If you have started researching private boat rentals in Washington DC, you have probably run into a detail that surprises most first-time bookers: the captain is not always included in the charter price. PRIVÉ operates a bareboat charter model, meaning you rent the vessel itself and arrange a licensed captain separately through an approved list provided after your booking is confirmed.
This arrangement is standard in the bareboat charter world and completely straightforward once you understand how it works. Here is everything you need to know before your charter.
What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter means you are renting the vessel without a built-in crew. You bring your group, your food and drinks, and your captain. PRIVÉ provides the boat, the fuel, the equipment, and access to an approved list of vetted licensed captains who are familiar with the vessels and the Potomac River corridor.
The bareboat model gives your group full control over the experience. The vessel is exclusively yours from departure to return. There are no other passengers, no fixed itinerary, and no public tour structure.
Why PRIVÉ Uses an Approved Captain List
PRIVÉ maintains a list of licensed, vetted captains with experience operating on the Potomac River between Gravelly Point in Arlington, VA and the Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria corridor. These captains know the departure point at Gravelly Point Boat Ramp, the local navigation requirements, the vessels, and PRIVÉ’s operational standards.
After your booking is confirmed through privedc.com, PRIVÉ sends the approved captain list directly to you. You contact and book your captain independently for your charter date.
What to Look for When Choosing Your Captain
When selecting from the approved list, consider the following before reaching out:
- License status: All approved captains hold current USCG licenses appropriate for the vessel size and Potomac River operations.
- Availability: Captains on the approved list are independent operators. Contact your preferred captain as early as possible after booking, particularly for peak-season weekend dates from May through September when calendar availability fills quickly.
- Potomac River experience: Local knowledge matters on this stretch of the river. The corridor from Gravelly Point to Georgetown passes Washington Channel traffic, tidal flow variations, and high boat traffic near the Georgetown waterfront on summer weekends.
- Communication responsiveness: Your captain coordinates pre-charter logistics directly with your group. Choose someone who responds promptly and clearly before your departure date.
What Does a Captain Cost?
Captain fees are separate from the PRIVÉ vessel charter rate and are paid directly to the captain on the day of your charter. As a general benchmark for the DC metro market, captain fees typically range from $75 to $150 per hour depending on charter duration and the individual captain’s rate schedule.
Confirm the full rate and payment method with your captain before your charter date. There should be no financial surprises at the dock.
Is Gratuity Expected?
Gratuity is not included in any rate and is not required, but it is customary. A tip of 15 to 20 percent of the captain’s fee is standard in the charter industry for a well-run experience. For a three-hour charter with a captain fee of $100 per hour, a tip in the range of $45 to $60 is consistent with industry norms.
How to Set Up Your Captain — Step by Step
Once you receive the approved captain list from PRIVÉ:
- Contact your preferred captain directly to confirm availability on your charter date and departure time.
- Agree on the rate, confirm the departure location (Gravelly Point Boat Ramp, Arlington, VA), and align on an arrival time — your captain should be at the dock before your guests arrive.
- Share any relevant details about your event: group size, occasion type, any special items you are bringing onboard, and any timing requirements.
- Plan for your group to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure for a brief safety and vessel orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a captain from PRIVÉ’s approved list?
Yes. PRIVÉ’s approved list includes captains who are vetted, licensed, and familiar with both the vessels and the Potomac River corridor. For safety and insurance compliance, only approved captains are permitted to operate PRIVÉ vessels.
What if my first-choice captain is unavailable?
The approved list includes multiple captains. Contact alternates on the list. If you encounter difficulty, contact PRIVÉ directly and the team can assist with alternative recommendations.
What if a captain cancels close to my charter date?
Contact PRIVÉ immediately. The team can provide alternative contacts from the approved list. The earlier you secure your captain after booking, the less likely a last-minute disruption becomes.
Does the captain interact with guests during the charter?
The captain’s primary role is vessel operation and safety. Most captains are professional and personable, but the focus is on safe navigation. Your group manages the social experience onboard — the captain handles everything on the water.
Ready to book your charter? Reserve your vessel at privedc.com. The approved captain list follows in your booking confirmation.