Renting a boat and chartering a boat are the same thing in theory: you pay someone to use their boat. However, in practise, these two phrases allude to two distinct boating experiences. Here’s everything you need to know.

What to Expect When Renting a Boat

The majority of boats posted for rent are smaller boats or personal boats that may be rented for an hour to a day. Faster motor boats and inflatable power boats are commonly connected with this type of rental. For shorter journeys, you can also rent a tiny plastic boat around the Dalmatian shore.

When you rent a boat, what do you get? You are in possession of the boat. You are the captain, and you are in charge of creating your own adventure and assembling your own crew. You must bring all of your own equipment, including fishing gear, water sports equipment, snacks, meals, and so on, for an extra enjoyable trip.

What to Expect When Chartering a Boat

Charter boats are usually larger sailing boats or motor yachts that are equipped for a week or more of comfortable sailing. Bareboat, cabin, and crewed charters are the three main types of charters.

A bareboat charter is comparable to a boat rental in that it does not include a crew or provisions. As a charterer, you gain complete ownership and management of the vessel, as well as legal and financial liability for it. It implies you are responsible for all running costs, such as gasoline, crew, and port fees. Most charter firms need competence – a valid skipper’s licence demonstrating that you have the appropriate expertise to charter and operate the boat you desire. You must also furnish the boat while bareboat chartering, which means you must buy the food, beverages, and other supplies you’ll need for your trip, as well as gather your boat crew. As the captain, you make all of the decisions regarding the boat.

Cabin charter is a sort of charter in which you are a member of the crew that hires a competent captain (skipper) to manage the boat, prepare meals, and do all necessary boat operations. You pay for your berth, meet new people, and have a great time sailing under his professional guidance.

Unlike cabin charters, crewed charters allow you to choose who will be in your crew, which means you hire a captain as well as other boat workers such as a cook and a hostess to serve you on the boat.
Modular programmes are offered by some charter companies. For example, the company can outfit the boat to your specifications or assist you in finding a skipper or cook for your vacation. If you’re chartering a boat, this “pre-provisioned” option is useful if buying for yourself would be problematic for whatever reason.

When should you charter a boat and when should you rent a boat?

In general, whether you should rent or charter a boat is determined by what you want to accomplish, how comfortable and relaxed you want to be, and how long you want to go. Bareboat charter could be the ideal option for you if you want an adventure and have the requisite experience to be the captain and run the boat yourself. If you want to go on a true sailing expedition for at least a week or more, chartering a boat can be a lot of fun. It’s almost like going on a cruise, only you can go wherever the wind and your lust take you, set your own timetable, and never have to queue for anything!