A few years ago I chartered a GB from SWF yachts. It was an experience that I felt was disappointing. We had a few minor problems with the GB that the company took care of, but I think the boat should have been thoroughly checked out prior to our arrival. Their facilities were less than ideal since we were only able to leave and/or return at high tide.
We had an unexpected trajedy back home after the forth day there and had to cut our trip short. (Monica's 21 year old nephew died suddenly). We didn't expect any credit and none was offered, but we were OK with that since it was no fault of theirs that we cut our time short. The main problem was that we needed to leave in a couple of hours to get back North for the services but they required us to take the boat out across the river to a fuel dock to fill the tanks and empty the holding tank. We explained that we were perfectly willing to pay for them taking care of the fuel and holding tank, but they insisted that it was against their policy and we would have to go right away before the fuel docks closed across the river. An other problem was that it was not high tide and the depth sounder was not functioning, but we were told it would probably be OK to go. We did and much to our chagrin, we picked up something around the props as we cleared the slip. We returned to the slip and insisted that we could not comply with their request to fill the fuel and empty the holding tank since we were unable to safely leave their facility. They reluctantly agreed but we left a few thousand $ to cover any possible underwater damage as well as the few gallons of fuel and service charge for the holding tank. That part was IMO fair and in fact was what I asked to do in the first place, except now we had something wrapped around the props.
We never expected to hear from them again regarding any refund of deposit money, but to their credit we did in fact receive a check in the mail for the difference some time later.
I considered it fair that they should charge us for the extra service with the fuel and holding as well as the haul out to remove some metal that got wrapped around the shaft but it would not have happened if they would not have insisted on us leaving the dock at low tide knowing the condition of their waterway. We were perfectly willing to pay whatever to have them take care of the tank issues so that we could get on our way and if they would have agreed to take care of it and deduct the necessary amount we probably would have returned again as a repeat client.
On the plus side we happened to learn about Angela's boat in Key Biscayne shortly thereafter and have stayed with her on her boat numerous times. Angela has in my opinion personified what a good charter experience should be. We can't say enough about our pleasant experience in all respects with her. Of course it didn't hurt that we love Hatteras Yachts and anything else just won't make the grade.
We wish you a good experience at SWF yachts. They are good folks, but IMO lacked a little compassion under the circumstances.
Walt
