R/V Gulf Challenger - Charter and Rate Information

The R/V Gulf Challenger is available for charter to private and public groups for research or educational purposes. To schedule the R/V Gulf Challenger, please email Captain Bryan Soares or call (603) 781-0254 Charter rates are as listed below. 

Vessel Calendar
 

The School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering announces a new rate structure for use of the R/V Gulf Challenger. We believe this new structure will simplify the both the process to estimate costs and the administration of invoicing.

Inshore, offshore, and estuarine rates will no longer be used. Instead, we will move to an hourly rate for all cruises with a minimum use of 4 hours for each use. There are three hourly rates. One for outsider users, a discounted rate for UNH research and outreach* and a further discounted rate for UNH accredited classes. As accredited classes have a lower rate, the $100 discount previously applied for accredited classes will no longer be used. Fuel costs will be charged for all uses.

The following rate structure is effective January 1, 2024:

Requirements

Information

Charter Fee:

Category                                           2024 Hourly Rate
Outside user                                               $400**
UNH research & outreach*                   $150**
UNH accredited class                             $100**

*Examples of outreach include garden tours, discovery cruises, Appledore Island walking tours, docent training, alumni/donor tours, etc. Outreach tours must be directly associated with UNH.
**Plus fuel.

Minimum Times: 4 hours
Cancellation Fee: $550 per day when cancellation is within 48 hours of trip.
Other Fees when away from port:

Weather down days  - $1,000 per day
Dockage Fees
Lodging, meals and rental vehicle*

* Not to exceed government per diem rate for locality.

Extra Crew/Relief Crew: A 50% user surcharge will apply to extended days whenever extra or relief crews is required to be aboard.
Jackson Estuarine Lab Departures: Departures from Jackson Estuarine Laboratory may required up to 3 hours of additional time to reposition vessel.
Fuel Usage Guide:

Loiter/idle on station: 2-5 Gallon Per Hour,  Slow cruise speed 10 Knots: 10 GPH,  Normal cruise speed 17-18 Knots: 50 GPH

If you have any questions about this new rate structure, please feel free to reach out to Bryan Soares or David Shay.