What are the common sources of disappointment when chartering a boat with a skipper? Should I tip the skipper?
Updated on: 26/05/2025In a charter with a skipper, the service provided by the skipper plays a crucial role in the success of your vacation, regardless of the quality of the chartered boat. However, every year we find that many boaters are often very happy with their boat but somewhat disappointed with the skippers’ service, even when the chartered boat is relatively comfortable and expensive. This applies to a significant portion of our clientele, and unfortunately, neither Filovent nor the local charter companies generally have any real control over the skippers, who are freelancers paid directly by you, the charterers. Here are the recurring issues:
- a skipper who sails only under motor power and almost never sets sail.
- A skipper who somewhat “imposes” their itinerary.
- A skipper who avoids anchorage and takes you mainly to ports.
There are several things to be aware of regarding the skipper’s profession:
- they generally work from April to October; for some, this means working without a single day off, so it’s necessary for them to rest a bit during cruises—especially by sleeping regularly in port—though this isn’t always the clients’ preferred solution.
- They have virtually no privacy throughout the season, spending all their time on board with clients. They therefore need to take a breather from time to time; otherwise, they would be working 24/7 for several months straight, which no one can do.
- Paradoxically, although the price of his services is high for the customer, his annual net income remains low when taking into account the seasonal nature of the job, mandatory deductions, professional insurance, and his transportation costs. It is a relatively precarious profession.
- A significant portion of their income comes from tips. In fact, American clients generally tip the most, along with Germans. The French, for example, unfortunately have a reputation for being quite demanding but leaving nothing. As a result, skippers naturally tend to go the extra mile for clients they believe to be the most generous.
Our tips to maximize your chances of having a dedicated skipper:
- Win the skipper over from the very start: show him that you respect him and that you’re attentive to his needs: ask him what he likes to drink or eat, and try to please him. If he feels like he’s being treated like your servant, it’s OVER!
- Respect his rest: alternate between nights at anchor and nights in port. A night at anchor is absolutely not restful for the skipper, who must remain vigilant to ensure the anchor holds properly.
- Leave a fair tip for the skipper if you feel he did his best to make your cruise enjoyable. 10 to 15% of his pay for the period, for example between €200 and €500 for a week (same for the hostess, if applicable).
- The first three points must be communicated to your entire group.
Notify the base manager BEFORE DEPARTURE that you are willing to tip the skipper if you are satisfied. This way, the manager can inform the skipper.
