Look, I’m going to be straight with you. I’ve spent years tracking the world of luxury travel—the private jets, the ultra-exclusive resorts, the hidden corners of the globe only reachable by yacht. And every time I talk about chartering a superyacht, the same question comes up, without fail: “But what does it really cost?”
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
It’s a deceptively simple question. If you’ve ever glanced at a yacht charter website, you’ve seen the big, bold number: the weekly rate. For a vessel like the stunning, refitted Westport 112 yacht, KEMOSABE, that number usually hovers in the neighborhood of $65,000 to $75,000 per week.
And here’s the truth bomb I need to drop right at the beginning: that headline price? It’s just the cover charge. It’s the ticket to get on the ship. It’s not the full cost of the trip. In fact, if you see that $65,000 figure and budget only that much, you’re going to be wildly short of what you actually pay.
In this deep dive, I’m going to pull back the velvet curtain and show you exactly what it takes, financially and logistically, to spend a perfect week aboard a trusted, high-performance American yacht like KEMOSABE. We're talking about the real cost of unlimited SeaBobs, bespoke dining, and having a five-person crew dedicated entirely to you and your seven guests. If you’re looking for high-octane information gain on the true mechanics of luxury yacht charter, you’ve come to the right place.
Trust me, this is the information the brokers usually keep until the very last minute.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part I: Why KEMOSABE is More Than Just a Number
Before we get bogged down in decimal points, we need to appreciate the asset we’re talking about. The KEMOSABE is not just any yacht; she is a 111-foot, 7-inch (34-meter) masterpiece from the legendary American shipbuilder, Westport.
The Westport Legacy: Dependability as the Ultimate Luxury
If you’re chartering in the Caribbean or The Bahamas, the name Westport means something specific. While many European yards focus on exotic, cutting-edge designs, Westport, based in Washington State, is synonymous with dependability, volume, and proven performance. Their yachts are workhorses built to cross oceans comfortably and reliably. They are the definition of "American reliability" in the superyacht world.
The Westport 112 model, in particular, is one of the most successful production superyachts ever built. This is important because it means the layout is optimized, the engineering is flawless, and the market knows exactly what they are getting. When I look at a Westport, I know I'm looking at a machine that prioritizes guest comfort and flawless execution.
KEMOSABE, built in 2007, isn't resting on its laurels. I found that she has undergone staggering, multi-million dollar refits in both 2022 and 2024. Why is this detail critical? Because in the charter world, age is just a number; the refit year is the true measure of luxury.
Think of it this way: You’re not chartering a 2007 yacht; you're chartering a yacht with 2024 systems, styling, and amenities. This level of meticulous, proactive maintenance is what sets the top charters apart and fundamentally drives their price and desirability.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
The Anatomy of the Ultimate Playground
The KEMOSABE is designed to host 8 guests across 4 luxurious cabins. But the real story is what you get outside the cabins.
The Sun Deck Sanctuary: This is where the magic happens. It features a fantastic on-deck Jacuzzi (essential for those sunset soaks), ample sun pads, and a covered bar area. This space is a dedicated social zone, offering 360-degree views without feeling exposed.
The Toy Locker: This is the key to unlocking the true “vacation” value. KEMOSABE boasts a massive lineup, critically including a 37-foot Valhalla tender. This isn't just a basic inflatable dinghy; this is a serious, gyro-stabilized chase boat used for deep-sea fishing trips, high-speed island hops, or simply transferring guests in style and comfort. Add to that 2 WaveRunners, Seabobs (the handheld underwater propulsion devices everyone raves about), paddleboards, and even a Brownie’s Third Lung Hookah system for shallow-water diving without tanks.
The Entertainment Zone: They've even thrown in a 19-foot retractable outdoor movie screen. Seriously. Imagine watching your favorite film from the Jacuzzi under the Bahamian stars. This is personalized luxury taken to the next level.
The sheer volume of high-quality equipment here is a critical element in the overall price equation. You’re not just paying for a boat; you’re paying for a fully equipped, high-end private adventure park.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part II: Deconstructing the Cost – The Myth of the Flat Rate
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. We established the weekly rate for KEMOSABE is between $65,000 (Low Season) and $75,000 (High Season).
What that price INCLUDES:
The rental of the yacht for seven days and six nights.
The professional services of the full crew (typically 5 people, including a captain, chef, mate, and two stews).
The cost of insuring the vessel.
The use of all "non-motorized" water toys (paddleboards, snorkel gear, etc.).
What that price DOES NOT include (and where the cost truly explodes):
Fuel: The biggest variable cost.
Food & Beverages: Everything you eat and drink.
Dockage Fees: Where you stop overnight.
Taxes & VAT: The mandatory government fees.
Crew Gratuity: The mandatory service payment.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part III: The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) – Your Private ATM on the Water
What is the APA, Really?
The APA is essentially a deposit, paid in advance, that covers all the operational expenses not included in the base rate. It acts like a temporary, prepaid bank account for your trip, managed by the Captain.
