Standard Yacht Charter Equipment – What Is Included on Board

2026-02-20

Standard Equipment on Charter Yachts and Boats – What Is Actually Included Today?

When we talk about standard equipment on a yacht for charter, there is one thing we always like to point out: over the past decade, onboard equipment has been significantly modernized.

Most charter yachts today are technically far more advanced than they were 10–15 years ago, although differences between smaller or older boats and larger or newer vessels still exist.

Let’s go, step by step...

What Does “Standard Equipment” Mean in a Yacht Charter?

Standard equipment refers to the gear and onboard inventory included in the yacht rental price. It allows for safe and comfortable cruising and covers all the essential systems: deck hardware, safety gear, navigation instruments, galley equipment and cabin amenities.

We always advise that before every booking you check the exact equipment list for the specific yacht – either on the model’s page or, even better, in direct contact with us. Over the years, we have often noticed small differences even between yachts of the same model and production year. Our charter agent can always send you the most up-to-date equipment list for the vessel you are considering.

What Deck Equipment Is Normally Included?

Deck equipment ensures proper handling, anchoring and comfortable time spent outdoors. From our long-standing experience in yacht rental and charter operations, most vessels typically include:

compass
electric anchor windlass
anchor with chain (often 50–100 m of chain)
spare anchor
mooring lines and fenders
bilge pump (manual and/or electric)
boat hook
dinghy (tender)
swimming ladder
stern shower
cockpit table
bimini top (sun protection)
sprayhood (protection from spray and wind – almost standard on sailing yachts)
Bluetooth audio system with cockpit speakers (on most newer yachts)

On sailing yachts, winch handles, sails and full sail-handling equipment are, of course, standard. It sounds obvious, but it needs to be said :-) Naturally, the same applies to sailing catamarans.

What Safety Equipment Must Be On Board?

Safety equipment depends on the navigation category and the size of the vessel, but it most commonly includes:

life jackets (standard models)
signal flares
fire extinguishers
first aid kit
VHF radio
flashlights
basic tools and spare parts

If you are sailing with children, please (!!) make sure to request children’s life jackets. There is no extra charge. Charter companies usually have enough on stock; they just need to be informed in advance to place them on board.

A life raft is typically found on larger sailing yachts (40 ft+), catamarans and motor yachts, but it is not legally mandatory on every smaller rental boat.

Safety harnesses and jacklines are more common on offshore or regatta sailing yachts, while classic family charter boats do not always include them as standard equipment.

Inflatable life jackets are available on some newer charter yachts or as an optional add-on.

charter agent showing safety equipment on charter yacht

Navigation Equipment – What Is Included?

Without proper navigation, there is no safe cruising. Today, almost all yachts in charter offer:

GPS chartplotter with electronic charts
multifunction display (MFD)
integrated depth sounder, speed log and wind instruments
autopilot (on most sailing yachts 35 ft+)
VHF radio

On larger and newer vessels, especially on premium motor yachts, you will often find radar, AIS systems and more advanced navigation technology.

Paper charts and traditional navigation tools are still frequently kept on board as a backup, although primary navigation today is digital.

With modern navigation systems, many guests choose bareboat charter and sail independently. Still, we recommend reviewing the requirements for bareboat yacht rental without a skipper or reading the frequently asked questions about chartering with a skipper if you prefer the added comfort of having a professional captain on board.

Galley and Interior Equipment – How Are Yachts Equipped for Living On Board?

Guests often ask us: “Will we be able to cook properly?” The answer is – absolutely. And quite comfortably, in fact.

Standard interior equipment usually includes:

gas stove and oven
refrigerator (sometimes an additional fridge on larger yachts)
sink with hot water
complete set of kitchen utensils and cookware
bed linen and pillows
bathroom towels
shower and toilet
12V / 220V sockets in the saloon
220V shore power connection in the marina

Cabins are equipped with bed linen, pillows, duvets or blankets. Bathrooms include a shower, marine toilet, washbasin and hot water.

Guests who book through us are often pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort – especially on newer catamarans and yachts.

Air conditioning, generator, dishwasher, ice maker or a separate freezer are usually found on larger and more luxurious charter yachts.

TV is mostly available on slightly larger vessels, while CD and DVD players have largely been replaced by Bluetooth and USB systems connected to mobile devices.

charter agent showing interior and galley on charter sailing yacht

What Do Newer or Larger Yachts Offer?

From our experience in yacht charter over many seasons, larger or newer vessels often feature additional equipment such as:

bow thruster
electric winch
black water tank
teak deck
internet access
generator
heating or air conditioning
radar
freezer
microwave
dishwasher

Not everything is essential. But it certainly makes life on board easier.

What Additional Equipment Can Be Rented for an Extra Fee?

Optional extras depend on the destination and charter base, but most commonly include:

outboard engine for the dinghy
spinnaker or gennaker for sailing yachts
regatta sails
safety net for guardrails (for sailing yachts)
additional set of bathroom towels
beach towels
extra bed linen set
Wi-Fi internet access
fishing equipment
SUP or kayak

We usually advise families with children to consider a safety net. Small details can make a big difference.

Additional Services at Extra Cost

Besides equipment rental, additional services are also available:

pets allowed on board
guest transfers to/from the marina
advance provisioning (grocery shopping before arrival)
arranging fishing permits
early boarding
one-way charter

You can find more information in the general yacht charter terms and conditions, and we also recommend reviewing the yacht check-in procedure, which explains how equipment is inspected on board.