Inspecting A Boat Prior To Bareboating
If you're bareboating in the British Virgin Islands,
chances are good that you don't know a lot about a boat: what to look for when
choosing a charter, which things to insist that the charter company take care of
for you, and what should make you look elsewhere for a better boat. Most bareboat companies have been reviewed online at one
time or another. Do a Google search for them prior to signing your contract, and
read what other customers have said. Most bareboat companies are good, but
you'll find that a few have gained a very bad reputation from their customers.
Avoid these, even if they offer a great deal. Remember, you're paying a great
deal of money for a delightful vacation. A discount is worth nothing if you ruin
your vacation by accepting it. When you've chosen a reputable company, you still need
to inspect any individual boat you accept. Start by ensuring that all the
equipment promised by the company is on board. Especially make sure that all
promised safety equipment is provided. If you have small children, it's wise to
bring Check the yacht for any damage, and take a picture of
anything you see, emailing the pictures to yourself as well as reporting them to
the bareboat company. This will prevent any prior damage from being charged
to you (the email gives you a dated record of when the damage was there.) Make
sure you look at the deck, the sails, the hull, and the equipment on the boat
when looking for damage. Test the following items to ensure they are in good working
order: refrigeration, stove (be sure the propane tank is full), heads and
showers for both operation and clear drains, bilge pumps and blowers (if the
bilge is not clean, ask why), radio, stereo, speakers, generator and all systems
it runs (like air conditioning). Start your main engine. Go around to see that water
is being dispelled, and there are no blockages. While the engine is running,
test forward and reverse gears while fenders are in place and you are still tied
to dock. Now turn the engine off to be sure it stops without a problem. Raise your main. Once it's up, unfurl the headsail for
inspection and to make sure there are no tangles or damage. Check the condition
of your anchor and ground tackle where it is in the locker. Make sure your electric windlass is operational, and
locate the reset button. Check the levels of water, fuel (in the main boat, the
dinghy, your stove propane, the generator, and anything else using fuel), oil,
and battery. Make sure that your tool box has all the tools you need. Start your dinghy motor; if it's an inflatable, make
sure you know where the air pump is and that it will run without outside power.
Check that oars and a bailer are kept with the dinghy. Find the emergency tiller
and make sure everything is okay with it. Check the radio one more time. Make sure you know all the
emergency channels. If you don't have air conditioning, ask for wind scoops. Make sure you have all the gear you need, including
snorkeling equipment. Your charter company should take care of any deficiencies. If you find problems, don't automatically assume that they are incompetent; everyone makes mistakes. However, if they are reluctant to repair problems or try to explain them away, don't sign the contract. There are plenty of bareboat companies in the BVI, and you don't need to use one that is unwilling to properly maintain a boat.
Click here to return to Tortola Yacht Charters from Tortola Bareboat Inspections.
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