How to Charter a Boat

It’s vacation time and you head to the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast, the Adriatic or any place else where there is sun, sand, surf and boats. Of course, it’s awfully hard to pack a 45-foot motor yacht in your carry-on luggage. What do you do? Charter a boat. That’s right. Hire a boat. The problem is since boats come in all shapes and sizes, how do you know what kind of boat you want to charter. This eHow should help in making that decision.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Knowledge of local boating laws
• Licenses
• Food, water, suntan lotion, books
• Swim trunks, snorkels
• Foul weather gear

1. Look at your budget. As you might expect, the bigger the boat, the bigger the cost.
2. Decide whether you want a crewed or bare boat charter. A crewed charter provides a captain and usually a deckhand and a cook. You have few responsibilities on a crewed charter and they usually include meals. They also cost more. A bare boat charter is a boat you rent and you must crew. You take care of all responsibilities, including that of the captain.
3. Before setting foot on the boat, check all the paperwork--insurance, charter licenses and proper certification for crew if a crewed charter.
4. If a bare boat charter, mandate the responsibilities of each person going on the charter. A boat is not a democracy. Once you sign your name on the dotted line, you are responsible--legally and financially--for the boat. Make sure everyone understands emergency procedures, knows how to use the radio to call for help and knows the location of flotation devices.
5. Check all the mechanicals on the boat, including the engine, lights, pumps and instruments. Also be sure to check the hulls for scratches and check all the rigging and sails if chartering a sailboat.
6. Locate the first aid kit, flotation devices and other emergency equipment. Inspect everything to make sure it functions or is in working condition.
7. Make sure you understand how to use all the navigation equipment and check for charts. Also be sure to have a list of radio frequencies for local authorities, weather reports and emergency response.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask around local marinas for the best charter operators.
• Pack well. Make a list of everything you might need and pack accordingly.
• Do some research into the area and learn local sea conditions.
• Don't depend on the charter company to pack for you. Bring what you will need.
• Thoroughly check all insurance cards and licenses if going on a crewed charter.