Charter Guest Discovers 'Master Stateroom' Is a Closet With a Mattress

Vacation charter guest Michelle Beam has filed a formal complaint with a boat rental platform after discovering that the 'luxurious master stateroom' advertised in the listing for a 32-foot sailboat charter consists of a triangular V-berth measuring six feet long and three feet wide at its maximum point, tapering to approximately eight inches at the bow.

'The listing said master stateroom,' Beam said, standing on the dock next to the boat. 'Masters are typically larger than a yoga mat. This berth is shaped like a piece of pizza. A person cannot turn over in this berth without executing a three-point maneuver.'

The listing, which Beam booked for a week-long charter in the British Virgin Islands, described the sleeping arrangements as 'a spacious master stateroom with ocean views, premium linens, and room for two.' The ocean views are provided by a six-inch porthole that does not open. The premium linens are a single fitted sheet that does not fit.

'Room for two is technically accurate,' conceded charter operator Dave Winch. 'Two people can fit in the V-berth. They just can't both be there at the same time in a position that most people would describe as comfortable. One lies flat and the other kind of drapes over them at an angle.'

Beam's husband, Greg, who is six feet two inches tall, reported that his feet extended past the mattress into the anchor locker, where they rested on the chain rode.

'I slept with my feet on an anchor chain for five nights,' Greg said. 'The listing said nothing about sleeping with marine hardware.'

The charter platform has since updated its guidelines to require accurate berth measurements in all listings. Winch has relisted the boat with revised language describing the master stateroom as 'intimate forward accommodations with direct anchor locker access.'

'That's more accurate,' Beam acknowledged. 'But I'm still not booking it.'