For most Western Mediterranean and Caribbean charters, the APA is calculated as a percentage of the base charter fee.
Standard APA Rate: Usually 30% to 35% of the charter rate.
For KEMOSABE (at $70,000 average): This translates to an estimated initial APA of $21,000 to $24,500.
Initial Total Cost (Base Rate + APA): $70,000 + $24,500 = $94,500 USD.
Suddenly, your $70,000 trip is almost $95,000, and we haven't even finished the checklist yet.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
A Deep Dive into APA Allocation: Where Does the Money Go?
The reason the APA is so crucial is that it allows the crew to provision the yacht based entirely on your preferences, before you even step aboard. Let's break down the main categories this money funds:
1. Fuel Consumption (The Engine's Thirst)
This is the largest and most volatile expense. KEMOSABE is a high-performance semi-displacement yacht, meaning she is built to cover ground quickly. While she can cruise economically at 12 knots, she can easily hit 22 knots.
The search results show similar yachts consuming around 80-120 US Gallons (approx. 300 to 450 liters) per hour when cruising.
The Cruising Scenario: Say you plan an ambitious week, covering the Exumas in the Bahamas. That might mean 4 to 5 hours of cruising on average every day, plus two major refueling stops.
Total Cruising Hours (7 days): 30 hours
Average Fuel Burn: 350 liters/hour
Total Liters: 10,500 liters
Current Diesel Price (Varies wildly, estimate high): $1.50 per liter
Estimated Fuel Cost: $15,750 USD
The Added Complexity: Don't forget about generator usage! The AC, the fridge, the lights, the stabilizer systems—they all run 24/7 off generators, which burn fuel constantly. This hidden cost can easily add several thousand dollars to your weekly bill. The captain manages this closely, knowing exactly when to run generators for peak efficiency.
Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape
2. Food & Beverage Provisioning (The Culinary Experience)
This isn’t just about stocking the pantry; this is about delivering a Michelin-star level of culinary service tailored to every single preference of your 8 guests.
The Preference Sheet is Law: Weeks before the charter, you fill out a detailed preference sheet—allergies, favorite cocktails, preferred cuts of steak, specific vintage wines, and the kids' favorite snacks. The Chef on KEMOSABE uses the APA funds to source these exact, often difficult-to-find, items.
Chef’s Fees: The salary is covered in the base rate, but the cost of the ingredients—freshly caught fish, high-end imported produce, specialty items—comes out of the APA.
Alcohol: If you request premium Champagne, top-shelf spirits, or a specific wine cellar inventory, this is all purchased from your APA. A generous, high-end charter for 8 adults can easily chew through $6,000 to $10,000+ just in food and beverages alone.
3. Dockage and Mooring Fees
While cruising The Bahamas, KEMOSABE's shallow draft is an advantage, allowing it to anchor in secluded spots (free). However, if you want to experience the vibrant nightlife or provisioning stops in places like Nassau, Miami, or an exclusive resort harbor, you need a dock.
High-End Dockage: Securing a dock spot for a 111-foot vessel in a prime marina can cost $500 to $2,000 per night. A night in a hot spot like Albany in The Bahamas, or even Miami's South Beach, will quickly deplete your fund.
Estimated Dockage (3 nights in high-end marinas): $3,000 to $6,000.
4. Water Toys Fuel and Usage
Remember that impressive 37-foot Valhalla tender and the 2 WaveRunners? They run on fuel too. Every hour you spend jetting around on the tender to dive spots, or the kids spend zipping on the WaveRunners, is fuel deducted from the APA. The Captain tracks this meticulously.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part IV: The Final Mandates – Taxes and Gratuity
Even after the APA, two major costs remain outside the base rate, and they are non-negotiable.
1. Government Taxes (VAT/Bahamas Tax)
The location dictates the tax. Since KEMOSABE primarily charters in The Bahamas and Florida, the Bahamian tax is a major factor.
Bahamas Tax: The mandatory government tax for charters in The Bahamas is currently 4% of the base charter rate. (Some sources suggested 14%, but 4% is the most commonly cited figure for the official charter tax).
Calculation (on $70,000): $70,000 x 4% = $2,800 USD.
In the Caribbean, this is often categorized as VAT (Value Added Tax) or a local tourism tax, and it must be paid upfront.
2. Crew Gratuity (The Service Premium)
This is the payment to the dedicated crew of 5 who work 16+ hour days to make your week perfect. The service level on a superyacht like this is unparalleled. Your crew are not just workers; they are highly skilled professionals—a trained chef, a veteran captain, and stews who anticipate your needs before you even realize them.
Gratuity is not optional in the luxury charter world; it is an expected and necessary component of the overall compensation structure, acting as a direct measure of your satisfaction.
Standard Gratuity Range: 15% to 20% of the base charter rate.
Recommendation: If the service is truly exceptional (and on a high-end Westport, it almost always is), 20% is the customary standard.
