Bareboat chartering is characterized by relatively short trips, 7-10 days, for fun, a vacation and freedom from problems. Boats are typically new but minimally equipped 35-50 footers. The skipper need have only a minimal understanding of the boat, systems, equipment and handling. Maintenance is handled by the 

When chartering one is seldom out of sight of land and there is little to no need for DR navigation. Navigation by eye, with an occasional glance at the cruising guide or chart will usually suffice. Binocs, a hand bearing compass or GPS are not required. The miles sailed per day is usually small, 10-25 miles. In popular locations there is usually a late afternoon race to get the best moorings. There are usually daily trips ashore for exploring, restaurants and shopping. There is no night sailing, (it's forbidden), and no heavy weather sailing. There is little need for advanced weather information, navigation, night sailing, or storm avoidance tactics. 

Coastal cruising on the other hand is characterized more by a sense of independence, risk taking, and therefore the need for preparation and self sufficiency. Trips can be longer 100-2,000 miles and take from a week to as long as several months. Miles sailed per day can average 25-100 miles. One is "living aboard" and must therefore know and be able to at least troubleshoot one's vessel, her systems and equipment. Equipment should be more extensive including, extra ground tackle, spotlights, 1 or 2 extra sails, substantial 

Formal navigation will be required, both manual and electronic. One should be fully conversant with the use and programming of a GPS. An accurate log should be kept. Adequate and up to date tide tables, coastal and harbor charts will be essential, as will a quality pair of binocs and hand bearing compass. The weather can have a substantial impact on one's cruising plans. Navigation & piloting will require consideration of weather systems, tides, current, daylight & darkness, navigation aids, anchorage locations, the need to wait out weather, effect repairs, or go ashore, etc. Weather systems should be understood, the forecast listened to religiously, and plans 2-4 days ahead evaluated relative to the weather. Having a small portable SW receiver in addition to a VHF two way radio, to receive better weather information is a very good idea. Coastal sailing requires a higher standard of skipper, crew and boat preparation than chartering. 

Far out at sea you are on your own. The likelihood of getting help or rescue is minimal. Equipment can fail. The crew can get injured. The weather can deteriorate and seas build to enormous proportions for days on end. Full responsibility for preparation, repair, navigation and handling lies with the skipper and the crew he has chosen. There is no "chase boat". Offshore sailing requires the highest standard of skipper, crew, and boat 

Offshore sailing is characterized by longer trips, in open water and being underway for long periods of time, days and weeks in all kinds of weather. Trips can be 50 to 500, to 5,000 miles. At any one time, one could be 50-2,000 miles from shore. Average miles sailed per day usually average 150-200 miles per day. One can be underway in open water for 24 hours to a month. The boat and trip must therefore be planned and prepared in infinite detail. Substantial thought and planning should be given to the adequacy of boat, systems, onboard charts and references, long range communications, spare parts and tools, meals, health & comfort. One should have a two way SSB radio for weather and communications. Having a weatherfax or computer to receive weather images is very valuable. The same must be given to considering the route, itinerary, weather, and current. One must be able to totally rely on shipboard means for everything. Daily ships tasks and crew responsibilities, sleep and meals all take on a new importance. One should have a variety of sails and sail handling equipment, from storm to spinnaker, as well as drag devices, damage control, and abandon ship equipment.