Invoice templates for boat charter operators covering day charters, skippered yacht hire, corporate hospitality, and private boat trips.
A boat charter operator invoice records fees for hiring a vessel for private use — sailing days, corporate events on the water, coastal cruising, fishing trips, or leisure charters. UK boat charter operators must comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations for commercial small vessels, including the relevant Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) or Workboat Code requirements. Skippers holding a commercial endorsement (RYA/MCA Commercially Endorsed) can operate vessels for hire. Charter fees typically cover the boat hire plus fuel, with options for a bareboat (self-sail) or skippered charter. Corporate event charters may include catering, drinks, and event crew. UK HMRC treats charter income as a trading business for tax purposes, and boat operators should maintain proper VAT and income records.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Skippered half-day charter (4 hours, up to 8 passengers) | 650 | charter |
| Skippered full-day charter (8 hours) | 1100 | charter |
| Corporate event charter (evening, 3 hours) | 900 | charter |
| Bareboat day charter (without skipper) | 500 | day |
| Fuel surcharge (estimated at end of charter) | 1 | actual cost |
| Catering package (per person) | 35 | per person |
| Additional hour of charter | 150 | hour |
Boat charter operators should take a 30–50% deposit at booking, with the balance due 14 days before the charter date. Do not depart without full payment settled. Weather-related cancellations are an industry-specific challenge — state your weather cancellation policy clearly in the booking terms. For corporate charters, invoice the events team or PA who made the booking, and include a purchase order number if the company requires it. Corporate event invoices should itemise the charter fee, catering, and any other extras clearly. Fuel charges are sometimes estimated and adjusted after the charter based on actual use. If this is the case, issue a final invoice adjustment within 48 hours of the charter completing.