Do you like boating? It has many advantages, including resetting our brains and inspiring creativity. And there are so many beautiful places to explore! Have you ever thought whether you should buy a boat? Although it would be pretty cool, owning a boat comes with more than one disadvantage. It might be better to simply rent one. Read on to learn why.
1. A boat costs too much to buy
Some people say that a boat is a hole in the water you pour money into. And they are not far from the truth. Used motorboats cost at least $20,000 in the US. New ones cost from $60,000 to $70,000 on average. Look for brand names, and you could reach $500,000 and more. But you don’t have to buy boats to experience boating pleasures. You can rent.
2. Boat maintenance is costly
Boat prices are nothing to sneeze at, at least for most people. But some say that buying the boat is actually the cheapest part. Others joke that BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand. It is because boat maintenance costs are high. There are repairs, storage, insurance, and more. According to this article, boat insurance costs about 1.5% of its initial value per year. Storage can cost $1,000-2,000 per year. Add another $1,000 for yearly maintenance. Also, don’t forget the fuel: it can cost several thousand, depending on how much you use the boat. Finally, many people also get gear to make boating more fun, which costs another several thousand. By now, the cost might easily be double.
Also, boat maintenance takes up a lot of time. If you have a busy schedule, you may not want to buy a boat. Because, if you do buy one, you will have to dedicate time to taking care of it. Generally, you will want to spend some time maintaining it at least every second week.
3. The boat you buy depreciates
People say that the two happiest days in a boatowner’s life are when he buys and sells the boat. Unfortunately, boats depreciate, just like cars. Just, instead of mileage, the number of hours of engine use is counted. So the more you use your boat, the less valuable it becomes.
4. Boats are only used 19 days yearly
According to statistics, motorboats are only used 29 days and sailboats 12 days a year, which is 19 days on average. But you have to store and maintain the boat 365 days a year. Is it worth it then? On the other hand, when you rent a boat, you will only pay for the hours you use the boat.
But even if you don’t use it, you will still worry about the boat. Will it survive the storm in the winter if it is in a harbor? Is everything still working properly? Will it not drift away? You will have to take care of it regularly. And you might feel guilty that you are using the boat too little. But if you rent boats, you will not think about these things.
5. You can try many different kinds when you rent
Unless you are super rich, you will most likely only buy one boat. And then you will most likely want to use this one boat a lot. But isn’t it a bit of a shame when there are so many different boat types? If you wish to fish, there are fishing boats. Choose sailboats if you want to sail yourself like in the old times. Whatever type you want whenever you want!
Boating is super fun, and renting a boat is a great way to enjoy the boating lifestyle. But it can seem daunting at first. If you want to rent out a boat for the first time, read our tips for the best boat rental experience.
The boating lifestyle is as popular as ever. And there are so many beautiful places to explore by boat, such as Florida, California, the Mediterranean, etc. But owning a boat is both costly and quite a hassle. Renting one is very easy in comparison. Still, if you are planning to rent for the first time, it can seem a bit scary. Read what to consider when you want to rent a boat to feel braver!
Rent the right boat
Before you go and book the boat, take some time to decide what kind of boat fits you best. Do you want a slow, calm cruise or a speedy, fun trip? Perhaps you are planning to fish or enjoy water sports? Make sure that the boat you plan to rent lets you enjoy what you have in mind. Also, do not rent a sailboat if you don’t know how to sail or a super-powerful motorboat if your boating skills are rusty.
Think about the number of people too. Certain boats can only fit a certain number of people: do not forget this. Also, if you want to save a bit of money, remember that the prices are higher on the weekends. Renting for a lengthier period is also more cost-effective than renting short-term.
Plan in advance
Planning in advance is always good: it is even more essential if you plan to rent a boat in a popular location. The earlier you book, the better price you can get.
Also, get to the boat early. We recommend being there at least 30 minutes before. Usually, you have to file paperwork, which takes time. Remember to read the agreement attentively so that you do not miss anything. Also, you can talk with the owners, get some information and tips, which can really come in helpful.
Make sure the boat you rent is in good condition
The last thing you want is to become stranded on the water because of some malfunction. So before you go out to the water, make sure that everything works well! If you notice some issue, bring it up with the owner or the rental company.
