Comparing Sunsail to Other Programs

Sunsail

✅ Every yacht is custom-designed and outfitted for chartering. Built in partnership with world-class manufacturers, our fleet is optimized for durability, comfort, and global serviceability.

Other Programs

❌ A yacht coming straight from a factory is not charter ready and requires post-delivery upgrades.

Sunsail

✅ Our yachts include the most in-demand features like air conditioning, generators, and electric winches, carefully chosen to appeal to charter guests and yacht owners.

Other Programs

❌ Equipment selection is typically owner-driven and may not align with charter guest preferences or operational efficiency.

Sunsail

✅ Uniform yachts across the fleet mean standardized equipment, in-house service team and an extensive inventory of spare parts. All at no cost to the yacht owner.

Other Programs

❌ Mixed fleets often face maintenance delays due to part availability and non-standard configurations. Local contractors may lack experience with specific setups. All costs charged to the owner.

Sunsail

✅ Enjoy access to 19 full-service bases located across 5 continents and 4 oceans, offering unmatched amenities.

Other Programs

❌ Restricted availability and limited base locations reduce cruising options and flexibility.

Sunsail

✅ The owner pays nothing for maintenance, insurance, dockage, or operating expenses. It’s all covered by Sunsail.

Other Programs

❌ The owner is responsible for all expenses, often without clear visibility or predicability of costs. Additionally, the insurance contract must be managed directly by the owner.

Sunsail

✅ Receive a guaranteed income, paid every month, regardless of charter activity. Your income is stable, dependable, and contractually guaranteed.

Other Programs

❌ Unpredictable operating results due to non-guaranteed charter income and undefined expenses, which may be further impacted by unforeseen events that render the yacht temporarily inoperable.

Sunsail

✅ Up to 12 weeks of owner use annually, with no impact on owner payment. Usage available on your yacht and sisterships with the ability to upgrade to larger yachts.

Other Programs

❌ Owner usage reduces charter revenue, especially during busy seasons, which can hurt the program’s financial performance. Use ilimited to your own yacht and depends on its availability, since priority is given to keeping it available for charter income.

Sunsail

✅ Exclusive partnership with Robertson & Caine, offering 40′-52′ catamarans with 3, 4 and 5-cabin owner layouts available for bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charters. Revenue is guaranteed, regardless of layout. Catamarans are co-developed with Sunsail to deliver the world’s best charter experience.

Other Programs

❌ Charter revenues depend heavily on layout. A less desirable layout can significantly reduce charter demand, threatening the overall viability of the charter program.

Sunsail

✅ All yachts are outfitted with top-tier equipment including generator, air conditioning, watermaker, solar panels, inverter, shore power, navigation equipment, underwater lights, and full charter gear. Pricing is all-inclusive of equipment, commissioning, and delivery to base.

Other Programs

❌ Client’s equipment choices can significantly affect the yacht’s ability to maximize charter revenue and control operating costs.

Sunsail

✅ Yachts are professionally maintained to high standards. Resale supported by a global, in-house brokerage team. Exclusive catamarans with limited availability retain value better.

Other Programs

❌ Condition varies depending on owner’s maintenance budget. Resale involves competing with mainstream brands, risking lower value and a flooded market.

Sunsail

✅ Qualifies for the same tax advantages as any other. If the yacht is owned by an LLC and the owner actively participates with proper documentation, it qualifies for multiple tax benefits, including Mortgage interest deduction, Depreciation, and Business expenses.

Predictable monthly income simplifies tax planning.

Easier to qualify for and manage a boat-as-a-business model due to stable revenues.

Professional tax advisory support available through The Wehrly Group (Capt. Patrick Wehrly, EA—authorized to practice before the IRS)

Other Programs

❌ May also qualify for the same tax advantages if structured as a business with an LLC and active participation.

However, unpredictable revenue makes planning more difficult.

Unpredictable cash flow and potential business interruptions can result in periods of no income.

Inconsistent earnings often lead to an unrealistic business plan based on overstated, non-guaranteed revenues.

Charter income typically declines over time as the boat ages, while operating costs increase, making it harder to sustain profitability.

Sunsail

✅ Backed by the world’s oldest and most established charter company, owned by global investment firm KKR. Primary business focus is yacht chartering.

Other Programs

❌ Typically managed by local boat dealers whose core business is yacht sales. Charter programs are secondary and not financially stable.