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First post and I am already grateful to information and knowledge gained on this board.
My son, who is 23, appears to be headed to STT. My wife and I on a quick getaway took a day sail and while on the trip we talked to crew about job opportunities for my son. After some discussion it seemed feasible and upon our return my son shipped off a resume to the capt and owners. Nothing definite yet, but it sure looks like it is a 99% go for him to relocate.
I realize both the daily and weekly charter is a tough road, but if you absolutely love being on the water and meeting new people it appears that it can be good thing. But you know parents – it does not matter how old you are – you are still a child in your parents’ eyes. Not sure if I think he is taking to big of risk leaving a good job with benefits to the unknown or I am just jealous.
I ask anyone out there that is now or were on a charter crew on boats a few questions.
What is the biggest mistake most make when arriving on the island?
Is it easy or hard to jump from daily to weekly charters?
When you are a mate do you get a hourly wage + tips or just tips?
What would generally expect to make during season (Nov – May) per day? Same question off season?
Should he wait a few months before trying to find a car or do you need one from the get go?
Are there any bulletin boards online for folks looking for roommates?
Any help or other recommendations gladly accepted.
Have a happy....
Posted : April 12, 2005 8:00 pm
Dear Dad,
What is the biggest mistake most make when arriving on the island? Not calling your parents on a regular basis 🙂
Is it easy or hard to jump from daily to weekly charters? If your son learns to "chef" it is not a major problem. Mate/Steward jobs are a little harder to find as only the larger boats use them. Captain work is available for a 50 Ton Master and above who has been working these waters for a year or so.
When you are a mate do you get a hourly wage + tips or just tips? Usually a per diem plus tips.
What would generally expect to make during season (Nov – May) per day? Same question off season? Depends on the boat, the size of the boat, the position he has, etc. Hopefully someone else can handle this on.
Should he wait a few months before trying to find a car or do you need one from the get go? Depends - if he is living and working in Red Hook he can live without a car for a while. If the day sail boat is based out of Long Bay he will need reliable transport.
Posted : April 13, 2005 3:49 pm
Topic starter
Pamela
Thanks so much for the response. You confirmed what my wife and thought.
Another question for the board.... I have read in other post that some folks have saved X amount of money to get through the start up cost of relocating and some for the tough times of August and September.
So the question becomes: How big of cookie jar is required?
Posted : April 13, 2005 11:58 pm
Hi Tom, I am also planning on making the big move south in September. I have done some research on the cookie jar topic and I've heard that you need enough for first, last month rent and deposit ($2000-$3000?) and some to get buy without work for a few months in case. My good friend moved down there a few years ago and went with $6000, I'm planning on stashing away at minimum $7000. I'll be living on STJ. Want to make it as comfortable a move as possible. From what I gather, many people plan this years in advance. I suppose how much $$$ depends on how "comfortable" and secure you want your move to be.
But I'm not there yet,just speculating... so what do "the island veterans" think?
Jodi 🙂
Posted : April 14, 2005 4:58 am
Hello,
I just wanted to add a note on the comment Tom made about August-September. The reason those two months are often mentioned is because its the slowest of the off season. Many of the younger folks moving here are interested in restaurant/bar/tour work which is dependent on tourism. It is really not a good idea to move in August/September if you are moving to work in a tourism sector type job. It makes more sense and cents to wait until October/November when season starts picking up again. That said if someone moves during any month of the year and is working in a job that tip/commission is a big part of the pay then it is necessary to save some of the money you make during high season to carry you through low season - for the obvious reason that you will be making less tips/commission if there are less people around to buy.
Jodi - your figure sounds good.
--Islander
Posted : April 14, 2005 6:20 pm
Topic starter
Thanks all for the input. He is pushing hard to get down by mid May at the latest. I think cookie jar is going to need help. Hopefully a good roomate(s) can be found to hold down some of the cost.
Thanks agan
Posted : April 15, 2005 1:41 am
TomB-
Would love to talk with your son as i am anxious to get down there myself. Will be making a pre-move visit in MAy to try and secure a job and housing. Then will either stay or come back to the states until the beginning of june. Only staying for the summer however as College life and class back in DC are requesting my attention. My cookie jar is low as well so rooming might be a possibility, depending on what island he wishes to settle.
Thanks!
Posted : April 18, 2005 5:51 pm
Topic starter
Patricia,
It looks like he has a mate job on daysailer out of the east end of STT. He has to get some mandatory training before the owner will give him the firm nod, so he is in Flordia attending STCW courses. The plan is for him to take the other required course in Baltimore next week, then I think his plan is to head down in middle May.
I see you live in DC - He lives in Fredericksburg not to far south of you. I will make sure he contacts you when he gets back. Send me a private message with email address and I will get it to him
Good luck on finding summer employment
Posted : April 19, 2005 6:54 pm
