A Guide for First-Time Charterers
Most first-time charterers skip the same questions and meet the same surprises. When does the clock start, what does capacity really mean, what happens if the weather turns? Asking beforehand is what saves the day.
Seven questions to ask
Ask these before you ask the price. The answers reveal the real difference between two quotes better than the figures do.
- When does the clock start? For most operators it starts the moment the boat is waiting at the pier. If you are late, the loss is yours.
- Is the stated capacity seated or standing? The published figure is a legal maximum. For a seated meal, work on about 70 per cent of it.
- Are we sharing with another group? "Private tour" does not mean the same thing everywhere. Ask plainly.
- What happens if the weather turns? Free postponement, refund, or neither? Get it in writing.
- Are fuel and crew included? Some quotes add them as separate lines.
- Which pier do we leave from? Fixed, or somewhere near you? Your travel time depends on it.
- Can we bring our own food? If yes, a large part of the budget frees up.
The most common mistake: booking too few hours
Half of first-time charterers underestimate the hours, for a simple reason: they count only the time at sea.
But reaching the pier, boarding, settling in, laying out the food and docking on return all sit inside the booking. On a two-hour charter you typically get about an hour and forty minutes on the water.
A practical rule: add half an hour to whatever you planned. Extending on the day is often impossible because another booking may follow yours.
What to bring
- A light layer, whatever the season. Wind on the water bites harder than on land.
- Sunscreen. Light reflecting off the sea burns faster, and this holds on cloudy days too.
- Non-slip shoes or socks. Decks get slippery when wet, and heels are a problem on board.
- A power bank. Photos and video drain a phone quickly.
- Wipes and a bag. Bin space on board is limited.
- Any medication you take. There is no pharmacy at sea, and seasickness tablets need taking an hour before departure.
Comparing quotes
The gap between two quotes usually hides not in the boat but in what is included.
A low figure may leave out fuel, crew or cleaning. A high one may already cover catering, décor and a photographer.
The only fair comparison is asking both the same question: "What does this price include?" Ask for the answer in writing.
Do not hesitate to ask
Being new to this is not a disadvantage. Ask the right questions and you will judge an operator’s seriousness within five minutes. If they dodge the answers, look elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Usually yes, a deposit holds the date. The amount and refund terms vary by operator, so confirm them in writing before booking.
It depends on group size. A captain is enough for small groups, while larger events carry extra crew for service and safety.
Check a date
Tell us your date and what the day is for, and we will put together a programme for you.