Axopar Bareboat Charter & Motor Boat Hire on the Solent
Fully Insured Fleet
Professional Handover
Premium Axopar Fleet
Self-Drive Freedom
The only Axopar Bareboat Fleet available on the South Coast
Why choose EML for bareboat hire?
EML Charters operates a premium Axopar bareboat fleet, offering experienced skippers the freedom of self-drive without the commitment of ownership.
- Premium maintained Axopar bareboat fleet
- Fully insured & commercially operated vessels
- Clear professional handover process
- Flexible self-drive charters designed around your itinerary
- Dedicated pre-charter support
- Prime Solent departure location
Designed for qualified, experienced skippers seeking a premium self-drive boating experience on the Solent.
2026/27 Season
Multi-Day and Bulk Booking Packages
Designed for those planning extended time on the water.
Our Axopar multi-day and bulk booking packages offer greater flexibility, simplified planning, and preferred day rates across our Axopar 28 and 29 bareboat fleet.
Ideal for regular charter guests, longer stays, and those seeking a more seamless self-drive experience.
Bareboat Charter Requirements
To charter a bareboat Axopar on the Solent, you must:
- Hold a valid boating qualification (RYA Powerboat Level 2, ICC, or equivalent)
- Be confident handling a motor boat of this size
- Complete our Bareboat Booking Pack
- Attend a pre-charter briefing at Hamble Point Marina
Professional Standards
Our Axopar fleet is fully insured, professionally maintained, and operated to commercial charter standards, ensuring reliability, safety, and confidence throughout your bareboat charter.
Bareboat Charter Pricing Explained
Bareboat charter pricing follows a clear and transparent structure designed to ensure simplicity, protection, and complete confidence throughout your self-drive hire. Our pricing is intentionally straightforward, with each element serving a specific purpose in delivering a smooth and well-managed experience on the water.
- Bareboat Charter Rate
This represents your core bareboat hire rate for the selected duration, providing exclusive use of your chosen Axopar.
Weekday Rate (Monday – Friday): £475 + VAT
Weekend Rate (Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday): £525 + VAT
Rate includes lifejackets for all guests onboard, a comprehensive handover prior to departure with a professional skipper, and full support from the EML team ahead of your charter.
- Insurance Waiver: £100 + VAT
The insurance waiver reduces your financial liability in the unlikely event of accidental damage, similar to an excess reduction on premium vehicle hire.
It allows you to enjoy your time on the water with added peace of mind, knowing your exposure is limited.
- Refundable Fuel Deposit: £500 + VAT
A refundable fuel deposit is taken prior to departure.
Following your charter, only the fuel used is deducted, along with a £30 + VAT refuelling charge and £30 + VAT cleaning charge. The remaining balance is returned promptly.
As a guide, fuel usage for a typical Solent day is approximately £200–£350, depending on your route and cruising time.
A simple, transparent structure designed to keep everything clear and straightforward.
Designed for Clarity & Confidence
We believe bareboat charter should feel as straightforward as it is enjoyable.
All pricing and requirements are clearly outlined in advance, with no hidden costs or unexpected charges. From initial enquiry through to your return to the marina, everything is handled in a clear, professional manner.
If you’re exploring the best way to enjoy boating on the Solent, you may also wish to compare bareboat charter with boat clubs and ownership models to see what suits your lifestyle.
How Bareboat Charters Work on the Solent
-
Step 1: Choose Your Axopar and Date
Select your preferred Axopar model and check availability for your intended charter date. -
Step 2: Submit Your Booking
Book online via our live availability calendar, or contact our team by phone or email to discuss options, pricing, and suitability. -
Step 3: Complete the Booking Pack
Prior to your charter, you’ll review and sign the Bareboat Booking Pack, including terms and conditions, payment details, and skipper qualification requirements.
Find your perfect Axpoar Experience
Every Axopar offers a distinct balance of space, protection, and onboard atmosphere. Explore our Axopar fleet to select the model that best suits your plans on the water.
Frequently Asked Bareboat Charter Questions
Clear answers to common questions about bareboat motor boat hire, skipper qualifications, booking requirements, and your self-drive charter experience on the Solent.
Booking & Requirements
Can I bring children onboard?
Yes. Children are welcome onboard, and lifejackets are provided.
Our standard lifejackets fit most older children, however for children under five – or where you are unsure on sizing – we recommend bringing your own, as we cannot guarantee a suitable fit.
Adult supervision is required at all times.
Do I need boating experience to charter bareboat?
Yes. Bareboat charters require an experienced and confident skipper onboard who meets our qualification requirements. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to advise or recommend a skippered charter instead.
