Return Policy

Last Updated: October 19, 2025

At SAWATS Boats, we strive to ensure your complete satisfaction with our products and services. This Return Policy outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, refunds, and returns related to yacht and boat sales, charter services, and rental bookings. Please read this policy carefully before making a purchase or booking.

1. Yacht and Boat Sales

1.1 Pre-Purchase Inspections and Sea Trials

We strongly encourage all potential buyers to conduct thorough inspections and sea trials before completing a purchase. We provide full access to vessels, complete documentation, and arrange professional marine surveys at the buyer's request and expense. These measures are designed to ensure you are fully satisfied with your purchase decision before finalizing the transaction.

1.2 Deposit Refunds for Vessel Purchases

When you place a deposit on a vessel, the following refund conditions apply:

• Before Survey: If you cancel your purchase before conducting a professional marine survey, and provided the vessel has not been removed from the market, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% administrative fee
• After Unsatisfactory Survey: If a professional marine survey reveals significant defects that were not disclosed and that substantially affect the vessel's value or safety, and the issues cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, your deposit will be fully refunded
• After Satisfactory Survey: Once you have accepted the survey results and proceed to the purchase agreement stage, the deposit becomes non-refundable except in cases where the seller fails to meet agreed-upon conditions or misrepresented the vessel
• Financing Contingency: If your purchase is contingent on obtaining financing and you are unable to secure financing within the agreed timeframe (typically 30 days), your deposit will be refunded minus a 5% administrative fee, provided you can demonstrate good faith efforts to obtain financing

1.3 Post-Purchase Returns

Due to the nature of yacht and boat sales, we generally do not accept returns once the sale is completed, ownership has transferred, and the vessel has been delivered. However, exceptions may be made in the following circumstances:

• Material Misrepresentation: If we materially misrepresented the vessel's condition, specifications, or history, and this misrepresentation was not discoverable during reasonable pre-purchase inspection
• Hidden Defects: If significant hidden defects are discovered within 30 days of purchase that were not disclosed and could not have been discovered during pre-purchase inspection or survey
• Title Issues: If there are issues with the vessel's title or documentation that prevent legal transfer of ownership

In such cases, please contact us immediately. We will investigate the matter and work with you to find an equitable solution, which may include repairs, replacement, partial refund, or return of the vessel.

1.4 Warranty and Guarantee

All vessels are sold in accordance with their stated warranty terms. New vessels come with manufacturer warranties as specified. Pre-owned vessels are typically sold "as-is" based on the survey and inspection findings, unless otherwise specified in the purchase agreement. Any additional warranties or guarantees will be clearly stated in your purchase documentation.

2. Charter and Rental Services

2.1 Cancellation Policy for Charters and Rentals

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy for yacht and boat charters and rentals is as follows:

2.1.1 Cancellation Timeline

• More than 60 days before charter date: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
• 30-60 days before charter date: 50% refund of total booking amount
• 15-29 days before charter date: 25% refund of total booking amount
• Less than 15 days before charter date: No refund, but you may reschedule subject to availability within 12 months of original booking date with a 15% rescheduling fee

2.1.2 Weather-Related Cancellations

Safety is our top priority. In cases of severe weather conditions or unsafe sea conditions as determined by our captain or harbor authorities:

• If we cancel the charter due to weather, you will receive a full refund or can reschedule without any fees
• If you choose to cancel due to weather forecast, the standard cancellation policy applies unless official weather warnings have been issued by authorities
• We reserve the right to modify or shorten charters for safety reasons with appropriate partial refunds

2.1.3 No-Show Policy

If you do not arrive for your scheduled charter without prior notification, no refund will be provided. We consider this a forfeiture of the booking amount.

2.2 Changes to Bookings

If you need to modify your charter or rental booking:

• Date Changes: Subject to availability, you may change your charter date up to 30 days before the original booking with no fee. Changes requested less than 30 days in advance incur a 15% rescheduling fee
• Vessel Changes: If you wish to upgrade or change to a different vessel, we will accommodate your request subject to availability. Price differences will be adjusted accordingly
• Duration Changes: Extensions or reductions in charter duration can be arranged based on vessel availability, with appropriate price adjustments

2.3 Damage Deposits and Liability

A refundable security deposit is required for all charter and rental bookings. The deposit amount varies based on the vessel and charter duration:

• The security deposit will be held during your charter and refunded within 7 business days after the vessel is returned, inspected, and confirmed to be in satisfactory condition
• Deductions from the deposit may be made for damages, excessive cleaning requirements, missing items, or violations of charter terms
• You are responsible for any damages exceeding the security deposit amount
• Insurance coverage options are available for purchase to limit your liability

3. Service-Related Refunds

3.1 Maintenance and Repair Services

For maintenance and repair services:

• We provide detailed estimates before commencing work. If you decline services after receiving an estimate, no charges apply
• Once work has begun, cancellation may incur charges for work completed and materials ordered
• If you are dissatisfied with completed work, please notify us within 7 days. We will inspect the work and rectify any issues at no additional charge
• Refunds for completed services are generally not provided, but we stand behind our work and will address any legitimate concerns

3.2 Guided Tours and Experiences

For guided tours and experience packages:

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance receive a full refund minus 10% administrative fee
• Cancellations made 24-48 hours in advance receive a 50% refund
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or no-shows receive no refund
• Tours canceled by us due to weather, mechanical issues, or other operational reasons receive a full refund or complimentary rescheduling

4. How to Request a Refund or Cancel

To request a cancellation or refund, please contact us as soon as possible using one of the following methods:

• Email: [email protected] (include your booking reference or order number)
• Phone: +27 21 555 0198 (during business hours)
• In Person: Visit our office at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Please provide:

• Your full name and contact information
• Booking reference number or purchase order number
• Date of original booking or purchase
• Reason for cancellation or refund request
• Preferred refund method (original payment method or alternative)

5. Refund Processing

Once your refund request is approved:

• Refunds will be processed within 10 business days
• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method unless otherwise requested and agreed
• Depending on your financial institution, it may take additional time for the refund to appear in your account
• You will receive email confirmation once the refund has been processed

6. Special Circumstances

6.1 Force Majeure

In the event of force majeure circumstances (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, war, or other events beyond our control) that prevent us from fulfilling our obligations, we will work with you to reschedule your booking or provide appropriate refunds based on the specific circumstances.

6.2 Medical Emergencies

If you need to cancel due to a medical emergency affecting you or an immediate family member, please provide medical documentation. We will review such cases individually and may offer more favorable refund terms than outlined in the standard policy.

6.3 Government Travel Restrictions

If government-imposed travel restrictions prevent you from fulfilling your booking, please contact us with supporting documentation. We will work with you to reschedule or provide an appropriate refund based on the circumstances.

7. Dispute Resolution

If you are not satisfied with how your cancellation or refund request has been handled, please escalate the matter to our management team. We are committed to resolving disputes fairly and promptly. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, the dispute may be subject to mediation or arbitration in accordance with South African law.

8. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Return Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified policy. For transactions completed before policy changes, the policy in effect at the time of transaction will apply.

9. Contact Information

For questions about this Return Policy or to request a cancellation or refund, please contact us:

SAWATS Boats
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 555 0198
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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Important Note: This Return Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service. In the event of any conflict between this policy and the Terms of Service, the Terms of Service shall prevail. Specific terms outlined in individual purchase agreements or charter contracts may supersede this general policy.