If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, stopping dead in your tracks on a stunning photo of a sleek, Euro-styled motor yacht slicing through turquoise Bahamian water, chances are you were looking at a Lazzara.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
I know I have.
We’re talking about that quintessential, head-turning vessel that just screams American-built quality with Italian flair. They are the ultimate status symbol of a perfect marine getaway. And if you’re anything like me, after you double-tapped that photo, you immediately Googled: “How much does it cost to charter one of those?”
You found the base price, right? Maybe a number like $55,000 or $75,000 for a week. You probably did the math and thought, “Okay, pricey, but maybe if I split it with enough friends…”
Hold up. Stop that calculator right now.
Because I’m here to tell you that the number you found—the big, scary, weekly base rate—is absolutely not the full story. In fact, it's often the least informative part of your total yachting budget. If you walk onto a Lazzara thinking you’ll only pay that weekly rate, you are setting yourself up for a jaw-dropping, budget-breaking surprise at the end of the trip.
I want to peel back the curtain, YouTube-style, and give you the real, no-fluff breakdown of what it truly costs to live the Lazzara lifestyle for a week. We’re going to achieve maximum information gain today, because by the time you finish this, you'll know more than 99% of first-time charter guests.
Let’s dive into the DNA of Lazzara, break down the actual budgets by yacht size, and—most importantly—explain the hidden cost component that is guaranteed to shock you.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Lazzara DNA: Why This Brand Commands a Premium
Before we talk dollars and cents, we need to talk about why Lazzara Yachts are so popular in the charter market, especially in the US and Caribbean. This isn't just about a name; it’s about engineering that directly impacts your vacation experience.
Lazzara, an American builder with a heritage stretching back decades, managed to merge two often-opposing worlds: the robust, reliable performance expected of an American yacht, and the sleek, aggressive, light-filled designs of top European yards. It’s the best of both continents, bottled into one incredibly stylish vessel.
What sets a Lazzara apart for charter guests?
The LSX Advantage (Pod Drives): Many of Lazzara’s popular charter models, particularly the LSX series (LSX 75, 78, 92), utilize Volvo Penta IPS pod drive systems. Why do you care about an engine system? Because it makes the yacht incredibly maneuverable, efficient, and, most importantly, allows for more interior space and larger ‘beach club’ areas on the stern. This means your social spaces are bigger, and the ride is smoother.
Shallow Draft Superiority: This is, arguably, the single most critical feature for anyone chartering in The Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Lazzara yachts are famous for their relatively shallow draft. While massive superyachts have to anchor miles away from the most beautiful sandbars in the Exumas, a Lazzara can often slip closer to shore. I’m talking about being able to anchor right off a deserted beach, where the water is that impossible shade of electric blue. This isn't just a convenience; it's a completely different level of immersion into the destination.
The "Country Kitchen" Layout: On many mid-size Lazzara yachts, you find an open galley or "country kitchen" forward. Instead of the chef being hidden away, the space is often integrated with a large seating area, allowing guests to gather, chat with the crew, and feel completely at home. It makes the yacht feel less like a stuffy hotel and more like a high-end, floating villa.
This unique combination of style, performance, and destination accessibility is why chartering a Lazzara isn’t just about renting a boat; it’s about choosing a specific, high-octane, yet supremely comfortable experience.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Hard Numbers: Lazzara Charter Prices by Size Class
Now that we appreciate the product, let’s get down to brass tacks. Based on current market trends and available inventory, here is a detailed breakdown of the weekly base charter fee (that initial number you found) for crewed Lazzara yachts.
Remember: These figures exclude the hidden costs we are about to reveal. Think of this as the rental fee for the yacht itself and the crew salaries.
