Ask these nine questions of anyone selling you a charter, including us, and watch how they answer. Speed, plainness and paperwork are the tells of a real operation; fog is the tell of the other kind.
The money questions
1. What is the all in number for my group on my date? Not the headline rate: the number with VAT, fuel and fees resolved. One message should produce it.
2. What exactly does the rate include? Crew, hours, toys, catering or not, per the inclusions guide. On weeks: base rate, expected APA, VAT, on separate lines.
3. What is the payment schedule, and who receives the money? The answer you want is the operator's account under contract terms, not the middleman's. This single question retires most of the market's horror stories.
The reality questions
4. Is this boat actually free on my dates, confirmed with the boat? "The listing says available" is not the same sentence. Make them say it has been checked, and when.
5. Are these photos current? Refits change boats; three year old photos sell a different product. A live video walkthrough is a fair ask on a serious booking.
6. What is the licensed guest capacity? A legal number that does not stretch for birthdays; if your count is near it, resolve it now, per the capacity guide.
The paper questions
7. What contract will I sign? Weeks should say MYBA or equivalent standard form; day charters should state written terms. "We keep it informal" is not charming, it is uninsured.
8. What happens if weather cancels the day? The answer should be specific: reschedule or refund on a captain's safety call, per the weather guide.
9. Who answers the phone during my charter? A name, on the channel you already use. If pre sales is slow, imagine mid charter.
Our own answers to all nine are one message away, and yes, we enjoy being asked.