Check the outside appearance too. We also recommend taking pictures. People recommend taking photos when you rent a car, so you do not get blamed for doing something you did not do later. The situation is similar with boats: better to take a picture before taking off, just in case.
Pack what you need
It is essential to be prepared well for your boating trip. Since you will probably book your boat early, weather conditions might not be perfect when the day comes. So make sure you dress appropriately. Have an extra set of clothes, in case yours get wet. Remember to pack water and some snacks. If you are planning a longer trip, you might also need more clothes and toiletries.
Also, have sunscreen, especially if the weather is sunny. Sun rays are more powerful when they reflect from the water. A cap and sunglasses may also come in very handy!
However, do not overdo it and travel lightly. Packing too much will burden your trip and can spoil your boating experience.
Know how to boat
It may seem obvious but make sure you know how to control the boat you will rent or have someone that knows. Learn and follow the boating rules in the region you plan to take your boating vacation. Different states have different age and safety requirements. For example, you can take a boating course before the trip: they are usually short but highly beneficial. The important thing is to keep safe at all costs.
If no person in your group knows how to boat well, hire a captain. Usually, captains come together with larger boats, especially yachts. But you could find and hire independent operators to control the boat you rent.
Be prepared in case of an accident
Hopefully, you will not face this. Still, be prepared. For example, have the contact number of a marina. Let someone know your boating plans. That way, they can contact someone to help you if you are running late because something could have happened to you.
Also, have insurance. For example, you could check with your insurance agent if you could extend your policy temporarily to cover boat rentals. You can also purchase temporary coverage.
Did you know that Florida has the most registered boats out of all states? It is not very surprising, though, when it is called the Sunshine State and has so many great boating destinations, especially in the south. Out of our top 7 boating destinations in the US, we dedicated two to South Florida. Of course, it definitely has more! In this article, we will look at the best boating destinations in South Florida.
The boating capital in South Florida: Fort Lauderdale
Let us start with the Venice of America and one of the greatest boating cities: Fort Lauderdale. Some even call it the boating capital of the world! One of the reasons is because the city hosts the International Boat Show every year at the end of October. Also, you can boat both in the ocean – it has 24 miles of beach on the Atlantic coasts – and in the Intracoastal waterways, which last for 165 miles in Fort Lauderdale and 3,000 miles in total.
Just 28 miles south of Fort Lauderdale is the well-known Miami. Miami is known for its long, white beaches and also as the cultural capital of Florida. So if you are planning to boat in Fort Lauderdale, definitely consider visiting Miami too!
Quieter boating in Biscayne Bay
Biscayne National Park is quite close to Miami but much, much quieter. Here, you can relax from all the hustle and bustle of the cities. There are also many things to do here. Biscayne Bay is known for its biodiversity: there are four ecosystems here. You can explore it on land, by hiking and camping. And, of course, on water, by boating, snorkeling, and other water activities.
Two of the most popular islands in Biscayne National Park are Boca Chita and Elliot Key. On Boca Chita, there is a historic 65-foot lighthouse. Elliot Key is the largest island in this park, perfect for swimming, camping, picnicking, and barbecuing.
A hidden South Florida gem: Everglades National Park
This park is not just a Florida treasure and the largest subtropical wilderness in the US: it is also a World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Importance, and an International Biosphere Reserve. You can find both unique landscapes and rare species here. And you can observe it all from your boat! Of course, you must be responsible and protect this unique natural reserve. Boaters cannot harass wildlife, collect plants and animals, even snail shells, and must also complete Boater’s Education Program. Learn more about the boating requirements in Everglades National Park on their site.
No need to go to Bahamas: go boating in Florida Keys
From Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is easy to reach the Florida Keys. Florida Keys is a coral cay archipelago and the southernmost part of mainland US. And it’s very, very beautiful! As well as rewarding for anyone with so many activities you can do. Try snorkeling, diving, water sports, fishing, swimming, exploring the reefs, and more.
The closest location to reach is Key Largo, the uppermost island. Some of the most famous places here are John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In the Middle Keys, there is Long Key, a quaint place but great for birdwatching. Duck Key with Hawks Cay Resort and Sugarloaf Key in the Lower Keys are also very popular. Finally, Key West on the very end of the archipelago is a must-visit for many. Many famous personalities, such as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, spent quite some time here. There is even an Ernest Hemingway Museum.
