Would You Charter Your Boat to the General Public?

[booknboat]

Hi

Im new to the site but doing some research and wondered if you could help me out?

Just out of interest, how many people are interested in a global website to allow a charter of their boat to the general public?

Is it something that you have done in the past or would you consider it for the future.

Any experience negative or positive would be appreciated!

[Islandmike]

NO, I would not charter Tivoli out to the general public. No one will take care of our boat the way we do... From what I have seen chartered boats get used hard and put away wet...

[FSMike]

FreeStyle is not for charter. When you see two identical boats for sale, the one that has been chartered will usually be cheaper than the one used only by the owner. There's a reason for that.

[FSMike]

On the other hand, that could be just the opinion of guys named Mike.

[s/v Moondancer]

While I would not charter our boat I think that the idea might have validity.

In the past I have chartered from three individuals with no more problems than chartering from the charter companies. However, two of the times were in the UK where such charters are more common.

[booknboat]

Moondancer, have you found that chartering overseas has posed a problem? Iv been considering my own charter for a while, but its something I havent actually gone ahead with as yet...

[s/v Moondancer]

I have never had problems in UK and the Caribbean. The Europeans usually want a formal qualification especially in UK where the tides are high, fast and complex. There are areas in Scotland where the cruising is lovely and the tides not as much of a problem such as the Clyde.

Bareboat & Skippered Sailing Yacht Charter Holidays in West of Scotland, UK - with Portway Yacht Charters (Scotland) which I can recommend

[fergie_mac66]

wouldnt charter either of our boats out for all the tea in china!

If i was to charter and boat out it would be one/3 bought just for the business

[Stillraining]

Yes...considering doing that very thing with our Sea Ray.

[Ram]

I would and do ....as long as im onboard!

[hellosailor]

A global web site? Aren't all web sites global unless local governments have blocked access to them, i.e. Iran, North Korea, China?

Most of the boat owners here are, I believe, recreational boat owners. Before you can charter your boat out, you will need commercial liability insurance, or you'll need to operate uninsured. Then you'll need a business plan and a strong marketing effort, or something unique to offer.

Just hanging a shingle out on the web won't make you any profits in the highly competitive charter business. And bareboat charter to John Q. Public? What, would you rent you car or home out to those same folks the same way?

[SkiprJohn]

No way!
regards

[LuvToSail]

Our is an older cruising boat with many idiosyncrasies... so no.

I would if I had a simple, newer boat and it was managed very well in a program that the boats were inspected carefully before and after each charter and good insurance and deposits were collected and it was my intention to make money from 'sharing' the boat.

[Pacific Jewel]

I'd have to say no on that. Having worked in the charter business (not my boat) I know how others treat a boat that is not theirs. Not the same as me :-).

Someone here said they would so long as they were aboard. I think that has merit - if I were to consider going back into the business.

But no. Would not do so otherwise.

[Ex-Calif]

There is at least one website out there trying to organize "boat swaps." I have watched it over a couple of years (not recently) and it doesn't seem to get much traction.

These are people who all own yachts and attempt to organize trades of time.

I'm with the poster that says the only way I would do it is if the boat were purpose bought to be in charter.

Anyone else would have to be well known to me to do a bareboat on my boat.