Bare Boat Charter Information

 

We provide an exclusive opportunity to rent our 37 FT, Rinker 340 Fiesta Vee for 3 and 4 hour time slots. Please review some of the US Coast Guard Rules and Regulations around bare boat chartering prior to completing your contract and making your reservation.

 

  • The owner does not provide the crew; the charterer (person renting the boat from owner) selects and pays the crew.
  • A licensed Master is not required to operate the vessel.
  • The owner can recommend a list of Masters for the charterer to hire, but cannot stipulate that the owner make a selection solely from the list provided.
  • The owner can require the charterer to hire a crew with a preset level of qualifications.
  • All food, fuel, and stores are provided by the charterer.
  • All port charges and pilotage fees, if any, are paid by the charterer.
  • Insurance is obtained by the charterer, at least to the extent of covering liability not included in the owner’s insurance.
  • The charterer may discharge for cause, the Master or any crew member.
  • The vessel must be surveyed upon its delivery and return.
  • The charterer stands in the shoes of the owner of the vessel. The charterer has complete command, control, and possession of the vessel as it were his or her own.
  • The charterer assumes responsibility for the vessel operations within the maritime laws and regulations for the duration of the charter.
  • Any provision that tends to show retention of control of the vessel such as the owner being aboard during the charter of the vessel contradicts the claim that a valid bareboat charter exists.

FAQ

Where do we charter to?

You and your hired crew can choose a destination of your desire as long as you return within the allotted time agreement discussed in our bare boat charter contract. We do encourage attending the most anticipated day party at sea; Chicago’s very own Playpen! North of Navy Pier. Email us directly at contact@bipboating.com if you are new to Chicago and would like to learn more about or discuss other popular destinations in Chicago such as the Chicago Riverwalk.

Do you have a bathroom on board?

Yes, we have 1 (one) bathroom on board.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes, and we suggest the more simple you keep it, the more you will enjoy the experience. Things you can eat with one hand like sandwiches, fruits, bite size things in general, are the easiest to manage on the boat. We provide bottled water. Please bring ice and a cooler. Ice is not included.

Is it ok to bring alcohol?

Yes, alcohol in moderation is fine.

How do I make a reservation?

You can schedule your bare boat charter online at our online Booking page. Our booking page allows you to see the schedule for an entire month. Simply select a month and date on the calendar to see what time slots are available.

What if I want to change my reservation?

Please email us at least 72 hours prior to your reservation if you need to cancel or change your reservation. We will offer to reschedule at no charge to a date that we have available. At this time we do not offer refunds of any kind.

Do I need to bring my confirmation email to charter?

You can bring your confirmation email or a valid ID.

When should we arrive for our bare boat charter?

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before your charter time.

Where do we meet for our bare boat charter?

The boat is docked at the 31st Street Harbor in Chicago. A representative will meet you in front of the Pier 31 Restaurant and walk you down to the departure dock 10-15 minutes prior to departure. Please do not disturb the restaurant staff or harbor staff. Only contact Bip Boating staff directly regarding questions. Their contact information will be provided in your reminder email.

What if we are late for our bare boat charter?

Please contact us if you think you are going to be late. To completely avoid the issue, we suggest that you plan to arrive well in advance of your charter, and plan for traffic delays. There are no discounts or refunds for trips shortened due to late arrivals.

What if I miss my charter due to circumstances I cannot control?

Unfortunately we still have to charge you the full cost of your trip if you are not able to make it for whatever reason.

Parking

Parking is very limited around the 31st Street Harbor. There is a parking garage located at the harbor but cost varies depending on the day. The parking garage is also on a first come basis and boaters get first priority. The garage fills us fast. There is pay for parking meters located around the harbor that can be utilized but are not guaranteed to be available. There is also street parking but is quite a walk near King Drive. We suggest using ride share companies such as Uber the day of to prevent delays in your departure time.

Should we still show up at the harbor if the forecast is for rain?

Yes, please show up on time unless we contact you asking you to do otherwise. If we cancel due to bad weather, we can reschedule to another date.