Hello friendly Fordorers

We're staying in Nerano in June and want to take a boat trip to Capri at some point for the day, and also look into being taken up to Amalfi by boat (possibly coming back via bus). I'm making a random assumption based on nothing that it will be cheaper if we just wander down to the beach/port and negotiate with a local with a boat - or should we play it safe and book in advance? We'll be 4 adults and 2 children

I doubt it would be cheaper and in June I would want to book in advance. Nerano to Amalfi is a LONG boat ride and I would want to be sure there is a large enough boat available to handle the trip.

My first question would be what experience you have in small boats on the sea?

As you say, you are making assumptions based on nothing. I prefer not to do that, so first I would want to know if any of you are prone to seasickness or even know if you are/are not? Then, are you familiar with small boats as opposed to larger more stable boats?

I might be happy to go down to a harbour and find a boat to charter for a day but I am an experienced sailor. Would you even know how to tell if the boat appeared seaworthy?

I took the OP to mean he/she wanted to hire a boat AND someone to drive it ("and also look into **being taken up** to Amalfi by boat"), not pilot the boat themselves.

We rented a house in Positano and used a recommendation from the owner to hire a boat and driver for the day. Ask at your hotel. Ours was one of those large rubber ones that worked just fine -- held 6 people. Sorry, don't remember what we paid.

At least in Positano, it wasn't a matter of negotiating with a local owner. There are companies there on the beach that are licensed to lease out boats. They have to meet certain standards. Maybe you could find a local to transport you. I dunno. But it doesn't sound like a great plan to me.

The boats are stationed right on the beach.

thanks for responses, especially in the face of my ignorance!

I'll look into booking a boat at least to get to Capri and look at other options for the trip to Amalfi - cheers everyone