Security bond
Boat inspections
Refund of bond
Fuel costs
Bond deduction price list

All  bareboat yacht charter companies require a security bond to be paid on the bareboat and equipment which act as collateral against any loss or damage during the charter, such as equipment lost overboard, or broken crockery.

Security bond on a bareboat

The amount of the bond varies from company to company but is generally between $1000 and $2000 (taken as a credit card imprint or cash deposit) depending on the size, type and value of bareboat chartered.

Instead of posting a bond some companies offer you the option of being able to pay a non-refundable 'Damage Waiver Option' ranging from $150 - $250 , or insurance payable on a daily basis.

The bond or option generally represents the limit of a charterers liability for the bareboat hired... and when you consider the non-insurable exposure of $1,000 - $5000 one has renting a motor vehicle or campervan these days, the terms for renting a bareboat charter boat which can be worth more than $450,000 is very reasonable.

Bareboat charter inspections

After the last bareboat charter (the one immediately before yours), a diver inspects the underwater hull, rudders and propellers... this condition report will be on the boat or alternatively be available to you for your inspection... when your bareboat returns from charter, a diver will again inspect the hull, rudders and propellers... and report any damage! This dive check is paid for by your bareboat charter operator... it is not chargeable to you.

A detailed list of boat inventory will be available at your briefing... this list will have been checked and verified after the last bare boat charter. For your own piece of mind it's a good idea for you to personally check the major items and loose equipment before departure, and bring any differences to the attention of your charter company before the boat goes out. To review what items are included on-board your bareboat, Refer to Bareboat inventory

Refund of bareboat bond

On return from bareboat charter, bonds cannot be refunded 'on the spot'. A full inventory check will happen as your bare boat is cleaned and prepared for the next charter. You can expect your bond to be refunded within 7 to 14 days after you finish your bareboat charter, unless a query arises and in that case you will be contacted... however, this seldom occurs.

On your return all operators ask for your comments on any equipment found to be faulty... maybe a small tear in an awning that requires attention, a light not working etc., items that may be overlooked when preparing the vessel for the next charter. Because you have been living aboard you are in the best position to comment... your help is always appreciated.

To give you some idea of the type of bond deduction that can be made if gear is lost or your boat or equipment is damaged... and the approximate costs that can be involved, see Bond deduction price list

Bareboat fuel costs

The fuel used in sailing yachts and sailing catamarans is sometime included in the daily charter rate by some charter companies... however, with the increasing cost of fuel companies now commonly charge on the basis of you paying for "what-you-use" when you charter a power catamaran, motor cruiser or houseboat.

Some bareboat companies, and in particular the Whitsunday yacht charter companies ask for a pre-paid fuel deposit, which is assessed, based on the length of time the boat is hired... other companies take payment after refueling the bareboat on its return from charter.

Average bareboat engine usage is 2 - 2 1/2 hours per day for a power catamaran or motor cruiser... To help you estimate daily fuel costs, work on the following estimates.