Hiring A Captain for Boat Rentals in Chicago
The Essential Guide to Hiring A Captain for Your Chicago Boat Rental Experience
Last Updated July 23, 2023
When planning a group party or a special celebration on a rental boat in Chicago, having a captain onboard can significantly enhance your time on the water. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of hiring a captain for your Lake Michigan boat rental. From expert safety and local insights to personalized itineraries and pricing, let's dive into the advantages that come with a seasoned captain at the helm.
Table Of Contents
1. Why Hire A Captain for Group Party Boat Rentals?
a. Celebrate Safely & Get Closer to the Fun
b. Discover Local Insights & Hidden Gems
c. Get Customized Itineraries and Flexibility
2. How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Boat with a Captain?
a. Check Availability & View Prices
b. Navigating the Booking Process
c. The Captain's Checklist: Dos and Don'ts for a Perfect Charter
3. Customer Testimonials
4. Conclusion
Why Hire A Captain for Group Party Boat Rentals?
Celebrate Safely & Get Closer to the Fun
Captained boat rentals allow everyone to fully participate in festivities, whether it's a birthday, engagement, or a special day out with friends and family. At Knot My Boat Charters, we offer the freedom to hire your favorite captain from a list of pre-approved experts who are familiar with our boats and have undergone safety protocol testing. Our vessels can legally accommodate up to 12 people, and the hired captain and crew are not considered passengers but independent contractors. We understand that this may be a new experience for some individuals, especially if you are unfamiliar with Chicago and the Lake. However, we have taken steps to ensure that the process is simple and straightforward.
With the captain taking care of navigation and logistics, you'll be free to immerse yourselves in the excitement of Chicago's iconic Playpen, a popular spot for avid boaters and party goers to anchor and enjoy a blast in the sun. Moreover, don't miss the chance to witness the breathtaking Navy Pier fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer.
Discover Local Insights & Hidden Gems
Our captains have an intimate understanding of the area, enabling them to take you to picturesque spots that you might otherwise miss. Enjoy the city's unique charm and discover new perspectives on well-known landmarks from the water.
Get Customized Itineraries and Flexibility
Before departing from the dock, it's important to have a discussion with your captain about the expectations for your charter. The recommended captains from Knot My Boat Charters are highly knowledgeable about the iconic locations and timing that can be experienced on the Chicago waters. There is a lot to see in Chicago from the water, so it's beneficial to have a schedule in place to make the most of your time. The captains can provide you with examples of common routes and adjust them according to your reservation time. For those interested in cruising down the Chicago River, please note that it will require more time, and we recommend booking a 4-hour reservation.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Boat with a Captain?
One common question from guests often pertains to the cost of hiring a captain. Typically, captains charge between $75 and $120 per hour before gratuity. It is customary to leave a gratuity for your hired captain and crew, amounting to 15%-20% of the total charter price (not to be confused with the captain's hourly rate). The payment for the captain's services and gratuity can be provided directly to the captain you have hired.
Check Availability & View Prices
Our fleet comprises 17 iconic vessels, ranging from 33’ sport cruisers to 70’ yachts, ensuring that we have the perfect boat to suit your needs. At Knot My Boat Charters, we prioritize customization, guest safety and client satisfaction, providing a comprehensive and personalized yacht charter service that is both enjoyable and secure.
Navigating the Booking Process
Booking a boat with Knot My Boat Charters is a seamless process.
- Simply visit our booking page to get started.
- Select the vessel type from our range of options, including sport cruisers and luxurious yachts, and choose the desired charter duration (3 or 4 hours).
- Provide the number of guests and your personal information, and proceed with your preferred payment method.
The Captain's Checklist: Dos and Don'ts for a Perfect Charter
Upon booking a charter through our website, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information such as the date, time, and the number of people aboard your trip. Within this email, you will find a list of six pre-approved captains who are familiar with our vessels. These captains have extensive experience using our boats and have also undergone safety protocol testing conducted by our dock team. If you have a specific captain in mind who is not listed, you have the option to provide your own credentialed captain. In such cases, you should contact the email address provided for approval. It's important to note that since the captains are independent contractors, they are employed by the charterers. This arrangement is in accordance with the terms of the United States Coast Guard, which consider the charterer as the temporary owner of the vessel for the duration of the bareboat charter. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that our vessels can accommodate up to 12 people legally, and the hired captain and crew are not considered passengers.
We strongly recommend reaching out to a captain as soon as you receive the charter booking confirmation email. Since the captains are not employees of Knot My Boat Charters, we do not have access to their weekly schedules. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead, especially if you want to secure a captain, particularly during favorable weather conditions. When requesting a captain's services using the provided contact information, you will receive a confirmation email indicating that your request is pending. Please note that this email does not confirm your captain's availability; it simply means that your request has been sent and is awaiting a response. It is advisable to allow captains 24-48 hours to respond to your request.
To avoid confusion or double booking, please make sure that the information entered in the captain request matches your charter booking details, including the client name, date, time, and type of boat booked. Once your captain approves your request, you will receive another email confirming their hire. At this point, you can communicate directly with your captain regarding any questions or specific needs leading up to your charter. It is essential to stay attentive to any messages sent by the captain. However, if your chosen captain is unavailable for your charter, you will receive an email declining your hire request. In such cases, please request another captain from the list provided in the confirmation email.
Customer Testimonials
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, Knot My Boat Charters stands as the pinnacle of luxury boat rentals, delivering unparalleled experiences for group parties, corporate events, and yacht memberships. Here are some of the sweetest remarks clients have to say about our captains.
“David & Carly were the absolute BEST!! So kind and sweet!!! 100% recommend booking with them! We had the best day! They knew the best photo locations while taking the best care of our group(:” - Abby H
“Great company to book a boat from. Our captain Tanner was truly the best. He went above and beyond for us and we really appreciated it! Definitely recommend him. Will be booking with him again.” - Nicole H
“Knot My Boat Charters and Captain Ian are the best! They were extremely responsive, provided super detailed information throughout the booking process, and created the best bachelorette atmosphere! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking to have an awesome day on Lake Michigan.” - Caroline K
“I rented a boat with Knot My Boat Charters yesterday and we had a blast! Our captain, Denis, was super professional and supportive getting us out on time. If you're looking for a charter company that has clean, luxury boats then look no further. We highly recommend watching the Navy Pier fireworks!” - Brent W
Conclusion
In conclusion, Knot My Boat Charters aims to make the boat reservation process easy, convenient, and tailored to your preferences. Our website offers a user-friendly platform that allows you to select your desired vessel, choose your trip duration, and provide necessary information effortlessly. We offer the flexibility to hire your favorite captain or choose from our list of pre-approved captains who have demonstrated their expertise and adherence to safety protocols. Through clear communication and attention to detail, we strive to provide you with an exceptional charter experience on the beautiful waters of Chicago. If you have any further questions or require assistance during the booking process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at contact@knotmyboatcharters.com or by calling (312) 971-0971. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Knot My Boat Charters and ensuring you have a fantastic time on the water!
