What to Look Out for When Choosing A Yacht to Charter

Working out the option for you when choosing a yacht to charter is not always easy. There are a variety of factors to consider, some obvious – such as the weekly cost of chartering – while some are not as clear, such as seasonal differences and dissimilarities between new and older yachts. These issues compound if you’re looking out for your first potential charter ever, which exciting as it is, can be nerve-wracking. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can look out for when deciding on the perfect yacht for your circumstances – read on to learn a few handy tips that can save you a lot of time and money. 

What kind of yacht is best for you?

Choosing the right yacht for your specific circumstances is not as simple as it might first seem. There are a number of things to consider before you take the plunge – what amenities you need, the number of guests you plan to accommodate and the kind of trip you plan to take. Depending on how you answer these questions, you may end up with two completely different yachts. If you’re looking to travel a long way and require a vessel that is steadfastly rugged, perhaps a larger expedition-style superyacht will be the ticket. Even then, if you have children on board, you’ll need to make sure that pools are adequately fitted with safety rails, and if you’re hosting friends, you’d need to make sure that there were enough facilities on board to accommodate for parties. Factors like these ensure browsing for a yacht isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach – which is half the fun. Although it makes sense on a practical level, choosing a brand new yacht is not necessarily the best course of action. More seasoned yachts can provide more experienced crews, who will ensure your expedition runs as smoothly as possible. It’s also possible that older vessels have had a recent refit, which will allow them to still be of a very high quality despite their age. 

Understanding charter rates

Wrapping your head around yacht rates can make choosing the right yacht difficult. On a digital charter platform like Ahoy Club, the standard weekly charter rate noticeably fluctuates depending on the season – for instance, yachts normally advertise a base price from which their rates start, which usually reflect the much lower costs of the winter season. July or August, being the high season, are usually much more expensive for charterers. With this in mind, it’s when prospective charterers are fixated on certain areas and yachts that associated costs can soar. Instead, it pays to be flexible, as being open to dates and destinations can help you allocate your funds to superior vessels. It’s also not uncommon to see vessels that seem very similar to fetch very different prices. You shouldn’t necessarily dismiss the more expensive yacht, as in many cases the increased price will be related to the more experienced crew on board. 

Need help deciding on a charter?

At the end of the day, taking your time when looking for a vessel – factoring in things like destination, accommodation, and crew – will ensure the biggest payoff. Although there may be great appeal in snagging what you might think is the perfect yacht for the occasion (perhaps a friend gushed about it after their last holiday?), making a bulletproof itinerary is the only way you’re going to find the ideal yacht for your next big expedition.