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Yacht Charter Insurance

Specialist cover for charter yachts and sailing vessels operating commercially in SA waters.

Typical size: 10 – 25 metres LOA

About Yacht Charter Insurance

Yacht charter insurance differs substantially from private pleasure craft insurance. When a yacht is used for commercial charter, it becomes a commercial vessel under SA law — carrying passengers for reward triggers SAMSA commercial vessel regulations, requiring a Certificate of Fitness and proper crew certification. Insurance must cover commercial use, charter revenue loss (loss of hire), and elevated liability cover commensurate with carrying paying passengers. Popular charter areas in South Africa include Cape Town's Table Bay, the Western Cape wine route by boat, and Knysna Lagoon. Insurance is available for bareboat charter, skippered charter and crewed charter operations.

Main Operating Areas

Cape Town waterfront area

False Bay

Knysna

Vaal Dam leisure cruises

Western Cape coastal waters

Insurance Requirements

Hull & Machinery (commercial use)
Passenger/charter guest liability
SAMSA commercial COF
Loss of hire cover
Crew PA
P&I or commercial charter liability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my pleasure craft insurance for paid charter trips?

No. Standard pleasure craft insurance typically excludes commercial use, including paid charter. Using your boat for charter without commercial insurance is likely to invalidate all cover. Specialist charter insurance must be arranged before the first paying charter.

What is loss of hire insurance for a charter yacht?

Loss of hire insurance covers the charter revenue lost while your vessel is being repaired following an insured damage claim. If your yacht earns R8,000 per week in charter and is out of service for 6 weeks following a collision, loss of hire pays R48,000 in lost income.

Hull & Machinery Cover

Understand hull and machinery insurance

Crew Cover

Personal accident and employer liability

Marine Liability (P&I)

Third-party liability and P&I cover

All Vessel Types

See all commercial vessel insurance guides