Crew a Charter Cat ?

[chad.lawie]

My wife and I were recently given an opportunity to run a charter cat in the USVI.

We would appreciate input from anyone who are done this before. What are you experiences?

What are the customers like?
What are the boat owners like?
What is the money like?
What are the accommodations like?

Thanks for your help!

Chad and LeeAnn
HoboSailor

[acdude]

Hi Chad and leeann.
That is what I do.I run a charter business down here in Mexico.
I am located on the northern end of the Sea of Cortez.
If you are still thinking of taking on the charter cat I can
share many storys and adventures.
The single most important thing would be your type of clients they
can make or break your trip.
Let me know if you still need more info
thx
craig

[bvimatelot]

Originally Posted by chad.lawie

My wife and I were recently given an opportunity to run a charter cat in the USVI.

We would appreciate input from anyone who are done this before. What are you experiences?

What are the customers like?
What are the boat owners like?
What is the money like?
What are the accommodations like?

Thanks for your help!

Chad and LeeAnn
HoboSailor

Its a bit of a difficult question but here are some thoughts.

Customers: Sort of depends on whether you are running a 5* vessel or something cheaper. the more upmarket the boat, normally the more "civilised" the guests are. In the worst case they can be rude, obnoxious, slovenly, gluttonous drunken a**holes and in the best they can be courteous, appreciative, a joy to be with and become firm friends. Normally they are somewhere in between,

Boatowners, as far as crew are concerned can range through all of the above in addition to being either completely anal about their craft or know nothing at all and rely on you.

The money: should be a living wage and of course its "all found". Superyacht crews get paid very well but I'm afraid that the run of the mill usvi crewed charter yacht crew are not in that league! Tips are pretty good though.

The accommodation: You should have your own double cabin and separate head.

Romantic as it sounds, I have to warn you that its damned hard work!! you will sail, maintain, cook, make beds, clean and polish, answer inane questions with a grace and charm you didnt know you possessed. You'll act as a marriage-guidance counsellor, tour-guide and baby-sitter - to name a few - whilst maintaining a breezy confidence-inspiring demeanour and with a can-do attitude. You'll unblock heads with a monotonous regularity, always with a smile on your face. You'll help the last drunken guest to bed at 3.00am and still be up at 6 (cleaning, maintaining, preparing for breakfast, making sure that when they awake there are fresh towels and lashings of hot water)....Oh yes - its a fun life!! Then, when they have departed you will do the ship's laundry re-stock the food and booze and start all over again the next day.

Have fun, Tony

[FedeV]

Sounds awesome, where do I sign? =P

Really though, it'd be worth it just for the odd weekend you can get away by yourself and all those beautiful sunrises and sunsets... dreams are still free, right?

I wish you success on this endeavour, chad & leeann.