# Bareboat vs skippered (vs crewed)

> What a skipper costs per day, who needs a licence, and when APA and tips apply: bareboat, skippered and crewed charters compared with sources.

URL: https://catamaranindex.com/compare/bareboat-vs-skippered/
Last updated: 2026-10-27
Author: Catamaran Index editorial team

**Bareboat** means you rent the boat and sail it yourself. **Skippered** means a professional skipper sails with you. **Crewed** usually means skipper plus a cook or host.

*Last checked: 27 Oct 2026.*

## Cost difference

| | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra people to pay | None | Skipper: €150–300/day ([The Globe Sailor](https://www.theglobesailor.com/blog/what-it-really-costs-to-charter-a-yacht), checked 28 Oct 2026) | Skipper + cook/host |
| 7-day crew cost | €0 | €1,050–€2,100 (7 × daily rate) | Often bundled into the charter fee |
| Crew meals | n/a | At your expense ([The Globe Sailor](https://www.theglobesailor.com/blog/what-it-really-costs-to-charter-a-yacht), checked 28 Oct 2026) | Covered via APA |
| APA | No | No | ~25–35% of the charter fee ([Helm](https://www.helm.yt/article/what-is-an-apa), checked 27 Oct 2026) |
| Gratuity | No | Discretionary | Customarily 10–20% ([Worth Avenue Yachts](https://www.worthavenueyachts.com/explore/charter-terms-and-conditions/), checked 27 Oct 2026) |
| Licence needed | Yes, or a résumé, depending on country | No | No |

## Choose bareboat if

- You hold a licence accepted in your destination ([check here](https://catamaranindex.com/guides/sailing-licence-requirements/)) and recent experience on a similar-size boat.
- You want maximum flexibility and the lowest cost.

## Choose skippered if

- You don't have an accepted licence, or the area is new to you.
- You'd rather swim than anchor. A skipper usually takes one cabin or berth, so plan for one fewer guest.

## Choose crewed if

- You want meals and service included and budget is less of a constraint. Expect the APA and tips on top of the fee.

[Calculate your total →](https://catamaranindex.com/guides/true-cost-catamaran-week/#calculator)

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