What licence or qualification is required?
A recognised powerboat qualification (such as RYA Powerboat Level 2) along with relevant experience is required. Full details can be provided by our team prior to booking.
How old do I need to be to charter?
The lead skipper must be at least 18 years old and meet the required experience and qualification criteria.
How many guests can I bring?
This depends on the specific Axopar model. Most of our boats accommodate up to 7–8 guests plus the skipper. Details are listed on each vessel page.
Is fuel included in the charter price?
A refundable fuel deposit is taken prior to your charter. After your trip, the cost of fuel used will be deducted, along with the £30 + VAT refuelling charge and £30 + VAT cleaning charge. The remaining balance is then promptly refunded.
This ensures a clear and transparent approach, where you only pay for what you use.
Before your Charter
Where does my charter depart from?
Our Axopar fleet is based at Hamble Point Marina. We can also offer flexible pick-up and drop-off locations across the local area to suit your plans. Please note that alternative locations may incur an additional charge.
Full details will be confirmed ahead of your charter.
What happens at the handover?
A professional skipper will guide you through a full handover, covering the boat systems, safety equipment, and local operating area. This ensures you feel confident and prepared before departure.
How long does the briefing take?
The handover and briefing typically take around 20–30 minutes.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend comfortable clothing, suitable footwear (non-marking soles), and any food or drinks you’d like onboard. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket are also advisable.
Can I select my preferred departure time?
Yes, subject to availability. Our team will work with you to arrange timings that suit your plans.
What happens if weather conditions change?
Safety is always our priority. If conditions are unsuitable, we will work with you to reschedule your charter or offer alternative options prior to your charter.
During Your Charter?
What areas of the Solent can I cruise to?
You are free to explore much of the Solent, including destinations such as Cowes, Yarmouth, The Hut at Colwell Bay, and surrounding anchorages. Your handover will include guidance on suitable routes and conditions.
What happens if I need assistance?
Our team is always available during your charter should you need support or advice. You’ll be provided with a dedicated contact number for assistance, including emergencies. We also have SeaStart membership in place for additional on-water support if required.
Full details are included in your onboard information pack and will be clearly explained during your skipper handover.
What activities can we enjoy during the day?
Guests typically enjoy relaxed cruising, anchoring in sheltered bays, swimming, and visiting waterfront destinations for food and drinks.
Most of our boats are also equipped with a paddleboard and kayak, available for you to use at no additional cost. If you’d like these onboard, please let us know in advance so they can be prepared, inflated, and secured ready for your arrival.
Can we bring food and drinks onboard?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy throughout the day.
Returning & Handback
What happens during handback?
On return, our handback skipper will be waiting for you, and the boat will be checked and fuel usage recorded. The handback process is straightforward and handled by our team.
How is fuel usage calculated?
Fuel usage is based on what is consumed during your charter and is deducted from your fuel deposit. As MDL berth holders, we receive a preferential fuel rate, which is applied when your vessel is refuelled after your charter.
When is the fuel deposit refunded?
Any remaining balance is returned shortly after your charter, once fuel usage has been calculated and the £30 + VAT refuelling and £30 + VAT cleaning charges have been deducted.
What happens if we return early or late?
Your return time will be agreed during handover. If anything changes during the day, simply update the skipper meeting you on return. Late returns may incur additional charges depending on availability.
Bareboat Charter Testimonials
“Honestly – EML are the best. We chartered the Axopar 29 with them for 3 days in July, and had absolutely no issues at all. The handover process was painless – refuelling post hand back was easy. The boat was clean – and the EML Team offered great advise on what to do & where to go and helped us book the Hut restaurant.
If you are thinking of chartering – definitely use EML Charters.”
“I have bareboat chartered various boats across the Solent over the years, however EML Charters and their Axopar has probably been the most slick to date. All of the communication in advance including rescheduled charter dates due to high winds was all excellent.
On charter day the handover was thorough and the boat was extremely well equipped in terms of both safety features but also passenger comfort.
I will not hesitate to rebook with EML Charters again and look forward to our next day on the water with EML’s perfect fleet.”
“Rented an Axopar 2 Splashproof for the day in the recent beautiful weather. It was also “sun” proof due to its cover so no sunburn.
Well briefed by Matt, with all safety and necessary equipment. It proved to be an exhilarating day, with The Solent flat as a pancake. A different experience to Ribs which have been the usual transport for us around The Solent.
The return handover was a breeze too. Made for a great day out, which will be repeated.”
Join our Solent Charter Newsletter
Receive 5% off your first charter, plus seasonal updates, new experiences, and exclusive charter offers.