BVI - MOORINGS VS. MARINE MAX - WHICH IS BEST TO CHARTER?

[@taddherron34]

Alan, I had to add a new comment after our charter last week in the BVI. MarineMax Vacations took what could have been a disastrous vacation and flipped it to the best vacation ever for all 8 of us! Our flights were cancelled, we arrived a day late, lost our advanced ferry & hotel purchases, and had to water taxi from USVI to BVI. Our vacation was in a deep hole, but as soon as we arrived at the MarineMax base it all turned around on the head of a pin. Fayola told us that our bareboat 484 was incapacitated and would not be available BUT not to worry, she comp'd us to a new 545. What's more, she comp'ed us a Captain for the entire week!!! These are expensive upgrades, to say the least, but the freedom they gave us & especially, me, the bareboat captain, leaves us absolutely speechless. All of our thanks to Capt Dunbar, Fayola, Tammy, Kevin, and all of the others from MarineMax Vacations who helped make it "the trip of the lifetime - on steroids!"

[@jackmcgonegal8728]

Great info, Alan. Appreciate it. We've been looking at doing a BVI charter and this answered a lot of our questions. I especially appreciate the info on qualification courses you took. I was in the Navy, but as Maverick told Penny Benjamin in the latest Top Gun film, "I land on them. I don't drive them."

[@MrJustproperties]

I was at the Moorings BVI December 2022 and had a 50 5 cabin and it did have a water maker. No issues with provisions. What we do is get some stuff with provisions delivered and then go to the provisions store which is at the base. Also there is a great deli across the street where they have great food to add. Its really nice to have these close by for hand picking which most people like to do. Going back next week on a 50' 5 cabin. They are so amazing and comfortable. We always do the sleep aboard the night before. Maybe the older boats do not have water makers. This was a new one. I do agree if you can afford the newer one. Go for it!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Good insight! Thanks for watching!

[@MarineMaxVacations]

Alan - thank you for the wonderful in-depth feedback, we're certainly proud of the experiences we're able to provide in the BVI with our Aquila Power Catamarans. And yes, the upcoming 54 model WILL be in the BVI, we look forward to having you aboard her! Cheers.

[@chrisgunn9674]

Fantastic job...thank you! I have been wanting to do this since my 1st visit to the bvi’s, just returned from our 4th trip but had to stay in the USVI’s this last trip (thanks covid). My wife doesn’t think she wants to be on a boat 7 nights but your videos have opened up her eyes. Gonna check out all your videos and hopefully book a charter for 2022!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jesse7563]

Another great video, thanks again. These are invaluable for people like me trying to plan something like this for 4 couples. Really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@lancemcculloch6339]

Hi there, like the video. Our group of 14 with two vessels went for 2 full weeks with a 514 Leopard " Domino two" and a Hanse 40 in Feb 2020 . We loved the layout of the Cat we had a great trip but the vessel had charging /battery issues for the entire trip. We were unable to keep food as the fridge drained the batteries within hours of shutdown. On the 6 or 7 visits from the Moorings staff to correct the problem i began to realize that the people they sent had poor to very poor knowledge of the vessel. I tried explaining that if the voltage meter with the genset on was reading 12 volts we have a problem. They blew me off. Additionally we had no VHF on the bridge and thankfully i brought a handheld , the windlass also did not work and that could have become an issue of we did not have a mooring buoy. I own a Bertram and have had boats for 30 years and know what I am doing and i can tell you I am NOT impressed with Moorings period . I will never rent from them again unless its a freebee. regards Lance

[@moudyelbayadi3422]

Greetings from San Diego. I really appreciate your videos. I’m trying to get a group of guys to head to BVI in 2023

[@taddherron34]

Great comparison. We chartered a 514 with The Moorings in the Abacos three weeks before Dorian wiped it out. We'll be on a MarineMax Vacations 484 the 1st week of April. I'll chime in if I have a clear preference after that. Keep up the great work.

[@winning1products]

Thank you. Finally a host that does not yammer on about bull shit. Great Job Brother.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Hah. Yes there are a bunch of blow hards trying to do this. I appreciate your comments. Happy Holidays!

