Hot tips on getting the best from a boat swap

by Sail-World Cruising on 8 May 2010 First it was home swapping that swept the world - an inexpensive holiday by swapping your home with another in an exotic country. Now it's boat swapping that's burgeoning in popularity, and Sea My Sea, one of the world's leading companies offering organised boat swapping offers some great tips about how to get the best of your boat swap.

• First contact:

Hopefully, you are a member of seemysea.com and you have probably posted a swap offer with your next holiday in mind.
It is possible that our automatic warning system informs you of a matching offer. We suggest that you inform your would be swap partner of your interest quickly or of your lack of it so that he/she can carry on with his/her search or initiate an exchange with you. Bear in mind that you might not be the only contact he/she has gotten through the system...

You have located a boat that could be suitable within the sailing area you are interested in...
It is likely that you are going to contact its owner, probably by e-mail. If he/she lives abroad, and if you can, include a translation of your message into his/her own language. The rule of thumb is to use simple words and short sentences since he/she might have to resort to an on-line automatic translation service...

Another seemysea.com member contacts you at his/her own initiative. If you do not understand the language used, try an on-line automatic translation service. Beware of frequent confusions and do not hesitate asking further information if you are perplexed. You may also reply with a confirmation of what you are sure you have understood, just to make sure. Answer promptly even though you are not keen about his/her swap proposal, thank you.

• It gets moving...

You are two SeeMySea.com members and you wish to go further into the exchange process.
You may feel the need to make sure about the following aspects:
- the actual existence of your swap partner's boat
- his/her status of owner
- his/her identity
- the validity of his/her insurance contract
- the state of his/her boat

We suggest that, after being informed of your partner's address, you send him/her, without being asked or after a mutual agreement, the following documents:
- a copy of your boat registration certificate
- a copy of your passport or equivalent
- a copy of your boat insurance policy
You may also post on the web a recent video (possibly shot during its most recent dry-dock) of your boat with a special emphasis on the state of the hull and all the other items you would like to see on your partner's boat. Inform him/her on how he/she can see it.

• The exchange will take place...

You both feel safe and you have agreed upon the dates of the exchange.

Prepare your boat. We suggest that you leave as little personal items as possible on board. Check for old foodstuff, etc...
Make sure the safety equipment is complete, still valid and easily found. The engine(s) must be in perfect working order...Check the electronics and electrical equipment.
It is courteous to fill the tanks.

Prepare a file with the boat certificates, relevant user's manuals and a loan certificate, one never knows...
Information on water/fuel filling stations, supermarkets and wifi terminals available in your cruising area might come handy.
The procedure to inform your insurance company in case of damage must be known by your swap partner.

Notify your assurance company. Inform your insurer about the coming loan of your boat, as early as possible, to make sure you are covered in these circumstances.

• Simultaneous exchange:

You agreed upon a simultaneous exchange with your partner. Chances are you are not going to meet.

Arrival. We suggest that you make arrangements so that somebody from your entourage, familiar with your boat, welcomes your exchange partner and, if possible, spends a day with him/her at sea (probably he owes you anyway). Inventory?

If you have nobody at hand, make sure your partner will get/find the keys in a convenient way. The loan certificate might be useful on this occasion.

Communications. Think of mean of communication between swap partners during the duration of the exchange. Hand phones and Internet will do, most probably.

Back to port. Notify your partner. Leave the boat in the state you found it (even better!). Fill the tanks!

• Deferred exchange:

You have opted for a deffered exchange and things become much easier. You and your swap partner can welcome each other personally, show each other your respective boat and most probably spend some time at sea together.

We strongly recommend that mode of exchange...

• Afterword:
Every boat owner has got his/her habits and preferences (type of plotter, binoculars, etc...) and it is not guaranteed that he will find exactly the same items on his/her exchange partner's boat. It might be a good idea to take them with you.
The same thing for rough weather gear, boots, and sea clothing. The rest of your crew might also have some desiderata...
In the case you do not master the local linguo of the area you are going to sail, think of dictionaries...

Bon voyage!

To learn more or join, click www.seemysea.com!See_My_Sea