CharterXO

Bareboat Charter

A charter where the customer leases a yacht without crew or captain and assumes full operational responsibility for the voyage.

A bareboat charter is a rental arrangement in which the customer — the "charterer" — takes possession of a vessel without any crew, captain, or provisions supplied by the owner. The charterer becomes the temporary operator of the boat for the duration of the agreement and is legally responsible for navigation, safety, fuel, docking, and any damage.

Bareboat charters are legally distinct from captained charters under U.S. Coast Guard rules. Because no one is being paid to operate the vessel, bareboat trips do not require the boat to be a Certificated Inspected Passenger Vessel and the charterer is not considered a "passenger for hire." This is why bareboat is the dominant legal structure for multi-day private yacht rentals in U.S. waters.

Charterers typically must demonstrate boating experience and hold any applicable state boating safety cards. Most owners also require a short dockside check-out and a substantial security deposit.

Examples

  • Renting a 40-foot sailing catamaran in the Florida Keys for a weekend with no captain aboard.
  • Chartering a center console in Miami where the renter pilots the boat themselves.

On CharterXO

On CharterXO, bareboat listings are clearly labeled and require the charterer to confirm qualifications and insurance before booking. Owners can toggle whether their vessel is bareboat-eligible.

Related Terms

Captained Charter—A charter where a USCG-licensed captain operates the vessel. The customer is a passenger, not the operator.Uninspected Passenger Vessel—A vessel that carries six or fewer paying passengers and is not required to hold a USCG Certificate of Inspection.COI vs. Uninspected—The regulatory distinction between inspected passenger vessels (7+ paying passengers) and uninspected vessels (up to 6).Charter Insurance—Commercial marine insurance covering a charter vessel, its passengers, crew, and third-party liabilities during paid trips.

References

Ready to book a charter?

CharterXO connects you directly with verified boat owners and licensed captains in Miami and South Florida.

Browse yachts