[@wesbanks3155]

Great videos, i have been to both Moorings And Marine Max and have to say hands down Marine Max and their staff are very caring and professional . also their boats are so well taken care off and are maintained to the highest standards i have seen throughout the Bvis. again great videos and hope to see you down in the islands

[@karindallas7487]

Great video, thanks. We are going next summer and will spend one week getting certified and then go straight to our next week with Moorings. Appreciate all of your videos and advise.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

That’s great! Hope all goes well and enjoy! Happy Holidays!

[@robertsomadhi585]

Thanks so much for sharing, this was great information. I have not chartered a boat yet, but it is on my bucket list for next year. Where can I find more information? Thanks

[@rondunek5642]

Really cool guy for a power boater. :) Love the videos! You do a great job. Keep up the great work.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks for watching!

[@oceantraderco]

I enjoyed this Moorings vs. Marine Max Vid. Your commentary was insightful and fair. My 2 Pence, well, there is no comparison. The Moorings is King of this very expensive and problematic yachting vacation industry. They have been at too long for a relatively new company like Marine Max to be compared in the same class. The local talent at the Moorings is deep and well-paid. The Moorings will also have strong sway with local issues like hurricane holes and other not so visible issues. The Moorings also has a strong and earnest record of promoting local professionals who are in charge at all levels. This last comment speaks to the company’s commitment to the people that keep the yachts in play, and the superb training for any local that really wants to make a career with this company. Sorry Cap, but Marine Max has a ways to go before you can put them in the same league with the Moorings. The Moorings generally will not charter to you if you bash and trash their boats. Great video. Your viewers will appreciate your guidance.

[@randomness5065]

Awesome, I have taken the same trip through the BVI's but we used an independent owner. After the trip we all agreed that next time we would charter our own Cat. This video helps me make my decision, thank you, it was clear and concise without fluff. For me Marine max and lets all hope things get better in 2021 so we can get back to awesome vacations like this!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I'm sure you will plan the perfect vacation for your family! I do recommend using Moorings or Marine Max. I'm actually thinking of purchasing an Aquila 54. I do think they are superior to the Leopards. Happy New Year!

[@chipcook5777]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Alan, what do you think of the MarineMax Yacht Ownership program(s)?

[@BoatingJourney]

Great info 👍 we're (rebooked) on moorings for our first bvi charter in February.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I’ll be there in February too. Happy Holidays!

[@BoatingJourney]

@@thewanderinghillbilly We moved it again to April....so many restrictions. Enjoy!!

[@blackbirds4]

excellent information, excited to get the family out

[@keithhughes2104]

Hi Alan, I've been watching your videos since you bought your own boat and have just been watching a few of your older vids lately, you mention your preference for Volvo Penta over Yanmar and I was just wondering if you still felt the same after your problems with VP on your boat. Normally Yanmar are are considered to be more reliable than Volvo Penta.

[@Justdudeit5]

I am glad I found you video and it was very informative. Having never done this would love to see if you could make a video targeted towards someone like me a total newbie. The checklist, what to expect, budget, planning, chartering with a captain etc. We have a young family and wondering if we should do this when kids are a bit older else, they may get totally bored.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

First off...Merry Christmas! Second, your kids will NEVER be bored in the BVI. It’s like one giant swimming pool with fish and food!! I’ll think about making a “newbie” video. You can ask me any question here tho.

[@PuebloYo]

Alan, you know what they say about hindsight. Knowing what you know now, would you stick with charters or would you still have owned your own boat?

[@oxanabjornsen2515]

Thank you so much for the info! Your videos are amazing

[@bl1996]

Great info. Water costs money in the BVI so a water maker is great! You should include the TP rules as well..LOL

[@davidlynn5385]

You shared a lot of very good information. Bravo and thank you very much!

[@hansschweikert9153]

We're sailors....but we are getting tempted to look into a PowerCat. Generally, are they more expensive or less expensive to charter than a sailboat? I'm not talking about the fuel, which understandably will be more than a sailboat. But just the actual boat, more or less? Or the same? We're enjoying your videos, reminiscing a bit and excited to get back to the Willy T again. Cheers buddy.

