If it is a turnkey crewed charter the normal tip is 10 to 15% of the total
cost. (Not the air fare.) If it is a bareboat with a hired skipper it gets
more complicated. Some say it is still 10 to 15% of the total charter cost.
Personally, on the only charter I did like that I tipped 20% of the
skipper's fee. He was evidently happy with that as he bought the drinks
while we waited for the ferry and that was the only time he opened his
wallet the whole 10 days.

There is an etiquette to it too. DO NOT just leave it in the saloon. Give
it to the skipper with a big handshake and many thanks. On a turnkey
charter you have been his guest. Don't make him feel like a servant. It is
customary for the skipper to share with the crew on some previously agreed
formula but if a crew member has been particularly helpful you might slip
him an extra $50 or so privately.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Gary Danniger" wrote in message
news
I'm soon off to a one week hired cruise with a group of friends. None
of us have ever been on a hired cruise before and want to know the
etiquette involved in tipping the captain and a crew member. Assuming
they do a bangup job, what amount is appropriate to show gratitude? Do
I tip in cash directly to them or send a check to the business? Thanks
in advance.

Gary