A friend has an opportunity on an island in the Dutch Antilles, but his spouse can only find work on an island about 25 miles away. There is no reasonable ferry service between the two. Can you suggest a boat that is reasonably priced, reliable, and fuel efficient enough to make this round trip worthwhile on a daily basis? Travel time is a factor as well. Thanks.

CC w/ outboard.

25 mi ea way is a long commute every day by boat. You're not suggesting she is going to do that run are you?

I'm not sure I'd attempt daily travels in open waters around there. 25 miles is along way, especially during hurricane season. Not many hurricanes run that far south but when they do pass below Puerto Rico and into the other islands the seas become quite large. And don't forget the rainy seasons. Storms can blow up unexpectedly and generate some big waves.
The only way I'd do is if I had a cruiser of about 36+ feet. And one meant for open water cruising, not coastal, with a diesel engine.

Gas is how much per litre down there?

$50 a day in fuel??? Seriously, I bet he's trying to get rid of his wife.

I can see it now, he gets her the VW bug equivelent of a boat. A nice 13' Whaler with a 40 merc. At least she'd be able to take shower while going to and from work each day.

I was just in St. Lucia and diesel was over $3/gallon.

When on the West side of the islands it's pretty calm, but when going between islands you'll catch the trade winds and it's going to be choppy. I went fishing in a 31' Bertram with twin diesels. It'll run all day, but man it was a rough ride.

46 skater with enclosed canapy and diesel turbines.
get ya there quick, uses diesel fuel so its cheaper to fill up, its enclosed to you dont have to worry about rain, and its big enough incase it gets rough.

25 miles is a long way on the water to commute. a seaplane might actually be more reasonable.

So far, the only reasonable suggestion. May not get by the "reasonably priced" criterion, though.

Here is a good boat, also comes with a OSO discount!!!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...478200747&rd=1