of the recreational boats that you rent from Nauti Nypmh, Ocean Runner etc can only take six paying passangers if operated by a licensed captian taking paying passangers. The realy silly part of all of this is you can rent a 29 foot boat without a captain and take eight passangers because the boat is rated for that capacity. But if you are paying a captain you will have to stick to the six number. What this means is you will have to find an inspected vessel. Born to Rhumb and New Horizons both seem to get rave reviews. I am sure this is all as clear as mudd now. As for Captain Frank above I don't know him or the boat but he is running a larger more expensive boat than most of the boats I have seen doing day trips. Which means yes his price is higher than most but you would get the comfort of a larger vessel.

Sea More is a bigger boat, 42ft powerboat. As for bringing your lunch, that is tatally cool. If you looked up the website you would have found that this is NOT a canned trip. The day is up to the passengers and sea conditions. My groups have a great time. If you check out the smaller boats please make sure you find out if fuel and dock pick up fees are included. If not, they can add up. There are no hidden cost with Sea More. Another detail to factor in is your supplies. The six pack boats like Nauti nymph do not usually have snorkel gear, floats,shade, etc. Plus you still need to pack your food and beverages. All of these details are perfectly fine, just make sure you are getting what you expect.. If you can handle your own boat, then probably the Sea N" Ski or Nauti-Nymph is your best bet.
The six pack restriction is not under our control, is is Coast Guard Rules, so the boats that are Coast Guard Inspected need to charge more to cover the cost of the Gov't Hoops they put you through. (extra signs, supplies, bottom inspections, overall inspections, and maitenence requirements, and license fees)
The whole point of going out on the water is to have a fun adventure on the sea. Go places that you may not get to see if you are land locked. So whatever boat you choose should fit your comfort zone. I'm sure fun will be had no matter which trip you go on as long as it is right for You.
Good luck, Capt Frank

The Motor Yacht Cinnamon Bay can take up to 40 people in the USVI and up to 22 for the BVI trips. I've been on this boat several times and loved it.

http://www.motoryachtcinnamonbay.com/privatecharters.html

-Ruth