Calculation (at 20%): $70,000 x 20% = $14,000 USD.
This can be paid at the end of the trip to the Captain, usually in cash or via wire transfer, for distribution among the crew. This is a non-APA, non-base rate expense that many first-time charterers fail to budget for.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part V: The True Value – A Hypothetical Week Aboard KEMOSABE
Now that we know the mechanics, let’s bring it to life. I want to walk you through a perfect, personalized 7-day charter through the Exumas, The Bahamas, and see the full financial picture.
The Charter Vision: The Exumas Expedition
The Vibe: Eight friends celebrating a milestone birthday. They want a mix of seclusion, water sports, gourmet dining, and two nights of vibrant social activity.
The Preferences:
High-end seafood and prime cuts of steak every night.
Premium Champagne (Veuve Clicquot) and top-shelf tequila.
Daily use of WaveRunners and the 37’ Valhalla for deep-sea fishing.
Two nights docked at high-end marinas (e.g., Nassau/Atlantis area).
Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape
The Full Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Percentage Calculation (on $70,000) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
Base Charter Rate | 100% | $70,000 | Mid-Season Rate (e.g., early November). |
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) | 35% | $24,500 | Used for running costs (Fuel, Food, Dockage, Toys). |
Crew Gratuity | 20% | $14,000 | Paid upon disembarkation for exceptional service. |
Bahamas Tax/VAT | 4% | $2,800 | Mandatory government charter tax. |
Estimated Fuel Consumption (APA Draw) | Included in APA | ~$18,000 | 30 cruising hours + generator running costs. |
Estimated Food & Beverage (APA Draw) | Included in APA | ~$6,500 | High-end provisioning, specialty alcohol. |
Estimated Dockage Fees (APA Draw) | Included in APA | ~$3,000 | 2-3 nights in luxury marinas. |
APA Contingency Fund | Remaining APA Balance | ~$3,000 | Kept for incidentals (medical, unexpected fees). |
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST (Cash Outlay) | 159% of Base Rate | $111,300 USD | This is the real number you need to budget for. |
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
How the $24,500 APA Works in Practice
The Captain is the steward of the APA. Throughout the week, they keep a meticulous log of every dollar spent.
Day 1 (Arrival): The yacht is fully provisioned. The Chef presents the first incredible meal. Initial fuel is topped off. The Captain notes a $5,000 deduction for the starting provisions and $3,000 for the initial fuel load.
Day 3 (High-Speed Cruising): The guests decide to relocate quickly, running the engines hard for four hours. The Captain refuels at a remote island. Cost: $7,000 in fuel.
Day 5 (The Dinner Party): The guests request a specific, rare bottle of wine and a large order of fresh, live lobster flown in. Cost: $2,500.
Day 6 (Marina Night): The yacht docks at a premier marina for a social evening. Cost: $1,500 for dockage.
By the end of the week, the Captain presents a full, itemized balance sheet.
If you underspend: The remaining balance of the APA is refunded to you.
If you overspend (very rare, but possible): You settle the small remaining balance before disembarking.
The beauty of the APA is the transparency and the flexibility. You are essentially pre-paying for the freedom to eat, drink, and cruise exactly as you wish, with no constraints.
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| Beyond the brochure price: deconstructing the $65,000 ticket to the ultimate ocean escape |
Part VI: The Takeaway – Why the Price Delivers Maximum Satisfaction
This isn't about the shock of the final bill. It's about understanding the unparalleled value proposition of a true superyacht experience, especially on a vessel like KEMOSABE.
I want you to think about what the $111,300 is actually buying:
Freedom: The ability to wake up in a new, pristine, and secluded bay every single morning—a bay that no resort guest will ever see. KEMOSABE's shallow draft means she goes where the mega-cruisers can’t.
Exclusivity: A private, high-speed 37-foot chase boat at your disposal. This is your personal taxi, fishing vessel, and observation deck for the entire week.
Ultimate Personalization: A crew of five dedicated to eight people. This is a 1.6-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio. When you’re on land, this level of service is only found in the most exclusive $10,000-per-night private villas. On KEMOSABE, the service follows you, whether you’re fishing, relaxing in the Jacuzzi, or watching a movie under the stars. The Chef is preparing the perfect meal for you and your family, not a dining room full of strangers.
Security and Expertise: You have a professional captain at the helm of a meticulously maintained Westport, capable of handling any situation, giving you peace of mind that no self-navigated charter can match.
The base rate gets you the boat. The APA, the taxes, and the gratuity get you the experience—the flawless execution, the incredible food, the unlimited fun, and the memory of a truly personalized, hyper-luxurious week.
So, when I see that $65,000 price tag, I don't see the full cost. I see the promise of a private world, an exclusive floating retreat, that ultimately costs closer to $110,000 to $115,000 for a perfect, full-throttle week. Knowing that real number upfront is the key to unlocking the perfect, stress-free luxury charter.