Charter Q & A

GENERAL

Q: I have my boating license, can I charter a boat with Blackfish Marine?

A: Sorry you can't. Currently we only do captain-charters. We'll provide you experienced captains and charge captain fees.

Q: Tell me a bit more about your company?

A: Blackfish Marine Yacht Charters is a Vancouver based yacht charter company that's been in business for over 25 years. We specialize in captain powerboat charters.

Our team is dedicated to help you plan your boat charter vacation anywhere in and within the sheltered waters of British Columbia or Washington State.

Q: What is included in my charter?

A: Charter rates include only the vessel and insurance. Security deposits and taxes are not included.

The galley comes fully equipped for the number of guests that it sleeps at minimum.

All cutlery, dishes, and cookware are provided, including a coffee maker (usually a percolator). Basic cleaning supplies will also be on board for your use.

After-cleaning is provided by Blackfish Marine. We ask that you wash and stow all used dishes and remove garbage before you leave.

Q: What do I have to bring with me?

Sun hat / sunglasses / sun visor (sun reflection off the water can be intense)
Sunscreen
Beach towels
Favourite spices (we supply salt and pepper)
Specialty cooking equipment - garlic press, omelette whisk, muffin pans etc.
Flat shoes
Special medication you will need during your trip

BOOKING

Q: How far in advance do I have to book my charter?

A: We will take any advance bookings that are 4 consecutive days or more.

If you are hoping to charter during our peak season—between late June and early September—we suggest booking at least 1 month in advance. We take last-minute charters throughout the season but availability may be limited.

Single day bookings are handled on a case by case basis. Typically we will not take a single booking prior to 4 days before departure. On occasion when schedule permits we will take a single day advanced booking at time requested.

Q: What is a charter day?

A: Departure and Return Times:
Boats are available for boarding at 9:00 a.m. on the day of departure and must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on the last day; this return time may be extended to dusk, depending on availability.

We also offer sunset cruise trip, with a lower charter fee. (Ask us for price!) Departure and Return Times: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Q: May I depart before 9:00 a.m.?

A: Early Departure:
Sleep aboard privileges may be available on the evening before departure, for an additional $100.

Depending on staff availability and dive schedules, which will only be confirmed within 24 hours of the regular departure date, boats may leave after 6:00 a.m. the morning of the scheduled departure. This option is a nice way to ease into vacation mode.

BOOKING

Q: It looks like it's going to rain. What is the cancellation policy?

A: Cancellation Policy: The charter may be canceled by giving notice in writing at least 60 days prior to the departure date. A refund of deposit will be made less 10% of total charter fee.

If cancellation is made within 30 days no refund will be provided unless a replacement charter is booked.

Q: What is a damage deposit?

A: Full liability insurance is included in our prices, however we will require a Damage Deposit prior to departing from our dock.

The Damage Deposit may be paid by certified cheque, bank draft, cash, Visa or MasterCard at the commencement of your charter. It will be fully refunded within 10 days after completion of your charter, provided the vessel is returned in satisfactory condition. The person whose name is on the charter contract is responsible for the yacht's well being, not the skipper or the instructor.

Q: What are ways to lose my damage deposit?

A: Most damage to the boat is obvious.

Gel coat scrapes, carpet stains, lost items etc. Costs for repairs will vary upon the damage or items lost.

Plugged heads. Any boat that comes back with a plugged head, a minimum amount of $150 will be taken from your damage deposit.

Prop Damage
Slight Deflections - $150 will be charged against the damage deposit.

Major Deflections (log strikes or run aground) - Charter customer will pay for prop removal (diver or haul-out costs) prop repair/replacement and a $150 transmission damage surcharge.