How to read a charter quote: APA, deposit and hidden-cost traps

Even when two boats show the same charter price, the real amount you pay can differ greatly because of the items outside the charter fee. Four concepts are enough to read a quote correctly.

The charter fee

This is the hire of the vessel, crew, insurance and equipment. On guletler and catamarans meals are usually excluded and full board is added separately. Ask for the scope of the charter fee itemised.

APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)

An advance taken at the start of the cruise on top of the charter fee, covering fuel, harbour and marina fees, food and drinks. On motor yachts it may be 10-20% of the charter fee, on guletler 5-8%. It is settled against receipts at the end; any surplus is refunded and any shortfall topped up.

Deposit and payment plan

Typically 30% deposit with the contract and the balance 30 days before. Always read the cancellation terms and the weather-loss policy.

Extras

• Jet skis, water toys and extra equipment
• Alcoholic drinks (excluded from most quotes)
• One-way fees when departure and return ports differ
• VAT and tourism taxes
• Crew gratuity (usually 5-10% of the charter fee, optional)

Work out the real cost

A six-cabin gulet for seven days in mid-season: €14,000 charter, full board for eight guests about €3,080, APA at 10% about €1,400. The total is €18,480, or about €2,310 per guest and €330 per guest per day. You can do the same calculation in seconds with the Charter Price Calculator.

A side-by-side example

A four-cabin catamaran for seven days in mid-season: charter €11,900, meals excluded, APA at 10% about €1,190, for a total of €13,090, or about €1,636 per guest for eight guests. A three-cabin motor yacht asks €14,700 for the charter over the same period; APA at 18% adds about €2,646, for a total of €17,346. The charter difference looks like €2,800, but the total difference is €4,256. This is why it matters to have both quotes written with the same items side by side.

Five questions to ask when requesting a quote

1. Which services are included in the charter fee and which are excluded?
2. What is the APA rate and how are receipts shared?
3. What is the cancellation and weather-loss policy?
4. Who and what does the vessel insurance cover, and is there a deposit?
5. Which items could produce extra charges at the end of the cruise?

When comparing quotes, look not only at the charter fee but at the total cost per guest.