Do you need a security deposit for a yacht charter?

A security deposit is required on bareboat yacht charters but almost never on crewed yacht charters. Bareboat companies hold $1,500 to $8,000 on a credit card against damage, or offer a non-refundable damage waiver of roughly $30 to $70 per day that shrinks the hold to a fraction. Return the boat intact and the full amount releases within days. Crewed charters work differently. The owner’s hull insurance covers the vessel and professional crew operate it, so guests never post a bond: the charter fee plus the Advance Provisioning Allowance covers everything else. Don’t confuse this with the 50% booking deposit that secures the dates; that is a payment, not a refundable hold. All-inclusive charter vs bareboat pricing breaks down both models.