1. The Day Charters & Weekend Warriors (70 ft to 85 ft)
| Model Range | Example Yacht Size | Weekly Base Fee (Low Season) | Weekly Base Fee (High Season) | Day Charter Rate (8 hrs) |
Lazzara 75 / 80 | Approx. 75 ft | $30,000 – $39,000 | $32,500 – $45,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
Typical Example: A Lazzara 75 like CARPE DIEM (75 ft, 4 cabins, 2 crew) is often found in the Miami/Keys area. For a full week, you’re looking at a baseline of around $30,000 to $32,500 plus all the extra costs. | ||||
Key Takeaway: Day charters are popular in Miami. You can rent an 84-foot Lazzara for around $7,000 for eight hours, which usually includes a minimum crew but not fuel for long runs or food. If you just want the Insta-shot, this is your entry point. |
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
2. The Mid-Size Powerhouses (85 ft to 100 ft)
This is the serious, week-long cruising class. These vessels offer exceptional space, a larger crew (typically 4-5), and more comprehensive toy inventories (Jet Skis, multiple tenders, etc.).
| Model Range | Example Yacht Size | Weekly Base Fee (Low Season) | Weekly Base Fee (High Season) |
Lazzara 90 / 92 / 94 | Approx. 92 ft | $49,000 – $57,000 | $57,000 – $65,000 |
Typical Example: The 92-foot Lazzara NEW LIFE is a classic. A one-week charter is generally set at a flat rate of around $57,000. These yachts are large enough to feel like a superyacht but still nimble enough to handle shallow Bahamian waters. | |||
My Insight: If you’re traveling with 6-8 guests and want a week in the Exumas with all the toys, the 90–100 ft Lazzara is arguably the best value proposition in luxury yachting. They offer that main deck master suite or sweeping panoramic salon windows that make the space feel enormous. |
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
3. The Superyacht Feeling (100 ft+)
Once you cross the 100-foot mark, you are firmly in the superyacht realm. Lazzara 116 models are less common on the open charter market but offer a significant step up in volume, luxury finishings, and crew capacity.
| Model Range | Example Yacht Size | Weekly Base Fee (Low Season) | Weekly Base Fee (High Season) |
Lazzara 106 / 116 | Approx. 116 ft | $70,000 – $75,000 | $75,000 – $85,000+ |
Typical Example: A Lazzara 116 like NAMASTAY charters in the $75,000 to $79,500 range per week in popular areas like The Bahamas. At this level, you gain a massive flybridge, often a large deck jacuzzi, and a full crew of 5-6 professionals who run the vessel like a fine Swiss watch. | |||
The Verdict: You are now competing with entry-level yachts from Italian and Dutch builders. The price jump from a 92-footer to a 116-footer gives you more refinement, more volume, and more crew, ensuring every single whim you have is catered to. |
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Hidden Cost That Changes Everything: Explaining the APA
Okay, buckle up. This is the moment I promised. This is the one detail that separates the seasoned charterers from the shocked first-timers: The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).
If you learn only one thing from this 3000-word deep dive, make it this: The weekly base fee is NOT the all-inclusive price. It’s essentially just the rent.
The APA is a deposit—usually 30% to 40% of the weekly charter fee—that you pay in advance to cover all of your operating expenses during the trip. This is money set aside specifically for:
Fuel: Main engines, generators, and fuel for the tenders and Jet Skis.
Food and Beverages: All your meals, snacks, soft drinks, fine wines, and spirits.
Dockage Fees: The cost to stay at marinas (Miami, Nassau, St. Barths, etc.).
Communication Costs: Wi-Fi access (which can be expensive at sea).
Local Taxes/VAT: Which, depending on the cruising ground, can be substantial.
The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week
How the APA Math Works (The Reality Check)
Let’s take that 92-foot Lazzara, NEW LIFE, with a base rate of $57,000 per week.
If the broker asks for a 35% APA, you’re paying an additional:
Your total up-front cost is now:
But wait, there's more.
The APA is managed by the Captain. He keeps a meticulous log of every dollar spent. At the end of the trip, he presents you with the accounting.
