Boating and chartering through an analytical lens

The new shiny one or the often thought of more practical used version?  New versus used is an age-old decision for boat buyers.

If you are considering buying a new boat and trying to figure out if SailTime is worth it from a budgeting and quality of use standpoint, we go through all the factors.

The typical rule of thumb is that annual costs for a boat average 10% of the purchase price.  The main costs from largest to smallest include: marina fees, insurance, spring detail, commissioning, bottom paint, in-season maintenance and cleaning, fuel, and winterization.

Many people take debt out from a bank to finance a boat purchase.  The key points for a boat loan include: where the loan comes from, loan amount, loan tenor, interest rate, upfront fees, and prepayment considerations.

The check out procedure for a charter is relatively straightforward, but one must be aware of each step.  Let’s take a look at the basic checkout events, with a focus on a check list for the boat overview and inspection.

The psychology of a crew could probably be an entire field of study.  The stages I’ve found with crew, detailed below, directly impact their level of involvement and how much gets done onboard. There’s no “one size fits all” solution here, but there are considerations in mind if you take a more structured approach.

The answer to the new versus used conundrum comes down to how much one is willing to pay in total cost of ownership for a boat and whether one values certain features and equipment.

There are things that have startling effects on our psyche: first job, first kiss, and then there’s the first time you sail the Exumas. 

What is SailTime and how does it work? Should I buy a new boat and enroll? How much will I be able to use my boat? Perhaps I just become a member? This calculator helps answer it all.

The BVI is classic; basically, the OG of chartering and boat life.  Many freshly minted bareboat chartering graduates head here for their first charter on their own with its line of sight sailing, excellent marine infrastructure, and fun onshore activities.

Cerulean waters, endless tzatziki, Mythos beer...we wanted it all with our first Mediterranean voyage to Greece as a group.

A calculator that allows you to enter boat loan information and provides you monthly and annual calculations for payment, interest, and principal.

We had always heard about how incredible Croatia was and with the proximity to the Ionians we were excited to plan the Dalmatian Coast.

A checklist for captains or anyone who is trying to manage a crew, that ensures people are assigned to various roles and duties onboard.

With only 5 days to get some sailing in prior to a wedding, we took off from Sicily to do a quick tour of the Aeolian Islands, including Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea, and a secret beach on Sicily’s Northern Coast.

A checklist that covers every item and section of the boat, for use when checking a boat out from a charter company.