TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands MarineMax 443 vs Moorings 433PC

We recently completed a fabulous 10 day charter aboard the MarineMax 443 (Aqulia 443). We are returning for 10 days in May 2020 and considering the Aqulia and the Moorings 433PC (Leopard 433PC). The Moorings 433PC seems to have a larger salon and lounge area on the front of the boat (lacking on the Aqulia). Both are 3 cabins with large master berths (there are just the two of us - we like space). In addition to the layout, the major differences in the boats seem to be the fresh water maker and hot water capacity. The Leopard 433PC does not list a fresh water maker and the hot water tank is roughly half the capacity of the Aqulia (we like long showers). Would appreciate any feedback from folks having chartered the Mooring 433PC. Is there adequate hot water (for two people) and does the freshwater tank hold enough for at least 5 days? And, if anyone has experience with both boats, any feedback is welcome. Thanks and let us know if we can help answer any questions about the MarineMax 443.

My wife and I just returned from a 16 day trip on the Marine Max 443. We’re actually sitting on our final flight home from Houston to San Antonio as I write this...

We have been twice each on the Moorings 433 and the Marine Max 443. Your observation about the larger salon on the front of the boat is valid. We did miss that on the Marine Max, but it did not outweigh the advantages of the 443 for the way we use the boat.

The water maker is a game changer for us. We really enjoy not worrying in the slightest about how much water we use. Even though it’s just the two of us, we can really go through water in a hurry. And not caring how long we shower or take our time doing the dishes is great. The 433 probably is fine water wise for a 5 day trip, but all of ours have been 10 days or more, so the water maker shines for us.

The master berth is the other really big one. Even thought the Moorings 433 looks large ‘on paper’, the master in the 443 is so much better. You can’t get in and out of both sides of the bed on the 433; and that has been really great for us especially getting up in the night to use the head.

The 443 has spoiled us. We won’t be going back to the 433; although you really cant’ go wrong with either one.

Tom

I have been on both boats. The main living area I prefer on the Moorings boat especially the ventilation and having a place to eat outside in the aft cockpit. We almost never eat inside. I prefer the walk around berth on the Marine Max but it might have been a bit smaller as a result. With 206 gallons of water on the Moorings boat I can’t imagine how two of you can run out so it’s a non issue. Engines are the same.so fuel burn should be the same. In the end all things being equal we prefer the main living area on the Moorings boat. Take the one who makes you the best deal! One small point. The Marinemax boat is ugly!
G

Good morning! What was the name of the 443 you were on? Sorry, a little off topic..
Thanks,
Jim W

"Ugly" is much too kind..

Thanks for the feedback. One more question, the Moorings 433 does not seem to feature any sort of enclosure for the fly bridge. Can anyone comment on the wind or foul weather protection (other than sunglasses and a windbreaker) available on the Moorings boat? I guess I could just call them but assuming they say no, is it an issue?

I wouldn’t worry about foul weather in the BVI, when it rains its usually a half hour squall and you’ll probably find the rain refreshing.
It’s really not an issue.

I've been on the Moorings 433 twice with full crew of 6. This year I'll be on a Moorings 514 with 8. We only filled the water tanks once with 6 people on a 7 day trip and trust me, all were newbies and NOT good at conserving. Don't know how many times I had to yell at them for standing at the sink to rinse a wine glass and left the water full blast while they were distracted talking to someone. We never had any issues with hot water running out. I too debated about the water maker. That was the main thing I really wanted but Mooring's was cheaper every year I checked and as others said, the Marine Max boats were pretty ugly when I saw them in anchorages. Not just in a sort of houseboat style but one 443 just looked really dirty and beat up. That turned me off on them. But as it so happened, I considered them again this year for the 4 cabin, again for the water maker. Still came down to price and in this case deck space and Mooring's won out. Hard for me to say for just two of you. I could see not wanting to pull in anywhere to fill tanks if it's just 2 of you but either way you will have tons of space. I would think that center cabin on MM would beat out the Mooring's boat but as nice as it may be, how much time do you spend in it? I hardly spend any time in mine and at home I'm a late sleeper.

Most 43pc have flybridge curtains for enclosure. They burn about 75% of the fuel a MM does ( subject to how you run it - 90 gallonss last 10 day trip ) , 200 gallons of water is std and if you love hot water leave the 320 Yanmar running and you wont run out of hot water, really hot water. Lastly I have heard the newer fall 2019 43's will have water makers. PS i am on my 2nd 43PC ( Irma ) as owner in the Morrings fleet - so have some first hand experience..

PSS waiting for the new 53PC debut in Miami... WOW

If the 53PC is based off the new M5000 it will be a spectacular boat. I hope the Moorings will offer it in the 4 cabin owners version as well as the 5 cabin charter version.

Certainly has some of the styling cues that I really like. And 25 knots, wow.

Great info above.
Will be returning for our 4th BVI trip having used multiple charter companies, last was with the Moorings.
At 6'6" the MarineMax king bed looks to be a game changer for me!

A few questions from your group's experience please ?
Does the water maker make drinking water?
We have never added the damage waiver and never regret that. Your thoughts on this?
Is it worthwhile for peace of mind to get the 0-1 year old class?
Are the beds in the rear berth of the Aquila truly Queen size (60"-ish) or smaller? (My son is 6'4")

Much appreciated!

Contender,
I can only speak of the MM 443. The main cabin is very roomy with a very large bed. I think you would be very comfortable. I'm only 6' 1" and have found the aft cabin bed more than adequate. Your son's heels may be close to the edge of the bed and he will probably need to mind his head when entering.

We enjoyed the boat very much!

Thanks for your quick reply - will book it this week!!