A damage claim that ends up in a dispute is decided on paper: what the boat looked like when it went out, what it looked like when it came back, and who signed for both. This form records the second half, against the charter handover checklist that recorded the first.
Peer-to-peer rental platforms make the point bluntly. Boatsetter says owners must complete its pre- and post-booking inspection form, with photos, to avoid USD 1,000 in liability on damage claims. Charter bases work the same way: Croatia Yachting checks the boat against the list signed at check-in, has a diver check the hull, writes any remarks on the check-out list and gives the skipper the estimated repair cost.
01
Before you write it up
The claim rests on the difference between the two records. Have the signed check-in sheet and its photos in hand, so every item below is something that wasn't there before.
- Signed check-in checklist found
- Check-in photos found, with times
- Skipper or renter present for the inspection
- Diver's report, if the boat was in the water
02
Damage found
One line per item. Croatia Yachting writes remarks on the check-out list and tells the skipper the estimated cost of repair. Say why each item isn't fair wear and tear.
| NO. | LOCATION | WHAT WAS FOUND | NOT ON CHECK-IN RECORD? | PHOTO NO. AND TIME | ESTIMATED COST |
|---|
| | | | | |
EXAMPLE ENTRY
1. Port bow, at the waterline. Gelcoat gouge about 150 mm, through to the laminate. Not on the check-in record (check-in photo 3 shows the area clean). Photo 12, 17:42. Estimated repair EUR 400.
03
Missing or broken inventory
List anything missing against the inventory signed at check-in.
| ITEM | MISSING OR BROKEN | REPLACEMENT COST |
|---|
| | |
04
The renter's account
Write down what the skipper or renter says happened, in their words. If they disagree, Boatsetter's rental agreement has each party note the discrepancy on the inspection document. Do the same, and both sign.
- What happened, in their words
- Where and when
- Whether they agree with each item
05
Deposit and next steps
Croatia Yachting releases or unblocks the deposit in the office once the check-out is done. Say what's held and why.
- Deposit released, part held or held in full, with the amount
- Damage waiver bought, and what it covers
- Repair quote to follow, and by when
- Insurer notified, if the damage is over the deposit
06
Signatures
Both parties sign, even where they disagree, with the disagreement noted above.
| NAME | ROLE | SIGNATURE | DATE AND TIME |
|---|
| | | |
