Charter add-ons: what is worth buying before your trip
Charter add-ons like a SUP, a kayak or a dinghy change the character of your holiday. See what to book before the trip and what to add on site.
A boat's standard equipment is enough for sailing itself, but not always for a fully successful holiday. A SUP for an afternoon paddle, a kayak for a trip into a narrow bay, a dinghy with an outboard for a quick hop to the other shore: these are the typical add-ons that change the character of a week on the water. Below we show what is usually included in the charter price, what is worth buying on top, and when to do it so you are not hunting for a free SUP in the middle of the season.
What counts as a boat's standard equipment
Before you start adding on extras, check what the owner actually includes in the charter price, because the standard varies between operators. Usually included is a galley with a basic set of dishes, a chemical or marine toilet, navigation gear, life jackets and basic deck equipment, meaning fenders, mooring lines and a boat hook. The simplest way to avoid surprises on site is to ask the operator directly what is on board before you start putting together your own shopping list. We have gathered a general list of what is worth packing yourself in our article on what to bring on a charter.
The most popular add-ons
| Add-on | What it is good for |
|---|---|
| SUP (stand-up paddleboard) | An afternoon activity close to the boat, without moving away from the anchorage |
| Kayak | Trips into narrow bays and shallows the boat cannot reach |
| A dinghy with an outboard | A quick trip to shore or to another boat in the group |
| A spinnaker | An extra sail for more experienced crews, mainly with the wind from behind |
| A set of bedding and towels | Comfort without packing your own bedding for the trip |
| End-of-charter cleaning | Saves time at the end of the charter, usually paid upfront |
Not every add-on makes sense on every stretch of water. A SUP and a kayak work everywhere, but a dinghy with an outboard makes more sense on large, open lakes than on narrow canals, where everything is close by anyway. For families with children, an extra argument for a kayak is that it lets parents take turns getting on the water with a child without unhitching the whole boat from anchor, which is awkward on a larger boat.
A SUP and a kayak are gear for paddling close to the boat, not for solo trips across open water or the main shipping channel. People without experience should wear a life jacket and stay within sight of the crew.
What to book before the trip and what to add on site
Bedding, towels and end-of-charter cleaning are worth ordering along with the booking, because they are usually a fixed item in the operator's offer, always available. A SUP, a kayak and a dinghy are often limited in number, so at the peak of the season, once the fleet of add-ons is already booked by other customers, they can run out on site. If a specific add-on matters to you, it is safer to book it in advance than to rely on it being free on the day you pick up the boat.
Ask the operator whether an add-on can be booked during the charter itself, once you realise on site that you need it. Some operators let you add gear remotely, without coming back to the base.
How to pay for add-ons
With an operator running a modern booking system, add-ons are charged through the same online payment as the charter itself, by card, BLIK, Przelewy24 or bank transfer. That is more convenient than paying cash on site for every add-on separately, and it is easier to keep track of your budget when everything shows up on one booking confirmation.
If you are still choosing a boat and wondering which add-ons would even suit your trip, start with our article on how to choose a charter yacht, and you will find a broader holiday plan in our guide to a holiday on the water. You will find operators with a current add-on offer and online booking on Portivo.
Frequently asked questions
Are a SUP and a kayak always available to add on?
Not always, because the fleet of add-ons is often limited in number. At the peak of the season it is worth booking them along with the yacht itself, rather than counting on a free one being available on site.
Are add-ons included in the charter price?
No, they are usually a separate paid item. Standard equipment, such as life jackets or basic navigation gear, is included in the price, while a SUP, a kayak or a dinghy with an outboard cost extra.
Can you add gear during the charter itself?
With some operators, yes, if the add-on happens to be available. It is safer, though, to ask about it before the trip rather than count on chance midweek.
What if I do not know what gear I need?
Ask the operator which add-on best suits the specific waters and the plan for the trip. On a narrow canal a kayak works better than a dinghy with an outboard, and on a large lake it is the other way round.
