Maybe you have a special event coming up, or simply looking to get on the water and have a great weekend away from the hustle and bustle of work life. This is when you go all out and get that yacht that will have you living the highlife of luxury and class. Before you book your yacht, there are a few crucial things that you should carefully consider. Your journey on the water should be hasslefree and fulfilling. Here are some of the considerations that you should have in mind when renting a yacht.
1. Review the Rental Company
It’s always wise to do your homework before committing to any yacht rental company. You want to ensure that you are employing the services of a rental company with a solid reputation for quality service and quality rental options. Do check the rating of the company that you are interested in renting from, as well as customer reviews. The company should have the proper operating license to perform a yacht charter as required by law. You want to work with the best and most reliable if you are shelling out the big bucks.
2. Know What’s in the Rental Agreements
For your protection, see to it that the rental agreement has all the checkpoints that are important to you. Take a close look at the legal document before you sign for specifics, such as the length you can travel, return date and time, weather-related cancellations handling, expected return condition and the extent of your liability if the yacht is damaged in any way. Know what you are agreeing to before signing.
3. Is the Yacht Insured?
It is imperative that the yacht that you are renting out has at least liability insurance, if not an umbrella policy. You can never predict what will happen when you take a vessel out, but you want to make certain that you have the protections in place that will give you peace of mind when you need it the most. When it comes to luxury rentals, companies that lease yachts should not have a vessel in operation without insurance. Insurance coverage should be standard procedure for any company renting a yacht.
4. Perform a Rental Check Before Taking Yacht Out
While it may seem like a hassle, if you want to avoid paying for damage that you didn’t cause, perform a rental check of the vessel. If you didn’t know, luxury yacht maintenance is expensive. Examine the vessel and highlight in writing, any and all issues with the boat before taking the keys. Previous damage should not be your responsibility and if you don’t make a note of it before firing up the engine, you’ll be the one accused of the damage later on when you return the vessel. Check for scratches and dents on the hull, windshield cracks, missing or broken fittings, damage to the motor or propeller and seat stains.
5. Have Emergency Communication Aboard
Ensure that the rental company provides an appropriate device to communicate with you on your journey in the case of an emergency. Communication tools, such as distress beacon, satellite phone, air horn, flares and waterproof VHF hand-held radio, should provide the best direct link in an emergency and should be in a key location inside the yacht. A communication tool should be accompanied crucial safety equipment, like lifejackets.
Now that you have read these considerations for renting a yacht, you can start planning for your getaway. It’s always best to be prepared and have certain protections in place when doing a yacht charter. Enjoy your yacht adventure in style!
