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Ready to get on board your yacht charter? Before leaving the dock, there are some specifics that must be completed in order to “check out” the boat. This is a detailed orientation to your accommodations for the week. The procedure will vary depending on the location, but the idea is the same. Certainly, the bare boater should cover the following itemized list of technical operations. The crewed yacht charter passenger is not responsible for the operations of the boat and is not involved with a thorough inspection. However, both must be aware that once the sail is underway, they have “approved and accepted” their vessel. Any concerns must be stated before the boat leaves the dock. This is also the time that the passengers on a crewed yacht charter may want to discuss their opinions on the itinerary with the Captain. If the itinerary was not preplanned in advance, then now is definitely the time. Preplanning an itinerary is possible with the charter company and skipper prior to departure.
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Some larger companies have prepared in advance a tape or DVD that you and your crew will watch for the operational details of the boat. It is most important that the person, who will be the skipper on the trip, be at the boat orientation. The information presented will detail all the systems of the boat including electrical switches, navigation equipment, how to use the head and water systems. It may also include instructions on how to use the generator and air conditioning if the boat comes equipped with that. It will certainly cover how to start up the motor and a guided tour of the interior of the boat. At the orientation you should have the opportunity to meet with a company representative, to actually check that all systems are in working order.
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If you are planning to sail and explore islands and beaches, or plan on long sails, then provisioning in advance is a must. A little research will find you some great local stores that will help you order food via the Internet, and they will stock your boat at the marina as well. Advanced provisioning is essential if you are sailing with smaller children. Charter companies also offer a grocery list or choices for split or full provisioning. Even if you decide to do your own shopping, try to get your water and soft drinks delivered, it will save a lot of heavy unloading. During the couple of hours of boat orientation, some members of the crew may keep themselves busy with final provisioning errands.
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We knew of a group of seasoned sailors who took a yacht charter in Europe and were not thorough during orientation where they found only one minor problem. They signed off on the boat claiming all was in working order. The surprises they encountered later made for a miserable charter. The mistakes they made should have been easily avoided. It is essential to take the time to check all systems that you will use during the trip. Be sure to cover the following before signing off:
Ensure that the head is in good working order. If the toilet doesn’t flush, don’t accept the boat.
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Don’t forget to check the refrigeration, it should cool down quickly after turning it on.
Make certain that all the winches turn with ease and that your sails furl and unfurl without difficulty. In essence unfurl the sails at the dock if at all possible! We have known roller-furling mainsails that were not in good working order, and as a result, unable to be raised for the entire trip.
Run the engine and make sure the batteries get charged. You need to see 13.8 to 14.2 volts on the voltmeter with the engine running. Without batteries you have no power, no lights, no navigation equipment, and you may not even be able to start up the boat again. Imagine having to have your engine running 24/7?
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Navigation equipment is essential, be sure you understand how it works. We have known sailors to be underway and the radar dome fell off its mount on the spreaders. Something they probably would not have picked up on the orientation.
Check your tank levels, water and fuel and be sure to leave with them full.
Last item to check is the dinghy; make sure it is operational, as that is your link to land from an anchorage. Nothing is more annoying than an outboard that doesn’t run, and you have to row.
Finally, when asked to give the security deposit, do not pay in cash leave a credit card number instead. Protect yourself in case of a dispute later. |
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E-mail us your opinions and experiences at any time to info@sailing-advisor.com. Or call us toll-free at 1-866-754-7256.
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