[@linopacheco9124]

Alan, thanks for a great video, a true must-watch for boat renters at BVI. You didn't mention that in MarineMax fleet, there is a private head with shower for each cabin in all boats, which for me is a big plus. I've been only once to BVI as a captain, and in spite of having a great travel experience, I regret I didn't see this video before.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you so much for your kind words! You're right...I should've mentioned the private heads...next time! Hopefully we will all be going back there soon!

[@warrenfeldstein3178]

Too much misinformation

[@lewisr7700]

Just booked a charter with moorings. Can’t wait.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Have a great time!

[@johnmacgugan]

I am new to your video series, and I am enjoying them very much. Just curious, have you posted a video about your experience in getting your captains license? I heard you reference in an earlier video that you did get one, I am curious to know which captains class you took in which license did you procure? Please keep posting…

[@ctbjr1309]

This is great. Thanks for sharing. I need to do this!

[@ianlevine9788]

Hello WH! Thanks for sharing your experience. Ive been an owner with Moorings for close to a decade and have yet to try out an Aquila! Would love to connect and chat and learn more about your trips to the BVIs and experience with MM!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Sure thing. DM me on my Instagram. @thewanderinghillbilly

[@beachrastaman22]

Mr. Hillbilly, first off THANK YOU!...for all the great info; I have a question?...we are trying to figure out what company to go with for a week long (7 nights) BVI charter (just renting a guest room for myself and my wife). Any recommendations...or anyone else please, thank you!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Well, if you are wanting to rent a room on a charter boat...I'm not quite sure that is an option. Each charter is to an individual, so you would have to find that individual and strike a deal with him. That's not likely to happen given that each charter is generally for family or close friends. I would suggest you chartering a smaller vessel like the Aquila 44 or the Moorings 43 and select the Captain and cook option. Basically YOU are chartering the boat but it comes with a Captain and a Cook. Hope that helps.

[@lisasullivan5403]

On my list, thanks for the info

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Happy Holidays!

[@Steven-cz5eg]

What boat certifications or classes did you take to skipper your charter with the moorings.

[@claudejudd6105]

Great info!

[@ursulageorge3456]

Spot on account on what to expect and what actually happens. Great comparisons. #Volvo engines.. The Bvi is a lifetime must do.. any amaretto?

[@dennisflanagan8116]

Hello Alan...great and informative video. Are you aware of any companies that provide training on piloting power catamarans? I have boating experience, however, none of that experience is with power catamarans or boats with 23' to 25' beams. We have booked a bare boat BVI trip and would like to get some experience with boats of this nature. The alternative would be hiring a Capt. which I would prefer to avoid. Thank for any suggestions you may have.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Dennis, go to US Powerboating.com and they have a list of courses to take that will qualify you to bare boat the power cats. I took BASIC POWERBOATING and INSHORE POWERBOATING. I also took NIGHTTIME NAVIGATION but it's not necessary to qualify. There are also a list a local companies that offer the courses. In Southern California, I used YACHTS4FUN in Marina Del Rey. Hope this helps!

[@dennisflanagan8116]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Thank you! I'll let you know how it goes.

[@rayperrine1399]

Dennis, the beam is not an issue on these boats. I've owned boats throughout my life but never a power cat. I have captained 2 of them in them in the Bahamas through Moorings and am heading to BVI, for the first time, in July to captain my 3rd. GUYS TRIP!! They maneuver better than a typical v hull because of the separation between engines. If you pull into a marina, they put you in a slip which will handle the beam, just like they do for a 15' beam v hull. Since the marina is trying to maximize space, any boat you bring will be matched to a slip which gives you a foot or two on each side. Lastly, these boats are not speed demons. They don't "bite" when placed in gear like a sportfish. I had a 50' Post which would put you in your seat by putting her in gear.

