Charter Destinations
Lake Washington – San Juans Puget Sound – Lake Union
Charter Our Yachts
Fully Certified Crew
How Much Does a Seattle Yacht Charter Cost?
A Seattle yacht charter from ROAM starts at $4,000 for a four-hour half-day on our flagship yachts, plus captain and crew at $150/hr. A typical Lake Union or Lake Washington half-day charter for a group of 8–13 runs $5,500–$6,500 all-in after captain time, fuel, and taxes. Full-day charters (8 hours) run $9,000–$11,000 all-in. Smaller yachts, weekday dates, and shoulder-season bookings (April–May, October) are noticeably less.
| Yacht | Guests | Half Day | Full Day | Captain & Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65′ Sunseeker Manhattan | Up to 13 | $4,000 | $7,000 | $150/hr |
| 52′ Prestige 520 Fly | Up to 13 | $4,000 | $7,000 | $150/hr |
| 92′ Tarrab Yacht | Up to 13 | Inquire | Inquire | $150/hr |
| 86′ Hatteras Sportfisher | Up to 13 | Inquire | Inquire | $150/hr |
| 37′ Formula PC | Up to 8 | Inquire | Inquire | $150/hr |
What Drives the Total Cost
The 12-Passenger Rule on Seattle Yacht Charters
Every reputable Seattle yacht charter operator caps groups at 12 passengers plus crew. This isn’t a policy choice — it’s federal law. Under U.S. Coast Guard regulations (46 U.S.C. §§ 2101 and 4502, and 46 CFR Subchapters C and T), a private yacht being chartered to a group falls into one of three categories:
3Charter classifications under USCG rules
Uninspected “six-pack” charter — max 6 paying passengers on a vessel without a small-passenger-vessel certificate. The operator is “for hire.”
Bareboat charter — max 12 passengers plus crew. The charterer becomes the legal operator of the vessel for the duration of the charter and hires the captain separately. This is the model ROAM Charters operates under, accommodating up to 13 guests onboard with your licensed captain.
USCG-inspected small passenger vessel — can carry more than 12 passengers, but the vessel must pass annual USCG inspections and operate under different licensing. Most premium private yachts in the Seattle market are not built or maintained as inspected vessels.
Why Captain & Crew Is Billed Separately
Under the bareboat charter model, you (the charterer) are legally considered the operator of the vessel during your charter. The captain and crew are working for you for the day — not for ROAM as a “for-hire” passenger carrier. That’s why every quote shows boat rental and captain & crew as two separate line items. It’s not a fee gimmick; it’s the legal structure required to operate a 12-passenger charter without an inspected small-passenger-vessel certificate.
Why It Matters Who You Charter With
Plenty of operators in Seattle — newer entrants and peer-to-peer “boat rental” platforms in particular — quietly overload their vessels, run six-pack boats as if they were 12-pack bareboats, or don’t carry proper commercial charter insurance. If something goes wrong on a non-compliant charter, the boat’s insurance can deny the claim, the operator can be held personally liable, and in some cases so can the charterer.
ROAM Charters operates fully USCG-compliant, carries $1M+ commercial charter insurance, and our captains hold current 100-ton or higher Master licenses. For groups larger than 13, we coordinate multiple yachts running together — a flotilla of two or three yachts is a stunning way to host 20–36 guests with a single point of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Seattle?
Seattle yacht charters start at $4,000 for a half-day on our flagship yachts, plus $150/hr captain and crew, plus fuel. A typical half-day for a group of 8–13 runs $5,500–$6,500 all-in. Full-day charters run $9,000–$11,000 all-in.
How many people can I bring on a Seattle yacht charter?
Up to 13 guests aboard, including your USCG-licensed captain. The Coast Guard’s bareboat charter rule allows 12 passengers plus crew; ROAM’s flagship yachts are configured for up to 13 onboard. For larger groups, we coordinate multiple yachts running together.
What’s the difference between Lake Union and Lake Washington for a yacht charter?
Lake Union is in the heart of Seattle — houseboats, Gas Works Park, the skyline, and the Space Needle. Best for shorter cruises (2–4 hours), sunset charters, and holiday fireworks. Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County — open water, Mount Rainier views, waterfront mansions on the east side, and anchoring coves. Best for full-day charters, larger groups, and slower-paced celebrations.
Do I need a boating license to charter with ROAM?
No. Our USCG-licensed captain is at the helm the entire charter. You’re a guest.
Do you provide food and drinks?
Ice and water are included. You’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages. We also coordinate catering, charcuterie, bartender service, or chef-on-board on request.
Where do I board the yacht?
Most charters board at our home port of Kirkland (105 Central Way) on Lake Washington, or at a Lake Union dock for Lake Union charters. The boarding location is confirmed at booking.
What if the weather is bad?
Our yachts have enclosed, heated salons, so light rain doesn’t end a charter. If conditions are genuinely unsafe (small craft advisory or worse), your captain will recommend rescheduling at no penalty.
How far in advance should I book a Seattle yacht charter?
Peak summer Saturdays (June–August): 2–3 months ahead. Holiday charters (4th of July, Seafair, NYE at the Space Needle): 4–8 months ahead. Weekday and shoulder-season dates: usually available with 1–2 weeks notice.
What’s your cancellation policy?
30+ days out: full refund less 10% booking fee. 14–29 days: 50% refund. Inside 14 days: non-refundable but reschedulable subject to availability. Weather cancellations by the captain are always fully refundable or reschedulable.
Plan Your Seattle Yacht Charter
Call, email, or check live availability online. We respond within an hour during business hours.
Seattle Yachts for Charter & Rent w/Roam
65’ Sunseeker Manhattan
Upto 13 Guest
Half Day $4000
Full Day $7000
150hr for Captain and Crew
52' Prestige 520 Fly
Upto 13 Guest
Half Day $4000
Full Day $7000
150hr for Captain and Crew
92' Tarrab Yacht
Upto 13 Guest
San Juan, Puget Sound, Lake Washington
Inquire For Pricing
150hr Captain and Crew
HOLIDAY YACHT CHARTERS
Seafair – Huskies Sailgating – 4th of July – Xmas Light Cruises – Holiday Parties – Opening Boating Day – New Years @ The Needle
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