Did you know buying a 40-foot yacht could cost you at least $300,000?
If you’re the go-big-or-go-home type of consumer, you can upgrade to a superyacht. The price tag? Hundreds of millions of dollars.
Considering that the average personal income in the U.S. is $63,214, you can appreciate that yacht ownership isn’t in the cards for most people. But the good news is that you can always charter one if you can’t afford to buy one.
Remember to ask these eight questions before you sign on the dotted line and charter a yacht.
1. How Many People Will Come Along for the Ride?
Before you charter a private yacht, you’ll want to know how many people will join you. Yachts can accommodate hundreds of people depending on the yacht’s size.
Consider whether you’re going with family and a few friends or with colleagues as part of a corporate get-together.
The last thing you want is to have a yacht that’s so small that people feel cramped or so big that you wind up paying more for the charter than necessary. That’s why you need to know how many people will be there.
2. What Is the Purpose of Chartering a Yacht?
Before you charter a private yacht, ask yourself what the purpose of the rental is. Do you want to host a 4th of July extravaganza with hundreds of guests? Are you interested in going on a trip with family and some close friends?
You must choose between bareboat or skippered service when looking for a yacht.
The bareboat option means you’ll operate the vessel independently. On the other hand, the skippered option means you’ll get a crew.
If you plan to charter a luxury yacht for a celebration including hundreds of people, the odds are that you’ll want a crew to help out.
3. What Crew Options Are Available?
If you want a small gathering and prefer to do everything yourself, you can forego a crew or choose a barebones staff to help out.
But if you want to hold a big bash, consider your crew options carefully. Will there be food, entertainment, dancing, and many other activities? Choosing a crew that can offer the help that’ll be needed will be worth your while.
You’re better off having too many crew members than too few. Chartering a yacht and finding out you need more help can turn what should be a great experience into a nightmare.
4. What Will It All Cost?
You’ll want to know the cost to charter a yacht. It’ll be considerably more than the price to rent a recreational boat.
According to one source, it can cost from $10,000 weekly to charter a small yacht and up to $150,000 or more weekly to charter a superyacht.
What things factor into the cost? The size of the yacht, the features, and amenities included, the size of the crew, the accommodations, and the duration of the charter are among the primary things to consider.
You’ll might find that this cost is more than you expected. But the yacht experience is second to none.
It’ll be well worth the cost if you plan properly and make a decision based on research. That’s all the more the case if you find the best yacht rentals.
5. How Long Do I Want to Rent One?
Determining how long you want to rent a yacht is also essential. Choosing a smaller yacht and a smaller crew will help keep costs as low as possible.
6. What Is the Itinerary?
One of the key things to consider when chartering a yacht is the itinerary. If you want a captain and crew to handle the yacht operation, you need to find out whether or not they can honor your desired travel plan.
You might want to check out some sights or travel a specific route. Before signing on the dotted line, ensure your wishes can be honored.
7. Is the Yacht Accessible?
Accessibility is important. Will children, elderly people, or people with mobility issues be on the invite list? If so, you need to ask whether or not the charter company can accommodate people with different needs.
You’ll want a yacht that can be used by everyone you wish to invite for the trip. A yacht with hydraulic platforms that make boarding and exiting the vessel easy for all is ideal. So, too, are ramps for people using wheelchairs.
8. Should I Choose a Motor or Sailing Yacht?
Some yachts come with motors, and some are motorless sailing yachts. Which one is best for your needs?
Do you wish to travel with a large group and enjoy a cruise voyage experience? If so, charter a yacht that has a motor. That’ll make for faster traveling through the water and provide your guests with an authentic private cruise voyage.
If you want a great experience, don’t mind going slower, and want to contain costs, then a sailing yacht is a great option.
Your best bet is to speak to yacht charter companies to find out what they offer.
Are You Ready to Charter a Yacht?
Knowing how to charter a yacht is vital if you fancy renting one. It can be a great way to enjoy the water with family, friends, or colleagues.
Ensure you ask the right questions, however, before you charter a yacht. You’ll be able to make an informed decision when you get the answers you need.
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