Terms & Conditions of Website Use and Bareboat Charter Services
Knot My Boat Charters, LLC
1. Overview and Acceptance of Terms
This website is owned and operated by Knot My Boat Charters, LLC ("Knot My Boat Charters," "Company," "we," "us," or "our"). This website is intended to provide users with information regarding our bareboat charter services, allow submission of inquiries, and facilitate bookings and related transactions.
By accessing or using this website, submitting an inquiry, or purchasing services, you ("User," "You," or "Charterer") agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. These Terms apply to all users of the website, including browsers, customers, and any individuals interacting with our services.
These Terms are in addition to, and do not replace, any Bareboat Charter Agreement executed between you and the Company. In the event of any conflict, the Bareboat Charter Agreement shall control.
2. Nature of Services – Bareboat Charter
All services offered by Knot My Boat Charters are provided strictly on a bareboat charter basis. Under a bareboat charter, possession, command, control, management, and navigation of the vessel are fully and exclusively transferred to the Charterer for the duration of the charter.
Knot My Boat Charters does not provide captains or crew. Any captain, operator, or crew member utilized in connection with the vessel is selected, hired, and paid solely by the Charterer and remains under the Charterer's exclusive control at all times.
The Charterer assumes full responsibility for the operation, navigation, and management of the vessel, as well as the conduct and safety of all passengers, guests, invitees, and third parties.
3. Eligibility and Permitted Use
You must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age to use this website or enter into a charter agreement. By using the website, you represent that you meet this requirement and have the legal authority to enter into binding agreements.
You agree to use the website only for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including maritime laws and regulations.
4. Bookings, Inquiries, and Transactions
Submission of an inquiry does not guarantee availability or constitute a confirmed booking. Reservations are only confirmed upon execution of a Bareboat Charter Agreement and receipt of full payment.
Due to the nature of bareboat charters, full payment (100%) is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing. Failure to remit payment in accordance with required timelines may result in cancellation of the reservation.
You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information when submitting inquiries, creating accounts, or completing transactions. The Company reserves the right to refuse or cancel any booking at its sole discretion.
5. Operational Control and Responsibility
By entering into a bareboat charter, you acknowledge and agree that you have full possession and control of the vessel during the charter period. You are solely responsible for selecting a qualified operator, ensuring proper operation of the vessel, and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
You further acknowledge that operation of the vessel by an unqualified individual or in violation of applicable laws may void insurance coverage and result in personal liability for damages, losses, or claims.
6. Navigational Limitations
The vessel is intended to be operated within designated navigational areas, including Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the Playpen. Operation outside of these areas may result in loss of insurance coverage, and you agree to assume full responsibility for any resulting damages or liabilities.
7. Use of Vessel and Prohibited Activities
You agree not to use the vessel for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations.
Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Transporting passengers or goods for hire
- Engaging in commercial operations
- Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Participating in activities that may void insurance coverage
Passenger count shall not exceed twelve (12) persons, consistent with applicable federal regulations.
8. Inspections and Condition of Vessel
You are responsible for conducting a pre-charter inspection of the vessel and confirming its condition and suitability for your intended use. Upon return, the vessel will be inspected, and you shall be responsible for any damage, loss, or condition not noted during the pre-charter inspection.
9. Damage, Charges, and Authorization
You agree to maintain the vessel in good condition and are responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests. You authorize Knot My Boat Charters to charge any payment method on file for damages, missing equipment, excessive cleaning, or improper use of onboard systems.
10. Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
- 30+ days prior: 10% non-refundable
- 15–29 days prior: 50% non-refundable
- 14 days or fewer: 100% non-refundable
These amounts are agreed to be liquidated damages reflecting the Company's loss of booking opportunities.
11. Weather and Operational Conditions
The Company retains sole discretion to determine whether conditions are safe for operation. If conditions are deemed unsafe, the Company may reschedule the charter.
The Company shall not be liable for weather-related limitations, operational restrictions, or inability to access desired locations.
12. Third-Party Operators and Vendors
Any captain, operator, or vendor utilized in connection with the charter is engaged solely by the Charterer. The Company is not responsible for the acts or omissions of such third parties.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Knot My Boat Charters shall not be liable for any injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of or in connection with the charter.
You acknowledge that you assume all risks associated with operation and use of the vessel.
14. Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Knot My Boat Charters from any claims arising out of or related to your use of the vessel, your breach of these Terms, or the acts or omissions of your guests, operators, or vendors.
15. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by United States maritime law and, where applicable, the laws of the State of Illinois.
All disputes shall be brought exclusively in courts located in Chicago, Illinois.
16. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact: contact@knotmyboatcharters.com