What are the total costs involved in chartering a yacht for a week? What are all the things I need to take into account when budgeting for a sailing holiday? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to all costs, including a typical budget for a crew renting a sailing boat for one week.
Although our cost breakdown is primarily focused on the more popular sailing destinations (Croatia and Greece), it is will also give you a basic idea in the whole of Europe. Simply use the individual budget costs to work out your own budget for any voyage and destination.
What fees will you pay on top of the boat charter price?
- Marina/mooring fees
- Transit log
- Deposit insurance
- Tourist tax
- Food in shops and restaurants
- Fuel and water
- Transport
- Skipper (if you don't have a license)
Marina fees
Mooring fees vary greatly and can range anywhere from € 20 per buoy to € 300 per day in an attractive location. In each country the charges are different and the amount depends on the length of the boat, the period, plus the attractiveness and facilities of each marina.
In a marina, it’s most expensive to moor at a pier, with the cheapest being at a buoy. City ports and piers or mooring at villages is cheaper and sometimes even free. You can also anchor in the wild and use marinas just to refuel or get water. You don’t have to pay at your home marina. In Greece or Italy you can also find mooring for free, especially off-season
Example of mooring fees in Croatia
| Berth type | 11-metre boat |
| Marina | 60–100 EUR |
| Town harbour | 44–66 EUR |
| Buoy | 20–40 EUR |
Rates are increasing each year. When booking a place at a marina itself, you usually pay 10 to 25 % more than the pricelist. In Croatia, due to the market environment and grey economy, it’s possible to pay a lot less (50 to 100 HRK), albeit unofficially.
Boat fuel
Total consumption depends on the weather, wind strength and how much you want to sail over longer distances. The average consumption for a typical yacht usually ranges between 5 and 12 litres per hour.
Water for the tank
Consumption depends on the crew and the lifestyle on board. For most crews, refilling the tank once is enough for a week and for a typical boat in Croatia it costs around 100 to 150 HRK (€14–€20).
YACHTING.COM TIP: If you are going on a sailing holiday for the first time, don't miss our article: First time on a sailboat: 10 things you need to know before you depart. As well as learning how to manage water supplies, you'll find out what to pack, how to conduct yourself on board, how to deal with seasickness, and everything you'll need to know about safety.
Travel to your sailing destination and back
Getting yourself to the boat itself is often the most expensive item to budget for. For a crew of 6, this would mean 2 cars or the price of flight tickets. And don't forget about motorway tolls or marina parking.
