Are you thinking of spending your vacation on a rented boat this year? Don’t know how to rent a boat, how to choose the right one, and what to consider when renting?
If you have no experience with boat rentals, we’ve prepared some tips for you to make the boat rental and your vacation carefree and fun.
Accessible to everyone
The most beautiful coves, hidden corners, ancient coastal towns, and local taverns – or “konobe” as the locals call them – are usually only accessible by boat. However, to experience this little piece of paradise, you don’t need to buy a boat. You can rent one.
Nowadays, boat rentals are no longer the domain of the elite, as it’s accessible to almost anyone interested in boating, sports, active vacations, exploring remote places, and new territories. And yet, when we try to fulfill our dream, we often face uncertainty about how to choose a boat that will be safe and comfortable, easy to navigate, neither too big nor too small, and within a budget that we can still afford.
So, what should we think about? Here are some helpful tips:
How to choose a boat? How big should it be?
In general, the size of the boat is determined by the number of crew members, but we don’t primarily think about the length in meters, but the number of cabins. Usually, one cabin is intended for two people, so for a four-person crew, a boat with at least two cabins is suitable, for a six-person crew three, for an eight-person crew four, and for a ten-person crew five cabins. More than that, charter boats generally don’t have, and they are registered for a maximum of 12 crew members.
Examples of 2, 3, 4, and 5-cabin yachts are shown in the image.
Is a three-cabin yacht really suitable only for 6 people? Why then the label 6+2?
If in the previous paragraph we determined the crew’s number based on the simplified rule, i.e., twice the number of cabins (2 people per cabin), then what do labels like 4+1, 6+2, 8+2, 8+1, etc., mean?
Almost every boat has, in addition to a certain number of cabins, a salon in its central part – a kind of transitional space acting as a living room or dining area, where an additional two people can sleep. This space can be useful when, just before departure, a couple of friends sign up, and we don’t want to leave them on land or when we anticipate that having a larger crew will reduce the cost of renting the boat per person. In both cases, this space can be used effectively, and we might even save some money.
However, one should be aware that filling up the boat to its maximum capacity, which might allow for a lower rental cost, does not always make sense as it can significantly reduce the accessibility of space and comfort for the entire crew.
What type of sails should the boat have: roller (roll) or classic (lazy jack)?
For inexperienced sailors, families with children, or those who just want easier sail handling, roller sails are certainly the better choice. They are quicker and easier to set, simple to manage, and can be quickly reduced or stowed away when sudden gusts of wind occur. They also allow most tasks to be done from the cockpit, which can be much more practical and safer in certain situations. We definitely recommend them for crews that are physically weaker, fewer in number, or less experienced.
Is the age of the boat important?
Generally, the age of the boat is important, but the actual condition depends more on how the boat has been treated and its maintenance. This is where the organization, commitment, and consistency of the charter companies and boat owners come into play. So, don’t be surprised if some providers offer older boats in better condition than others that are nearly new. Therefore, the year of the boat is not always the key factor. We recommend discussing this when renting the boat.
What are the advantages of a boat with a ‘Bow Thruster’?
The “Bow Thruster” is an electric propulsion device installed in the hull of the boat, with a transverse propeller that enables easier maneuvering during departure or docking in a marina.
Unlike the boat’s main engine, which only moves the boat forward or backward in a small space, the bow thruster also allows lateral movement, greatly increasing the boat’s agility. This makes sailing in tight marinas easier, more precise, and safer.
Is a GPS device in the cockpit necessary?
No, it’s not necessary, but it’s definitely not useless! All modern boats are equipped with nautical instruments in the outer part of the cockpit: a wind indicator, a speedometer, and a depth meter, in addition to an autopilot device.
So, we could say that, in addition to all the above, the GPS device would be the cherry on top, showing us the water area where we are and our position within it. When renting your chosen boat, be sure to check if it is equipped with one.
What if there is no experienced sailor in the crew?
No problem! If we’re sailing for the first time and there’s no experienced sailor in the crew, it’s better to hire a skipper and relieve ourselves of any worries.
When should you book the boat?
Although it’s a good idea to book a boat early, especially due to significant “early” discounts, now is also the time for great “last-minute” offers. The choice is somewhat limited at this time, but prices are at their lowest and should be taken advantage of.
For those who have no experience with yacht rentals, the decision is probably not entirely easy. Moreover, not every cheap offer is genuinely a good deal. Sometimes a slightly higher price actually means a higher level of comfort and an incomparable vacation experience. Sometimes even a small change in dates can provide a much wider or more favorable choice. There are endless possibilities, you just need to pick the right one.
To make choosing a boat easier, to ensure your plans are fulfilled, and your vacation is carefree, contact us! Share your expectations and desires with us, and we will be happy to advise you and present a wide selection of the most affordable and optimal options for booking your boat.
Prepared by: Jernej Kuhar, thesailmaster.si