If you went on a long cruise, burned a lot of fuel, ate premium caviar every night, and docked in expensive marinas: You may have exceeded the APA. You will be expected to settle the deficit immediately. I’ve seen groups on fast yachts in the Caribbean burn through $30,000 in fuel alone in one week.
If you anchored most of the time, ate moderately, and didn’t cruise far: You may have money left over. The balance will be refunded to you.
The information gain here is crucial: The APA isn't a fee; it’s a pre-paid bank account for your trip’s operational expenses. The more you use the yacht (cruise speed, Jet Skis, premium food), the more of the APA you will consume. Don't confuse it with an all-inclusive package.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Mandatory Extras: VAT, Tax, and The Gratuity Dilemma
Beyond the APA, there are two other massive cost components that you absolutely cannot ignore. These are the mandatory taxes and the highly expected crew gratuity.
1. The Tax Trap: Where You Cruise Matters
Taxes (like VAT, or Value-Added Tax) are mandatory fees levied by the country or region where you are chartering. The rate depends entirely on your destination and the length of your trip.
Bahamas: If you are cruising in the famous shallow waters Lazzara is built for, expect to pay a Bahamian Charter Tax. This can be around 4% of the base charter fee for a 7-day trip, plus any local cruising permits.
Mediterranean (Europe): This is where it gets really interesting. VAT in places like the South of France or Italy can be very high—sometimes 20% or more of the base fee—unless specific itinerary rules are followed (like starting in one country and ending in another, or staying in international waters for a certain period). A $60,000 charter could easily see a $12,000 VAT bill added on top.
United States: In places like Florida, commercial charter laws are complex. You will often see state and local taxes applied, plus the cost of certain licenses and permits.
My takeaway: Before you even sign the contract, ask your broker for the total expected tax liability based on your exact itinerary. This is a non-negotiable expense.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
2. The Unofficial Rule: Crew Gratuity (The 15-20% Expectation)
In the luxury yacht charter world, tipping the crew is not optional; it is a fundamental part of the experience. The crew's service salary is modest, and they rely on the gratuity for a substantial portion of their annual income.
The industry standard is 15% to 20% of the base charter fee.
This is paid directly to the Captain at the end of the trip (in cash or via bank transfer, which he then divides among the crew based on their roles and effort).
Let’s go back to our 92-foot Lazzara example, NEW LIFE:
Base Fee: $57,000
15% Gratuity:
$$\$57,000 \times 0.15 = \$8,550$$ 20% Gratuity:
$$\$57,000 \times 0.20 = \$11,400$$
Think about this: Even if the crew provided acceptable service, you are looking at a minimum of $8,550 in required gratuity. If they were truly exceptional—going above and beyond, anticipating your needs before you even voiced them (which, trust me, a great Lazzara crew will do)—you should absolutely lean toward the 20% mark.
This is the human element, and it is the single most important component of your satisfaction. A good crew makes a great yacht charter; a phenomenal crew makes a trip you’ll talk about for the rest of your life. Don't skimp here.
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Lazzara Experience: Itinerary, Amenities, and Personalized Luxury
Let’s shift gears and focus on the sheer pleasure of being on a Lazzara. If you’re paying this kind of money, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting beyond the four walls of the hull.
1. Itinerary Excellence: Shallow Draft’s Greatest Hits
As I mentioned, the Lazzara line is practically custom-built for two specific cruising areas:
The Exumas, Bahamas: This is the Lazzara's playground. The shallow draft allows you to reach places like Staniel Cay, the swimming pigs, and the most secluded beaches with ease. Imagine waking up, looking out your panoramic hull window, and seeing nothing but a vast, uninhabited beach. You launch the tender and you're the first person to step on the sand that day. This is the Lazzara promise.
The Florida Keys: For a quick, high-end escape without leaving the US, Lazzara’s speed and manageable size make it perfect for cruising from Miami down to Key West, stopping at the best snorkel spots along the way.
