Do You Need a Captain to Rent a Boat in Miami? Understanding Bareboat Charters

Sofy
Nov 10
4 min read

Do You Need a Captain to Rent a Boat in Miami? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re planning to rent a yacht in Miami, you’ve probably come across terms like “bareboat charter” or “crewed yacht rental.” But what do they actually mean? And do you really need a captain to rent a boat in Miami?

At Vice Boat Club, we operate exclusively under the bareboat charter model, which gives you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. All while keeping things fully legal and compliant with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Let’s go step by step.

Luxury yacht in Miami viewed from above, surrounded by turquoise water, perfect for bare boat charter

What Is a Bareboat Charter?

A bareboat charter is when you rent the boat itself, without a crew included in the price.Under U.S. Coast Guard regulations, this means:

You become the temporary owner of the vessel for the duration of your trip.
You are responsible for hiring your own licensed captain and any crew you wish to have on board.
You have full control over the itinerary and destination of your charter.
The charter company (like Vice Boat Club) cannot select or employ the captain directly.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

👉 At Vice Boat Club, we provide you with a list of trusted, USCG-licensed captains who regularly work with our boats. You choose who you want to hire, but we make the process fast and stress-free.

Why Is This System Used in Miami?

Miami’s boat rental industry operates under strict Coast Guard and Florida state laws, especially for vessels carrying up to 13 passengers. The bareboat charter structure ensures that:

All trips are compliant with U.S. maritime law.
Guests have legal protection in case of any incident.
The operation stays within the safety and capacity limits defined by the USCG.

In other words, it’s how most legitimate yacht companies (including Vice Boat Club) ensure that every experience is both amazing and safe.

Do You Really Need a Captain?

Technically, yes! Unless you personally have a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and boating experience in Miami waters.

Even though you, as the renter, are in control of hiring, a professional licensed captain is always recommended because they:

Know the local routes, tides, and no-wake zones.
Ensure compliance with navigation and safety rules.
Can handle the boat in busy areas like the Miami River, Venetian Causeway, or Marine Stadium.
Help make your day on the water seamless and stress-free.

At Vice Boat Club, we exclusively collaborate with experienced captains who are familiar with our fleet, marinas, and the best swim or party spots.

What’s Included in a Bareboat Charter

When you rent a boat under the bareboat charter model, your booking includes:

Full use of the yacht and its amenities (sound system, A/C, bathrooms, floating mats).
Safety equipment (life jackets, first aid kit).
Support and coordination from the Vice Boat Club team throughout the process.

What’s Not Included

To keep things clear and transparent:

Captain and crew fees (you pay them directly).
Fuel, which depends on the distance traveled.
Extras, such as decorations, catering, DJ, photographer, or provisioning (available as add-ons).
Gratuity, optional but appreciated (usually 10–20%).

How Vice Boat Club Simplifies the Process

While the law requires that you hire your own captain, we make the process smooth:

Once you book your boat, we send you a list of verified captains familiar with our fleet.
You choose who you want to hire and pay them directly.
We coordinate with them behind the scenes to ensure the yacht is ready on time.

✅ You get the flexibility of a legal bareboat charter, without any confusion or risk.

✅ Everything is transparent, easy, and safe.

Safety and Legal Compliance

At Vice Boat Club, all our boats:

Are registered, insured, and inspected.
Comply with U.S. Coast Guard capacity and equipment standards.
Operate under proper bareboat agreements.

We always emphasize: beware of illegal charters. If someone offers a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Those trips risk being stopped by the Coast Guard and can even result in fines or cancellations.

Elegant boat railing with lifebuoy, cruising through the blue waters of Miami.

The Bottom Line: Do You Need a Captain to Rent a Boat in Miami?

Yes, every legal yacht rental in Miami must have a licensed captain, but in a bareboat charter, you’re the one who chooses who that captain is.

With Vice Boat Club, you get: