They say if you love what you do you never work a day in your life - it’s a true adage. We love what we do, as most small charter companies do, and with technology providing amazing ways for mom-and-pops like us to promote and run our business, much of the administrative load is lessened, allowing us to focus on what we love the most, caring for and sailing our vessels. 

     With so many platforms out there to find excursions of every flavor, it’s important to understand that you’ve still got to mind your P’s & Q’s when looking into small private charters. Whether it be a motor or sailing vessel for tours and classes, a fishing charter, or a Jet Ski rental, here are a few tips to help you find the right one for you - so you can have an unforgettable trip AND be safe. 

Table Of Contents

1. Websites, referrals, and reviews

2. Cleanliness

3. Safety

4. Q & A

5. Certifications

   
   
   

CHARTERING A BOAT FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Before we dive in, it is important to have a clear understanding of what boat chartering is all about. Boat charters are essentially the rental of a boat for a specific period of time. It allows individuals, families, or groups to experience the joys of boating without the need for ownership or maintenance responsibilities.

1. WEBSITES, REVIEWS, REFERRALS

The internet is great, but can also be a hindrance if you don’t know what to look for. Does the charterer have a legitimate website, or are you booking through a third-party app ( AirBnb, GetMyBoat, TripAdvisor, etc)? If it’s a 3rd party app, do a little digging and find the company website and book directly. Not only will you see a better representation of the company and its vessels, but the owners will thank you for not giving a commission up to a 3rd party. Look for verified reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Apple Business Connect to ease your mind, remembering that you and your family/ friends are the most precious and irreplaceable cargo there is. 

2. CLEANLINESS

While we don’t like to judge a book by its cover,  a lot can be gleaned from how someone represents themselves. A clean and well-kept vessel puts the mind at ease that the Captain and Crew not only diligently clean but maintain their fleet. One of the best reasons for keeping our vessels clean inside and out is to spot maintenance issues before they become a problem for us and our guests. When things go “South” on the water they generally go way south, and fast. If a vessel seems dirty on the outside, what could be lacking in her inner workings? 

3. SAFETY

Anyone who seems to be rushing to “get going” may be thinking more about the bottom line and cramming trips together than making sure every trip is held to the highest standard, not only for the overall experience but safety, too. Is there safety information either on the website or in a booking confirmation email? Has your charter given you good suggestions about what to wear and to bring so you are properly prepared for the weather and such? Do the Captain and/ or crew give a safety “spiel” familiarizing you and your guests with the vessel and safety procedures before even letting go of the first line? Are life preservers and/or throw rings readily accessible? These are important indicators of the care you are putting yourself in. Common sense goes a long way. 

4. Q & A

When you have questions about your booking, are they answered in a timely and reasonable manner? If you get the sense that questions are falling into the “unwelcome” category, you may want to look a little deeper into your trip before departing. At YRC, each inquiry begins under the guise that the guests may have absolutely zero experience on the water, making us their first introduction to the sea. This is something we take most seriously, which drives us to treat that intermediary position with a great deal of respect for both the water and our guests. Everyone has a much better time, ourselves included when guests are well- informed before boarding. 

5. CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS

“All inclusive” boat trips, sails, otherwise known as a “charter,” regardless of the size, type, or location of vessel, must by law be operated under the direct supervision of a USCG licensed “Master,” many times referred to as the “Captain,” who is rated for the size, type, and location of the trip with only ONE exception - sailing classes given by a bonafide non-profit sailing club or school (generally run by Yacht and Boat Clubs due to their expense). We are one of the most heavily regulated industries in the USA and with good reason - many injuries, deaths, collisions and the like at sea can be traced back to human error, drug or alcohol use, poor judgment, training, and unlicensed operators. An individual holding a proper credential must be enrolled in a drug testing consortium and is subject to severe penalties for infractions - enormous fines, vessel and license seizure and jail time are all possible outcomes for not operating legally. The vessel itself must also in many cases be Documented with the USCG for commercial operation (unless smaller than 5 tons), and/ or depending on the location may be required to be registered for commercial operation by a state authority. Your Captain is required by law to carry it at all times when under hire, and to show his or her credential upon request of any passenger, employer, local law officer, or USCG officer. And don’t forget -  In nearly all 50 states it is not required for a rental or charterer to hold insurance for any liability and injury…but any charter would be completely reckless to not carry it. Vessels not carrying proper insurance are waving a huge red flag. So…Don’t hesitate to ask to see any of these documents if it’s on your mind - any Captain worth their salt will be more than happy to share and answer any questions. 

BOTTOM LINE

We hope this little guide can help you and yours find a perfect trip to celebrate a special occasion or just to celebrate the warm weather and life in general! Never hesitate to reach out to us with any questions at all - we are more than happy to do whatever we can to make your trip out on the water one you will never forget…for all the right reasons.

Fair winds and following seas,

Cpt. Jarad Astin and First Mate Christel Astin