What type of boat should you choose for your next holiday?

Now’s your chance to take to the open seas on your next holiday! To make this an unforgettable moment, make sure you choose your boat carefully. There are many different ways of sailing. Some may suit you better than others. Motorboats, catamarans, luxury yachts… So many opportunities if you want to spend a dream holiday. Here are a few tips to help you make your choice.

Type of boat

To help you find your way around the different types of boat, here are the three main ones: motorboats, sailboats and RIBs.

A motorboat lets you sail in shallow waters. It allows you to cover distances more quickly. The advantage of hiring this type of boat is that it generally has a cabin. This is ideal for crew members to rest.

Sailboats, on the other hand, are generally more difficult to manoeuvre. It is mainly propelled by the wind and must be controlled by at least one person on board. They are best suited to those who are used to the sea, which is why you may want to ask a professional to accompany you on your trip.

Finally, the semi-rigid boat is also a possible choice for your charter idea. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this inflatable boat will be ideal for a day at sea.

The crew on board

Choose your boat according to the crew on board. It would be a shame to hire a boat that isn’t suited to everyone’s needs. Whether you want to spend a holiday at sea as a couple, with friends or with your family, your needs will differ.

If you want to go sailing as a couple, a small monohull will be more than sufficient for your sailing trip. It’s easy to manoeuvre and will easily win you over. This type of boat is very user-friendly, making it ideal for a date on the water.

Do you want to take your family along? Then a catamaran would be a good choice for everyone. Some models are designed to accommodate large families with children on board.

You could also invite your friends out to sea. Whatever the type of event (birthday, wedding, New Year’s greetings), celebrate it in style with your nearest and dearest by choosing a boat that will accommodate the whole crew! In this case, spacious boats and luxury yachts are best suited to a sufficiently large budget.

The ideal size for your charter boat

When choosing a charter boat, there’s one detail that shouldn’t be overlooked: the size of the boat. This is an essential factor, as it will hold your attention throughout the cruise. The bigger the boat, the heavier it will be. This will have a particular impact on the way the boat handles. If you’re not used to the sea, this can be a problem. So as not to spoil your seafaring holiday, choose a size that suits your ability and the areas you’ll have to manoeuvre in. As you will have realised, winding and narrow roads will be much harder to navigate if you don’t have perfect control of the boat.

If you don’t have a lot of experience, in a 38-foot monohull, a skipper might be a good idea, as a lot of the manoeuvring is done from the cockpit. As for catamarans, those of 50 feet will require quite a lot of effort. But if you’re going to charter for the first time, it’s best to opt for a smaller boat.

The question of budget

When you hire a boat, you should normally have budgeted for it. If not, and you don’t know how to go about it, here are a few tips to help you.

Firstly, you could choose your boat according to its age. If you’re not particularly looking for innovation in your charter, a long-established boat might be right for you. By placing your trust in Arthaud Yachting, you will be assured of a model that complies with all safety standards. You won’t have to plan any additional expenditure, and will still be able to enjoy an exceptional yachting holiday.

If, however, you decide to opt for a new boat, you should be aware that the extra features can make your stay at sea even more enjoyable. These features could include greater comfort, better lighting, more space, more intuitive controls, a more elaborate design, faster navigation, less jarring sensations… All options that should be included in your budget.

Looking for a unique holiday aboard a charter yacht? Call on Arthaud Yachting. Our team is on hand to provide you with a turnkey, tailor-made holiday in idyllic surroundings.