Charter Woes

[mdgpl]

Last year we chartered in the Bahamas with "XYZ company". This was our 2nd time in the area. The first was a great experience. The last, not so much. Upon check-out, the base tried to run some sort of scam on us claiming we damaged a rudder. Video showed a previous repair that was de-laminating. Anyway, after a 2hr standoff, they finally gave in but what a hassle. So my question is, anyone ran into this before? How does everyone prevent this sort of problem? Do you dive on the hull before you start your charter with your own camera to inspect?

[cyan]

I was caught in a similar scam years ago, with transmission issues and cracked fiberglass upon return-- was hard to see at first, but clearly old damage. It turns out I had a million dollar umbrella insurance policy that I didn't even remember buying, which was only about $200 / year. My agent cleared it all up in the same day and a check for a few thousand dollars was on its way after one phone call. (the charter guy didn't want to let us remove our belongings from the boat until it was settled)
I told my agent I was sure we were BOTH being scammed, but he said not to worry- the easiest fix was a big insurance check, and away we went.
I still have mixed feelings about the whole thing. We were tired and happy just to leave, but I believe this is all part of the problem, as shady rental companies are encouraged to hassle each customer for previous damage until somebody like me strolls in with an umbrella policy. (without which I won't go anywhere now- check the fine print though!)

[Flagman101]

Always dive your charter boat and film.
I never do it in the marina...yuk, but at our first stop i dive. If I see any damage I call right away.
But never had any issues.
Did loose steerage once and had a prop failure also.
But they changed the boat the next day.

[redneckrob]

If you all don't name the companies that do this then they'll continue to do it and get away with it. I never understood the reticence of people on forums like this to name the company that had no problems screwing them?

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by redneckrob

If you all don't name the companies that do this then they'll continue to do it and get away with it. I never understood the reticence of people on forums like this to name the company that had no problems screwing them?

Because it is a one-sided opinion and could be considered libelous by the other side?

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

could be considered libelous by the other side?

Only if not true.

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Only if not true.

Exactly the point.

It is the OPs opinion that it was previous damage.

Are they correct?

I commend the OP for not trashing the charter company over what may have been an honest mistake on either parties part.

But the primary question is sound...

"How does one protect themselves from the risk of an invalid damage claim?"

[cyan]

Originally Posted by redneckrob

If you all don't name the companies that do this then they'll continue to do it and get away with it. I never understood the reticence of people on forums like this to name the company that had no problems screwing them?

In my case it was a smaller company that I heard now has a new owner.
What do you suggest? Should I name the manager?

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by cyan

In my case it was a smaller company that I heard now has a new owner.
What do you suggest? Should I name the manager?

rod's suggestion has great merit. Quit while you're ahead. Your points are well taken for future charterers, no sense diluting the message. Thanks for an important reminder (that used to not ever need to be "in the old days").

[Belezar]

I’m not a big fan of public shaming. I see both sides but often the ideas are one-sided and written while still mad. I will definitely speak/write the relevant folks with my unfettered opinion. At least you made your grievance known. If at a bigger company sometimes it’s a particular bad apple that they may not know about. I usually judge the company’s response when I push something upstream as to which direction to head. YMMV