Hi This year I am thinking about chartering my boat .Maybe 2 or 3 weeks this year . I would like to hear about your experience in the matter . If I want to charter the boat whith myself as captain do I need a special license? What is usually the insurance's position in this matter ? Thanks for your comments
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Ron Mills
Yes, absolutely, you need a
a captain's license, and you will not believe what your insurance will cost you. And those are just for starters. Chartering your boat will not be a simple task.
a captain's license, and you will not believe what your insurance will cost you. And those are just for starters. Chartering your boat will not be a simple task.
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Ron Johnson
Be Prepared
To charge for a boat ride in the USA requires a licensed captain and business insurance. Make sure you are well covered before starting this new adventure. Sailkota
To charge for a boat ride in the USA requires a licensed captain and business insurance. Make sure you are well covered before starting this new adventure. Sailkota
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RonD
Chartering
I wouldn't charter out my boat under any condition, however as a former charterer I was glad that others did. My experience with those boats was generally good, although there were always little nits to deal with where I had to contact the charter base (e.g., the owner or agent). A few points to ponder: Your boat's State registration or USCG documentation status is likely to change due to commercial use. Taxes levied, too. If your boat is presently financed, your bank might not be too pleased. That would mean refinancing under different terms/rates. Establish strict usage limits in your contracts; typically no operation 30 min before sunrise or 30 min past sunset, restricted geographic limits, restricted usage of alchohol and strictly no drugs, heavy weather (e.g., storm and/or hurricane) restrictions and procedures, etc. Also make clear what situations require your authorization for repair or service. Charterers are not always cautious, considerate, or knowledgeable. Be prepared to spend each weekend checking out prospective charterers, cleaning & provisioning the boat, and inspecting for damage upon return. Be prepared to adhere to a very rigorous maintenance schedule, both to protect your investment and to limit liability. Expect to be on-call "24/7" during each charter to respond to problems & make "press on & we'll fix later" or "return to port" issues that arise. Many owners use a charter agent to handle all these things, but that eats into any realized profit. As others have pointed out, a captain's license, certified for the type of service and waters (inland, coastal, Great Lakes, etc.), is a must. If your boat charters as an "uninspected vessel" then a OUPV "6-pack" license is minimum -- but, no more than six paying passengers allowed (paid/volunteer crew don't count). Otherwise, you'll have to go for a Master's license of suitable gross tonnage (with auxiliary sail endorsement, if required). It would take a very carefully thought out and managed business plan to realize any net profit from this venture. --Ron
I wouldn't charter out my boat under any condition, however as a former charterer I was glad that others did. My experience with those boats was generally good, although there were always little nits to deal with where I had to contact the charter base (e.g., the owner or agent). A few points to ponder: Your boat's State registration or USCG documentation status is likely to change due to commercial use. Taxes levied, too. If your boat is presently financed, your bank might not be too pleased. That would mean refinancing under different terms/rates. Establish strict usage limits in your contracts; typically no operation 30 min before sunrise or 30 min past sunset, restricted geographic limits, restricted usage of alchohol and strictly no drugs, heavy weather (e.g., storm and/or hurricane) restrictions and procedures, etc. Also make clear what situations require your authorization for repair or service. Charterers are not always cautious, considerate, or knowledgeable. Be prepared to spend each weekend checking out prospective charterers, cleaning & provisioning the boat, and inspecting for damage upon return. Be prepared to adhere to a very rigorous maintenance schedule, both to protect your investment and to limit liability. Expect to be on-call "24/7" during each charter to respond to problems & make "press on & we'll fix later" or "return to port" issues that arise. Many owners use a charter agent to handle all these things, but that eats into any realized profit. As others have pointed out, a captain's license, certified for the type of service and waters (inland, coastal, Great Lakes, etc.), is a must. If your boat charters as an "uninspected vessel" then a OUPV "6-pack" license is minimum -- but, no more than six paying passengers allowed (paid/volunteer crew don't count). Otherwise, you'll have to go for a Master's license of suitable gross tonnage (with auxiliary sail endorsement, if required). It would take a very carefully thought out and managed business plan to realize any net profit from this venture. --Ron
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Bill O'Donovan
Geeez
After what these guys wrote, maybe you should take up weapons inspection for the UN instead.
After what these guys wrote, maybe you should take up weapons inspection for the UN instead.
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Glenn Bollin
No wonder I can't find a charter near Panama City
Studying for my 6PAC for when I retire. There must be some market between renting a skiff and Moorings? Glenn WindWisp
Studying for my 6PAC for when I retire. There must be some market between renting a skiff and Moorings? Glenn WindWisp
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Andy
Glen-here's some Panama City area charters
Found Emerald Coast while surfing net, and took a class from Capt. Jon at Nautica. If you go to Nautica, stop and eat a Lulu's. Lulu is Jimmy Buffett's sista! Emerald Coast Sailing P. O. Box 6388 Navarre, Fl. 32566 Bill Crouch (888)204-0241 - Toll Free (850)939-9422 FON http://www.ecsailing.com/default.htm http://www.nauticaltd.com/ Nautica Ltd. Sailing School848-A Seacliff DriveFairhope, AL 36532 Phone (251) 990-5557 http://www.nauticaltd.com/
Found Emerald Coast while surfing net, and took a class from Capt. Jon at Nautica. If you go to Nautica, stop and eat a Lulu's. Lulu is Jimmy Buffett's sista! Emerald Coast Sailing P. O. Box 6388 Navarre, Fl. 32566 Bill Crouch (888)204-0241 - Toll Free (850)939-9422 FON http://www.ecsailing.com/default.htm http://www.nauticaltd.com/ Nautica Ltd. Sailing School848-A Seacliff DriveFairhope, AL 36532 Phone (251) 990-5557 http://www.nauticaltd.com/
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