The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week
2. The Toy Chest: What You’re Paying For
A modern luxury yacht charter is not complete without an arsenal of water toys. Lazzara charters usually include a standard suite of fun, which is factored into the value you get:
Jet Skis/Wave Runners: Most yachts over 85ft will carry at least one, if not two. The APA pays for the fuel to run them.
Seabobs: These are essential. They are the high-end electric water sleds that pull you silently underwater like a dolphin. Trust me, spending an hour Seabobbing over a coral reef is worth half the charter price right there.
Towed Toys: Wakeboards, knee boards, inflatable tubes—all for getting that adrenaline rush.
Paddleboards and Kayaks: For a more peaceful exploration of secluded coves.
Beyond the toys, the structure of the yacht itself is an amenity. Look for:
Flybridge Jacuzzi: Found on models like the Lazzara 84 and 116. Sunbathing, cocktails, and a hot tub at 25 knots? Yes, please.
Hydraulic Swim Platform: This is the star. It lowers into the water, creating a giant "beach club" right at the stern. It makes getting in and out of the water seamless and turns the back of the boat into a waterside lounge.
Final Math Breakdown: The True Cost of That $57,000 Yacht
Let’s be honest. When I first looked at chartering a yacht, I made the amateur mistake of thinking the base fee was the whole story. I want to save you from that rookie error.
Here is the minimum estimated budget for chartering a popular 92-foot Lazzara for one week in The Bahamas during High Season.
| Expense Component | Percentage of Base Fee | Estimated Cost (for $57,000 Base) | Notes |
Base Charter Fee (Rent + Crew Wages) | 100% | $57,000 | The initial advertised rate. |
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) | 35% (Minimum) | $19,950 | Fuel, food, docking, provisions. This is a deposit. |
Bahamas Tax/VAT | 4% (Average) | $2,280 | Mandatory government tax for cruising. |
Crew Gratuity | 15% (Minimum) | $8,550 | The required, non-optional tip for the crew. |
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET | 154% | $87,780 | The true total cost you must budget for. |
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| The secret number yacht brokers don't tell you about that $50,000 week |
The Total Truth
The $57,000 yacht is actually a $87,780 yacht (and likely more if you want premium champagne and extensive cruising).
This is why I titled this article the way I did. The price tag that surprises everyone isn't the weekly rate; it's the 50% to 60% extra you have to account for in APA, taxes, and gratuity.
The Value Proposition
However, before you gasp and click away, let me give you the value-added counterpoint.
Splitting that $87,780 among 8 guests for seven days comes out to approximately $10,972 per person.
Now compare that to booking a high-end, all-inclusive luxury resort suite in the Caribbean, where you might pay $1,500 per night, totaling $10,500 per person—and you’re sharing the pool, the beach, and the dining room with hundreds of other people.
On the Lazzara:
You are the only guests.
Your itinerary is 100% customized (swim with pigs, snorkel a sunken wreck, party on a sandbar).
The food is cooked by a private chef specifically for your palate.
You have a personal concierge crew that moves the entire luxury resort to a new, pristine location every single day.
When you look at it that way, the Lazzara experience, while expensive, delivers a level of personalized, private, high-information-gain luxury that a land-based resort simply cannot touch.
It’s not just a yacht; it’s a floating passport to the world’s most secluded corners, delivered with style, speed, and the unique, high-quality performance that only Lazzara can offer. If you're going to splurge on the yacht of a lifetime, know the full story, budget correctly, and then go enjoy every single, unforgettable minute of it.
Now you know the real numbers. The base rate is only the beginning. Are you still thinking about that Instagram photo? I know I am. I’m thinking about what the chef will cook tonight.
Let me know if you would like me to dive deeper into the specific water toys on a Lazzara LSX 92, or if you want a sample seven-day Bahamas itinerary that maximizes the Lazzara's shallow draft advantage!
(Disclaimer: The specific price points and yacht names mentioned throughout this article are based on market data, seasonal averages, and real-world examples to provide the highest information gain. Charter prices fluctuate constantly based on location, age of the yacht, and season. Always confirm rates with a professional charter broker.)