Frequently Asked
Questions

ONE & ONLY is offered exclusively as a bareboat (demise) charter — a USCG-compliant arrangement where you, as the primary charterer, assume full possession, command, and control of the vessel for the duration of your charter. You are responsible for selecting and engaging a qualified, USCG-licensed captain and any crew. This structure allows up to 13 persons aboard (the primary charterer plus 12 guests).

No. Under a true bareboat charter, the captain is selected and engaged directly by you, the primary charterer — not by One & Only. As a courtesy, we can provide a curated list of USCG-licensed captains who have been vetted and approved by the vessel owner and insurer. You are not required to use any captain we suggest and may retain any properly credentialed captain you choose.

The charterer pays the captain directly. Captain and crew fees are separate from the vessel charter fee and are contracted directly between you and the captain. For convenience, One & Only may facilitate payment on behalf of the charterer — all such services are provided by independent third parties.

Yes. Under our USCG-compliant bareboat charter structure, you may have the primary charterer plus up to 12 guests — 13 persons total. This is the maximum permitted by federal regulations for a bareboat charter on an uninspected vessel. Children count toward the total.

Fuel is estimated at approximately 10 gallons per hour. Final fuel charges are based on actual usage. A temporary fuel surcharge of $75 applies. These costs are arranged and paid separately by the charterer.

Gratuity is not included in the vessel charter fee. A customary tip of 15–20% for the captain and crew is standard in the industry and is warmly appreciated for excellent service. This is at your discretion.

Yes — THREE beautifully finished bathrooms with enclosed showers below deck. The full-beam master suite has a private en-suite. The additional two staterooms each have their own facilities as well.

Yes. The main salon is fully climate-controlled. The flybridge and aft deck are open-air.

13 persons total — the primary charterer plus up to 12 guests. This is per USCG bareboat charter regulations.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time and be ready on the dock with all gear.

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 15+), towels, comfortable non-marking footwear, sunglasses, and any beverages or light snacks you'd like. Please do NOT bring spray sunscreen or sunscreen with bronzing/shimmer agents — these stain upholstery.

Absolutely. BYOB is welcome (wine, beer, spirits — avoid anything that can stain, like red wine). We supply water, ice, and glassware. For food, we recommend items that travel well: sandwiches, fruit, cheese boards, poke, light pastries. Avoid loose or dyed foods. Catering can also be arranged in advance.

Bottlenose dolphins are seen on the majority of charters — we know where they like to hang out. Manatees are common from May through November in Sarasota's waters. Both are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Most of our cruising is in Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal, which is generally calm. Gulf passages are made only in safe conditions. If you're prone to motion sickness, an over-the-counter remedy taken before departure is recommended.

No. Smoking of any kind is not permitted on board due to fuel hazard and vessel safety.

Children 12 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times. Life jackets are available on board for all guests — we have Type I, II, and III PFDs meeting USCG requirements. One PFD per person is required on board per federal law.

More than 5 days prior to departure: full refund of charter fees. Within 5 days: charter fees are non-refundable. Please review the full Cancellation & Weather Policy on our Charter Info page.

Safety is the highest priority. The independently selected captain makes the final determination on the morning of the charter based on actual marine conditions and forecasts. Light rain or overcast conditions do not typically constitute grounds for cancellation. If the captain declares conditions unsafe, the parties will first attempt to reschedule; if not possible, charter fees will be refunded.