Who hasn't dreamed of vacationing on a yacht? Spending lazy days cruising between islands, swimming in warm, turquoise water, and having your every need catered to. It doesn't have to be just a dream - there are ways to make it a quite affordable reality.

Who hasn't dreamed of vacationing on a yacht? Spending lazy days cruising between islands, swimming in warm, turquoise water, and having your every need catered to. It doesn't have to be just a dream - there are ways to make it a quite affordable reality.

Here are 8 ways that can help you save a bit of money and still have that perfect vacation:

1. Travel with friends. Getting a bunch of people together to share the costs is always a great strategy for keeping expenses down, whether you rent a villa or charter a yacht. I recently found a luxury catamaran (bareboat) in the Seychelles that sleeps 12 for $4,825/week - that's $402/person!

2. Take advantage of the weak economy. Many boat owners and charter companies are faced with fewer bookings and are consequently cutting rates and running specials. One way to stay up to date with the latest offerings is to sign up for newsletters from charter companies, magazines and other publications from the part of the world you are interested in.

3. Try to negotiate the price. It doesn't hurt to ask, and most boat owners and charter companies would rather rent their boat out for a reduced rate than not at all. Don't forget to ask about extra or hidden costs (such as insurance, fuel, mooring fees) - are they negotiable as well?

4. Getting to your destination. If you're chartering through a company, ask them if they offer airfare discounts. Many of the larger charter companies can negotiate lower prices on airlines flying to their charter base than what you are able to find online.

5. Last minute deals. If you're able to travel on short notice, look for last minute charters. Booking a yacht only 30 days in advance can save you 25% or more. To make sure you hear about the latest deals available, sign up for newsletters from charter companies, and also set up a few Google alerts.

6. Travel a bit off season. Going right before or just after the high season can save you quite a bit, not only on the charter price, but also when it comes to flights, restaurants, etc. And the crowds are much thinner, both in the marinas and onshore. In the Mediterranean, September and October are great choices, and in the Caribbean, try April-June.

7. Early boarding. Typically, you arrive at the charter base the night before the charter start date and have to spend the first night in a hotel. Ask if you can get "early boarding" or "evening boarding". There might be a small fee for it, but it'll be less than a hotel room, plus you save yourself the inconvenience of having to unpack and pack things twice.

8. If you own a boat yourself, check out "boat swapping". This fairly new way of vacationing is like a home exchange but with boats - a great affordable way to see faraway oceans while not spending a fortune. If you don't own a boat but are an experienced sailor (you'll need documents to prove it), see if you can swap your home for someone's boat.

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