Boat Swap - Curious

[Plangstraat]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I appreciate the naysayers, the good advice from Pelagic and the offer from George DuBose. Please keep the comments coming.
In terms of insurance, I had a friend of mine use the boat for a week. My insurance company only required a letter from me indicating that there were no funds involved (not chartering) and specific permission for him to use the boat.
By the way, he left it better than he found it, and there were no issues at all. Having said that, I certainly know him personally and trust him.
I still think that within the sailing community there are others who are trustworthy and competent.
Perhaps I'm naive but I think with the proper precautions this might work.

[mjcook]

We did a swap with a German boat in Greece, Rainbow Dreaming is based on the Easr coast of Queensland Australia it was a great experience but not without drama. Look for similar boats and have several options about where boats can be left. If no cash is involved no insurance issues are raised.
Go for it!

[Jspla]

I placed my first boat, a Beneteau 373, into a fractional sailing program. For 5 years she was sailied by 5 additional skippers each season They took great care of the boat. That doesn't mean that accidents didn't happen. Joinery was scratched and at one time an accidental jibe in high winds caused major damage to boom. But, after insurance payments and net proceeds of the program, I was finanially ahead.

I would look at this from a financial perspective. What is the deductible on your insurance. If it costs you $5000-10000 to charter a boat for a month in Puerto Vallarta. That is probably more than a 1% deductible on your insurance.

I would evaluate any prospective candidate on how they take care of their own boat. If it pristine, like yours, then I would trade.

[blueazimuth]

No. Don't do it.