What are usual payment terms for my Yacht Charter?
Understanding how payments work for a yacht charter is an important part of the process. It keeps everything clear, predictable and organised — and it ensures the owner, the crew and the management team can prepare properly for your trip. The timeline depends entirely on how far in advance you book, but the structure is always designed to keep things fair and transparent for both sides.
When You Book a Year in Advance
If you book your charter around a year ahead, the payments are naturally spaced out. You start by paying 25% of the charter fee upon signing the contract, another 25% roughly six months before the charter, and the final balance one month before you board.
That final payment includes the remaining 50% of the charter fee, along with the APA and VAT.
Spread out like this, the process feels smooth and well-timed — and it allows the yacht to secure your dates and begin planning everything early.
When You Book Six Months Before the Charter
If the booking happens inside that one-year window — anywhere between one and six months before the trip — the schedule becomes simpler. You generally pay 50% of the charter fee at the time of signing, with the remaining 50% plus the APA and VAT due one month before boarding.
It’s the same overall structure, just with fewer steps and shorter spacing, because the lead time is tighter.
When You Book Last Minute
If your charter is very last minute — inside 30 days, or sometimes even inside one week — the process becomes extremely straightforward. Payment is made in full upon signing: the entire charter fee, the APA and the VAT.
At this stage, everything moves quickly and the yacht needs immediate confirmation to prepare provisioning, crew schedules and logistics. A single full payment makes it possible.
