Caution when picking up the boat – our experience with the "Macis" After sleeping on it overnight, I'd like to share our experience with the charter company – after a week on board the Macis. An important note right from the start: Take your time when picking up the boat on the first day! Check everything very carefully – every window, every piece of equipment, every technical detail. If you don't want to be liable for damage you didn't cause, you should pay particular attention here. Initially, I was very impressed with the process and the value for money until the return. I even recommended the charter company on my social media – my posts reach several hundred customers. Unfortunately, I was too quick to celebrate. I've chartered boats myself ten times – but something like this has never happened to me before. While other providers hand over the boat on Friday evening (including a functional check), here the handover was only possible on Saturday at 9 a.m. I immediately informed the employee that in our case, only a shot glass and a water hose adapter had broken – we take responsibility for this, of course. But upon return, the employee began to search with conspicuous precision and determination for defects – apparently including known, older damage. In my skipper's cabin (which I occupied alone), he suddenly had the window handle in his hand and declared that we had broken it. I didn't open the window once all week – but unfortunately, I hadn't tested it when I took delivery either. At first, I thought the problem could be resolved. But the next unpleasant surprise was already waiting in the office: The base manager (about 1.90 m tall, well-built) locked the door behind us – an intimidating atmosphere. Then the clear announcement: We had damaged the window and had to pay, otherwise we wouldn't get our deposit back (€1,800, which I find unusually high). We argued that it was obviously an old plastic part that had become brittle due to sunlight or from previous crews – to no avail. After a lengthy discussion, he offered us a price for a complete window – €240. According to our research, the broken handle itself would have cost around €50 new. My impression: They systematically attempt to replace old or worn parts at the customers' expense. A similar situation occurred on a neighboring boat – they also suddenly discovered "new" damage upon return. In the end, we had the money deducted from the deposit, as a lot of time had passed and we wanted to go home. As we left, I said I wouldn't book there again – to which the base manager replied: "I don't want customers like you anymore anyway." We did discuss things, but no one was insulted or abused, and we took great care of the boat. Conclusion: We are not aware of any wrongdoing. If we had actually damaged something, we would have paid for it – without discussion. But this way of dealing with customers is absolutely unacceptable to us. So my advice: Take plenty of time when taking delivery, document everything with photos or videos, test every window, every handle, the outboard motor, etc. This is the only way to be on the safe side in case of doubt.

🤷🏼 We were completely satisfied!