FAQ
GENERAL
Makai is a service that lists charter vessels of varying types and sizes for customers to book via an easy to use and pay app. All vessels come with a captain and possibly a crew depending on vessel size. Customers never operate the vessel.
Makai is a better way to experience the water. Whether you are someone who lives by the water or visiting a new coastal destination, book with a captain who knows the area and can ensure safe and pleasant trip.
Makai does not require any of its members to join under a membership, and no dues are required. It is 100% free to sign up and use as both a business or user.
Your account gives you access to the full suite of Makai tools, this means you can browse, book, chat and pay all from inside the app. As an owner you can manage all of your vessels and payments, as well as booking schedules. Captains can help you manage your fleet by communicating with customers and assigned crew are able to get notified of upcoming books.
No, we made it very simple to transition between roles via the accounts tab! All accounts are automatically generated and if any additional information is needed we ask when you want to use those roles.
In each listing we offer reviews by other members who have used the vessel as well as a forum that the vessel owner is able to maintain. So, you get the best of both sides of the story!
You can find regulations and laws on boating safety at USCG Boating Regulations .
USERS
Makai does not ask users who only wish to book a vessel to verify themselves at this time, but that may change as Makai grows.
Makai asks that you input your credit card information under the accounts tab in the “Cards” section. We will check that your card is valid and store it via a token. You are billed once a booking is accepted by the vessel owner or captain responsible for that vessel.
Yes, each vessel has a heart icon that you can tap to save your favorite vessels. Simply tap again to deselect as favorite.
A message button is available with every vessel so that you can communicate before, during and after your trip with ease.
You can message the vessel and ask them for a specific time and date. If available they can create it right then and there so that you can go in and schedule a trip.
All boats are required to carry all their current documentation and valid licenses for being on the water. Makai makes sure that the vessel captain carries the proper licensing credentials. All other credentials are to be the responsibility of the boat owner and captain. Please see both the Booking Agreement and Terms of Service for any additional concerns.
Yes, but all bookings abide by Makai’s cancellation policy, and will be subject to the correct deductions should you cancel within a cancellation range.
Users are asked to take before and after photos of the vessel they board to ensure that their trip was fairly processed. We offer the ability for owners and captains to document for this situation and request a payment after booking. All cleaning and damage requests will go through Makai and will be approved or denied. It is your responsibility to keep record of an incident for proof.
OWNERS
No, Makai is free to use and manage all your vessels. We only take a percentage of your booking to operate and provide access to our vast client base. You are only charged if a customer books your boat.
Makai requires all vessels to provide verification by boat owner so that we can maintain a record of anyone listing or operating a vessel on our service.
Once you are verified, switch to the “Owner” section by selecting in the dropdown in the accounts section, from there your home tab will allow you to add and manage all your vessels with ease. This is also where you can read reviews, and manage posts to your vessel’s forum.
Under the home tab, there is a “Manage Bookings” button that will show you all your upcoming and past bookings. You will also see a dropdown that lets you see bookings for any additional vessels you list with Makai.
You can enter your banking information in the accounts tab of the owner’s role. Makai takes a charge from a client as soon as you confirm a booking, and they will abide by the vessels preselected booking policy for cancellation rules.
Your payment is the listed amount less transaction fees and a small service charge Makai deducts to allow the Makai platform to operate for free and provide excellent tools to each member.
From time to time users may reach out with a custom booking, you can go into the management of the vessel and set up a pre-made trip including whether pricing is for the whole boat or per passenger, duration and date of requested trip.
Yes! You can create a pre-made booking for daily trips you offer. Per passenger would be great for tour boats and companies that charge by the seat!
No, you may delegate communication of each vessel to a captain or captains.
No, only licensed captains may operate vessels during a booking, and they are responsible for carrying safety equipment and documentation required by the USCG for proper handling of the vessel while underway.
We offer the ability for owners and captains to document for this situation and request a payment after booking. All cleaning and damage requests will go through Makai and will be approved or denied. It is your responsibility to keep record of an incident for proof.
CAPTAINS
No, only owners may add vessels to the Makai app.
The captain’s role allows for owners to assign licensed captains to vessels. Along with operation of vessels, captains may be responsible for managing the scheduled operations hours of the vessel and communicating with potential customers who would like to book a trip.
Yes, you can view bookings upcoming and past under the “Manage Bookings” button on the Home Tab.
Yes, you can communicate with customers that message your vessel. We open a secure chat so that you have an easy way to get in touch through the whole process.
We offer the ability for owners and captains to document for this situation and request a payment after booking. All cleaning and damage requests will go through Makai and will be approved or denied. It is your responsibility to keep record of an incident for proof.
CREW
The crew role is for owners and captains to manage members of the crew and to easily integrate upcoming trip notifications to them.
When in the crew role, assigned crew members will see vessels that they are assigned to for work. They will also be notified anytime that their vessel has a booking upcoming.
No, crew are only able to see vessels they are added to and when bookings are upcoming. To communicate with users, you must be an assigned captain or vessel owner.
