What is the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for yacht charters?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleThe Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a fund of 25 to 40 percent of your base charter fee, paid before your trip, that covers variable expenses like food, beverages, fuel, dockage, and park fees. Your captain manages the APA and provides an accounting at the end with refunds for unused amounts.
The APA functions as an onboard expense account managed by your captain throughout the charter. Understanding how it works helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
You pay the APA with your final balance before the charter, typically 25 to 40 percent of the base charter fee. For a $30,000 charter, expect an APA of $7,500 to $12,000. The exact percentage depends on your destination, yacht type, and anticipated expenses.
The captain draws from the APA to cover provisions (food and beverages tailored to your preferences), fuel for the yacht and tenders, dockage and mooring fees, marina charges, park entry fees (such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park), and any special requests or excursions you arrange.
All-inclusive Bahamas charters typically incorporate these costs into the base rate rather than using a separate APA. The APA model is more common in Mediterranean charters and for larger motor yachts. When evaluating quotes, clarify which model applies to avoid comparing all-inclusive rates against base-plus-APA pricing.
Your captain maintains receipts and provides a detailed accounting at charter end. If expenses were lower than anticipated, you receive a refund for the unused portion. Conversely, if you exceeded the APA through extensive marina stays or premium provisions, you settle the difference.
The preference sheet you complete before your charter helps the captain provision appropriately. Detailed information about food preferences, dietary restrictions, beverage choices, and activity interests allows accurate budgeting. Vague preferences can lead to over-provisioning and higher costs.
Key points
- APA is 25-40% of base charter fee paid in advance
- Covers food, drinks, fuel, dockage, and park fees
- Captain provides detailed accounting with refund for unused funds
- Bahamas all-inclusive charters often bundle costs instead of using APA
Related questions
- What if my APA runs out during the charter?
- If expenses exceed the APA, you settle the additional amount at charter end. Your captain will alert you if spending is trending high so you can adjust plans or authorize additional funds. There are no surprises if communication is open.
- Can I request specific provisions before my charter?
- Yes. The preference sheet allows you to specify favorite foods, dietary restrictions, preferred beverages, and any special items. The crew provisions based on your input, making meals tailored to your tastes throughout the trip.
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