Sailboat in Ibiza or motorboat in Formentera?

If you like the sea and you can afford to rent a boat in Ibiza, you will surely pose the dilemma of whether to rent a motor boat in Formentera or a sailboat in Ibiza. It is a difficult decision. Sailing by motor or sailing by sail are two different experiences, two different ways of relating to the sea and enjoy sailing. Sometimes the preference is clear and we are sure of the option we prefer, but in others, it is really difficult to opt for one option or another.

Sailing in Mediterranean
Ready for departure!

The only way to be sure if you prefer to sail on a sailing boat in ibiza or on a motor boat in Formentera is obviously to try both. In general, all sailing lovers like one option as much as another. The ideal would be to have two boats, one sailing boat and another motor boat, and choose one or the other depending on the weather, the distance, the desire, who accompanies us, etc.

But most of us can not afford to rent two boats to choose from. So at one time or another you have to decide and opt for a boat to navigate by sail in Ibiza or a boat to navigate by motor in Formentera. For this you have to know the advantages and disadvantages of one type of boat or another.

The main difference between rental sailing boats and rental motor boats is obviously propulsion. If we have a charter motor boat, from a simple outboard boat to a luxurious yacht equipped with diesel engines, we will depend on the fuel supply. Therefore, the autonomy of the boats is limited, as it happens in a car. If we think of making trips, we will have to foresee that we do not run out of gas.

Sailing or motor, the great dilemma

On the other hand, in a sailing yacht in Ibiza, we do not depend so much on the supply of fuel. Rental sailing boats  in Ibiza work thanks to the force of the wind, a source of energy that is free and that we will always have. However, sailing boats in Ibiza are usually equipped with a small engine, which we use to enter and leave the port, or we use when there is not enough wind to navigate.

magical view from the boat
These magical moments…

One aspect that we must value is time. We are not referring to weather but to time. Sailing requires patience, since sometimes the wind does not blow in the intensity or in the direction we would like. We have to adapt then to the circumstances and enjoy the navigation.

On full sail
On full sail!!!

Sometimes the weather can change, and suddenly we can see ourselves in the middle of a storm. If we sail by motor, we can turn around and return quickly to the port, while if we go on a sailboat, we will have to take it more calmly.

On a sailing boat for hire in Ibiza,  you need much more technical preparation than in motor navigation. To sail, if the boat already has a certain length, we need to have a crew, in which each of the members is responsible for certain functions. However, in a motor boat, the technical preparation is less, and you do not depend so much on a crew to be able to go sailing. As for the nautical insurances, they are essential for both types of boats.

Free as the wind or dependent on fuel

From the economic point of view, we have to know that sailing can be more expensive in the long term due to maintenance. Sailing boats have many more components, which wear out with the use and deterioration motivated by sun and salt. In a sailboat in Ibiza we have to change the sails every so often, as well as other fundamental pieces. In the case of motor boats you also have to make a maintenance expense, but it is much simpler.

If we plan to sail at night, we have to know that sailing in the dark is not allowed. When it is night we will have to drive by motor. In the event that we sail, we will have to take down the sails and start the engine.

Sailing at night
Enjoy the calmness of the night!

Another important aspect is that of comfort. Both sailing and motor boats, especially if they are already of a good length, are equipped with sink, table, kitchen, beds, etc. Sailing boats in Ibiza usually have less beam than motor boats, which makes many people think they are less comfortable and less livable.

We must not forget another question, which is the possibility of towing the boat. In principle all boats are towable. The type of trailer depends more on the length of the boat than on sail or motor.

If you are curious, here you can read the story of our company, CharterAlia, boat rental in Ibiza and Formentera.

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