Description
Yacht chartering in the USA has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy the country’s diverse waterways. It allows individuals, families, and groups to experience the joys of boating, from serene cruises to thrilling water sports, without the significant financial commitment of buying and maintaining a yacht. The U.S. offers an incredible variety of destinations, from the warm, clear waters of the Florida Keys and the vibrant urban landscapes of Miami to the historic charm of New England’s coast, the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the vast freshwater expanses of the Great Lakes.
The charter market in the USA caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. You can choose between **bareboat charters**, where you captain the yacht yourself (requiring appropriate experience and certifications), or **crewed charters**, which include a professional crew (captain, chef, deckhands, etc.) to handle all aspects of navigation, meals, and service. This flexibility makes yacht chartering accessible to both seasoned mariners and those new to the boating lifestyle. Renting a yacht provides unparalleled privacy, flexibility, and the freedom to create your own itinerary, making it an ideal choice for unique vacations, special events, or corporate retreats.
Types of Yachts for Rent
The variety of yachts available for charter in the USA is extensive, each suited for different types of experiences and group sizes:
- Motor Yachts: These are the most common type of charter yacht for luxury and speed. They come in various sizes and offer high comfort, powerful engines for quick island hopping, and ample space for entertaining.
- Day Charter Motor Yachts: Smaller vessels (25-50 ft) ideal for short trips, sightseeing, or watersports for a few hours or a full day.
- Cruising Motor Yachts/Expedition Yachts: Larger vessels (50 ft and up) with multiple cabins, expansive salons, and a focus on comfort and range for multi-day or week-long charters.
- Sailing Yachts: For those who love the tranquility of wind-powered travel and the romance of sailing. These yachts offer a more authentic connection to the sea and can be very fuel-efficient.
- Monohull Sailboats: Traditional single-hull vessels, popular for their sailing performance and classic feel. Often available as bareboats or with a captain.
- Sailing Catamarans: Two-hulled vessels known for their stability, spacious decks, shallow draft, and comfortable living areas. Excellent for families and groups, often available with crew.
- Catamarans (Motor & Sail): Offer superior stability, vast deck space, and shallow drafts, allowing access to secluded coves and beaches. They are increasingly popular for both sailing and motor charters due to their comfort and privacy.
- Mega Yachts / Superyachts: The pinnacle of luxury charter, typically over 80 feet, fully crewed, and offering world-class amenities like jacuzzis, tender garages, and multiple dining areas. These are custom-built for ultimate comfort and service.
- Sportfish Yachts: Designed for serious anglers, these boats are equipped with specialized fishing gear, livewells, outriggers, and powerful engines. They are often available for day charters or multi-day fishing expeditions with an experienced fishing crew.
- Houseboats: Particularly popular on large lakes and inland waterways (like Lake Powell, Lake Mead, or the Great Lakes), houseboats offer a unique floating accommodation experience, combining the comforts of home with the freedom of being on the water.
Best Yacht Models for Charter in the USA
While specific models available will depend on the charter company and location, certain brands are consistently popular for their reliability, comfort, and performance in the U.S. charter market:
Popular Motor Yacht Brands for Charter:
- Sea Ray: Known for their versatile express cruisers (e.g., Sundancer series) and larger motor yachts, offering comfort and style for day trips and overnight stays.
- Azimut: A highly sought-after Italian brand, providing luxurious and sleek motor yachts, often found in high-end crewed charter fleets, particularly in Florida and California.
- Sunseeker: British-built, these yachts are synonymous with speed, luxury, and sophisticated design, popular for high-end charters.
- Princess Yachts: Another esteemed British builder, offering elegant and powerful flybridge and express yachts.
- Viking Yachts / Hatteras: While primarily known for sportfishing, their larger models can be chartered for luxurious cruising with a focus on robust build quality.
- Ferretti Group Brands (e.g., Riva, Pershing): Representing top-tier Italian luxury and performance in the motor yacht segment.
Popular Sailing Yacht/Catamaran Brands for Charter:
- Lagoon: One of the most dominant brands for sailing catamarans, offering spacious and stable platforms ideal for family charters and group cruises.
- Fountaine Pajot: Another leading French catamaran builder, known for comfortable and well-appointed sailing cats.
