Some of the most popular areas for bareboating are the Caribbean islands and the Mediterranean Sea. Each area has its own selection of charter companies that offer bareboat rentals. Companies often have boats in different sizes and configurations, from catamarans to large and small yachts. As you search for a company, be sure to ask the age of the boats you might rent. Like rental cars, bareboats take a beating, so it's good to rent one that's less than five years old.
Because bareboating involves having no hired skipper or crew, someone on board will have to have enough experience to manage the boat. Charter companies often use one of three methods of checking a potential renter's experience. One is to require a resume of the potential renter's sailing experience. Another is to require a bareboat certification, available at sailing schools. The third is to have a sailing license, also available, with extensive training, at a sailing school. Training at a school, or in real life, will give you knowledge about gauging weather, the best times of year to sail, and many other safety issues. If the company is not satisfied with the potential renter's qualifications, it will sometimes require the renters to have one of its skippers on board at least for the first several days. Each company is different, so be sure to check with the charter companies in your target area to get an idea of their requirements.
Be sure to ask whether the company you're renting from is licensed and bonded. On top of that, you'll also need your own insurance. To get an idea of the minimum insurance requirements for a bareboat charter, take a look at the sample requirements provided by the Crowley Maritime Corporation. There are many companies that specialize in charter boat insurance, so it should be fairly painless to find the right policy.
When you decide to do a bareboat charter instead of hiring a crew, the responsibility of cooking and cleaning is up to you. This can give you a lot less time to enjoy the sunshine on deck, but it can also save you a pile of cash. Be sure to plan your food and drink menu ahead of time, being sure to provide enough snacks and extras to provide for your time at sea. Sometimes the charter company will allow you access to the boat a few days ahead of time, according to the Bareboating the World website Early access gives you time to stock the fridge and take stock of any cooking equipment you might need to take on board.
While going the bareboat route is seen as a way to save some cash while sailing, there are some things that it's worth paying extra. Charter companies often offer an "extras" selection, including windsurfing gear, scuba gear, and dinghies that allow you to enjoy the ocean in different ways. And in spite of the added cost, renting them when you get your boat can save you money in the end over deciding to rent them piecemeal at some new port.
