In theory, renting a boat and chartering a yacht is the same thing: you pay someone to use their craft. However, in practice, these two phrases allude to two distinct boating experiences. Here’s all you need to know.
What to Expect When Renting a Boat
Most boats posted for rent are smaller boats or personal boats that may be rented for an hour to a day. Faster motorboats and inflatable powerboats are commonly connected with this type of rental. You may also rent a tiny plastic boat around the Dalmatian shore for shorter journeys.
When you hire a boat, what do you get? You have the ship. You are the captain, and you are in charge of creating your adventure and assembling your crew. You must bring all of your equipment, including fishing gear, water sports equipment, snacks, lunches, and so on, for an extra enjoyable vacation.
What to Expect When Chartering a Boat
Charter boats are generally larger sailing boats or motor yachts outfitted 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 food. As a charterer, you get complete ownership and management of the vessel, as well as a legal and financial liability for it. It implies you are responsible for all running costs, such as gasoline, personnel, and port fees. Most charter firms need competence – a valid skipper’s license 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 collect your boat crew. As the captain, you make all of the decisions about the boat.
Cabin charter is a sort of charter in which you are a crew member that hires a qualified captain (skipper) to manage the boat, prepare meals, and do all essential boat operations. You pay for your berth, meet new people, and have a great day 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 and other boat workers such as a cook and a hostess to serve you on the boat.
Several charter companies offer modular programs. For example, the firm may outfit the boat to your specifications or assist you in finding a skipper or cook for your vacation. If you’re chartering a yacht, this “pre-provisioned” option is useful if buying for yourself would be problematic for whatever reason.