comparing Boat types
We currently offer two boat types. Join our mailing list to be notified when we supplement our fleet.
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Open-Bow Boats
Our open-bow boats are an ideal platform for seeing DC from the water. Small enough to get everywhere; big enough to comfortably accommodate your whole group. The open bow, instead of a forward cabin, provides extra seating. They can idle quietly past the sights, or accelerate to thrill-ride speeds (we also call them “sport boats”). Versatile, comfortable, and fully open, they do have partial overhead shade.
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Sedan Bridge Cruiser
Our larger, multi-level yacht is a completely different experience. Typically, these cruises are slow and steady. The climate-controlled interior on the main level provides a much more home-like feel, with many of the amenities you’d expect, including a full, standing-height bathroom. But, the aft deck, bow, and upper level provide a fresh-air experience for those perfect weather days. View more details here.
• Costs and minimums?
Open boats: $ | View rates, call or book online. Min. booking is 1.5 hrs.
Cruiser: $$$ | Call for more information or to book. Min. booking is 3 hrs.
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• Required notice prior to a cruise?
Open boats: Check our schedule online, or call. In some cases, you may get lucky and find availability within a matter of several hours.
Cruiser: Typically we need several days to prepare & provision the larger yacht. Every charter includes a deep cleaning, and availability is limited. However, if the stars align, the boat can be ready for you within a couple days. Reserve by phone only.
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• Size & capacity?
Open boats: 25 feet (approx. 7.5m) on 1 level. Up to 6 guests.*
Cruiser: 41 feet (approx. 12.5m) and 3 levels. Up to 6 guests.*
* This is a USCG regulation.
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• Pick up locations?
Open boats: All locations.
Cruiser: Limited locations: DC Wharf preferred. Due to size, some locations may not be readily accessible during weekends or holidays. We recommend weekday charters on the yacht to avoid waits at crowded docks. Call for details.
(Note that we offer more legally-permitted DC-area dock locations than anyone else.)
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• Captain & crew?
Open boats: Yes. Captain is also your tour guide.
Cruiser: Yes. Captain runs vessel from upper level. Captain can provide “light” tour narrative. Additional tour guide is optional for the full-depth narrative of sights and history.
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• Best uses?
Open boats: Sightseeing, outdoor experiences, escaping screens, marriage proposals, celebrations, light meal cruises, casual hanging out, fireworks shows, BBQ meals, fishing, rides to special events or stadiums.
Cruiser: All of the above + indoor, weather-protected events, better options for less able-bodied guests, additional privacy from the public, private professional meetings or executive retreats (including computer charging and broadband wifi), guests with conditions requiring stable temperatures, bigger meals aboard, etc. Call with questions.
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• Toilet available?
Open boats: Yes. (Note that the compartment is small and requires dexterity.)
Cruiser: Yes. Full standing-height toilet and bathroom.
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• Best time of year?
Open boats: Typically late March – early November. Other than downpours or thunderstorms (when we’ll postpone the trip), the right clothes + blankets on cool days, make most of they year great fun.
Cruiser: Typically early April – early December. The interior spaces are air conditioned or heated, with great views even from inside.
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• Weather protection?
Open boats: Fully open air with partial or full shade available depending on time of day. Windshield protection from wind. Temperatures are typically cooler on the water than in the city. Dress as you would for the outdoors. Layers, hats, and sunglasses are advised.
Cruiser: Fully weather-protected and climate-controlled indoor salon, dinette & bathroom. (You can be warm & cozy on a breezy, cold day or cool & dry on a hot, humid day.) Rear deck is outdoors with partial shade. Bridge is open air, and mostly shaded. Bow loungers are fully open. However, we still recommend layers, hats & sunglasses so you can choose where you prefer to be.
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• Speed options?
Open boats: Slow (6 mph) to very fast (50 mph).
Cruiser: Designed for calm family or professional cruises. Typically this is a slow-paced experience (6–9 mph), but can accelerate if necessary (30+ mph). (Remember, this is your cruise, so you choose the speed. Higher speed may be required at times to stay on your schedule, however.)
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• Fishing available?
Open boats: Yes, call to discuss details and itinerary.
Cruiser: No, sorry.
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• Shoes allowed aboard?
Both: Yes, but no high heels.
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• Smoking allowed?
Both: No.
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• Dogs allowed?
Open boats: Yes! With some limitations. Call to discuss. (Some dog life jackets are available.)
Cruiser: No, sorry.
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• Good for kids & babies?
Open boats: Kids, yes! Babies? Check with your doctor.*
Cruiser: Kids, yes! Though the yacht is no thrill ride. Babies? Check with your doctor. *If neck strength is only a slight concern, your cruise can be kept entirely within no-wake zones in some cases. Call for details.
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• Food and drinks aboard?
Open boats: We provide water, soft drinks & ice. You may bring whatever you like.
Cruiser: We provide an assortment of beverages as well as light hors d’oeuvres gratis. Call to discuss preferences. You are welcome to bring meals, drinks, and other supplemental items. However, no red wine nor staining foods permitted.
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• Catering available?
Both: Yes, with sufficient advanced notice. Call to discuss.
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• Wifi available for working?
Open boats: No, other than your hot-spot-enabled phone.
Cruiser: Yes. This vessel can function well for fully-private professional meetings. Reminder the captain runs the vessel from one level up.
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• Power outlets for charging laptops and other larger devices?
Open boats: No, 12v-type lighter plug only.
Cruiser: Yes. Foreign visitors should bring adapters for 110v US outlets.
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• TV, DVD, etc?
Open boats: No.
Cruiser: Yes, with HDMI hook ups, Blu-ray DVD, Netflix, etc. Call to discuss specific needs in advance as configuration may be required.
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• Hot water on board?
Open boats: No.
Cruiser: Yes.
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• Swimming & water sports?
Open boats: Swimming is possible under certain circumstances. Call to discuss.
Cruiser: Swimming is possible under certain circumstances. And, with advanced notice, inflatables floats and 2.5-person kayak may be available. Call to discuss.
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• Fishing?
Open boats: Yes. Call to discuss details.
Cruiser: No, sorry.
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• Life jackets?
Open boats: Provided. Must be worn by children 0–12 years throughout the cruise.
Cruiser: Provided. Must be worn by children 0-12 years when outdoors. (This means that they can remove life jacket when relaxing inside the enclosed cabin and under parent/guardian supervision.)
Additional questions? Check out our media galleries, our standard FAQ page, or contact us…