[@dennisflanagan8116]

@@rayperrine1399 Thanks for the advice. Looks like I found a captain with access to a power cat that's willing to take me out for a couple of sessions. I'll let you know how I make out.

[@colinchambless2720]

Excellent video, thank you for the info!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@chuckhardin4735]

Great videos very helpful. I have driven boats on lakes. Pontoons, fishing boats, and jet ski on lakes. Also, jet ski in the intercoastal water way. I am not a captain. I don't have a captain license. But I would like to charter a boat. But I want to be safe. Is this advisable? Would they even rent to me? Or what would I need to do to learn how? Any thoughts thank you. Chuck

[@smaynard4307]

Any advice on adding Skipper with compaines? It's just me my 2 daughters (Females, 50, 19,16 yr). I was fortunate to have a best friend who invited me on the week cruise. Her parents worked for Moorings (Capt & Chef) and at the end of their season got the catamaran for themselves (family). All I had to do was get an a$800 plane ticket for the trip of a lifetime when I was 32. YEARS later, I'd like to take my girls on same trip but I do not sail or stress. I can cook. So do you know how that works (not the chef) do I get a 4 cabin? I don't care where we go or what we do...I just wanna GO SOMEWHERE. Flying out from Charleston, SC. Not always easy, have to hit up ATL, MIA or Charlotte usually. Bahamas, BVI....ANYWHERE. And when they quote me a 8K-10K price (per filters)...that's not PER PERSON is it. Just everything plus whatever you have to do for provisions, required and skipper. Any advice is welcome. Of course I want to go Chritmas the only time I can get everyone at same time: 12/17/23 - 1/2/24 anytime and do they have to be week long? Min nights. In your experience of course. I appreciate the comparison review....with 2 teenage girls....fresh washed hair is a must!! Bhwaah. Sorry for long mail. Single mom tryin' to do my best. Healthy budget. Goose.

[@smaynard4307]

PS - MY ICEMAKER IS CRITICAL here at home!! HAaaa!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

feel the same! thanks for watching!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

jus call MarineMax or Moorings and figure out what works best for your family. If you go...you will NEVER regret the bonding moments you will have. thanks so much for watching!

[@chipcook5777]

Hello Alan. I have been thinking ALOT about a yacht charter in the BVI's for the last several months. Of course I came across your KZbin videos and have been enjoying them. I am planning on a MarineMax charter. What do you think of early December as a time to go? We would otherwise wait until mid-Feb, but I don't know if I can hold out that long!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

I don’t really have an opinion about December simply because I’ve never been there at that time. February is generally a perfect time to go. Always good weather in the “winter” months. I considered Marine Max ownership but found that most you entered into that agreement didn’t like it in the long run. I am purchasing my own Aquila this year and that’s more suitable for me.

[@chipcook5777]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Absolutely! Congratulations! Will home base be the BVI's or Bahamas?

[@Fedgolfer]

Wow, very helpful. Thanks!

[@moremoney1704]

Was one company more or less $$$ than the other, comparing the same size & type of boat? Great input with the Water maker BTW! Nice Video!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Pricing has been a little all over the place since Covid...but generally, Marine Max is 5-10% more. To me it’s worth it for the quality of boats and the water maker.

[@moremoney1704]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Thx for letting me know! Im in San Diego & cant wait to get back to the USVi & BVI's!

[@magforce]

Thank you!

[@marksmith-ts2gw]

Great info, appreciate it!

[@njrivetelite]

I use to live near Marine Max in St Pete.. I love the Aquila Boats.. I'd love to charter a 44 or their new sexy as hell 54ft. What is the cost for 2 weeks with a marine max boat let's say 44ft?

[@Douglas-1994]

I’m sailing with Sunsail in April next year

[@dougschemmel99]

Excellent video

[@Bingwadc]

Great video. Thanks

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@mariroberts4647]

Thank you I would have to go with someone because I can't drive so I am messed up hope theres people that make tour's

[@blackbirds4]

what are the qualifications to lease a boat? do you need a boating certification?

