rapcl, you may have a real argument to get your money back. Moorings at least sends out paperwork after a deposit is made with the Terms and conditions that is supposed to be signed and sent back.

I think in regards to Moorings, $400 is very reasonable. They fully refunded charters for those that they couldn't provide boats for, even though I believe their contract states they don't need to and could put the deposit towards a charter at a different time.

These companies have a lost a lot as well and while they may have insurance to cover things, there are limits to that and it probably ends once they have boats available..etc. I don't know that I'd blame any company for charging a cancellation fee (especially one so reasonable) when they can provide a boat.