Understanding Captain For Hire Rates

When hiring a captain for your boat the various rates charged can be difficult to understand. In this article we will try to clear up any potential confusion and make it easy for you to understand the process and hire the right captain for your boat.

Different Rates for Different Services

The most common source of confusion around hiring a captain arises from the wide variety of services boat captains offer. A boat owner hiring a captain can be doing so for a myriad of services ranging from delivering their vessel to a new port, instructing them on operating it safely, to lending their expertise as a skilled angler. A captain is a licensed professional that you are hiring for their expertise and they charge accordingly.

However, services that you are likely to hire a captain for rarely last an equivalent amount of time. A few hours of instruction aboard your boat is a much different commitment of their time compared to a week long delivery of your boat. Furthermore, some services like angling, can command a premium because the captain is bringing aboard both their knowledge as a captain and as an expert angler in the region.

Average Rates Charged by Captains for Various Common Services

Rates listed below are a general range based on postings on BoatEasy. Contact boat captains for hire directly through BoatEasy's platform to find a captain for your boat.

• Captain for hire rates by the hour average between $50 and $100 per hour depending on region and what is being asked of the captain.
• Captain for a day rates average between $500 and $1000 per day.
• Captain for delivery varies based on the distance and type of boat.

How much does it cost to hire a captain for a day?

Hiring a captain for the day is one of the most popular services offered on BoatEasy. A captain being hired for the day will usually charge by the hour with rates averaging between $50 and $100 per hour. Multiply their rate by the hours you expect to be out to arrive at the cost of hiring a captain for the day. Some captains do offer day rate discounts that might work out to be a little less than their hourly rate, it never hurts to ask!

Hiring a captain for the day can be a great way to relax on your boat and spend time with family and guests, or familiarize yourself with a new area or technique that they have experience with. If you plan on enjoying alcoholic beverages aboard, hiring a captain can be an excellent choice, and allow you to relax aboard your own boat.

How much does it cost to hire a captain for a week?

Taking your boat on a week long trip, or longer, can be a great way to see new areas and change up your usual boating routine. Hiring a captain for a trip like this can be an excellent option if you want to relax with family and guests aboard or are not familiar with the region you will be boating in.

In addition a captain will likely be able to assist you with planning and navigation for the trip before you set sail, ensuring that your route is as safe as possible and you see some of the best points of interest along the way.

Since this is a longer trip it is best to discuss rates with the captain and come to an agreement beforehand. Rates in the ballpark of $2,000 to $3,000 per week would not be uncommon with many factors going into determining the exact rate including the type of boat and the distance traveled as well as any travel to and from the boat.

Many captains offer their services to boaters taking longer voyages and are happy to come aboard and let you enjoy your vacation. And even if you plan on taking the trip yourself, discussing the route with an experienced captain who has sailed the area you plan to travel may give you some insight into your trip and end up saving you time and money on it.

For more insight into hiring the right captain for your boat and their rates check out our other guide in our FAQ section: How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Boat Captain