I know I saw posts on this before, but can't seem to find them using the search function. What is the "magic portal" for finding available owners times available for charter?
Just returned and can't wait to go again....
Thanks

Check into sailonline.com

Dave, we haven't left yet (29 days!) and I'm already scheming our next trip!

It is a disease CottageGirl

I own a boat in moorings and sell time on it - my advice - book early. My time for 2015 sold out by October last year.

didn't you just bet back lol!!! you definitely have the disease <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

The reply to book early is spot on. I booked a week starting 11/9/15 on about 10-15/2014. And it was the last week the owner had to sell. That said, it was a substantial discount off the regular charter price and the process and working with the owner was easy as pie. I located the boat through Sailonline.

One thing I didnt think about before hand was that the full cost of the charter was due on booking. Not a big deal, it just hadn't occured to me before hand.

Paying the full cost of the charter is not the norm when booking owners time. I always took a deposit and requested full payment 30 days prior. I have never paid the full amount upfront when buying time. Just a deposit and the balance 30 to 60 days out. It's strickly up to the owner.
G

Yeah, paying in full isn't the norm from what I've seen, but every owner can handle it however they want. I get 50% up front and then the remainder a little before 60 days prior to the trip. Discount is usually about 30% off the regular rate - that seems pretty common.

When looking for time, keep in mind Sunsail and Moorings owners can sell time on other boats. We have a 43' mono, but last 2 weeks I sold were on 50' plus. Not as good as a discount as booking with an owner of the larger boat, but still better than retail.

I booked owner's time in July 2015 by asking here if anyone had any. Maybe I never looked in the right spot on sailonline.com but I got two quick responses here. My take is most of the owners time is gone a year in advance. I booked mine in August 2014 for July 2015.

It was easy ...... I paid a small deposit direct to the owner and the charter company fees (minimal from DYC and the usual) direct to DYC. Balance is due May (60d out). According to the owner, who has the boat with DYC, DYC sets the rules regarding how payment is made. I believe it is the same rules whether I'm buying owners time or chartering from DYC.

I think the best part about this from my perspective is that I am told I'll be treated just like I would be treated at DYC just like any other charterer and am also told DYC does a very good job in that regard..... moreover I saved a bundle on a 2 week charter aboard a really nice 2015 Benateau 41. Enough to get a great Captain so, I'm going to just sit back.