Fishing Frenzy

Start by ensuring that you have a budget. You could spend a lot of money if you have not planned on how and what to spend it on. When coming up with your budget, you should be realistic and not be too ambitious. Shop around and see what the average charges are so that you can know how much will be adequate for the Chicago sailboat charters you want.

Consider the amenities you want. Apart from the boat, some companies offer before and after charter services. These may include full-service hotels that come with shops, grocery/liquor stores, and a pool. These are additional services that will cost extra money so decide whether they are important to you before you include them in your package.

Check out older boats. If you're looking for ways on how to save some cash, then check boats that are older than 5 years. If they are well-maintained, then you should be able to get quality service as you would from any other boat. Because of the low demand for such yachts, the companies always offer a great discount and you might just be lucky.

Confirm if you need a crew. If you can sail the sailboat, then you can save on space by not hiring a crew which will also mean spending more money. However, most companies will insist that you have at least two people on board who can sail. This will be a good deal because you'll have more space, privacy, and independence.

Pick the right type of boat. Sailboats come in different types and sizes. You need to determine the number of people will be on board so that you get something that will fit everyone. Do some research first so that you understand the different types available in your area before making a decision.

Decide the provisions you need. Some services are not included in the charter fee. Most companies only cover the line, cooking gas, dinghy, and GPS. As such, you will have to buy your own water, groceries, and fuel. Remember that you'll also pay for the harbor fees. If you are interested in additional services such as airport transfer, then you should inquire whether they are provided.

Confirm any extra costs. Apart from the ordinary charges, there may be other costs that are not indicated in the package. For example, if you're entering a different port, you might be required to pay harbor fees again. You should also confirm whether you'll be charged extra for end cleaning and outboard.

Book at least eight months in advance. Well, the logic here is that you'll have a greater variety of choice as well as cheaper prices. If you book early, you stand a great chance of getting a discount. Many companies are willing to give discounts for those customers who have booked early because they're already guaranteed of that income.

Do not hire a broker. A middleman will make you spend more because they'll have to take a cut of what you pay. Therefore, always try to work with the owner directly as this will lower your cost.