Question 1

How many people are allowed on a boat rental in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Per USCG law, a bareboat charter may have 1 Charterer (the renter) + 12 Passengers (13 total) before a hired crew. Hired Captains and Crew do not count toward the passenger limit. For our 49 passenger vessels (Sophisticated Lady and Montauk), the maximum capacity is 49 passengers plus crew.

Question 2

What ammenities are included?

Accepted Answer

Each yacht is equipped with a bluetooth sound system, kitchen, restroom, and cooler on board for guests to use. Additional addons (like lily pads) are available for purchase at charter checkout.

Question 3

Can we host corporate events or team-building outings on your yachts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We specialize in corporate yacht rentals ideal for client entertainment, networking events, and team-building outings. Our yachts feature flexible spaces and catering options tailored for business needs.

Question 4

How do I hire a Captain for a boat rental in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

For bareboat (13 passenger vessels) charters, after booking, we provide the Charterer with a confirmation email listing vetted Operators/Captains familiar with our vessels. You may also choose your own qualified Operator/Captain, provided their credentials are approved by us prior to your charter. Please email contact@knotmyboatcharters.com with any Operator/Captain credentials for approval.  For our commercial charters (49 passenger vessels), captain and crew are provided by Knot My Boat Charters.

Question 5

How much does a Captain cost for a boat rental in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Operators/Captains typically command $80-120 per hour before gratuity. It is customary to leave a gratuity of 15-20% of the total charter price (not to be confused with the Operator/Captain hourly rate). Payment and gratuity can be handled directly with your Captain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started & Booking

How do I book

Do I need to book in advance

I'm having problems booking online

When will I receive a confirmation email

How do I reconfirm my booking

What are the booking cut-off times

Do you have a waitlist

Can I book through a third-party website

Understanding Charter Types

What is a bareboat charter

What is a COI certified passenger charter?

What's the difference between COI Certified Passenger Charters and Bareboat Charters?

Whats the difference between commercial yacht charters and bareboat yacht charters

What are the different boat tiers

Our Fleet & Vessels

What yachts do you have

What is the maximum capacity of your vessels

Do your boats comfortabiy fit the allowed number of people

Are we able to view the boats before renting

Pricing & Payment

How much does it cost

Are prices per person or per boat

What payment methods do you accept

Do I need to pay a deposit

Can we pay our group booking individually

What currency do you use

Is fuel included

Discounts & Promotions

Do you have any special offers

Do you offer gift vouchers

How do I redeem a promo code or voucher

Do you have local discounts

Do you have a military discount

Cancellations & Weather

Whats your cancellation and refund policy

I need to cancel or change my booking

Do you operate in bad weather conditions

What is the weather forecast in Chicago

Captain & Crew

Does a captain come with the boat

How do I hire a captain for boat rental in Chicago

How much does a captain cost

Is the Captain included on my Sophisticated Lady or Montauk Charter

Is the captain included in the capacity

Do I need a boating license or permit

Food & Beverages

Can I bring my own food or drinks

Are food and drinks included

Do you offer catering services

Do you provide event catering

Do you cater to dietary requirements

For the 49-passenger boats, can we bring our own catering

What are your drinks package prices

Onboard Amenities & Features

What ammenities are included

Are there bathrooms

Do you provide coolers

Do boats include a kitchen

Can we play our own music through speakers

Do boats have chargers or USB ports

Do you have luggage lockers or storage

Do you have a microphone for your boats

What to Bring & Not Bring

What should I bring

What can we not bring onboard

What should I wear

Can we bring our own decorations

Can I bring a pram or stroller

Do I need to bring ID

Safety & Regulations

Is the activity safe or dangerous

Do we need to wear life jackets

Do I need to sign a waiver

Do I need insurance

Is smoking allowed

Guests & Passengers

Are infants and children allowed on board

Is there an age limit