We can approach the subject of what to look out for when chartering positively: what to look for! Here are some guidelines by an experienced blue-water sailor, charterer, and now charter captain .
(prHWY.com) June 4, 2012 - Florida, FL -- Key West, Florida, June 04, 2012 - We can approach the subject of what to look out for when chartering positively: what to look for! Here are some guidelines by an experienced blue-water sailor, charterer, and now charter captain .
Size of boat. Many people think bigger is better: not necessarily. A long classic boat, Herreschoff-type, is undeniably gorgeous but tiny inside. An old Morgan Outislander is cavernous inside and rather tired outside. Determine how much room you want - a bunk per person, a double bunk (remember this is a boat that is likely to roll even at anchor), do you want (need?) a separate head/shower?, how much stowage do you require (calculate diving equipment if you bring it)?, and then the common spaces such as the main salon and galley. Some of your calculations should be determined by where you charter: in colder climes, you may want more space for stowage. If you are planning to be tied up to a dock most of the evenings, then a larger boat can be argued for. Finally, as with my Herreschoff/Morgan example, the overall length (LOA) is not a determinant of interior space.
Key West Boat Charters - Kind of boat. Building on the first point, you should have in mind the kind of boat you want: a real classic that reeks of yesteryear, when sailors dressed properly and women knew their places (and crews spent much of their time putting on yet another coat of varnish on the brightwork). At the other extreme are the production boats like Hunters (thankfully few are available for charter) or Beneteaus and Jeanneaus. These can be nicely finished and are, in their first years, very acceptable for chartering - lots of room, good sailing abilities, huge cockpits, nicely finished (before it begins to peel), and functional. There are many in between these two extremes, but not from the large chartering agencies which understandably have to have very recent production boats all of the same kind with the same equipment in order to keep them in service.
Other charter parties. It is absolutely essential to determine in advance, on larger yachts, if other charter parties other than yourselves may be on-board at the same time. This can prevent some most unfortunate misunderstandings.
Key West Boat Charters - Captain and crew. This is critical as, no matter the size of the boat, there will be constant and often intense interaction with the captain and crew, if any. I would like to think that the most responsible - to both charter parties and the boat - captains are owners/captains for they have made a major investment in both financially and professionally to make their charter enterprise work. The other end of this spectrum is the "pick-up captain" who rents his services to large agencies, who has nothing at stake: s/he is probably doing this gig until s/he can find a permanent position on a mega- or vintage yacht. S/he needs to make ends meet and meet owners of the vintage yachts when in harbor. Beyond that, it is difficult, even impossible, to determine in advance if you have the right "chemistry" with the captain/crew, other than through the testimonials of previous charterers, which are, of course, more available for owner/captains than for the captain-on-a-gig.
Victuals and libations. One of the wonderful things about traveling is experiencing new, unexpected tastes and you should welcome this opportunity onboard a charter yacht. Having said that, you should definitely volunteer -- if the captain/crew do not inquire well in advance (and they should!) -- your preferences and distastes: garlic? Spiciness? Carbs? Meats or, for many, pork? Seafood? Breakfast preferences? Teas? Cocktails? Wines - dry rosés? Dry reds with or without tannin?
About the Author:
Key West Boat Charters - Far Out Fishing offers several types of fishing trips including Offshore, Inshore Flats, Reefs, Wrecks, and Sandbars where you'll find more than 100 confirmed species of fish. Customized trips are alsoffered if you're looking for an underwater diving, spearfishing, or snorkeling experience among some of the Caribbean's most popular reefs and wrecks. We offer several different fishing charters and tours including Offshore fishing, Inshore Flats, Reefs, Wrecks, and Sandbars. Customized trips for SCUBA diving, spearfishing, and snorkeling are alsavailable and a great way tavoid crowded dive boats.
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