Bareboat Charter Recommendations - Any Location

Hey all!

I have been a longtime lurker but never registered since I have not had much time to be an active participant. However, I am struggling and thought that I could count on you guys (and girls) for some help! I'm looking for a larger 50'+ bareboat (motorboat) charter to island hop. I don't have a specific location in mind, so I am open to suggestions. Since it's HARD to find a motorboat that I can captain myself, I figured I would 'follow the boat.'

There will be two of us, so number of berths is not an issue. The issue for us is, comfort. We like space. In terms of experience, I am lucky enough to own a 52' Viking (Which will be for sale shortly - PM me if interested) and am in the middle of purchasing a 70', so I do have some experience. It's located in the northeast so I don't want to take the time to run it down to the islands, nor do I want to pay someone (Preferably not). Since my time is fairly limited, I'd rather just hop on a plane to an island (Or Miami) and step onto a boat.

I have only found two and they did not blow me away - one was older and the other had a speed of 16 knots (LAME!!! I am a sucker for power.).

So, any recommendations on charter companies where I can captain the vessel? Thanks so much in advance!

Thank you so much! I forgot to add in my original post that this boat was my #1 option so far. I'm not too familiar with Croatia, but from what I've read so far is, it's beautiful. However, you do have to watch in some spots. So, I definitely have to do some more research on this. Thanks again, Fishtigua!

Thanks for the reply, Pascal! Sorry for my lack of info / broad request. I am actually flexible in terms of where and how long. As I stated above, that boat in Croatia is my first choice so far.

I have been noticing Power Catamarans, but they're SLOW! Regardless, they do look pretty interesting. I came across a 51' one in the BVI. I definitely don't need gobs of power, but hey, I would like it .

I called a few charter companies in Miami but they don't offer too much in terms of bareboat categories. Tons of crewed options, but that's off the table since I could just hire a crew myself to run the boat down south.

I do fish in the White Marlin Open and other tournaments around my area, so I am definitely used to 3-5 seas, and have been in much worse (Friday of the WMO in 2015 was WILD!). My only concern is safety. I know that the chartered boats won't have all of the same safety equipment that I am used to (and would like), so that's definitely something to consider.

Oh c'mon! haha, I totally get that. Funny - I just googled the regulations out of curiosity. I am starting to see that their are requirements, but luckily, I have gone through all proper steps to meet those requirements!

Any other charter companies? Does anyone have any experience with BoatBookings.com?

Hey Norseman! I literally just got home from Europe (Positano) and I had no problem renting a boat. However, there is a 40HP limit for everyone. I did not look into renting a larger boat because my only option was a 40HP vessel. However, in Europe, some charter companies require certifications. I went through the US Coast Guard when I was 13 and took all boating courses, and when I inquired about the boat stated here, I "passed." Sorry I don't have specifics for you, but I would recommend calling the individual company you're interested in to see what they require.