Renting out a boat

Kermit · May 8, 2014

I wouldn't do it. He approached you and is already asking for you to do more than you would have to do without him. Maybe others will talk you into it, but it smells fishy to me. REAL fishy.

Winkfish · May 8, 2014

Do you personally know this captain? Does he have a business? Does he have insurance? Then there are a hundred other questions. Tread carefully!!

Dave602 · May 8, 2014

If it were me, not a chance. No telling what would go on. Anything illegal and you could lose the boat. Unless you know this person well, which wouldn't make a difference to me, keep on walkin'

Daydreamer · May 8, 2014

Find out what a comparable boat charters for locally and charge accordingly, have him provide insurance, and towing, and a security deposit, then...maybe.

No one else will ever take care of your stuff as well as you.

RECESS · May 8, 2014

He is going to get your boat dirty and want you to split cleaning costs?

Personally, I would not rent my boat. If anyone is going to damage my boat, it is going to be me.

Bill1565 · May 8, 2014

I agree with Kermi. Really old fish. Don't do it,

DougM · May 8, 2014

I wouldn't touch that with a 10 foot pole. it sounds fishy to me.

Stu Jackson · May 8, 2014

If those answers don't convince you...don't know what will.

In all the years I've owned boats, I have found only ONE other person I would trust to take my boat out without me on it. My friend and I sailed together for six years, every single Friday of every single week for those six years (vacations & holidays excepted). He "ran" the boat exactly the same way I did. He only borrowed it once, and I couldn't tell anyone had ever been even close to the boat!

You don't have that luxury.

Bad idea.

If you do, just like Mom said, you'll regret it.

KD3PC · May 8, 2014

if he gets caught hauling any contraband....you WILL lose your boat.

dparilla · May 8, 2014

Credentials are key...is he licensed, bonded, insured, independently wealthy?
And if so, why would he want to share cleaning costs with you?
I would tell him thanks but no. Let him buy his own boat.

However a word of caution... I would seriously keep an eye on him...not that I am suspicious, but make sure your boat is locked/immovable when you are not aboard.

I, like Stu, have only offered my boat to one other sailor (a very dear friend, fellow sailor, and a provisional member of Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Squadron.) He never has taken me up on the offer.

Benny17441 · May 8, 2014

Chartering or renting out a vessel is a complicated matter. I strongly advise you consult an attorney with experience in maritime contracts. There are issues of; control of the vessel, insurance, licensing,liability and obligations of financial nature. Since you are the owner of the vessel you would be kind of holding the short end of the stick so you will require some guarantees and deposits to protect your interests. Bear in mind that depending on how you structure the deal your liability could a number of times exceed the value of the boat.

Joe · May 8, 2014

You need to talk to a maritime attorney.

Ray Bowles · May 8, 2014

While a Catalina 30 is a very nice boat it is sized for a single couple or a family of up to 4 if the kids are small. In the charter business it would be considered a day sailor as it lacks the size for more than 3 of adults with or without kids. A qualified captain should be able to purchase a boat of that size on his own.
He also should be able to hire on with a charter company and use their brand new boats in the upper 40 to 50 feet class. There is something wrong here. Just say no!
When we farmed my family would have to do without something they wanted so I could purchase a needed piece of equipment or feed. Because of this sacrifice there was no way I would loan out or rent that equipment.
That is my view on your posting. There are many postings before mine and they all have the same theme. No Way.
Ray

centerline · May 8, 2014

i agree with everyone else... its just a bad idea in so many ways!!!

also, a bare boat charter or rental, its up to the owner or the renting agency to insure all the safety requirements are in order for a chartered vessel, which are different than the requirements for a personal pleasure craft..
no matter if the guy wants to talk you into assuming all that responsibility himself, it doesnt work that way in court unless he leases the boat from you for and extended amount of time....

you have a very high chance of losing a a couple thousand, to everything by letting someone talk you into using your boat, but even if that doesnt happen, you have a very low, to no chance of even breaking even on the deal....

Chris Patterson · May 9, 2014

Let him leave you a 40 thousand dollar CASH deposit.

Even then you are subject to lose yer a**..

MrBill_FLL · May 9, 2014

your current insurance will most likely not cover you for commercial business.

tell your captain friend to try ARC on 79street. they rent some 22-25' boats by the hour.

Anonymous 121765 · May 9, 2014

KS,

It looks like the "NAYS" have nailed it pal. No one will take as much care in the operation & upkeep as you for your boat. If it's not theirs, there's less care. Ask any friends that have apt/house renters & then hear them tell you of the horror stories. Same applies to renting out boats.

CR

Steve Walsh · May 9, 2014

Check out the link below. Owner hit with bill for damage hired captain caused. You might be on the hook any damage he causes to other boats, etc. No way I'd do it, too much liability exposure. Imagine someone gets hurts or worse on your boat, right or wrong, their attorneys are going to make your life miserable. Let him find some other boat.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ighboring-boat-who-is-responsible-125778.html

Kermit · May 9, 2014

I think I'm spending waaaaay too much time thinking about this thread but here goes. This goes much further than liability and everything else that's been said. This sounds like a predator/prey relationship. Stay away, my friend. Stay away.