Anyone interested in sailboat charters in the Houston area is in luck. There are some excellent boats available to choose from, both captained and not, and a wealth of places to travel to in one. If you are not sure how to get started borrowing a boat for the weekend, read on.

Decide on a budget

When it comes to chartering a boat, there is probably a workable solution whatever your budget is. Costs vary depending on the size and age of the boat you are interested in, the length of time you will use it for, and the time of year. There are high and low seasons when it comes to boat charters, and picking a less popular time of year can save you a lot. Contact your local boat charter to see what the possibilities are for your weekend sailing trip.

What if you’re not ready?

Chartering a boat that you will captain yourself requires a certain level of experience. If you don’t feel you are there yet, Windward SeaVenture still offers a world of possibilities. You can charter a boat with a crew, or you can take sailing lessons to get yourself to the point where you can take a boat out on your own. Windward SeaVenture offers a complete range of ASA-certified classes that will get you up to speed to where you are comfortable and qualified to captain a boat yourself.

What to bring (and not bring)

There’s very little that you have to bring beyond your sense of adventure when chartering a boat since Windward SeaVenture covers the essentials. Appropriate boat shoes are important, and we don’t recommend glass items for safety’s sake. Also, don’t forget to pack some sunscreen and a windbreaker for when the breeze picks up.

Renting vs. Owning

Even people who want to own their own boat can benefit from chartering first. Before you make such a large investment, take the time to charter the many different types of boat available before you make your decision on what type to buy. Of course, you might end up deciding chartering boats is a better solution than owning one, as it allows you to pick whichever boat you want for each trip. Chartering also circumvents the cost and hassle of maintaining and docking a vessel when you are not using it.

For Kemah boat rentals, or if you want lessons on sailing in Houston, contact Windward SeaVenture today, and you’ll be out on the water in no time.

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