If you want to spend a day boating in the Solent, one of the first decisions is whether to choose a bareboat charter and take charge yourself or opt for a skippered charter.
The difference goes well beyond having another person at the helm. With a bareboat charter, you take responsibility for the boat, the passage and the decisions made throughout the day. With a skippered charter, an experienced skipper takes that responsibility, leaving you and your group free to enjoy the trip.
Neither option is automatically better. It depends on your experience, the crew you are taking with you and what you want from the day.
The main difference between skippered charter and bareboat charter
A skippered charter includes a skipper who is responsible for operating the vessel. They assess the weather and conditions, plan the passage, manage the boat in close quarters and make decisions if circumstances change.
You can still be involved. Depending on the charter and conditions, there may be opportunities to take the helm or help with some of the tasks aboard, but you are not responsible for running the boat.
A bareboat charter works differently. The person nominated as skipper takes responsibility for navigation, lookout, weather and tidal decisions, berthing and the safe operation of the boat.
That distinction becomes particularly important when something doesn’t go to plan. A stronger wind than expected, deteriorating visibility or a difficult berth all require decisions that somebody must be comfortable making.
When does a skippered charter make more sense?
A skippered charter is well suited to people who primarily want a day out on the water.
You might be arranging a birthday, taking family or friends out, visiting the Solent for the first time or simply want to enjoy the trip without one person spending most of the day concentrating on running the boat.
It can also make sense when nobody in the group has enough recent experience to feel comfortable taking full responsibility.
Local knowledge can be particularly useful in the Solent. Southampton Water, the River Hamble and surrounding waters can be busy with commercial and leisure traffic, while tides and weather can affect where it is sensible to go.
Associated Marine Training’s skippered trips depart from Hamble Point Marina, providing direct access to the Solent and surrounding cruising areas.
Having a skipper aboard means the itinerary can be adjusted around the conditions rather than the group feeling committed to a particular destination.
When is a bareboat charter the better choice?
A bareboat charter gives an experienced boater considerably more control over the day.
You decide where to go within the operator’s permitted cruising area, when to stop and how to organise the trip. For someone with suitable experience who is comfortable skippering without assistance, that independence can be a large part of the appeal.
However, it also means dealing with everything that comes with being in charge.
Before departure, you need to consider the forecast, tidal conditions, fuel, route and the capabilities of your crew. Even a relatively short trip needs a realistic passage plan that allows for conditions changing during the day.
You also need to be comfortable manoeuvring an unfamiliar boat. Controls, visibility, handling characteristics and response at low speed can all differ from boats you have used previously.
Check the charter requirements before making plans
Do not assume that holding a boating qualification automatically means you can charter any boat.
Operators set their own requirements and may ask about qualifications, previous experience and how recently you have been boating. Requirements may also vary depending on the type and size of boat.
There may be restrictions on where the boat can be taken, when it must be returned or the conditions in which it can operate. Insurance arrangements, security deposits, fuel policies and cancellation terms can differ too.
Check these details before planning a route or inviting a group. It is much easier to choose a suitable boat when you know exactly what the operator allows.
Your crew can change the decision
The person at the helm isn’t the only consideration.
A group of experienced boaters who are comfortable handling lines and fenders is very different from a group containing young children or people who have never been aboard a motorboat before.
On a bareboat charter, you need to manage both the vessel and the people aboard it. Before leaving, everyone should understand basic safety arrangements and what is expected of them during manoeuvres.
Think about what your passengers actually want from the day as well. If the plan is lunch ashore and a relaxed afternoon on the water, there may be little benefit in choosing an ambitious route that leaves everyone watching the clock.
For groups where the social side of the day matters more than taking charge of the boat, having a skipper can make the experience considerably more relaxed.
Don’t choose a bareboat charter just because you have a certificate
Qualifications can demonstrate that you have received structured training, but recent experience matters as well.
If you haven’t handled a boat for some time, consider whether you would be comfortable leaving and returning to an unfamiliar berth, dealing with wind or tide in a marina and adapting the trip if conditions deteriorate.
There is nothing wrong with deciding that you need more time at the helm before taking on a bareboat charter. Equally, an experienced boater who regularly handles similar vessels may find a skippered charter unnecessarily restrictive for the type of day they have planned.
The decision should reflect what you can comfortably manage now, rather than the qualification you gained several years ago.
Which option suits your day?
Choose a skippered charter when you want someone experienced to take responsibility for the boat, particularly if your group is inexperienced, you’re unfamiliar with the area or the main purpose is simply to enjoy a day on the water.
A bareboat charter is more suitable when you have the experience required by the operator and are comfortable taking responsibility for the boat, crew and changing conditions throughout the trip.
Whichever you choose, keep the plan realistic. A shorter day that leaves plenty of time for stops, changing conditions and the return journey is usually far more enjoyable than trying to fit too much into a single trip.
FAQs about skippered and bareboat charters
What should you check during a bareboat charter handover?
Make sure you understand the engine controls, navigation equipment, safety equipment, fuel arrangements, anchoring equipment and any systems you may need during the trip. It is also worth identifying existing damage and asking about any handling characteristics that may not be obvious before leaving the berth.
Does a skipper count towards the maximum number of people aboard?
Usually the vessel’s permitted capacity includes everyone aboard, including the skipper, but the exact arrangement depends on the boat and charter operator. Check the permitted passenger numbers before organising your group.
Is safety equipment normally provided on a charter boat?
The charter operator should explain what safety equipment is provided with the vessel and where it is kept. Before departure, make sure you know where essential equipment is located and whether there are any items you are expected to bring yourself.
Should you inspect a bareboat charter before leaving the marina?
Yes. Take time to look over the boat, check the controls and equipment you will use and make sure any existing damage has been recorded. Raising questions during the handover is much easier than trying to resolve them once you are underway.
Can you charter a boat for more than one day?
Some operators offer multi-day or longer charter arrangements, but the available boats, permitted cruising area and experience requirements can differ from a single-day charter. Check the operator’s conditions carefully before planning an overnight or extended trip.