usvi-on-line
Dinghy Rental
Dinghy Rental
We are interested in renting a dinghy during our trip to explore some beaches that are not otherwise easily accessible. We're staying at the westin and would likely rent from the on site place.
Here's my question: neither of us are what I'd call nautical folk. I can handle a pontoon boat on a lake and that's about it. If the seas are calm, is the dinghy rental thing pretty easy? Is it difficult to figure out how to get the thing ashore and back in the water? Would you recommend a newbie doing this?
Here's my question: neither of us are what I'd call nautical folk. I can handle a pontoon boat on a lake and that's about it. If the seas are calm, is the dinghy rental thing pretty easy? Is it difficult to figure out how to get the thing ashore and back in the water? Would you recommend a newbie doing this?
I think it all depends on your comfort level. If you pay attention to the instructions given, you will probably be fine. We had 3 couples go out on dinghys (4 went 1 day in 1 dinghy) and we went with our daughter a different day. Our experiences (EACH couples) was totally different. 2 of the 4 thought it was fun and easy and the other couple came back warning us not to take our daughter that it was too rough. Well, we don't listen and went ... the "bumps" were her favorite part. We had to get out into hurricane hole and it was a little choppy but once out there it was calm and beautiful. I am not sure out renting anywhere else or going out from the westin.
I paid no attention to the instructions (that's why I bring the husband) but he pretty much put 2 and 2 together and I felt completely comfortable.
I paid no attention to the instructions (that's why I bring the husband) but he pretty much put 2 and 2 together and I felt completely comfortable.
Dingy rental
I'd recommend the one with the center console as well. We rented a few trips ago and it was a bit rough coming around into Trunk Bay. I prefer boats you can't fall out of and made my poor hubby turn the thing around. But that day you could have surfed Johnson's Bay, so he didn't mind too much. Now, we always go for the 25 or 28 footer from Ocean Runner (much more my speed!). But the dingy was fun in calmer water.
If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul.
Yes, you do.Jerseyboy wrote:Question: If you rent a dinghy or small boat in STJ and visit the BVI's, don't you have to go through US Customs upon your return and vice versa?
John and I talked about renting a dinghy a lot. On the one hand, it would be neat to see some of the beaches we normally would not have access to. John does have boating experience, but only on a lake, definitely not the same thing. We are kind of wimpy, I guess, but decided against renting one. John decided he did not feel comfortable driving the boat on the ocean himself, even a bigger one, so that's that. We might have a captain take us out for the day though, still thinking on that.
We are going out with Captain Phil, which I am looking forward to.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
Thanks, liamsaunt. I thought so but never hear anyone mention it or the worries about having to bring your passport.liamsaunt wrote:Yes, you do.
John and I talked about renting a dinghy a lot. On the one hand, it would be neat to see some of the beaches we normally would not have access to. John does have boating experience, but only on a lake, definitely not the same thing. We are kind of wimpy, I guess, but decided against renting one. John decided he did not feel comfortable driving the boat on the ocean himself, even a bigger one, so that's that. We might have a captain take us out for the day though, still thinking on that.
We are going out with Captain Phil, which I am looking forward to.
I don't think you're being wimpy, just more on the cautious and safe side.
Have a nice trip with Captain Phil.
ALW1977,
The tribe has spoken, not much to add other than it is easy (the small ones anyways) and that it does let you check out all the various beaches. If touring in a car most places you can't see the beaches and mentally put together a concept of coastline. Roads with cutbacks and vertical up & downs thru the woods confuse the brain (mine anyway). The boats are ideal for exploring- can't wait to do it again! BTW on the smaller boats take some plastic bags for stuff you want to keep dry. And make sure they give a friggin' anchor or you have to hang around and watch your boat so it doesn't become "un-beached".
Have fun!
Suds
Question for others: What is the going rate for center console rentals?
The tribe has spoken, not much to add other than it is easy (the small ones anyways) and that it does let you check out all the various beaches. If touring in a car most places you can't see the beaches and mentally put together a concept of coastline. Roads with cutbacks and vertical up & downs thru the woods confuse the brain (mine anyway). The boats are ideal for exploring- can't wait to do it again! BTW on the smaller boats take some plastic bags for stuff you want to keep dry. And make sure they give a friggin' anchor or you have to hang around and watch your boat so it doesn't become "un-beached".
Have fun!
Suds
Question for others: What is the going rate for center console rentals?