FAO Rumrunner

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Mahatma Bag

Original Poster:

27,452 posts

294 months

Monday 19th May 2008
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Hi Rum

What's your take on the charter market for a classic 75' schooner in the Carib/Bahamas based out of Miami? I think in the UK there is a market for hands-on classic boat sailing, say trips of five days or so, for crews who want to get involved on hauling lines and keeping watches, but not sure whether it is the same in the US.

There is a schooner for sale currently doing 20 dollar 'trips round the bay' that I think could be worked a lot harder.

What is your take?

Cheers.



Rum Runner

2,338 posts

232 months

Tuesday 27th May 2008
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Hi Mahatma bag
Sorry for the late reply as i have been away for a while .
With regards to this type of charter , its in my view not the best. The problem occurs in all the safety factors and insurance and having to have eyes in the back of your head . If you wanted to go down the route of a 75 ft classic it would be best to have it as a proper charter boat minimum of 5 days and roughly i am guessing good accommodation for 6 . Then charge a good rate . The other problem occurs with deep draft boats in the Bahamas , you simple will struggle . The upkeep of a classic is crippling as well.
You really have to look at luxury charter game to make any money the hands on British style camping type thing is lots of aggro for little £.
If you want to make some $ and have a nice life off charter the best thing you can do is get a good X moorings 4700 Cat ( Pref X crewed boat ) ,these are on the market at around $275,000 USD to $400,000 for about a 2003 -2004 .
4 doubles 4 heads AC , big deep freeze etc etc .
These boats are easy to maintain , offer vast space , great living accommodation great for none sailors and seasoned sailors . Shallow draft .Equal cabins ,I could go on a long time about the benefits .
You could could buy a used Lagoon 57 cat for a $1 mill , it charters out for more but provisioning is more ,plus maintenance which means there is little in it in the end for a lot more outlay .
The thing is these boats will still pull $10,000 - to $14,000 USD a week less your provisioning cost of say $1,500-$2,000 and broker fees of 15%. Though as a owner and captain you should see 15-20% tip .
These boats are run with Skipper and Chef , i would also suggest that if kept in good order there would be little depreciation over the next 3-5 years . I would think roughly in 3 years the boat would be payed for if you are handy on doing most things yourself .
If you need to talk to people ( owners )first hand about this i can put you in touch with them . But for certain you have to look at this kind of thing as not what you want personally to do or what boat you would like to sail , but what will work as a business to give you a good living ( on a boat ) and life style.
Less risk to your pocket , less people turnover which means less hassle / problems / ware and tear on the boat and you / and less of a safety risk.
http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/727/rpr/1956/1


Edited by Rum Runner on Tuesday 27th May 16:38

ALawson

7,924 posts

266 months

Monday 2nd June 2008
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RR have you coded many boats in the UK? If so which CAT?

Rum Runner

2,338 posts

232 months

Monday 2nd June 2008
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ALawson . No I have not coded any for the U.K market, though i can't see it being to much of a problem with the later boats.Most have escape hatches etc.