Is a yacht charter deposit refundable?

A yacht charter deposit is usually nonrefundable past a stated cancellation window — and that window is laid out in the MYBA contract every reputable broker uses. The standard schedule: 50% of the total charter fee due at signing, the remaining 50% due 60 days before embarkation. Cancellation more than 90 days out typically refunds 100% of payments. Inside 90 days the deposit is forfeit. Inside 60 days the full charter is owed. Charter cancellation insurance — a separate purchase through brokers — covers the deposit and balance for named perils like illness, hurricane, and visa denial. A handful of yachts run more flexible terms in shoulder season, but the 50/50 split is the industry norm. The booking process spells out the dates.