For groups of 7–13 guests, Boat Tahoe operates the trip as a Bareboat (Demise) Charter to comply with U.S. Coast Guard passenger-carrying rules. In a bareboat charter, you (the charterer) are renting the vessel and are responsible for selecting the captain/operator (or operating the vessel yourself if qualified).

Captain / Operator Options

You may choose any of the following:

• Hire a captain from Boat Tahoe’s referral list | Easiest setup – most guest choose this option
• Hire your own qualified captain (not on the list)
• Operate the vessel yourself (only if you meet the requirements and provide documentation in advance

What This Means For You

• You must designate a qualified captain/operator before departure.
• If you hire a captain, the captain is hired by you and is paid separately from the boat rental.
  • If you choose a captain from our referral list, individuals on our captain’s list charge a total of $100 per hour for their services & fuel – paid directly to the captain and separate and in addition to the charter fees collected by Boat Tahoe.
• If a qualified captain/operator is not designated and verified prior to departure, the vessel will not depart.

Payment

• The boat rental is paid to Boat Tahoe.
• If you hire a captain, the captain is paid directly by you and separately from the boat rental (rates are set by the captain).

Minimum Operator Requirements

Any captain/operator (whether from the referral list, your own, or yourself) must meet the Minimum Operator Requirements, including:

• Minimum of USCG Masters License
• Minimum of 2 million dollars of boat / liability insurance that covers the boat, Boat Tahoe and the Tahoe Keys Marina.
• Minimum 100 days experience on Lake Tahoe

Need a captain? View our optional referral list of independent captains.

Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes—if you meet the Minimum Operator Requirements listed above and provide documentation in advance. If you do not meet the requirements, you’ll need to hire a qualified captain/operator.

I don’t meet the requirements / can’t find a captain. Can I still charter a boat?
Yes. Most groups hire a captain from our optional referral list of independent captains. You choose the captain/operator and pay them separately under a separate agreement. If a qualified captain/operator is not designated and verified prior to departure, the vessel cannot depart.

We have 6 or less people. What does this mean for me?
For groups of 6 or fewer, your trip is operated under the standard passenger-carrying format for Boat Tahoe. A licensed captain is arranged for the trip and included in the price you book online.

I don’t see an option for 7–13 guests during booking. What should I do?
That time or boat is not available for bareboat (7–13) bookings. Only select boats/times are configured for 7–13 guest bareboat charters. Please choose another time or call/text 530-208-0211 and we’ll help.

Can we take more than 13 guests on a bareboat charter?
No. Boat Tahoe’s maximum for bareboat bookings is 13 guests total (including the charterer). The captain/operator is in addition to that.

I booked 7+ guests but now we’re 6 or less. Do I still have to pay the captain/fuel amount?
If your reservation was booked under the 7–13 bareboat structure, notify us as soon as your group size changes so we can determine whether your trip can be updated to a 6-or-fewer format. If you do not update in advance, your reservation will remain under the 7–13 bareboat booking structure and any captain/operator arrangements and minimum charges may still apply.