Which is better: a private boat or a commercial boat?
Updated on: 26/05/2025 After initially expanding into private boat rentals between 2015 and 2017, we reversed course to refocus on our core business: professional boat rentals. Our decision was driven by the numerous disappointments experienced by customers who had sailed on boats owned by private individuals. Currently, we work exclusively with the few private owners we consider most reliable, to ensure your vacation is a success.
Renting a boat from a private owner means choosing a vessel owned by someone for whom boat rental is not their primary business. Naturally, the price will be lower compared to a professional, and they will often be more flexible and accommodating. However, if the boat you wish to book through us is owned by a private individual, you must be fully aware of the following two pitfalls:
- The level of service is not the same:
- A private owner does not have a physical storefront or on-site offices. Therefore, they will meet you at the port for handover and inventory. Sometimes, you will be dealing with a friend or family member.
- Generally speaking, even if they are very conscientious, the resources they devote to maintaining and preparing their boat are less than those of a professional.
- The risk of dissatisfaction is higher:
- In the event of damage, a private owner is unable to provide technical assistance, unlike a professional.
- If they face personal issues (health, financial difficulties, etc.), your rental may be disrupted or even canceled.
- In the event of significant damage to their boat prior to your rental, they will not be able to offer you any alternatives or upgrades, unlike a professional rental company, especially if the latter has a substantial fleet.
- When renting from a private owner-skipper, you should be aware that your vacation will be more like staying at a bed-and-breakfast: rather than renting a boat with a skipper at your service, think of it as boarding a skipper’s boat. Our experience has taught us that after a few days, the risk of tension and personality clashes is very high on this type of vacation.
A professional charter company, on the other hand, is a business with a front desk, a technical team, and a base manager, whose job is to hand over a boat to you that is in excellent working order and spotlessly clean. But this service comes at a price.
