A popular way of chartering catamarans and yachts is bareboat. Rather than making an investment into purchasing an expensive vessel, boat enthusiasts have the opportunity to rent, so to speak. Importantly, bareboating does require marine industry knowledge. One, the charter group must be able to run the vessel or two, understand how to source trustworthy crew to run the vessel. Here is what you need to know about a bareboat charter. 

Standard Charter Versus Bareboat Charter

When it comes to chartering boats, they come in many forms. Charters include fishing trips, diving adventures, island hopping on yachts, sailing, and more. However, it is important to also understand the difference between a yacht and a boat before scheduling a charter. 

Standard Charter

The vast majority of charters are what would be considered standard charters. A standard charter includes a crew, insurance, and, most often the, fuel, and food. 

Without question, a standard charter would be comparable to an all-inclusive resort. The charter holds no responsibility. Instead, they board the vessel and are waited on during the entirety of the voyage. 

Bareboat Chartering

When it comes to comparing a bareboat versus a standard charter, the only similarity is that both are associated with some form of boat. 

Bareboating requires a significant amount of work from the charter or the charter agent. As a former captain, a tremendous amount of time goes into vessel maintenance, route planning, reserving slip space, provisioning food, and more. 

Understand that a vessel owner is essentially renting the boat. However, the rental comes without what is necessary to travel from destination to destination by water. In comparison, it’s similar to renting a furnished home to an unfurnished home. 

Bareboat Charter Requirements

If you’re considering bareboating, it is important to understand what you need in place before casting the lines. 

Without lining up the essentials ahead of time, you’ll be sure to be delayed on your scheduled departure date. 

Crew

Undoubtedly, the crew is a critical component when it comes to bareboating. The crew of the vessel handles a wide range of tasks when it comes to daily operations. 

Crews responsibilities include preparing and serving food, engineering, route planning, boat navigation, interior housekeeping, and more. 

Bareboat chartering does not include crew. For this reason, the charter or the agency will be required to hire a crew for the duration of the trip. 

Fuel

The owner of the vessel again is renting you a vehicle, and in this situation, it’s a boat. Ownership is not responsible for fuel costs associated with the charter. 

When chartering a bareboat, the charter assumes all costs associated with fueling the vessel. 

Food

Providing food comes with challenges, especially on islands throughout the Caribbean. Without question, finding a reliable source becomes problematic and is expensive. 

It should be noted that chartering bareboat does not come with food. Planning is critical. The charter must determine what type of food and the quantity while placing an order early enough to stock up before departing the dock. 

I can tell you firsthand that this is not as easy as it sounds. I have provisioned on a routine basis in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Insurance

No, the owner’s insurance policy will not cover the vessel operated by an alternative source during a charter. 

Instead, the group chartering the bareboat vessel is responsible for obtaining insurance prior to departing the dock. 

Unquestionably, you will want to be insured. Failure to become insured puts you at risk of expenses well beyond what may be in the bank account and property ownership combined. 

Damage And Mechanical Repairs

It is imperative to hire a competent crew who is capable of route planning, navigating, and docking confidently. 

Unfortunately, when chartering bareboat, the charter is responsible for all damage, no matter if it was a result of the crew. 

Similarly, in the event of mechanical failure during the charter, the group leasing the vessel is held responsible. 

Repairs, especially those in remote locations, are costly. Unfortunately, mechanical issues can arise at any time and are often not caused due to neglect. Instead, parts fail, which ultimately leads to the boating heading to the shipyard for maintenance. 

Lastly, the group electing to book a bareboat charter should be prepared for additional expenses as a result of mechanical issues. 

Where Is Bareboat Chartering Most Common

Some of the most prevalent bareboat destinations across the world are the British Virgin Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and The Mediterranean Sea. 

If you’re in the market to book a Bareboat charter, check out Dream Yacht Worldwide. Dream Yacht Worldwide offers bareboat booking options across the world. 

Know What You’re Getting Into With A Bareboat Charter 

Without a doubt, being educated before booking a charter is critical. Understand what you are responsible for prior to signing the contract. Importantly, don’t become fearful of the process. It is less complex than you would imagine, but you can also rely on an agency to do the legwork.