[@blackbirds4]

I found the answer on one of your other videos, thanks

[@kirkwallac481]

So ,these two companies rent out their expensive boats to anyone? Surely there is a type of training or certification that is required before they will rent it to you. Thanks

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Yes, you have to prove that you have the hours behind the wheel or a training certificate of some kind in order to charter your own vessel. Call ahead to find out about how many hours you need behind the wheel. I qualified by taking 3 US PowerBoating courses here locally in Southern California. I took BASIC POWERBOATING, INSHORE POWERBOATING and NIGHTTIME OPERATION BOATING. These courses took me about 3 months to complete...on weekends...and certified me to charter. You can also just hire a captain through both companies. Alas, you have to give up one of your staterooms in order to do this, though. Hope that helps.

[@davehudson5589]

2023 June update - I am heading out tomorrow and the Moorings has an online provisioning store now. You can go in and order whatever you want and its delivered to the boat! Very nice and easy! And yes… includes alcohol!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Awesome! Thanks for watching

[@LuckyDogProductions]

Good job, thank you!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thanks Matt. Please subscribe to my channel. Gonna release a video about BVI itineraries next week!

[@manuelmontes7327]

Can the group chartering fish from the boat?

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

of course! although I'm not up on how good the fishing is in that area. you might wanna call a fishing charter company in the area just to grab some info.

[@rayperrine1399]

Manuel, we fished, well tried to, from our charter in the Bahamas. I would NOT rent rods from the charter company again. Our equipment was garbage.

[@tubecruzan]

The quote for sleep aboard for Moorings @ BVI was much more expensive than renting a couple of rooms at the mariner. Just make sure you check into this before making your decision.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

hey Daniel, just pulled up my old invoices...probably depends on how many rooms you need at the mariner vs. how many cabins you have on the boat. I needed 4 rooms at the mariner...cost was $1580. (395 a room) The sleep aboard on a 4 cabin 514PC was $1274. That was a SAVINGS of $306 for me. Also, it will depend on the time of year, as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@tubecruzan]

@@thewanderinghillbilly I just rented the other night. 433PC stay aboard for 4 for 1 night was 1150 and 2 rooms at the mariner marina view was 600 total.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

@@tubecruzan two things...you're on a smaller PC...and you only need 2 rooms! So, you're right, each individual needs to check to see if Sleep Aboard is right for their trip. Thanks Daniel!

[@gulfcoastfishinghomesrealt3781]

Great Info!!!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@dannhughes8686]

I’m at blend where are you

[@warrenfeldstein3178]

The small boutique charter operators generally provide boats that are better maintained and more reliable than that offered by the large operators. I would never go with moorings again.

[@lunkerlauncher]

What is BVI

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

British Virgin Islands

[@TheMeyers00]

Thanks for taking the time to post this. I'm a 2-3 years away from my dream of doing this...but I will do it. Do you see many people chartering the 36 footers? I'm not worried about space - there will only be three of us. A lot of the videos I've seen show some pretty windy days and a decent chop. Just wondering your opinion on that. We'll do the 44 if we can make it work money-wise, just curious about your opinion on the 36.

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Jennifer Meyers I’ve only had one short conversation with an associate who chartered the 36 for a week and he said he wouldn’t do it again. It’s really cramped and they give a tiny dinghy with not much power. But it all depends on what you need or are expecting. The 44 is awesome if you can afford it...it’s a beautiful boat that’s safe and easy to operate. Stay safe!

[@thewanderinghillbilly]

Jennifer Meyers about the chop....it happens if you have the 36 you’re gonna be bouncing around a lot. The 44 is far more stable and heavier.

[@TheMeyers00]

@@thewanderinghillbilly Great, thanks so much. REALLY excited about it, and we'll shoot for the 44 when we make it happen.

[@flyovrcntry6425]

If you want a sail boat use TMM NO QUESTION! I have 30 yrs experience sailing the BVI. If you want Power? Marinemax. I've done both many times

[@arrowdesh1492]

Wow! I'm glad you posted this comment. It looks like TMM is hundreds of $ cheaper than Sunsail and Moorings! Good to know!

[@scottcrabtree9178]

Drink one for me brother!