USVI-On-Line

Hello All,
I am 30 days from my second trip to STJ (1st was 10 years ago!). I just want to thank everyone for all the great information I have garnered from this forum. Frankly, I am addicted. It is the first thing I read every morning! Here's my question: I have a soft-top Wrangler reserved with Mr. Sutton and I am having second thoughts. I keep thinking, after a long day at the beach, I am sure happy hour at the Beach Bar or Woody's will be in order. I am concerned about leaving our beach chairs, cooler, snorkel gear, etc. in the jeep while we are there. I'm thinking a hard-top may allow us more security. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

You aren't allowed to have the top down on rental vehicles in St. John so it would have to be up all of the time anyway. I'm sure it's easier to get in to a soft top if they really want something they see. Just keep you're valuables out of sight. If you're really going to stress about your stuff the whole time get the hard top....then no worries.

I know they won't allow you to remove the top, but I believe you can zip out the side windows and roll up the back window for a more open air feel. Plus it was the least expensive option. I was just wondering what others did with their "stuff" in that situation with a soft top.

We've always had a soft top - but just like anywhere, don't leave valuables - carry them with you or leave them in the safe at the villa!! We have always left our beach gear/chairs etc, but locked and zipped up!!

We've had both (rented thru STJ car rental) and honestly I prefer the soft tops myself as we like to zip out the windows.

Of course we don't leave valuables in the car but have left snorkel gear and wet towels in the car while at Skinny legs or mongoose junction.

One thing hubby picked up before our trip last year was something like this:

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_r ... tail&id=48

which we used to secure our snorkel gear bags in the vehicle and then we just draped towels over it in the back so as not to draw attention to it.

Honestly in all the years we've been travelling to STJ we've left stuff in the car and on the beach and have never hada problem. Now don't get me wrong we try to be cautious and don't invite situations that would cause a problem (I don't leave a wallet or a camera or purse in an open jeep) but beach chairs and snorkel gear left in the jeep for an hour while we get lunch has never been an issue for us.