Frequently Interrogated Details
Bareboat Requirements
To charter a vessel without a hired skipper, you must prove maritime competency. The requirements vary sharply by jurisdiction:
- Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Spain, Italy): Strict adherence to formal licensing. An ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or a federally recognized equivalent (e.g., RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104) is mandatory. Port police check these documents before issuing transit logs.
- Caribbean (BVI, USVI, Bahamas): Historically relied on "Sailing Resumes" detailing your experience on similar-sized vessels. However, insurance companies are rapidly enforcing stricter requirements. We strongly advise securing formal certification regardless of destination.
Read our deep dive on sailing qualifications.
Total Cost of Ownership (Weekly)
The price listed on a search engine is the Base Charter Rate. It is never the final price. Anticipate the following additions:
| Line Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Log / End Cleaning | €250 - €400 | Mandatory fixed fee for turning the boat around. |
| Outboard Engine | €80 - €150/wk | Often an "extra" on bareboats. Absolutely essential. |
| Security Deposit | €3,000 - €8,000 | Refundable hold on credit card. Alternatively, pay a non-refundable damage waiver (approx €300-500). |
| Mooring Fees | €50 - €200/night | Highly variable by location (Croatia is expensive, Caribbean often cheaper). |
| Fuel | €150 - €400/wk | Depends entirely on your reliance on the generator for A/C and motoring vs sailing. |
Use our interactive Budget Calculator.
What is APA?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) applies to fully crewed charters. It is usually calculated as 20% to 30% of the base charter fee. You wire this alongside your final payment. The Captain uses it as a petty cash fund to buy fuel, food, alcohol, and pay dockage fees during your trip. You receive an itemized ledger at the end of the trip, and any unspent cash is handed back to you before you disembark. If you run out, you must top it up.