Hiring a delivery captain — what's the going rate, and what should the agreement cover?

Question

Bought a 42' sportfish three states away (owner-direct, thanks to this site) and I'm not ready to run her home myself. First time hiring a captain. What's the going day rate, who pays for fuel/dockage/flights, and what should actually be in writing before we cast off?

capt_marcus · Answer

Licensed delivery captain. Typical structure: day rate $350-550 depending on tonnage and route, OWNER pays all running costs (fuel, dockage, tolls, my travel to the boat and home after). Half the day rate as a cancellation deposit. Get in writing: route, who has the final weather call (must be the captain), insurance named-insured, and an hourly for delays beyond X days.

hatterashank · Answer

Add: confirm YOUR insurance covers a paid captain and a delivery — some policies exclude it or want the captain's license # on file. Five-minute call to your agent saves a giant headache if anything happens underway.

deliveryskipper · Answer

On the weather call — @capt_marcus is dead right, that's the whole job. If an owner pushes to leave on a bad window to save a hotel night, a good captain walks. Put the clause in; it protects both of you.

first_boat_bill · Answer

Exactly what I needed. Drafting it with the weather-call clause and the insurance check. Appreciate you all.

Hiring a delivery captain — what's the going rate, and what should the agreement cover?

4 replies