Yacht Charter Glossary
Water Toys
Also known as: Toys · Yacht Toys · Water Sports Equipment
Full explanation
On a luxury charter the water-toy inventory is one of the under-marketed differentiators.
A typical 30m motor yacht carries the basics: 2 stand-up paddleboards, 2 kayaks, snorkel masks for all guests, a few towables, sometimes 1 jet ski.
A 50m superyacht stocks 2–3 jet skis, 1–2 e-foils (€15k+ each - electric hydrofoil surfboards, the trending toy of 2024–2026), an inflatable swimming platform, water trampoline, slide, towables, paddleboards, kayaks, full diving gear, and sometimes a Seabob (underwater scooter, €15k+). Toys to expect at each yacht tier (Greek market 2026): small yacht (24–30m): basic kit, no jet ski usually.
Mid-yacht (30–45m): 1 jet ski, paddleboards, kayaks, towables, full snorkel kit, occasionally a Seabob.
Superyacht (45m+): the full menu - multiple jet skis, e-foils, Seabob, dive gear with PADI-instructor crew member, water slide, inflatable trampoline, wakeboarding setup, sometimes parasailing. Toy quality matters: newer jet skis (Yamaha or Sea-Doo, 2024+ models) ride dramatically better than 5-year-old units.
E-foils require calm seas and instruction - first-timers fall a lot.
Most luxury yachts will brief guests on toys on the first morning at anchor. Insurance and risk: toy use is at guest risk under MYBA.
The captain has the right to ground toys in heavy seas, with inexperienced operators, or after sundown.
UHNW buyers occasionally bring their own kit (specialist surfboards, kitesurfing gear) - crew accommodate.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
Water toys are the activity-density driver of a charter. A yacht with a deep toy inventory and a crew that runs activities all day creates a different vacation than a yacht with a meagre kit and a crew that only serves meals. Families with teenage children should specifically vet toy inventories before contracting.
Worked examples
Mid-tier yacht toy kit, 35m motor yacht
1 jet ski (Yamaha 2024), 2 stand-up paddleboards, 2 kayaks, 1 Seabob, 4 towable inflatables, snorkel kit for 12, fishing rods. Adequate for an active 7-night family charter.
Premium superyacht toy kit, 55m motor yacht
3 jet skis, 2 e-foils, 1 Seabob, inflatable water trampoline (12m), water slide, snorkel kit, dive gear (PADI-certified mate runs lessons), wakeboarding, parasailing equipment. €250k+ inventory.
Frequently asked
About water toys
Are water toys included in the charter fee?
Use is included. Fuel for jet skis and chase-boat-towed activities is drawn from APA but the marginal cost is small.
Can children use the toys?
Yes - under crew supervision and within age-appropriate equipment. Most yachts have kids' life jackets and children's snorkel kits. Jet ski age limits are typically 16+, though some yachts permit younger with a parent on the same craft.
What's an e-foil and is it worth trying?
An e-foil is an electric-powered hydrofoil surfboard - it lifts above the water as you accelerate and offers a near-flying sensation. Yes, worth trying, but expect to fall many times before getting up. Lessons take 1–2 hours.
Can I bring my own water sports equipment?
Yes - most yachts welcome guest equipment (specialist surfboards, kitesurfing kit, freediving gear). Brief the captain in advance so storage is allocated.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
Tender
A tender is a small boat carried aboard a yacht for transferring guests between the yacht and shore, water-s…
Captain
The captain is the senior officer aboard a yacht - responsible for navigation, safety, crew discipline, an…
Stewardess
A stewardess is the interior crew member responsible for guest service: serving meals, tending bar, managing…
Embarkation
Embarkation is the formal start of a yacht charter - the moment guests board the yacht at the agreed port.…
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Ready to charter in Greece?
George P. Biniaris and the George Yachts team broker yachts in Greek waters under MYBA-standard contracts. Speak with us directly.