How Our Charters Work
At Coastal Charters of Charleston, we want your time on the water to be fun, easy, and safe. Depending on your group size and the type of trip you choose, our vessels may operate under different U.S. Coast Guard charter classifications.
Our Axopar 37 Suntops can operate as either a traditional captained charter for smaller groups or as a bareboat charter for larger groups. We’ll help you understand which option applies to your trip before booking.
Groups of 6 or Fewer — Captained Charter
For groups of six passengers or fewer, our Axopar 37 Suntops may operate as an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) with a properly credentialed U.S. Coast Guard captain.
This is the traditional charter experience most guests are familiar with. You reserve your private boat experience, and a licensed captain operates the vessel.
This option is perfect for couples, families, small groups, sunset cruises, harbor tours, and private outings with up to six passengers.
Groups of 7–13 — Bareboat Charter
For larger groups, our Axopar 37 Suntops are available through a bareboat charter arrangement.
A bareboat charter is different from a traditional captained charter. During the charter period, the charterer assumes possession and control of the vessel and accepts certain responsibilities associated with its operation.
Under a bareboat charter:
- You are the charterer. One individual in your group enters into the bareboat charter agreement and assumes the responsibilities of the charterer.
- You select your captain. We can provide information about qualified, independent captains who are familiar with our vessels, but you are free to select another appropriately credentialed captain of your choosing.
- The captain works for you. Your captain is selected by you and serves under your authority during the charter. You retain the right to dismiss the captain for cause.
- Captain services are separate from the vessel rental. Captain fees are paid separately from the vessel charter in accordance with the terms provided at booking.
- Fuel is the charterer’s responsibility. Fuel is separate from the vessel rental and is based on actual or estimated usage as explained during booking.
- The vessel owner is not aboard during the bareboat charter.
- Your group remains private. We do not combine unrelated groups or sell individual tickets.
Bareboat charters aboard our Axopar 37 Suntops can accommodate up to 13 people consisting of the charterer plus up to 12 passengers, excluding the properly engaged captain or crew.
Why Is the Captain Separate?
This is one of the most common questions we receive.
On a bareboat charter, the distinction between the vessel rental and captain services is important. The charterer—not the vessel owner—has the right to select the captain who will operate the vessel.
We are happy to provide information about experienced captains familiar with our boats, but you are not required to select a captain from a recommended list.
This gives you the control and choice required of a bareboat charter while still making it easy to find an experienced professional to operate the vessel.
What About Fuel?
Fuel is an operating expense of the charter and is separate from the vessel rental. We will explain the fuel process and estimated cost before your trip so there are no surprises.
Which Charter Is Right for My Group?
1–6 passengers: Your trip may operate as a traditional captained charter.
7–13 people: Your Axopar charter will generally be structured as a bareboat charter, with one member of your group serving as the charterer.
Either way, you’ll enjoy the same private Axopar 37, customizable itinerary, Charleston waterways, and laid-back Coastal Charters experience.
The difference is simply how the charter is legally structured and who assumes certain responsibilities during the trip.
Safety Comes First
Regardless of charter type, safety is our priority.
Captains operating our vessels must hold the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard credentials and satisfy applicable federal requirements. Our vessels carry required safety equipment, and every trip begins with appropriate safety information before getting underway.
Your captain always retains responsibility for the safe navigation of the vessel and may modify the itinerary or operation when necessary because of weather, sea conditions, vessel traffic, safety concerns, or applicable law.
Questions About Your Charter?
We understand that most guests don’t spend their days reading maritime regulations—and you shouldn’t have to.
When you book, we’ll explain whether your trip will operate as a traditional captained charter or a bareboat charter, what that means for you, and what to expect before you arrive.
Our goal is simple: a safe, compliant, private day on the water that’s easy to understand and even easier to enjoy.