carolina_mom

Bareboating in July in BVI's with family. Would it be smart to charter boat with AC? On our last BVI charter in November we used AC most nights--there were no fans in cabins.

Diana

I am a total wuss when it comes to A/C and I really need it.

Frankly, the thought of being ANYWHERE in the Caribbean in July without A/C to sleep is worrisome.

Since you've already done this once, and you used the A/C most nights, I'd say yes, but you would certainly know better than I.

Do the boats with A/C have an onboard generator, or do you have to be at a dock and use their power supply for A/C?

Have a great time!

carolina_mom

The boat we're looking at has no AC--period--no generator. Most people that I've spoken with have said that as long as you have fans, AC isn't an issue. Not sure about July??

Callaloo

I've bareboated in July (and most other months) without AC. If you are from either NC or SC, you'll probably find the BVI in summer more comfortable than home, but you probably don't spend your nights at home without AC either, so it's probably not a decisive comparison.

I personally don't miss AC, but that is a matter of personal preference (I don't use the fans either; I can't stand the noise). If you do decide to go without AC, you can maximize your comfort by anchoring out (marinas are stuffy), opening all ports and hatches (even if you have to close them in the middle of the night for a quick rain squall), and using wind scoops. Even in July, the tradewinds blow steadily.

carolina_mom

That's exactly what most people are saying. We're definitely used to the heat in South Carolina, however, the AC runs constantly. A nice breeze and fans will make it pleasant, I think.

Tuxedocat

Unless you'll be sailing through the night with the breeze coming through, I'd suggest you get AC. We spent 4 days/nights in July one year in the Virgin Islands without AC... all I can say is: NEVER AGAIN.

GoTravel

This is my opinion.

If you dock at night at all, you'll need it. Most marinas don't have a breeze and the inside of the boat can be sweltering.

On the other hand, if you anchor out at night, you will not have electricity so you will have to have a generator.

Also, anchoring out or mooring you usually have great breezes!

carolina_mom

TTP

virginia3

Our group just returned in May and I wish our boat had AC. I like it hot and I am use to hot weather, but we sailed from May 13-20 and every night was unbearable. I had trouble sleeping and the fans were of little help. If I did it again, I would request AC. I know that one of the staterooms had bigger windows so the couple in that room had no problems; however, the other rooms were hotter than that one. I understand that the catamarans have AC, but ours was a monohull.