- Beneteau: A giant in the sailing world, their monohull sailboats (Oceanis series) are frequently found in bareboat fleets across the U.S., offering great sailing performance and comfortable interiors.
- Jeanneau: Similar to Beneteau, Jeanneau sailboats (Sun Odyssey series) are popular for bareboat charters due to their ease of handling and comfortable accommodations.
Cost of Yacht Charters in the USA
The cost of chartering a yacht in the USA varies significantly based on several factors, including the type and size of the yacht, its age, location, duration of the charter, time of year (seasonality), and whether it’s bareboat or crewed.
General Price Ranges (Daily/Weekly):
- Small Day Charter Motor Yachts (25-45 ft):
- Hourly: $200 – $800 (often 4-8 hour minimum)
- Full Day (8 hours): $1,500 – $6,000
- Bareboat Sailboats/Catamarans (35-50 ft):
- Weekly: $3,000 – $15,000 (excluding provisioning, fuel, dockage)
- Crewed Motor Yachts (50-80 ft):
- Weekly: $20,000 – $80,000 (often all-inclusive or plus expenses)
- Daily: $3,000 – $15,000
- Luxury Crewed Motor Yachts (80-150 ft+):
- Weekly: $50,000 – $500,000+ (plus expenses, typically 20-35% of the base rate for APA – Advance Provisioning Allowance)
- Houseboats:
- Weekly: $1,500 – $8,000 (seasonal variations apply)
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Fuel: A significant expense for motor yachts, often charged extra.
- Provisioning: Cost of food and beverages. For crewed charters, often covered by APA.
- Dockage Fees: If you plan to stay in marinas, these are extra.
- Crew Gratuity: Customary in the U.S. (15-20% of the charter fee for crewed charters).
- Taxes and VAT: Depending on the state and charter location.
- Water Toys: Some charters include basic water toys (snorkeling gear, paddleboards), while others charge extra for jet skis, tenders, or dive equipment.
- Delivery Fees: If the yacht needs to be repositioned for your charter.
Characteristics to Consider for Charter
When selecting a charter yacht, pay close attention to these characteristics to ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs:
- Crewed vs. Bareboat:
- Bareboat: Requires a qualified captain within your group (proof of experience/certification often required). Offers ultimate freedom and cost savings.
- Crewed: Includes a professional crew (captain, chef, stew/deckhand). Provides a luxurious, worry-free experience with personalized service. Essential for larger yachts.
- Size and Capacity:
- Length Overall (LOA): Impacts comfort, stability, and available amenities.
- Number of Cabins/Berths: Critical for overnight charters to ensure everyone has comfortable sleeping arrangements.
- Guest Capacity: Legal limits on the number of passengers (often lower for overnight vs. day charters).
- Amenities and Features:
- Air Conditioning: Essential in warmer climates.
- Water Toys: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, jet skis, tenders, inflatables.
- Entertainment Systems: TV, sound system, Wi-Fi.
- Galley Equipment: Full kitchen for self-catering on bareboat charters.
- Deck Space: Ample areas for sunbathing, dining, and lounging.
- Stabilizers: For motor yachts, these reduce roll and enhance comfort at anchor and underway.
- Performance:
- Speed (for motor yachts): Cruising speed vs. top speed, fuel efficiency.
- Sailing Performance (for sailing yachts): How well it performs upwind, downwind, etc.
- Location & Itinerary: Consider the cruising grounds you wish to explore. Some yachts specialize in specific regions. Discuss potential itineraries with the charter company or captain.
- Age and Condition of Yacht: Newer yachts often feature modern amenities and less wear. Reputable charter companies maintain their fleets meticulously.
- Reputation of Charter Company: Look for reviews and feedback from previous clients.
Best Places to Charter a Yacht in the USA
The USA offers numerous prime locations for yacht charters, each providing a unique experience:
1. Florida:
The undisputed capital of yachting in the U.S., offering year-round warm weather and diverse cruising grounds.
- Miami & Fort Lauderdale: Home to a massive charter fleet, from luxury mega yachts to sleek day charters. Ideal for vibrant city views, sandbar parties, and easy access to the Keys or the Bahamas.
