Most if not all local boatowners have seen the condition of the rental companies boats after a short time in the rental market - not the way they would like their boat treated for the most part - However there are local owners who will Captain their own boat for charter - that is their business and they are excellent at providing custom charters. This is not a "much cheaper" option if that is really your objective.
The rental companies also have a chase or support vessel available-- that would not be the case for a private individual should you experience a problem. I am sure the insurance complications are also an issue.
Also many of the renters will want to go to the BVI - leaving the country with an individuals personal boat doesn't sound like an attractive liability option should anything untoward happen or Customs/Immigration questions arise.
The "boat renting places" you mention are locally owned and operated by people who live here if that was your concern - not franchises.

Thanks for that info. Definitely some things in there that I hadn't really thought of. My main goal or objective was to see if there was any possibility of renting any kind of boat for the week (not a dinghy) and it still be affordable. Most places I have seen are around $500+ for the day, and that's considered 8-5. I was hoping to find something for like $1500-$2000 for like 5 or 6 days. I figured these establishments probably aren't real flexible with their rates and have yet to find a place that rents a power boat by the week. Anyone else want to chime in??

I hasve never heard of anyone renting a boat for an extended period of time. I am sure people do it but the island is so beuatiful with so many amazing beaches, that I am not sure that renting a boat for more than a day or 2 would be a good use of time or money.

There are no public docks on STJ and you can not pull the boat up on the beach, so I think the only advantage would be to snorkel and there are amazing, really amazing snorkeling from the shore at a number of beaches.

What did you plan on doing with the boat for the week?

Inquire at all the rental companies - June is not as busy as high season and they may well rent you a boat for a week at a price you can live with - You will have to decide and inform them of where it will be overnite if you are not leaving it with them - I pretty much doubt they will allow after dark operations - They may require you to stop by a few times so they can see how things are going - but they are in the business of renting boats so a weekly rental is not a request they haven't heard before and they don't have to clean and maintain it on a daily basis so depending on your experience and financial decision it is quite likely a possibility.
STT companies:
Nauti Nymph
Sea and Ski
Waters Edge
Awesome
Aqua Blue
Pocket Yachts

jasonhumphreys wrote:
I figured these establishments probably aren't real flexible with their rates and have yet to find a place that rents a power boat by the week. Anyone else want to chime in??

They can be quite flexible. Remember, they aren't making money with the boat sitting at the dock, plus, you replace the fuel so it doesn't hurt them either way. I know several of the companies that exit zero listed offers weekly rates. I know for a fact Nauti Nymph has a deal where you buy for or 5 days and the 6th is free, or something like that. You just have to call around and explain your situation, but be very specific so that they can give you a decent ball park figure.

Again, there is only so much you can do in the USVIs/BVIs w/a powerboat, and they are only so big. 8 people is pushing it for even some of the larger powerboats so you may want to keep that in mind.

Jason,

The biggest concern I see has to do with the number in your party (eight). Majority of the rental companies in the USVI rent out as "six-packs". (Maximum of six (6) passengers are allowed and a captain, if you prefer). It appears the only way you are going to be able to have your entire party on one boat is: 1) go on a USCG certificated vessel that carries more than six (6) which will most likely have other passengers on board with you, or 2) arrange a "demise charter". This allows you, I believe, a TOTAL of twelve (12) people on board. This number of twelve (12) includes the crew. The only problem with a "demise charter" is that it is very expensive. If I were you, I would call your local U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office before you sign any contract.

Jason,

Sorry, hit send button before I could correct my last. "Demise Charter" will allow only your party of eight on board and one in your party will have to operate the vessel as the captain. If you want to hire a Captain, we are back to the six-pack rule

There are term charters where you can rent a boat for a week. Mostly out of Tortola to be used in the BVI's. However, you need to demonstrate your sailing abilities or a captain's license, or you can 'rent' a captain to sail for you. I did this 2 years ago and had a blast. However, think about what you're willing to pay. $1500-$2000 a week for 8 people is peanuts. We rented a 38 footer for 4 people with a captain and paid (if I remember correctly) ~$2500 without provisions. But I agree with everyone else, there's not a soul I know of that would rent you their boat and send you on your way. Would you give your car to a total stranger to go off for a week with 7 other people? You can rent power boats from the USVI. Nauti Nymph rents them out, but usually by the day and I'm not familiar with their requirements. Good luck, I hope you find what you're looking for!

Jason,
First off let me say for the record that I work for a bareboat charter company in St Thomas, CYOA. That said it isn't likely that you are going to find a boat for five or six days any place near your budget. Nauti Nymph and Ocean Runners both rent boats rated for 8 passangers as bare boats. Assuming yourself or some one in the group is qualified to operate the vessel, the six pack rule only applies to paid crew. Their daily rates are going to run in the neighborhood of $500 a day. Even if they are willing to give you a discount for a week it won't be half price. They also are likely to still require you to return the boat daily to their base. No charter company will allow you to navigate after dark and they will want to secure the boat after dark. So you will still be locked into the 8 to 4:30 ish thing that most require. Another option would be to rent a week long bare boat from one of the charter companies like the one I work for , or VIP or Island Yachts or Mooring, etc. You would have the boat for the week. But you are going to have to provide qualified crew and somone is going to have to sleep aboard to secure the boat. You still won't be able to navigate at night but you can take a mooring at several places around St John and day trip with the family. This option also won't fit your budget.
Jay