This is a profound concept that has, in fact, worked well for many people. Let us analyze the difference in approach to designing a charter boat as compared to a cruising boat as it impacts on your particular circumstances.
Charter boat requirements
Charter boats require as many cabins as possible with personal long-term comfort a minimal concern. Most charters are for a week or two. The folks who charter really never analyze the layout features of the boat because they are only there for a short time and they are there strictly to have fun. By the time they begin to raise their consciousness, they are on a flight back to winter someplace.
- Privacy
This is one area in which no other type of vessel can even begin to compete. With a minimum of four smallish cabins or staterooms behind closed doors in the four corners of the vessel, and most with private heads, it is the most genteel and dignified way to group strangers together. Of course, families love this also when Mom and Dad are sequestered in their cabin and offspring are cavorting elsewhere.
- Ease of maintenance
Many boats are built of materials that are easily cleaned by indifferent maintenance workers. Some of the major charter companies will not install saildrives because of maintenance headaches, thus leaving no choice but conventional shafts and props. Engine layout is unimportant; thus, engines under bunks are perfectly acceptable.
Charter clients are hardly expected to check oil or other items. These tasks are undertaken during turn-around time by the maintenance department; thus, it matters not where the engines are located. In fact, in some instances, the more remote and difficult the engine access, the less the curiosity-seeking charter guest will pry. If an engine is under someone's bunk and that someone is using the bunkŠyou get the picture.
- Minimal equipment
This would cover anchors, electronics, docklines, safety equipment, etc. Short-term usage in a restricted environment does not call for much equipment, and if the boat doesn't have it, the guests or workers can't break it.
- The illusion of complete luxury
Features might include liquor cabinets and hand-rubbed burly walnut and such.
- Stylized interiors
There might be, but I have not seen, a charter boat with any other arrangement in the saloon than the central table and surrounding bench seat. This is an inexpensive, expedient layout that is fashionable at the moment. It is of continental origin and fits in with that life style, as does the abomination of stern helms.
- Stern helm locations
These are essentially designed to separate the proletarian crew from the aristocratic charter guest. As a secondary attraction on charter boats, it allows free-ranging fantasy to the guest, who, after all, usually only actually sails a few hours every day.
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- Small galleys
Large, well equipped galleys are not a requirement for a charter boat since most guests dine at restaurants the majority of the time. The occasional breakfasts and lunches do not require major galley installations.
- Storage space
While most cats have enormous storage capacity just by virtue of their volume, charter boats are designed to accommodate transient storage such as suitcases and duffel bags and have less emphasis on groceries, food preparation, and personal items.
Cruising boats
After reading the earlier section, you have a good vision as to the requirements of a cruising boat. Thus you have to make a decision whether or not a boat designed and built as described above will fit into your concept of cruising. In many cases it can. However, there are several considerations you should closely evaluate.
- Bunks
There is an enormous gulf between the reveler who charters for a week or two in the Caribbean and a couple moving aboard for a lengthy period or a permanent home. Long-term bunks must be easy to enter and leave. Nocturnal interruptions should not unduly disturb sleeping partners. There should be very ample headroom over the bunk, and engines under a bunk are not only a daily maintenance nuisance but have latent heat and odor and may require workmen traipsing through your bedroom.
- Heads
Many charter boats have diminutive little heads with what appear to be miniature toilets and smaller yet washbasins. Not a problem for a week or two in the tropics when you are swimming every day, but a major consideration in a temperate climate where you actually may use such facilities while wearing clothing.
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There is good opportunity here. If you can adjust your needs to the charter boat industry, your long range planning can accommodate the waiting period, and you get to use the boat yourself occasionally.
Leasing boats from private owners to charter operators is a well established business principle, and there are several reputable companies doing it. Check out the boats being represented by these companies and purchase the one that will come closest to your heart's desire.
And there is one other factor to consider. You can view the lack of equipment in the charter mode as a positive because it gives you the opportunity
to fully outfit your boat with state-of-the-art
equipment when you take over at the end of the charter period.
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