Charter special: How to enjoy a relaxed charter holiday on a boat
Leonie Meyer
· 17.09.2025
Chartering motorboats and yachts is becoming increasingly popular among water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced skipper or a layperson travelling with you, renting a boat offers the opportunity to explore new places, experience the beauty of the sea and create lasting memories - without having to bear the high purchase and maintenance costs of owning your own yacht. The choice ranges from small, cosy boats for couples to large luxury yachts for groups or families. Depending on your own abilities and preferences, the boat can be chartered with or without a crew. However, there are a few important aspects to consider to ensure that your charter holiday is a complete success.
Keeping an eye on costs
Chartering is one of the most cost-effective ways to experience a boating holiday, as there are no purchase and maintenance costs for a boat of your own. Nevertheless, charterers sometimes have to dig deep into their wallets. It can be particularly expensive if the crew is tied to school holidays, if a new boat is required or if an area is chosen where the cost of living is particularly high. However, skilful planning can save a lot of money. If you are flexible in terms of time and book outside the peak season, you can benefit from significantly lower prices. Choosing a less well-known area can also reduce costs, while at the same time offering the chance to discover unspoilt areas that have been spared mass tourism.
Find the right charter boat
A crucial point when planning a charter trip is choosing the right boat and charter company. In addition to traditional charter agencies, there are now also numerous online platforms that offer a large selection of boats. These allow prices to be compared quickly and directly, which can make it tempting to simply choose the cheapest offer. However, price alone should not be the decisive criterion. What matters most is the reliability of the provider, the quality and condition of the boat and the service on site. A reputable charter company offers well-maintained boats, comprehensive instruction and is on hand with help and advice in the event of problems. The size and equipment of the charter boat should also be carefully adapted to the needs of the crew - too much space causes unnecessary costs, too little space can considerably spoil the holiday fun.
Check contracts and papers carefully
Once the right boat has been found, the paperwork follows. The charter contract should be read thoroughly before booking to avoid any nasty surprises. The provisions regarding the deposit, insurance and any additional costs such as final cleaning or bed linen are particularly important. The cancellation conditions should also be checked carefully. Many charter companies now offer flexible cancellation options that allow the trip to be rebooked or cancelled free of charge or for a small fee up until shortly before the start of the trip. It should also be clarified what equipment is available on board and what additional equipment may need to be hired or brought along. This ensures clarity for both parties:
Taking out the right insurance
Thorough travel preparations also include dealing with insurance issues. There is a wide range of possible policies, from skipper liability to deposit insurance and travel cancellation insurance. Skipper's liability insurance is particularly important as it covers damage to third-party property caused by the skipper. Deposit insurance protects against the loss of the often high deposit that must be paid when taking over the yacht. Cancellation insurance can be useful to avoid being stuck with the full costs in the event of cancellation at short notice. With all insurance policies, it is important to check the terms and conditions of the contract carefully and pay attention to possible exclusions.
The check-in
After arriving on board the chartered yacht, the first step is to take over the boat: the so-called check-in. This process should be carried out carefully and, above all, documented so that the crew knows exactly where the equipment is located and how to operate it. Particular attention should be paid to recording all existing damage in order to avoid liability issues later on. It is also important to check the functionality of all essential systems, such as the engine, navigation equipment, electrics and sanitary facilities. A detailed briefing by the charter company on the special features of the boat and the sailing area is also essential. Sufficient time should be allowed for this, as a hasty check-in could lead to problems later on.
Provision planning
Before the charter holiday can start, it is essential to organise the provisions carefully. On longer voyages - i.e. without or with only a few stops and with the possibility of reordering food - this point becomes even more important. Structured meal planning and a detailed shopping list will help you to keep an overview and avoid unnecessary purchases. When stowing supplies, care should be taken to ensure a balanced distribution so as not to jeopardise the balance of the boat. Food that spoils quickly should be used up early. For longer journeys, it is also advisable to always have long-life alternatives such as tinned food, pasta or rice on board. Last but not least, a sufficient amount of drinking water is essential, especially if the water supply is limited. Read more about this:
Find berths
Depending on the area and the density of boats, it can sometimes be difficult to find a berth in a marina or municipal harbour. However, it is annoying if you have to sacrifice the best afternoon hours in an anchorage bay because of this. With a little creativity, however, it is sometimes possible to find a berth even in full harbours. Alternatives such as anchoring in sheltered bays or mooring to buoys can not only save costs, but also offer a special nature experience. In popular areas, it is also advisable to reserve moorings in advance if possible or at least enquire about them well in advance.
Special features of catamaran charters
Due to their wide design, catamarans are taking up more and more space in marinas. Chartering twin-hulls is becoming increasingly popular, as they offer plenty of space for the crew and are ideal for swimming and relaxing at anchor. However, they differ significantly in terms of handling and manoeuvrability. Due to their design, catamarans react differently to wind and currents, which must be taken into account especially when mooring and casting off. Anchoring also requires special techniques, as they can swing sideways more strongly when the wind direction changes. Catamarans also require considerably more space in harbours and marinas, which can make it difficult to find a suitable berth. It is therefore advisable for first-time charterers to receive a detailed briefing in advance and ideally already have experience in handling larger motor yachts.
