Powerboat vacations

If sail just seems too much like hard work for you, then a powerboat charter may offer the added comfort you crave.

For those used to sailing vacations there is the immediate advantage that a powerboat is ready to go, just turn a key! They are also fast and dry and you can cruise from harbour to harbour much faster than on a sailing boat and you are not limited by the way the wind is blowing.

These advantages can also make up the disadvantages, particularly for experienced sailors. The loss of the sedate and calm you get from a sail pulling in the wind, the spray blowing up as the boat cuts through the water.

You generally get more space on a similar sized powerboat than you would a sailboat, but a lot of the same issues discussed above are relevant. Do you use the main cabin for the extra bedroom or choose a boat with enough staterooms to accommodate everyone? Look carefully at the plans before you select your charter boat.

The number of engines is an important consideration. Two obviously gives a backup engine should one fail and twin engined craft are easier to maneuver. They are also faster, but use up more fuel, so your sailing vacation is going to cost you more.

Powerboats can also have multiple levels. Do you select the galley up or down? On the same level as the saloon means a smaller saloon, but possibly more convenient and means the cook is part of the supper time conversation. With the galley on the same level as the cabins the saloon is larger, but whoever is cooking is also out of the way!