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Renting or Chartering a Boat – What is the Difference?

You have decided that you want to enjoy a boating experience on your next holiday, and you have chosen Florida as your destination – but what is the difference between renting and chartering a boat in Florida?

The internet is full of information but sometimes it’s not as clear as we would like it to be, and you may be under the impression that renting and chartering a boat are one in the same.

Technically, they are the same in that you will be hiring someone else’s boat. But there are some important differences, and we are here to explain them to you.

In summary, the difference is not in the boat, but in the experience.

Renting a Boat

Whether you are renting a boat in Florida or anywhere else in the world, it means that you are paying to use someone’s watercraft. Typically, boats for rent are smaller vessels which include power boats, motorboats, jet skis, and sometimes rubber ducks (inflatable boats with motors) and, when you rent a boat, it is usually on an hourly basis or at most, for a full day.

Additionally, renting a boat also means that you will need to bring all your own food and drinks, equipment for activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and diving, as well as your own skipper or crew if applicable.

Simply put, when you rent a boat, you are renting the vessel and nothing more.

What Does it Mean to Charter a Boat?

Chartering a boat means that you are paying for an experience. Typically, chartering a boat means that you will be paying to use the boat for at least a full day, although most chartering experiences last for a few days and sometimes a week or two.

Chartered boats are mostly larger vessels. This is because they are designed for multi-day experiences. In other words, you will be living, eating, and sleeping on the boat.

Charter companies offer a range of experiences for their guests and often include a full crew. In other words, you can choose to have a personal chef, captain, and housekeeping for the full duration of the charter experience. While most charters provide you with refreshments and all the equipment you may need for your stay on the boat, some may offer the option to bring your own which may save costs.

Therefore, it’s important to choose what kind of experience you want and to find a charter company in Florida that ticks all your boxes.

How to Choose Between Renting and Chartering a Boat in Florida

Ultimately you must first decide what kind of experience you are looking for. If a few hours out at sea is what you are after, then renting a boat is the right choice. This is a good option for those who have a skipper’s license and are capable of operating the boat independently.

For those who are looking to enjoy a few days on the water, chartering a boat is the right choice. Think of a charter as a mini cruise where all you have to focus on is having fun, while the onboard crew takes care of everything else.

Snappa – Boat Rentals and Charters in Florida

Still stuck on whether to choose a boat rental or boat charter for your holiday in Florida? Snappa is here to make things easy for you. Download our boat rental app or visit our homepage to discover all the boat rentals and charters in Florida that are available to you. Customize your experience and let us pair you with the perfect rental or charter company.