Frequently Asked Questions — Superior Charters

Summer Office Hours (May – September)

Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Winter Office Hours (October – April)

Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Each boat is insured by the boat owner, and insurance deductible amounts vary, but are generally based on the hull value of the boat. Every charterer is responsible for the boat’s deductible.

Superior Charter offers a Daily Damage Fee which is a buy down of the cost of the deductible on the boat.  The Daily Damage Fee (DDF) is a daily fee which reduces your liability for the insurance deductible as described in the Yacht Charter Agreement. A valid credit card number on file is required to secure the insurance deductible. As long as Charter Policies and Yacht Charter Agreement are followed, the charterer’s liability amount for loss or damage to the vessel or its equipment is limited. This fee is non-refundable. Please note that the Daily Damage Fee is required in order to complete your booking.  

Plans changed? Let’s see what we can do to accommodate you!

• Early Season Trip Date Change – make your change by April 15 to adjust the dates or vessel for only a $175 + tax change fee. 
• Prime or Late Trip Date Change – make your change by May 15 to adjust the dates or vessel for only a $175 + tax change fee.
• During charter season: Charterer is responsible for 100% of the charter cost at the time of cancellation. Charges will be applied to the credit card number taken at the time of deposit.

Okay, we’d love to help you, but let’s make sure it follows these guidelines:

• Early Season Trip Date Cancellation – make your cancellation by April 15 to receive a refund of the booking deposit, less a $175 + tax administration fee. 
• Prime or Late Trip Date Cancellation – make your cancellation by May 15 to receive a refund of the booking deposit, less a $175 + tax administration fee. 
• During charter season: Charterer is responsible for 100% of the charter cost at the time of cancellation. Charges will be applied to the credit card number taken at the time of deposit.

The charter season is short and very busy, and charter days are in high demand, which is why there is no refund made for cancellations during the charter season. Due to our strict cancellation policy, it is strongly recommended that trip insurance be purchased as coverage against any unforeseen travel interruptions and/or emergencies that may force you to cancel your charter. Check out trip insurance options here!

Here comes the boring, yet very important details about your reservation:

• Daily Damage Fee –  A buy-down of the cost of the insurance deductible, this is a non-refundable fee that limits your liability for loss or damage to the vessel or its equipment. It is based on the size of the vessel, with prices of $45, $55, $65 and $75 per day – Every reservation will see this fee on the invoice. Click here to view a PDF breakdown of the daily damage fee.
• Cleaning Fee– Charged at initial booking, Charterer will be provided a brief cleaning checklist that will need to be completed at the end of the trip. This fee is non-refundable. Cleaning Fee costs range from $175 – $495. Excessive sand, dirt, dirty dishes, debris or trash left on board will result in an additional fee of $250 which will be charged to the credit card on file. 
• Taxes – Because Uncle Sam needs their portion as well.
• Fees – You will only see this if you book online and it will be combined with the tax amount, this is to help pay for the fancy website that lets you book entirely online!

If you are booking a trip prior to the start of the season (May 22nd), we will charge 1/2 the cost of the trip. When booking a charter in season, we will charge 100% of the cost of the trip at the time of booking. When booking your trip online, expect to pay the entire cost of the trip, which will also include a convenience fee for using the online booking engine.

For those who book with our office directly prior to the start of the season, the final payment is due fourteen (14) days prior to your trip start. This payment is processed automatically by our office, and will be charged to your credit card on file unless you make other prior arrangements.  We will send you a final payment receipt, so you know this transaction has been processed.

Bareboat charters are ideal for experienced sailors: you skipper and manage the boat yourself. Captained charters include a licensed captain who handles navigation and safety, perfect for first-timers or those who want a relaxed Lake Superior vacation.

Booking is simple — choose your boat size and charter type online through our booking system. After you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email with required forms (such as the Yacht Charter Agreement and crew list) to sign and return before your trip. If you have questions about boat specifications or are unsure if you are qualified to skipper a Bareboat Charter, please reach out to our team directly via email or phone, we are happy to help!

Yes! You’re welcome to call or email us and we’ll walk you through options based on your group size, sailing experience, and trip goals — from relaxing island exploration to adventurous bareboat sailing.

You can also book directly through our office if needed. So call us!  715.779.5124

Absolutely — but for bareboat charters, we ask first-time charterers or those who haven’t sailed in the last five years to complete a Boating Resume. This helps us determine whether you need a refresher or support before departure.

