Ever considered "boat swapping" with someone in another country?

[SierraCat]

We own a 36' catamaran in SW Florida and since we both work, we don't have time to sail our cat around the world (yet!), so we've thought about taking a few weeks vacation in Greece, or maybe Sweden and bareboat chartering a similar size boat. Seems a little silly to pay for a charter when we have a boat sitting at home that we could "swap". There are several "swap sites" on the internet, which work much like home swapping. Has anyone every tried this? What were the results and would you recommend it?

Thanks!
Two Women Captains

[Faster]

I think house-swapping and boat-swapping are two very different scenarios.

Logical or not, most of we boaters have a much more personal/emotional connection to our boats than our homes. As such I believe we are much more protective of our floating assets, so to speak.

It would be difficult for me to 'lend' my boat to someone I didn't know. And how can the other person truly know if I'm competent to take his/her boat in kind?

In theory it should be workable, and perhaps often works out, but I'll bet there are a lot of horror stories on this topic too... it'll be interesting to see what comes up here in this thread....

[SierraCat]

I agree that we all have the emotional connection with our boats and we keep ours in pristine condition- having a total love affair with our boat :-). But it wouldn't be like chartering out your boat as you'd only do this one or two times a year for a nice vacation. Apparently you make a connection with the other party interested in swapping and establish a sort-of friendship with them prior to making the vacation arrangements. And you're always free to be selective. I think it's an interesting concept and would love to hear from anyone who has actually done this.

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that there are huge differences between house-swapping and boat swapping. People borrowing a house can't generally run it aground or sink it...

[Siamese]

Boat swap Yikes. I'd wife swap before I'd do that...at least she can look out for herself. They might hurt my boat.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Siamese

Boat swap Yikes. I'd wife swap before I'd do that...at least she can look out for herself. They might hurt my boat.

I hope your wife doesn't read this...

[colasailormom]

Ya know, life is short and unless you're fairly wealthy, traveling to foreign destinations and THEN chartering a boat can get costly. My thoughts are...if you can actually make contact with someone in another country who wants to do the same thing you do (swap boats) with whom you can communicate with, it's worth exploring. Posters are correct that we have very emotional connections to our vessels, however, I'm not too emotionally connected that I wouldn't look into a boat swap for an amazing opportunity (ie, sailing Greece or Turkey!). Our boat is in Charleston which is known for swift currents which often makes docking a real challenge, however, we'd make arrangements to have "swappers" dock at the breakwater in order to have a smooth landing. I say definitely look into it...and my husband agrees! Let us know when you want to come to Charleston for a stay! We'll swap!

[Bene505]

I would swap with the right people. Charleston sound like fun too!! (My insurance covers occasional use by another sailor.) Merkel insurance.

Regards,
Brad

[rockDAWG]

I think this is a good idea. Of course this does not apply to everyone. I don't emotional attached any toys I own. We are grown up, make your decision who would you like to swap and have fun.

I would love to swap with others in Europe or Australia, Fuji etc. They can come to US and I can show them around and leave them alone for weeks. When i get their side, they do the same thing. I don't see the risk.

But that's just me. i am sure there are many like me.