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**Boracay** · 04-12-2009, 17:40

I feel that it's highly desirable before buying a boat to get some experience with something similar.

In another thread I suggested a charter as a step before buying and the response was that it would cost $8-10k for a weeks charter, which is a fair slab of the purchase price of a lower cost boat.

So is it possible to get a cheap charter? I'm thinking in terms of a 30' mono, good airfares to somewhere close, and a community culture that doesn't believe that tourists are wallets waiting to be emptied.

As I'm thinking of introducing potential cruisers to boat repairs in exotic locations I'd give extra points for a nice locale, and not take many away if the service is not perfect.

A good sailing school may do, but the experience of being alone and in charge of a yacht is what I'd be looking for.

Any suggestions/comments/remarks...

Vasco · 04-12-2009, 17:54

8-10K? Is that what it costs in Australia?? In the Caribbean prices are nothing like that. You can get a 38 foot monohull for under 3000 a week from a second tier company and that's in the high season. You can dicker with most of them. Split that with another couple and the price goes down. If you're from Oz go in your winter and the price goes down again, at least 30%. That leaves a lot for airfares etc.

Charlie · 04-12-2009, 18:00

As I was looking for a cruising boat to buy I decided to charter a few boats. My initial reaction was to try and charter in Mexico, then the Caribean, I finally decided on Florida. I went with one Mom and Pop outfit called Treasure Island Marine The boat was clean and fairly well kept but not perfect and it was an older boat. Sailing & Motor charters Florida Keys We rented it for about $1600 a week + fuel. The thing that really saved us money was that we didn't have to go out to eat at all and we didn't pay for fishing or snorkeling excursions. the flight was only $200 per person. We could have got a smaller boat cheaper but went with a 41' The next time we went we got a smaller boat and chartered on the East coast of Florida at a place called Burnt Store Marina http://www.yachtingvacations.com/med...-2010Rates.pdf Again airfares were cheap though I don't remember the exact price. I think the best deal to be had would be to organize a group on a Catamaran with four cabins. As skipper you can spread the cost over four groups but that isn't exactly what is needed to get an idea of what kind of boat most people can afford.

**Boracay** · 04-12-2009, 19:47

I'm not really asking for myself but for all those prospective boat buyers who are about to plonk a fair amount of the ready on something they don't have a lot of experience with.

Good to hear there are some good basic charter operators. Please keep 'em coming.

Ram · 05-12-2009, 02:11

You may be supriced at how cheap a weeks charter can be in the Greek islands-aboard a new yacht!

**Boracay** · 05-12-2009, 03:58

Ram,
Can you suggest economical charters close to a main airport, maybe with links?

**FrankZ** · 05-12-2009, 06:57

I am sure Ram can suggest something.

Wonder if he does discounts for CF members in good standing.

Ram · 05-12-2009, 07:33

Id be happy to!

Most folks fly to Athens and take a ferry (50 Euros)6-12 hours more to the island where the charter boats are, or some will take a ( 1/2 hour ride in a small plane 150 EUROS ) for the few extra bucks- for instance you can get a charter for a week 2 meals a day captain/crew (small tip for crew 5-10%)for as little as $1295 USD per person a week excluding airfare(min 4 persons) so that's about as cheap as it comes on a new yacht - Same charter on similar boat- I see charging 10 to 12 +thousand Euros for the week high season --so there are VERY big differences in price -needless to say the better deal usually books up 6-8 months in advance- I'm usually booked full by the end of February-I have regulars that leave a deposit for the following year before they get off the boat-

bassman1956 · 12-12-2009, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram

You may be supriced at how cheap a weeks charter can be in the Greek islands-aboard a new yacht!

I WANT DETAILS!

I know, look a few posts down...

Ram · 13-12-2009, 05:06

Bassman--PM me if you would like any more details..

Canibul · 13-12-2009, 06:10

Charlie,
What company did you find those rates at, out of Burnt Store Marina? We are interested in trying out a Gemini 105 and the Tomcat 9.7 too.

$2500 a week is manageable.

sailinlee · 09-10-2011, 13:28

I'm chartering my boat. I've got a Hughes 40, Sparkman & Stephens design, about $1500 per week for two (doesn't include expenses of food or marina fees, etc). I'm based in St. Martin right now. I might be taking over a Fontaine Pajot 42 and will be chartering that one also. Prices will be about the same per cabin. I wish I could do it cheaper but the costs of maintaining the boat makes it necessary to charge money.

Give me a yell if you're interested.

Lee on Krasna

Therapy · 09-10-2011, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canibul

Charlie,
What company did you find those rates at, out of Burnt Store Marina? We are interested in trying out a Gemini 105 and the Tomcat 9.7 too.

$2500 a week is manageable.

We chartered a Gem out of there before we bought one.

Seems they might not have one now.

http://www.yachtingvacations.com/med...ON%20RATES.pdf