Chitwood Charters Inc

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We Chartered with Chitwood and had the most fantastic vacation ever. We have chartered in the BVI in the past and wanted to try the US this year. We received a thorough checkout prior to our departure and felt like we knew more than enough to captain the boat ourselves. Yes, the boat is older. BUT, if it were new, I could not afford the trip. AND, the boat was in fabulous Condition. When we arrived in Captiva for the evening, I noticed a slight oil seep from an engine fitting. I called Captain Chitwood and to my amazement, he had the new part at the boat first thing the next morning. Things happen.... Captain Chitwood took care of the problem with incredible speed. Here are a couple of videos of our amazing vacation. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jbsdc9@gmail.com
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX9qFRB_ces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIcXk7vOV-A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTBmwDU03Ak

I am Capt Chitwood , We have been in business for 39 years and have had a few complaints , some of which were real and some Mechanical problems which were out of my control . I always review the problem in its total to be fair . Had I not honored my clients and been a good operator I could not have lasted 39 years , the longest operating Grand Banks and Selene Charter Company in the WORLD !!! Mr Lefarge and his comments are not accurate to the point I went to court for the first time in 39 years to defend my company . This Yacht worked the week before and the week after with no problems and I have letters from the charter parties to prove it . My lead Capt asked The Lafarge party to run the Generator on the last evening which he refused. The A/C did work but we had a shore side power problem on the Dock which I did not own ! Mr Lafarge please accept my apology for any problems you incurred on our behalf . When a problem on a yacht or with its operator occurs , we try to get it corrected immediately . Your statement proves this point as we were on the phone ,then on site the next day and used all resources to help you ! My record of satisfied customers over the 39 years is my proof source . Best wishes to all and Please give Chitwood Charters a chance . Thank you for seeing our side of the story , Capt Jerry L Chitwood

I have been chartering Grand Banks yachts in Sarasota, FL every year for more than ten years before the company (Jung Charters) ended their business. I decided to try Chitwood Charters along with a physician friend and my Great Grandson. We arrived by plane from Louisiana in Sarasota and, after a night in a motel, was checked out on the vessel by Chitwood's Captain . We then traveled to Venice to the Crows Nest Marina. There we discovered that the boat's air conditioner was not working.
A call was made to the Captain since Chitwood was out of town and he gave instructions to my Great Grandson to get in the bilge and try to repair the A/C. It was extremely hot that day. After about two hours with no air, I asked the Captain to drive down the next morning to see if he could fix it and he agreed to do so.
We spent a horrible night trying to sleep. The Captain arrived the next morning and he tried to repair the broken A/C for about three hours to no avail. He finally said he had expended his knowledge on the subject and said he would get an air conditioning man to see if he could fix it but we would have to run the boat back to Sarasota. We did bring it back and the A/C man worked on it and still could not fix it so, being thoroughly disgusted at this point we call for air reservations and left for Louisiana. A demand was made for the return of our deposit and it was refused. I filed a suit against Chitwood but settled for a negligible amount to avoid spending more money for airfare back to Florida for the trial and the fact that I am 82 years old. I warn anyone thinking about a charter with Chitwood because his boats are not maintained properly. I am a retired Assistant Attorney General for the state of Louisiana and a Colonel of the Army Reserve. Jeron J. La Fargue

Surprise 50th birthday party for husband. Friends from out of town, catered. Arrive on yacht, Captain says not running but we will get it fixed. An hour later I am told yacht will not go out, that I can have party next day (provided boat fixed) or move to another yacht, which I did go tour but it was not comparable to original yacht rented, had an odor-not in rental condition for that night. After being assured by the Captain who was contracted through Chitwood Charters, that we could use the remaining three hours on the yacht sitting at the dock and be reimbursed, we did that...tried to make the most of it. When I called Captain Chitwood about the evening , he offered another day out (not possible, we were celebrating a birthday on a specific day, flew my mother in law in from Indiana, had friends from ft. Myers, lugged coolers on board and had food catered) or return of $1000 of my $2000! It took several heated phone calls before I finally accepted $1500.



Bottom line: the $800,000 yacht I rented should have been started at least a few hours before to be sure all was functioning properly therefore with the service that I bought , a four hour sunset cruise, was not delivered by Capt. Chitwood and should have practiced ethical business and returned all of my money.



The 36 years of experience noted on his website was reassuring to me but don't be fooled. Would not recommend his service to anyone that didn't want to be treated fairly, "36 years of experience" or not.



Kimberly C