Moonglow
has a large foc’sle forward of the helm that sleeps two (or three children)
and a table that folds down that sleeps two (twin).
There
are linens, blankets, pillows, and two sleeping bags available.
What is the experience level required to charter your vessels?
We
require previous experience in like vessels due to insurance requirements.
A like vessel can include a sailboat of similar size (sailboats are probably
more difficult to handle and operate). For those with boating experience in
small craft wishing to step up to Moonglow, our 29 footer, we submit a Prior
Boating Experience form to our insurance agent in Seattle Washington for
approval. We prefer to see a U.S. Coast Guard boating safety course or U.S.
Power Squadron boating courses included in the prior experience.
Do you have a captain that we can pay to operate your vessel?
Moonglow is designed primarily as a bareboat charter (you are the skipper) however, we do have Captains with the necessary U.S. Coast Guard licensing required to operate our vessels for hire. Check with us for Captain availability and the length of time needed.
How and where do I get insurance on your boat?
Our existing insurance policy covers bareboat operators like yourself. We absorb this additional insurance fee in order to be assured coverage is on the vessel at all times. Charter individuals are still responsible for damages incurred during their charter to the extent of the insurance deductible or for items not covered by insurance.
Can I charter just for a day?
We have updated our insurance coverage to
allow charters coverage for any amount of time desired.
Where are you located?
We have
moorage at One Tree Island Marina in Olympia, Washington. The marina is in
Budd Bay, and appropriately directly below Budd Bay Café.
I am flying into SEA-TAC airport. How do I get to Olympia?
We use
Capitol Airport Shuttle service. They pick up at the airport and will drop
you off at the marina for a reasonable fee. Others have chosen to rent a
car but the drop off area is at the Olympia airport, there is a "one-way"
fee, and then you must cab it to the marina.
Is there an airport in Olympia?
Yes, but
there are no commercial connections. We have had private pilots arrive at
the Olympia airport.
How far is it from the SEA-TAC airport?
Plan on
an hour and a half shuttle ride. One hour by car.
Why are you located in Olympia?
Several
reasons. First, we charter only Devlin Designing Boat Builders vessels and
Sam Devlin lives and builds in Olympia. We figure it to be best to moor the
vessels where the builder can have access to the vessels for repair.
Second, there are no other charter companies that we are aware of in the Olympia area. The South Puget Sound is gaining popularity with boaters and vacationers alike. We have several
charters that never make it as far north as Seattle, yet one can get to all
the locations you wish. We also find that it is great to get a feel for
each vessel while in the sheltered, less populated waters of the South
Sound. Would you rather test drive a new car on a country road or the
busiest freeway in the state during rush hour? We feel the same way.
Is there a discount for multiple week charters?
Yes Indeed! We offer 10% discounts on
consecutive week charters. i.e. Charter Moonglow for two weeks: first
week charge is $1900: second week charge is $1710 for a total charge of
$3610 (during Peak Season.) You save $190 which can cover fuel and some groceries for your trip.
What are the discounts for charters lasting three or more consecutive weeks?
Contact us for additional details. We do offer additional discounts for multiple consecutive week charters.
We wish to charter for ten days. Can we do this?
Absolutely. Additional days beyond the initial week are prorated.
Can we use a credit card to secure and or pay for our charter?
Yes, we
do have credit card capabilities. We prefer to use credit cards for the
damage/cleaning deposit and can use them for all aspects of paying for the
charter. We ask that you not transmit your credit card numbers over the web
address for security reasons. We accept your card number by phone, mail, or
FAX.
We are not from the area and want to know how we can plan our itinerary?
We have
found the Wagonner’s Cruising Guide to be the best updated book for boaters
looking to create an itinerary from the South Puget Sound all the way north
to Alaska, including Canadian waters. We will also be listing some of the
more popular places to see. If you contact us by e-mail and let us know
what you might be looking to do, we may be able to assist.
We would prefer to start or conclude our charter further north than Olympia. What
can we do?
From time to time, we have a charter wishing to begin or end north of our Olympia moorage. Check with us, as we might be able to accommodate getting the vessel north or picking it up from you at a destination other than Olympia. Since we use the vessel two weeks per year, we can sometimes be the "charter" to fill in the gap and get the vessel to you at a different location. If we must "shuttle" without one of us using the vessel, there may be an additional fee to cover transportation and fuel.
What happens if the vessel breaks down?
While we
attempt to keep the vessels in top shape, they do operate in a hostile
environment of salt water, weather, underwater obstacles, mechanical
failure, and our own faults. We have Vessel Assist coverage on our vessels
and also have a chase boat system for the closer needs.
We are coming a day ahead of our charter. Where do we stay?
There is
a new Phoenix Inn a block away from our marina. Also, if we do not have a
charter prior to your arrival, we can check to see what the availability is
to stay on board prior to the beginning of your charter.
Where and how do we get groceries?
There is
a grocery store within walking distance and a farmers market merely a block
away during the summer and fall months. There are carts available at the
marina.
What should we bring?
Bring as
little as possible. Clothing is going to be your main item to pack. Since
weather is unpredictable, plan on a layered approach, including rainwear but
do not bring the whole closet. Space is at a premium on all vessels. We
provide the linens, blankets, two sleeping bags, pots, pans, utensils,
plates, small ice chest, TV/VCR, (bring your favorite tape), radio/CD
player, and towels. We send an inventory list to all charters prior to
their date of travel.
How do I get to shore from an anchorage?
Moonglow has a 7’6" rowing dinghy with oars for your pleasure and safety.
What if it gets real cold?
Moonglow has a red dot engine heater that operates while under way and plugs in at moorages for your heating needs. There is also a propane heater on-board.
What about charts and maps?
Navigation equipment aboard includes computerized moving map plotters, GPS, and paper charts, plus compasses and depth sounders.
Why do you charter Devlin Designing Boat Builder vessels?
We spent
years looking at boat designs and quality of craftsmanship before settling
on the Devlin designs. Without a doubt, one cannot match the quality of
craftsmanship from Sam Devlin’s yard. We also like the idea of having a
design that is unique, classic, and wooden. Wood is very warm and that is
what we like. Our desire is to provide a different approach to chartering
by offering the best quality to our customers. Plus our charter compliments
Sam Devlin’s business in that individuals looking to build a vessel can try
them out firsthand through our charter services.
Can we fish and crab from your vessels?
Sure, we
do! We have a crab pot aboard and you can bring your own
fishing pole and tackle. We keep some tackle on the boats but that is for
me to use each year. Be sure to have proper licensing and follow all the
laws. And don’t forget to clean up the mess. We do!
Will you be adding to your fleet?
We hope
to. Depending on the business environment, we plan to add another Devlin
vessel in a few years. Sam has a few design ideas and we are working
together to determine what the current and future market charters needs are.
We want to get started planning for our charter. What do we do first?
Complete
the reservation form on the website and submit to determine dates
available. From there we will send you a Prior Boating Experience form and
Charter Contract to complete and return to us for approval. Once we receive
your 20% non-refundable deposit and completed forms, we can reserve your
dates and begin further planning.
Sounds
like a great vacation!
How can I get an idea about weather in the Puget Sound for a particular week or
month?
We have
added a Weather Channel website to our quick links tab. From there, you can
get a weekly and monthly historical picture of weather temperatures,
rainfall, and next weeks projections. I use this a lot for my personal
planning and can be customized for you usage by location from Olympia to Alaska.
