Sailing Crew Paying in Advance

[Alexander m]

Hello!
I have contacted a boat owner on find a crew.net
He replied to me and we have agreed on a time and place I will join part of his journey on a recreational shared expenses base.

However he has now mentioned that if I don't want to pay in advance he can't promise my spot if there will be someone else who will want to join on my dates or more and willing to pay in advance.
I understand the reasoning and logic behind this but this my first time doing this kind of thing and wanted to know If that is what happens most of the time and if so , is there a way to protect myself against foul play.

Have you ever heard of schemes the like of this ?
The amount is 350 euro and the sailing will be next month.
I have searched for an answer at the web site for an answer for this but strangely haven't found

Thank you in advance

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Alexander m

Hello!
I have contacted a boat owner on find a crew.net
He replied to me and we have agreed on a time and place I will join part of his journey on a recreational shared expenses base.

However he has now mentioned that if I don't want to pay in advance he can't promise my spot if there will be someone else who will want to join on my dates or more and willing to pay in advance.
I understand the reasoning and logic behind this but this my first time doing this kind of thing and wanted to know If that is what happens most of the time and if so , is there a way to protect myself against foul play.

Have you ever heard of schemes the like of this ?
The amount is 350 euro and the sailing will be next month.
I have searched for an answer at the web site for an answer for this but strangely haven't found

Thank you in advance

no shows are a pita if you have got the boat stocked up,though $350 is a bit excessive,offer him $100 as a gesture of good faith

[Palarran]

Since you mention euro I would guess that the trip will be in the Med. 350 euro would pay for all the food and diesel for 4 people for at least a week, maybe two. So are you actually paying for a charter or just sharing expenses?

I agree with Atoll, 100 euro and proof of a plane ticket should guarantee a spot. If not, maybe you should keep looking.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Alexander.

[Sssssailor]

Sounds like a scam to me. If it's not, do you have a guarantee you'll get your money back if they screw you over? Contract of some kind? Plenty of boats out there.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sailor.

[skipmac]

Would help to have a clearer understanding of the situation. Are paying for a cruise, something like a vacation charter? So is this like a holiday for you or is he charging to help him deliver the boat? Any teaching/learning involved in the transaction?

From the owner's side, it is a pain to have a no show whether this is a delivery or he is doing this for a living. However from your point of view I would not send money to a stranger unless he had excellent references, was well know in the business or can offer some certified guarantee of refund to you if he is unable to make the trip.

[tbodine88]

When I took crew, I just asked where they wanted to meet me, and I tried to be there by the time their plane arrived.

Same holds now, but I ask they bring something to share

[RTB]

If you are paying, you're a guest. Not crew. Man, I hate seeing people getting messed up through internet conversations. It can be really bad for the captain or the crew member. Be careful.

Ralph

[goboatingnow]

Do not pay anything in advance, unless its a recognised and reputable business and your buying a service. If he can't trust you to turn up, you don't want to crew on that boat,

manu others out there.