Planning Your First Yacht Charter? Here is How to Choose the Perfect Boat
- Ronen Inbar
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
So, you’ve decided to embark on your first yacht charter? Congratulations! The sea is calling, but before you start packing your deck shoes, you face the most critical decision: choosing the yacht that will be your home for the next week. As a charter broker who has seen hundreds of voyages, I’m here to help you navigate these waters.
Monohull or Catamaran – Every Skipper’s First Dilemma
The choice between a single-hull (Monohull) and a twin-hull (Catamaran) isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about your lifestyle on the water.
The Monohull: For the True Sailing Purist
If you’re here for the "sailing" experience—the thrill of the heeling (leaning), the wind in the sails, and that classic connection to the sea—a monohull is for you. It is significantly more affordable, easier to dock in crowded marinas, and offers that timeless nautical feel.
The Catamaran: A Floating Villa
For families or those prone to seasickness, a catamaran is the ultimate choice. It is incredibly stable, spacious, and provides excellent privacy between cabins. While it costs 30-50% more than a similar monohull, it has a secret weapon: a shallow draft. Because it lacks a deep keel, you can sneak into shallow turquoise bays and anchor much closer to the beach than a monohull ever could.
How Many Cabins Do You Actually Need?
A common rookie mistake is booking a boat based on the exact head-count.
Pro Tip: If you are a group of 6, book a 4-cabin yacht (8 berths). That extra space for gear, or giving the skipper their own private cabin, is worth every penny.
Heads and Showers: For your first charter, do not settle for less than two heads (bathrooms). You don’t want a queue forming in the morning when everyone is eager to hit the water.
Size Matters—But Maybe Not How You Think
A larger yacht (45ft+) is more stable and comfortable, but it requires more skill during harbor maneuvers. If this is your first time skippering a charter, the 40-42ft range is the "Sweet Spot"—comfortable enough for living, yet easy to handle.
Remember, this isn’t a 3-hour club sail; you are living on this boat for a week. If you are more than 3 people, I highly recommend staying above the 40ft mark. Personal note: If you are a big guy like me, be very careful. You don't want to find yourself waiting to reach the shore just to use a proper bathroom because the onboard shower was too cramped.
Manufacturing Year vs. Maintenance Standards
On platforms like Boataround, you’ll see 10-year-old yachts at "too good to be true" prices. Warning: On your first charter, you want peace of mind, not technical headaches.
New Yachts (Up to 3 years old): Very low risk of technical failure.
The Charter Company: This is the real secret. It’s not just about the boat model; it’s about who maintains it. As your agent, my job is to know which companies in Greece or Croatia provide top-tier service and which ones neglect their fleet. I have plenty of "horror stories" about poor maintenance—don’t let your holiday become one of them.
How to Save Costs Without Ruining the Holiday
Early Bird: Booking six months in advance can save you 15-20%.
Shoulder Seasons: Sailing in June or September-October costs significantly less than August, and the islands are far less crowded.
The "Extras": Check what’s included. Is there an outboard motor for the dinghy? Are towels provided? Sometimes "cheap" yachts become expensive once you add the extras.
Luxuries vs. Essentials: Think carefully. Do you really need a generator, AC, and a watermaker? They spike the price. Sometimes, a yacht with a large water tank is all you need.
Last Minute Deals: While we brokers prefer planning ahead, if you are spontaneous and can leave within a week’s notice, you can find incredible prices. The downside? You might not get the specific yacht you dreamed of.
Conclusion: Don’t Go It Alone
Choosing a charter yacht is a complex task with a lot of "fine print." As an independent agent, I’m not tied to any specific fleet—I’m committed to you. I vet the boat’s history, check the management company’s ratings, and ensure you get the best value for your money.
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