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7 Things to Check Before Chartering a Boat
Tips15 May 2026· 7 min read

7 Things to Check Before Chartering a Boat

Boat type, included costs, insurance, skipper and contract — what to know before you rent.

Renting a boat is exciting, but the wrong decisions can fill your holiday with surprises. Here are the key things to check before you charter.

1. Match the Boat to Your Needs

Gulet for big groups, motor yacht for speed, sailboat for wind lovers, catamaran for stability. Clarify your group size and priority first.

2. Ask What's Included

Fuel, port fees, crew, cleaning, food? Always clarify "APA" (advance provisioning allowance) and "transit log".

3. Insurance & Deposit

Learn the insurance coverage and deposit amount, and know your liability in case of damage.

4. Crew / Skipper

No license? You'll need a skippered charter. Bareboat requires a valid sailing certificate.

5. Owner Credibility

Make sure listing photos are current and the description is clear. On SnapYacht you can review the owner's profile and other listings.

6. Read the Contract

Cancellation terms, handover times and extra fees must be written. Don't rely on verbal promises.

Ready? Compare charter boats and choose right.

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