Base fee, APA, taxes, gratuity and the extras nobody mentions - a transparent breakdown of a seven-night charter budget.
The base charter fee
The advertised weekly rate covers the yacht, her crew, insurance and standard equipment. On a Caribbean catamaran it typically ranges from $28,000 to $60,000 per week. On a 40m+ motor yacht in the Mediterranean, expect $150,000 to $350,000.
All-Inclusive versus plus-APA
Caribbean catamarans are usually all-inclusive: food, premium bar, fuel for normal cruising, and water toys are in the price. Motor yachts and superyachts are contracted plus APA, an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25–35% of the base fee held by the captain and reconciled against actual spend.
Taxes, permits and dockage
Budget 7% BVI cruising permits and taxes, 12–13% VAT in Greece and Italy, and separate marina fees if you plan to sleep alongside. These are quoted separately on almost every contract.
Crew gratuity
Industry practice is 15–20% of the base fee for an exceptional week, paid at the end of the charter and distributed by the captain. It is discretionary but effectively expected.
The honest all-in number
For a $48,000 all-inclusive BVI catamaran, plan on roughly $60,000 landed. For a $250,000 Mediterranean motor yacht, plan on $360,000 to $400,000.
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