Welcome to Charter Boats. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Charter Boats website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform"). By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Definitions

  • "Charter Boats" refers to Charter Boats Inc. and its affiliates.
  • "Owner" refers to users who list boats for charter on the Platform.
  • "Guest" refers to users who book boats through the Platform.
  • "Charter" refers to the rental of a boat arranged through the Platform.
  • "Listing" refers to a boat advertised for charter on the Platform.

2. Platform Role

Charter Boats operates as a marketplace connecting boat owners with guests seeking charter services. We are not a party to the charter agreement between owners and guests. The actual charter contract is between the owner and guest directly. Charter Boats facilitates bookings, payments, and communication but does not own, operate, or control the boats listed on the Platform.

3. Account Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information
  • Maintain and update your information
  • Keep your password secure and confidential
  • Be responsible for all activity under your account
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

4. Owner Obligations

If you list a boat on Charter Boats, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about your boat
  • Maintain all required licenses, permits, and insurance
  • Ensure your boat meets all applicable safety standards
  • Keep your availability calendar up to date
  • Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
  • Honor confirmed bookings except in cases of emergency or force majeure
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

5. Guest Obligations

If you book a charter through Charter Boats, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate information when booking
  • Hold any required boating licenses or certifications
  • Treat the boat and equipment with care
  • Follow all safety instructions and rules
  • Not exceed the stated passenger capacity
  • Report any damage or issues immediately
  • Return the boat on time and in the same condition

6. Bookings and Payments

All payments are processed through our secure payment system (Stripe). When you book a charter:

  • Your payment method will be charged upon booking confirmation
  • A service fee is added to cover platform costs
  • Owners receive payment 24 hours after the charter begins
  • All prices are displayed in the currency specified on the listing

7. Cancellations and Refunds

Each charter company sets its own cancellation policy, displayed on the boat listing and at checkout. A policy specifies a refund percentage and a minimum notice period in days before the charter start date. For example, "80% refund if cancelled 14+ days before arrival" means:

  • Cancel 14 or more days before the charter start date: receive 80% of the charter price back
  • Cancel fewer than 14 days before the charter start date: no refund

If the charter company cancels the booking, you will always receive a full refund including the service fee.

Service fees are non-refundable on guest-initiated cancellations except where required by law.

8. Liability and Insurance

Charter Boats is not liable for:

  • The condition, safety, or legality of any boat
  • The actions or omissions of owners or guests
  • Personal injury, property damage, or other losses during a charter
  • Weather conditions or force majeure events

We strongly recommend that all parties maintain appropriate insurance coverage. Owners should have commercial marine insurance, and guests should consider travel insurance.

9. Intellectual Property

The Platform and its content are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our express permission. By posting content on the Platform, you grant Charter Boats a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with the Platform.

10. Prohibited Activities

You may not use the Platform to:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringe on the rights of others
  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
  • Harass, threaten, or discriminate against others
  • Circumvent fees or payment processing
  • Scrape, crawl, or collect data without permission
  • Distribute malware or interfere with the Platform

11. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises between an owner and guest, we encourage direct communication to resolve the issue. Charter Boats may, at its discretion, mediate disputes but is not obligated to do so. For disputes with Charter Boats directly, you agree to first attempt resolution through our support team before pursuing legal action.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect.

13. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: legal@charter.boats