- Florida Keys: Perfect for bareboat sailing and exploring tropical islands, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island culture.
- Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota): Known for calmer waters, stunning sunsets, and access to islands like Sanibel and Captiva.
- Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg: Offers a mix of city life and natural beauty, popular for both power and sail charters.
2. New England (Northeast US):
Offers picturesque coastlines, historic towns, and charming islands, particularly popular in the summer and fall.
- Newport, Rhode Island: A sailing mecca with rich maritime history and access to Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard.
- Maine Coast: Rugged beauty, secluded coves, and pristine wilderness for adventurous sailors.
- Cape Cod & Islands (Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket): Classic New England charm, quaint towns, and beautiful beaches.
3. Pacific Northwest:
Stunning natural beauty, including fjords, islands, and wildlife, though weather can be cooler.
- Seattle, Washington: Gateway to the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, and Canadian Gulf Islands.
- San Juan Islands: Known for whale watching, hiking, and tranquil cruising.
4. California:
A mix of vibrant cities and beautiful coastal cruising.
- Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego): Access to Catalina Island, known for its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
- San Francisco Bay: Iconic city views, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, and exploring the bay.
5. Great Lakes:
Vast freshwater seas offering unique cruising experiences, especially for sailing and houseboat charters.
- Lake Michigan: From Chicago’s skyline to charming lakeside towns.
- Lake Superior/Huron: Remote and rugged beauty for adventurous cruisers.
Top Yacht Charter Brokers and Platforms in the USA:
- CharterWorld: A global luxury yacht charter broker with a strong presence and extensive fleet in the USA.
- Fraser Yachts: One of the largest and most reputable superyacht brokerage and charter companies worldwide.
- FYL Yacht Charter: Offers a wide range of motor and sailing yacht charters across popular US destinations.
- The Moorings: A leading bareboat and crewed yacht charter company with bases in Florida and other global destinations. Excellent for sailing catamarans and monohulls.
- Sunsail: Sister company to The Moorings, also specializing in bareboat and flotilla sailing charters.
- GetMyBoat: A large online marketplace connecting boat owners with renters, offering a vast selection of all types of boats for various durations.
- Boatsetter: Similar to GetMyBoat, this platform allows you to rent boats directly from owners, often including a captain if needed.
- Local Charter Companies: Many smaller, independent charter companies specialize in specific regions or types of yachts. A quick online search for “yacht charter [your desired location]” will reveal local options.
Questions & Answers
A: Yes, for bareboat charters, you will need to demonstrate sufficient experience and often hold specific certifications. For U.S. waters, this typically means a valid Boater Safety Card (issued by your state or equivalent for non-US citizens) and/or a recognized sailing certification (e.g., ASA or US Sailing certifications for sailboats). For larger or more complex yachts, the charter company may require a detailed resume of your boating experience.
A: The APA is an additional payment, typically 20-35% of the base charter fee, collected before the charter begins. It covers variable expenses during your trip, such as fuel, food and beverages, dockage fees, communication costs, and activities. The captain manages this fund, keeping detailed accounts. At the end of the charter, you’ll either be reimbursed for any unused funds or asked to pay if expenses exceeded the APA.
A: Absolutely! Many yachts, especially catamarans and larger motor yachts, are designed with families in mind, offering spacious layouts, safety features, and a variety of water toys. Crewed charters are particularly family-friendly as the crew handles all the logistics, allowing parents to relax and enjoy. Always discuss your family’s needs with the charter broker to ensure the yacht and crew are suitable.
A: This heavily depends on the region.
- Florida & Caribbean (USVI): Peak season is typically November to May (winter and spring) when the weather is warm and dry. Summer is hotter and can have more rain/hurricanes.
- New England: Best from late May to early October (summer and early fall) for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
- Pacific Northwest & Great Lakes: Ideal during the summer months (June to September) for the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours.
- California: Generally good year-round in Southern California, with summer being most popular. Northern California (San Francisco Bay) is better in late spring through early fall.
A: Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of a private crewed charter is the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your preferences. You’ll typically have an initial discussion with your captain before the trip to outline your desired destinations, activities, and pace. While the captain will advise on feasibility and local conditions, the final itinerary is usually a collaborative effort, allowing for spontaneity and personalized experiences.