Fees & Pricing
Everything you need to know about how pricing works on Charter Boats.
On this page
How Pricing Works
Charter Boats pricing is transparent and straightforward. The total you see at checkout includes the daily rental rate, any fees set by the boat owner, and a flat platform service fee.
Total Price Breakdown
Daily Rate x Number of Days
+ Required Owner Fees
+ Selected Optional Fees
+ $45 Service Fee
= Total Price
Platform Service Fee
Charter Boats charges a flat $45 service fee per booking. This fee is the same regardless of the rental price or duration.
What the Service Fee Covers
- Secure payment processing — Safe, encrypted transactions via Stripe
- 24/7 customer support — Help when you need it
- Booking protection — Dispute resolution and mediation
- Platform maintenance — Keeping Charter Boats running smoothly
- Security deposit handling — Pre-authorization and release management
Why a Flat Fee?
Unlike percentage-based fees, our flat $45 fee means you pay the same service cost whether you're booking a small day boat or a luxury yacht. This keeps costs predictable and fair for all guests.
Owner Fees
Boat owners can add custom fees to cover additional costs associated with their rentals. These fees vary by boat and are clearly displayed during booking.
Common Fee Types
Cleaning Fee
One-time fee to clean the boat after your rental
Captain/Crew Fee
Daily fee for a professional captain or crew
Fuel Deposit
Pre-paid fuel or deposit returned if tank is refilled
Equipment Rental
Water toys, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment
Fee Calculation
Owner fees come in two types:
- Per booking — Charged once, regardless of rental length
- Per day — Multiplied by the number of rental days
Optional Fees
Some fees are optional — you choose whether to include them during booking. These are typically add-ons like:
- Professional captain or crew
- Water sports equipment packages
- Catering or provisions
- Special event decorations
- Fishing gear and bait
How to Identify Optional Fees
During booking, optional fees are shown with a toggle switch. Required fees are automatically included and cannot be removed.
Price Calculation Example
Here's how a typical booking total is calculated:
Note: Security deposit (if applicable) is held separately and not included in the total. It's only charged if a damage claim is approved.
Dynamic & Seasonal Pricing
Some boat owners use dynamic pricing, which means rates may vary based on:
- Season — Higher rates during peak summer months
- Day of week — Weekend rates may differ from weekday rates
- Holidays — Special pricing for holiday periods
- Special events — Local events may affect availability and pricing
Viewing Dynamic Prices
When you select dates on a boat listing, the calendar shows the actual price for each day. This helps you find the best value for your trip.
Seasonal Pricing Examples
Off-Season
$300/day
Nov - Mar
Shoulder Season
$400/day
Apr - May, Sep - Oct
Peak Season
$500/day
Jun - Aug
For Boat Owners
Setting Your Fees
You can add custom fees in your boat listing settings. Each fee includes:
- Description — Clear name explaining the fee
- Amount — Dollar amount
- Period — Per booking or per day
- Required/Optional — Whether guests must pay it
Best Practices
- Be transparent — Clearly describe what each fee covers
- Keep it simple — Too many fees can confuse guests
- Price competitively — Research similar boats in your area
- Consider bundling — Include common items in your base rate
Your Earnings
Owners receive the daily rate plus all owner fees. Charter Boats keeps only the $45 service fee — which goes to the platform, not the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the price?
Prices are set by boat owners and cannot be negotiated through the platform. However, some owners may offer discounts for longer rentals or repeat customers.
Are there hidden fees?
No. All fees are displayed during booking before you confirm. The price you see at checkout is the final price you'll pay (excluding any damage claims against your security deposit).
Do I pay the service fee if I cancel?
The service fee is non-refundable. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, the charter price is fully refunded. After 24 hours, the booking is non-refundable.
Why do some boats have more fees than others?
Each owner structures their pricing differently. Some include everything in the daily rate, while others itemize additional services. Both approaches can work well — just check the total before booking.
Is fuel included?
This varies by boat. Some owners include fuel in the rate, others charge a fuel deposit or require you to return the boat with a full tank. Check the listing details or contact the owner if unclear.
Can owners change fees after I book?
No. Once you confirm a booking, the price is locked in. Owners cannot change fees for confirmed bookings.
Questions About Pricing?
If you have questions about a specific boat's pricing, contact the owner through the messaging system. For general pricing questions: