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Getting ready for trip 02DEC and looking into a powerboat rental for a trip to The Baths and more. The price of fuel does factor in to the total. I am assuming around 15 GPH for a 25 knot speed for about a 26' cat. Sound about right? I know it depends on a lot of variables, I am just looking for a rough estimate.
Boatmanship and navigation is not a concern. I have a little concern with the customs procedure. Is it much of a hassle if one keeps the "island attitude"? How long does it normally take? Where is the best place?
I had nightmares dealing with the local government on STX a few years back so I may be a little "gun shy".
Check in when first getting to BVI then when returning to USVI?
Is there a "sticky" or site that gives a little more detail?
TIA -- Suggestions / Opinions always Welcome
BTW, Thanks to the forum, it's moderators and sponsors. It has been very helpful.
I usually figure about $150 for gas for 9 hours on the water. That would take me from STT to Virgin Gorda (clear C&I here), The Indians, Norman Island, Sandy Cay, Jost Van Dyke, then back to STJ to clear C&I back into the U.S.
Clearing in and out is a piece of cake. It will take some time, due to lines, but be patient and courteous, have all of your documents in order, cash in hand going into the BVI, and you won't have any problems.
Any other questions, feel free.
Thanks for the reply Marty,
That is some good info. Did you consider current gas prices?
I am thinking about maybe more than a single day. I expect it will become more difficult to jump between USVI and BVI in the future and want to make sure I get as much in this trip as possible and that might be rushing 1 day. Rushing will not part of the plann!
I am staying at Maho Bay and am wondering what would be the best way for overnight. Keep the boat mored at Maho or keep it at the renters in Cruz Bay? I can have someone stay on the boat for security if needed. The main thing is to extend the rental hours a little later on day 1 and a little earlier on day 2. Your thoughts? Dinghy required?
Do most business spots have docks or do you anchor out and swim in? Is having a dingy worth considering? I have lots of fresh water experience but salt water is new to me.
I was looking at the catamarans at Nauti Nymph (smooth ride and fuel efficiency) but noticed they require a captain for those boats. Bareboat is what I am looking for and consider that part of the adventure/fun. So now I am considering a 29' Fountain from NN or a 28' Mako from Ocean Runner. Others? Any input here?
Thanks bunches!
Yep, $150 per day for gas should be about right.
I'm not sure if the rental companies do overnight rentals or not. I never tried. If they DO let you have it overnight, leaving it in Maho Bay shouldn't pose a problem. Just make sure you get a bouy as close in as you can. It could be a long swim back to shore and out again in the morning! Haha! Of course, only the Captain has to swim! You can always bring the boat in closer to pick up and drop off passengers. Dinghy? They rent those with the boats?!?
No business spots have docks, except where there are marinas...that I am aware of, anyway.
There are very few that let you bareboat nowadays, as too many people have been ruining their boats, engines, props, etc. It can get can get mighty expensive for the renter. I think Ocean Runner rents out of STJ. I was unaware that Nauti Nymph did. I thought you had to go back to STT for NN. That would make me lean towards Ocean Runner. I always use See & Ski on STT, but they require you to have a captain, unless they are familiar with your abilities, or you have a Captain's License.
Ocean Runners out of St John are good. Regarding leaving a boat on the mooring overnight at Maho would be okay from a security perspective although I'm not sure Ocean Runners would allow it. The big problem is getting to shore...there are no docks at Maho and you probably won't have a dinghy, that would leave swimming.