When you arrive, you’ll be given a personalized welcome packet with parking info, boat location, and your boat unlocked and prepped for boarding. You can enjoy a complementary sleep-aboard the night before your first full sailing day, plus a briefing scheduled with our staff.

Want more details? Check out our handy Pre-Arrival Information Form!

We offer optional add-ons like motor dinghies, linen rentals, priority boarding times, safety sessions, docking skills refreshers, and optional hotel night stays after your charter — all designed to customize your experience. For more information, contact our team!

Your charter boat includes cookware, dishes, navigation charts, USCG safety gear, and a hospitality kit with essentials like paper goods and propane. You are responsible for food, drinks, linens, and personal items. A list of complimentary items it below:

• Cookware – pots, pans, baking sheet
• Coffee maker – percolator or French press
• Serving ware and dishes
• Local NOAA Chart and navigation tools
• USCG Required Safety Gear
• Complimentary Hospitality Kit – paper towels, dish soap and sponge, head paper, aluminum foil, hand soap and propane fuel for cooking

Grab a duffel bag (because it is easier to stow). Bring layers for shifting Lake Superior weather, rain gear, boat shoes, hiking shoes, linens and towels, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and provisions (food and drinks), and any personal safety or medical gear.

Yes — we can suggest local grocery and beverage providers in Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland so you can stock up before departure for your sailing trip.

Bayfield

• Andy’s IGA – Grocery store with wine, beer and liquor – Pretty much would have everything you could need!
• Bayfield Wine & Spirits – Premium spirits, craft beers and small production wines – Delivery available!
• Captain’s Spirits – Beer, wine, liquor selection as well as convenience food items.

Washburn

• Hansen’s IGA – Grocery store with deli, meat section and an entire wine, beer and liquor section. Online Ordering available.

Ashland

• SuperOne Foods – Large grocery store with fresh deli and bakery.  They have a separate bottle shop across the parking lot.
• Chequamegon Food Co-op – Local food co-op that offers a deli, bulk food items and great selection of specialty products.  Online ordering available.
• Walmart SuperCenter – Extended hours and online shopping with curbside pickup available.

• Pets – Unfortunately, our favorite family members are just not allowed on any of our boats
• Hard-sided coolers – They are too big and bulky to store on the boat and scratch the floors and interiors
• Fishing pole – Lake Superior has great fish…that you can buy already caught and cleaned at Bodin’s in town
• Kayaks and SUPs – There’s just no safe space to stow this gear on board and towing can cause damage
• Sticky Fly Strips – We don’t like flies either, but these sticky strips are gross and cause damage to the pretty boat interiors
• Cigarettes/cigars/E-cigarettes – There’s no smoking on any of boats – no exceptions!
• Tents – We don’t allow camping on the islands when renting our boats, who wants to sleep on the ground anyway?

Yes — but CPAP machines connected to boat power can quickly drain house batteries. We recommend you bring your own battery power source and not rely on the boat’s electrical system.

We do not cancel charters for typical inclement weather. The Charter master will make safety-based decisions on sailing conditions. Safety is our priority — weather is part of Lake Superior’s sailing experience.

Pack easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. Consider pre-made salads, simple one-pot meals, and items that save prep time — keeping in mind limited refrigeration and icebox space onboard

For privacy and safety, captains or instructors are assigned a private cabin aboard the boat. Please keep this in mind as you plan accommodations for all guests. We can help you figure out the details.

Charter days are based on your booked sailing days. You can board the evening before your first day, and your charter officially ends when you return the boat — cleaned and gear stowed — no later than 3:00pm on your last day

For Example:  A three day sailing trip could go like this – Boarding the boat on Thursday evening after 6 pm, Sailing Friday – Sunday, with off-boarding by 3 pm on Sunday afternoon. To get the most out of your sailing time, ask us about adding a Hotel Stay at the end of your charter so that you don’t have to rush to get off of the boat.

You can begin your charter any day of the week except Sunday.
You can end your charter any day of the week except Saturday.

This scheduling helps us rotate boats efficiently and provide you with the best experience on Lake Superior.

If you’re unsure which dates work best for your group, contact us and we’ll help you choose the smoothest itinerary for your Lake Superior sailing charter.

Gratuities are not required but are appreciated if you feel your captain provided exceptional service. The industry standard is around 15–20%