Chartering
Charter check-in: protect your deposit
A 15-minute routine at handover that saves arguments and money at the end.
Document everything
The deposit is won or lost at check-in, not check-out.
- Photograph and video the hull, gelcoat, fenders, sails, dinghy and engine - with timestamps.
- Note every existing scratch on the check-in form and have it signed.
- Test in front of the base: engine, bilge pump, navigation lights, VHF, gas, fridge, heads.
Know the boat
- Find the seacocks, fuel and water fillers, fuse panel and spare parts.
- Confirm fuel and water tank levels at handover.
- Ask how they want the boat returned (fuel, holding tank, tidiness).
Keep the paper trail
- Save the base contact and emergency number in your phone.
- Report any new damage immediately, not at the end of the week.
A calm, thorough check-in tells the base you are a careful skipper - and that matters if anything goes wrong.
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