Everything you need to know about the boat rental process, reservation and stay on board
If you’re thinking about renting a yacht or boat for the first time, it’s natural to have questions.
How to send an inquiry?
When is the right time to make a reservation?
What exactly does the price include?
What does the handover of a vessel look like?
It is precisely because of these and similar questions that we have prepared this section.
We have been in the boat rental (charter) business for years and know firsthand where guests most often need clear, concrete explanations. That’s why we’ve put together information below that will guide you step by step through the entire process – from the first idea about sailing all the way to setting sail from the marina.
Our goal is not just to book a boat. We want you to understand the entire process, know what to expect, and make safe and informed decisions. We believe that trust is the foundation of a good charter experience, and it starts with clear information.
If you already have experience with yacht charter, here you will find useful details and tips that can help you get a better price or organize your next trip more easily. If you are just entering the world of charter sailing, this section will give you an overview of everything that is important before you take the first step.
Browse the articles below and, if you need further clarification, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to guide you through every part of the process – professionally, transparently, and with the experience behind every recommendation.
Motor yachts are often equipped with radar, AIS systems, and more advanced navigation systems.
Paper charts and classic navigation equipment are still often found on board as a safety backup, although the primary navigation today is digital.
With modern navigation technology, many guests want to sail independently. However, we recommend that you review the conditions for self-charter charter without a skipper or the FAQs for charter with a skipper if you still want to feel safer when the boat is being sailed by a professional. Standard equipment of charter boats – what is really included today?
When talking about the standard equipment of charter boats, it is important to emphasize one thing: the equipment has been significantly modernized in recent years. Most charter boats today are more technically advanced than they were 10–15 years ago, but differences between smaller, older and larger or newer boats still exist.
Let’s go in order…
What does “standard equipment” of a charter vessel mean?
Standard equipment is equipment included in the price of the vessel rental. It enables safe and comfortable cruising and covers all basic functional units: deck, safety, navigation, kitchen and cabin equipment.
We advise you to check the exact equipment list for a specific vessel before making any reservation – either via the individual model’s page, or preferably by contacting us directly. In fact, we have often noticed small differences between models of the same year of manufacture. Our agent can send you the most up-to-date equipment list for the vessel you are interested in.
What deck equipment is included as standard?
Deck equipment allows for steering, anchoring and outdoor living. From our knowledge, most charter vessels include the following as standard:
- compass
- electric anchor winch
- anchor with chain 50m
- spare anchor
- mooring ropes and fenders
- bilge pump (manual and/or electric)
- boat hook
- bathing ladder
- feeding ink
- cockpit table
- bimini (sun awning)
- sprayhood (protection from the sea and wind – almost standard on sailboats)
- Bluetooth audio system with speakers in the cockpit (on most newer boats)
Sailing boats come standard with winch handles, sails, and complete sail management equipment. Logical, but we have to mention it :-) Of course, the same goes for sailing catamarans.
What safety equipment must be on board?
Safety equipment depends on the sailing category and size of the vessel, but most often includes:
- life jackets (standard model)
- flares
- fire extinguishers
- first aid kit
- flashlights
- tools and basic spare parts
If you have children on board, be sure (!!) to request life jackets for children. They are not charged extra. Charter companies usually have enough of them, you just need to let them know in time to put them on board.
Additional services at extra charge
In addition to equipment, additional services are available:
- pets on board
- transfer of guests to/from the marina
- buying groceries in advance
- obtaining fishing permits
- early boarding
- one-way charter
More information can be found in the general terms and conditions of the vessel rental, and we also advise you to familiarize yourself with the vessel handover procedure, which explains the inspection of the equipment on the vessel.
Important to know.
Although there is a general industry standard, equipment may vary depending on the model, year of manufacture, country of registration and charter company.
That’s why we always recommend checking the specific equipment list for the selected vessel in contact with us before booking.
Send us a rental inquiry and we will go through all the checks together.
We are here for you. For a long time :-)
And yes – we can say with certainty: a well-equipped vessel means a more peaceful cruise. And that is, in fact, what we all want.
