At Nautical Yacht Charters, we believe that your time on the water should be fun, luxurious, and — most importantly — legal. As the popularity of private yacht rentals continues to rise in Fort Lauderdale, it’s essential to understand the specific rules that govern bareboat yacht charters to avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure a safe, fully compliant experience.
In line with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993, bareboat charters must meet a strict set of criteria. Unfortunately, many illegal operations continue to put passengers at risk and face serious consequences, including charter termination, fines, or worse.
Here’s what you need to know to charter safely and legally with us.
What is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter is a private yacht rental in which you — the charterer — are considered the temporary owner of the vessel. You take full possession and control of the yacht for the duration of the trip. That means you’re responsible for selecting and paying your crew, covering all provisions and expenses, and ensuring the vessel is returned in proper condition.
7 Key Criteria for a Legal Bareboat Charter
To meet the definition of a legal bareboat charter, all seven of the following must be met:
- Crew Selection:
You have the right to choose your own qualified captain and crew. While Nautical Yacht Charters can provide a list of pre-vetted captains for your convenience, the final decision is always yours. - Crew Payment:
The charterer (you) pays the captain and crew directly. This keeps the charter in your legal possession and out of the ownership of Nautical Yacht Charters or it’s affiliates during your trip. - Provisioning:
All food, drinks, fuel, and other supplies are the responsibility of the charterer. We have some recommendations for provisioning services to help make this part easy and stress-free. - Port Fees, Fuel and Other Expenses:
Any marina fees, docking charges, fuel or other operational costs must be paid by the charterer during your bareboat charter. - Insurance:
The charterer must carry liability insurance for the duration of the rental, at minimum covering gaps not included in the yacht owner’s policy. - Crew Termination Rights:
The charterer has the authority to dismiss the captain or crew for cause — further establishing control of the vessel. - Inspection Upon Delivery and Return:
The vessel must be inspected both before and after the charter to document its condition and ensure it’s returned properly.
Passenger Limits on Bareboat Charters
Bareboat charters are limited to no more than 13 passengers, the charterer and 12 guests, not including the captain and crew. Even if multiple boats anchor together or raft up, each yacht must independently comply with this rule. During the duration of the charter there can not be more than 13 passengers at the dock, underway, anchored, rafted up or at a mooring buoy.
This passenger limit is in place for safety and regulatory reasons. Nautical Yacht Charters strictly adheres to this guideline to ensure every trip is compliant and uninterrupted.
Owner Participation is Prohibited
It’s important to note: The yacht owner (Nautical Yacht Charters) cannot serve as the captain, be part of your crew, or be onboard during your charter. Doing so would invalidate the bareboat agreement and violate U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Why Compliance Matters
Operating outside of these rules not only jeopardizes your trip but also opens the door to federal enforcement, fines, or legal consequences. At Nautical Yacht Charters, we take compliance seriously so you don’t have to worry. Every charter we offer is structured to fully comply with the USCG’s expectations for legal bareboat operations.
Questions About Bareboat Charters?
If you have any questions about how bareboat charters work or want to make sure your trip is fully compliant, our team is happy to help. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from choosing your captain to finalizing your paperwork. You can also read the USCG rules here.
Book with Confidence
With Nautical Yacht Charters, you’re getting more than just a beautiful yacht — you’re getting peace of mind. Trust us to provide a fully legal, expertly managed yacht charter experience that lets you enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s stunning waters without a hitch.
Call us today at 954-233-3513 or contact us online to start planning your next charter the right way.
FAQS
What is the legal definition of a bareboat charter, and what are my responsibilities as the charterer?
A bareboat charter is a private yacht rental where the charterer is considered the temporary owner of the vessel for the duration of the trip. As the charterer, you take full possession and control of the yacht. Your responsibilities include:
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Selecting and paying the crew directly.
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Covering all operational expenses (fuel, provisions, etc.).
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Ensuring the vessel is returned in proper condition.
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Carrying liability insurance for the duration of the rental.
What is the maximum number of passengers allowed on a bareboat charter under US Coast Guard regulations?
The maximum limit is 13 passengers total (the charterer plus 12 guests). This limit applies regardless of the size of the yacht and remains in effect whether the vessel is at the dock, underway, anchored, or rafted up with other boats. The captain and crew do not count toward this 13-person passenger limit.
Who is responsible for selecting, hiring, and paying the captain and crew for a bareboat charter?
The charterer is solely responsible. To maintain legal compliance, the charterer must have the right to choose their own qualified captain and crew and must pay them directly. While the owner (Nautical Yacht Charters) may provide a list of pre-vetted captains for convenience, the final decision and the financial transaction for crew services must remain with the charterer.
What specific expenses are the charterer’s responsibility?
Under a bareboat agreement, the charterer is responsible for all operational costs, which specifically include:
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Fuel and oil.
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Provisions (all food and drinks).
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Port Fees and docking charges/marina fees.
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Crew wages and tips.
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Any other supplies or operational costs incurred during the charter.
Can the yacht owner (Nautical Yacht Charters) serve as the captain or be on board during the charter?
No. According to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the yacht owner (or its representatives) cannot serve as the captain, be part of the crew, or be onboard during a bareboat charter. Doing so would invalidate the bareboat agreement and violate federal safety laws, as it would signal that the owner has not truly relinquished “possession and control” to the charterer.
