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    • Charter Boat Extras Explained

    Have you ever searched for a boat and seen it for two different prices? Or have you seen two almost identical boats and can’t understand why one is hundreds of dollars cheaper? Pricing of charter yachts can vary from provider to provider; some show just the boat’s rental price, excluding mandatory extras. Some providers quote the boat with extras, including optional extras that you can remove, pre-paid fuel, for example. Understanding extras will help you choose the right boat for your vacation with no surprises. 

    charter boat extras

    Boatjump always gives you the final price: the yacht and all mandatory extras for transparent pricing. But what are mandatory extras? Here is our guide to boat extras. 

     

    When chartering a yacht in the Caribbean, there will be mandatory extras you will need to account for. They vary from provider to provider and also depend on your destination, but costs can be broken down into two categories; destination and boat extras. 

     

    DESTINATION EXTRAS

     

    All charter destinations have cruising taxes ranging from one-off fees to a daily per person rate; there also National Park Fees and contributions to sea search and rescue, depending on your cruising area. Most providers show these extras as mandatory extras or extras to pay at base. The cruising fees and taxes relating to your destination will always be clearly stated on your Boatjump quotation.

     

    BOAT EXTRAS

    On top of the boat price, providers will also list mandatory boat extras that cover cleaning, boarding fees, linen, and towels, as well as fuel for the outboard engine and propane gas. These mandatory extras vary depending on the provider. As a guide, expect to pay around $400 – $600 on top of the base boat price. 

     

    Your charter boat will be provided full of fuel and with full water tanks. Unless stated, you are required to fill up with fuel and water before returning the boat to the base. If this is the case, ensure you have allowed sufficient time on your final day sailing to do this, as you may need to wait for fuel at the dock.

     

    On top of the mandatory extras, there are also optional extras you can choose from to customize your charter vacation to your needs, for example:

    • Consumables: A fixed fee to cover fuel, and water so there is no need to top up before your charter ends.
    • Damage waiver – reduces the refundable deposit that is paid at the base.
    • Wifi
    • Boat cell phone
    • Stand up paddleboards
    • Kayaks
    • Child safety nets 
    • Fishing gear

     

    Some providers have created starter or welcome packs covering the mandatory extras, damage waiver reduction (more about that later), cell phone, and snorkel gear in one payment for more straightforward pricing. As a response to Covid-19, there are also flexible insurance options that allow you to cancel or rebook if you cannot travel. For more info on risk-free booking, check out our blog here. 

     

    OTHER COSTS TO CONSIDER

     

    • Deposit. You need to consider the deposit that you will have to pay to cover any damage or losses (outboards have been known to end up on the sea bed). Deposits range from $500 up to $10,000; this amount is the maximum you would incur should there be damage to the boat; the provider’s insurance policy covers any damage costs after that.

     

    • Activities. Depending on your ideal sailing vacation, you may want to purchase a fishing license or hire dive gear and a guide to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.  While not classed as an extra, you also have the option to add a host/cook on board and or a skipper, if you want to relax a little more or have someone with local knowledge to guide you. If you would like to know more about the differences between all-inclusive charters, with a crew, all extras, and many water toys included or a bareboat charter, read our blog here.

     

    With so many options and providers in the Caribbean to choose from, why not let us do the hard work for you.  Speak with one of our specialists, let them know your plans and budget, and they will select a range of options for you to choose from.

     

    Ready?  

    FIND YOUR PERFECT BOAT

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