The security deposit on a boat: how much, when it is due, when you get it back

Almost every boat you take over without a skipper has a security deposit. It is not part of the price but security for damage that occurs during your time on board. Many guests are not sure how it works – so here is the whole process.

The deposit covers damage to the boat and equipment that you cause and that no insurance pays for – from a lost anchor to a damaged tender. If the boat comes back undamaged, you get the deposit back in full.

At Go2Boat there is a clear rule: you always lodge the deposit directly with the provider, not with us. Through Go2Boat you pay the price of your booking; the deposit is settled on site with the provider. You see the amount on the boat before booking – for boats from the providers' booking systems it comes straight from there.

Usually at check-in, before you cast off. How – mostly by credit card, sometimes in cash – is the provider's decision; it is in their terms or they tell you beforehand. With a credit card the amount is often only blocked, not charged. Check beforehand that your card limit can carry the amount on top of your holiday spending.

At check-in you go through the boat with the provider: hull, sails, engine, tender, equipment. Anything damaged or missing is recorded in the handover report.

• Take your time, even if the group is impatient.
• Photograph scratches, stains and defects with the date.
• Sign only what you have seen.

That way nobody can attribute old damage to you at return.

At return the boat is checked again, often with a diver who inspects the hull and propeller. If everything is in order, the provider releases the deposit. If there is damage, they deduct the cost according to their terms, normally up to the amount of the deposit unless the damage was caused by gross negligence – the details are in their terms.

Something gets damaged? Report it to the provider straight away, not only at return. Often more can be sorted out on the way than you would think.

Some providers offer insurance that replaces all or part of the deposit, for a fee. Whether it exists for your boat is shown in the extras or the provider will tell you.

With a skipper the deposit is often waived or lower, because the skipper is in charge of the boat. This is shown on the boat as well.