The remote Dry Tortugas National Park
Want even more remoteness? Sail for a hundred miles west of Key West and find Dry Tortugas National Park: a group of fascinating islands in the middle of nowhere. They are only accessible by boats and seaplanes. If you prefer not to boat there yourself, you could also take a ferry from Key West. The main attraction here is Fort Jefferson, one of the biggest 19th-century forts in the US, which takes up almost the whole island. You can also observe tropical birds, swim on sandy beaches with pristine water, and, of course, explore the islands by boat.
Tired of seas? Try Lake Okeechobee
When people go boating in South Florida, they usually don’t plan to go to a lake. But if you are coming down from the north, we recommend you stop by Lake Okeechobee. This lake is the largest freshwater lake in Florida, and it literally means “big water”. The lake has very scenic views and is very popular for bass fishing. If you want to boat in more protected waters, there is also Lake Okeechobee Waterway.
Did you know that California is a great state for boating in lakes? Check out our article about the best lakes in California.
Go north to a boater’s paradise: Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a bit more to the north, but it features on many lists of the best boating destinations in the US and is definitely worth visiting. It is a large region, and there are many boating activities for all types of boaters – maybe that’s why it’s known as a boater’s paradise?
So, what are some things to try in Tampa Bay? First, visit many of the islands nearby. For example, there is the Beer Can Island, also known as Pine Key, and Tiki Bay Island, which is especially popular for parties and opening some beer cans, of course. Egmont Key is a natural reserve and also has a 19th-century fort and a lighthouse. Shell Key is a secluded island where you can snorkel on the Gulf side, as well as fish, swim, and sunbathe, of course. If you would like to explore urban Tampa more, go up the Hillsborough River. For watersports, like water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding, visit Riviera Bay. Finally, go to Lake Tarpon a bit north to enjoy some bass fishing.
We did not mention all the great boating destinations in South Florida, just a few. There is also Palm Beach, South Beach, Stuart, Peanut Island, Boca Lake, Lake Sylvia, and more. Perhaps you are looking to rent a boat or a yacht? Learn how to charter yachts affodarbly.
Boating is a popular luxury pastime, and the US is the perfect place to enjoy it. It is so vast and has so many diverse landscapes that it’s just impossible not to find something perfect for each boating enthusiast. But some places are simply better than others. In this article, we will look at the best boating destinations in the US.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale, sometimes called the Venice of America, is in the south of Florida. According to Sunny.org, it has 24 miles of Atlantic beaches and more than 300 miles of waterways, both intracoastal and inland. It is one of the boating centers in the US.
Also, if you visit Fort Lauderdale at the end of October, consider participating in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest boat shows in the world. However, if you visit Fort Lauderdale city itself, be careful: it is considered very unsafe. It’s not only many crimes, though, but COVID-19 concerns and poor credit scores.
Exotic boating in Florida Keys, southernmost US
From Fort Lauderdale, it is pretty easy to reach the Florida Keys, the southernmost part of the continental United States. It is a coral cay archipelago and a boater’s dream. There are about 800 islands and 6,000 reefs. If you visit the Florida Keys by boat or yacht, don’t forget to try fishing, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities! It is often the main reason why people visit the Keys.
The best time to visit the Florida Keys is from October to April because the temperature is not so hot. Also, remember that the Keys is a marine sanctuary, so stay responsible.
Boating base: Knoxville, Tennessee
Here, the Tennessee river rushes down from the mountains into Lake Tellico. Both the river and the lake are great places to explore by boat. Rafting, kayaking, motorboats, sailboats, and yachts: you can enjoy all types of boating here! Knoxville is also a base for many boat manufacturers, such as Sea Ray and MasterCraft. They often test their boats in the waters here.
The Tennessee law requires all boats used primarily here to be registered, except those powered by oars and paddles. But if the boat is registered elsewhere, you can use it in Tennessee without registering it.
Wildlife in San Juan Islands, Washington
Are you interested in marine wildlife? The San Juan Islands are one of the best places to observe wildlife while boating. Here, you can see orcas all year round, as well as other species such as humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and more. Just do not bother the animals!
Although the islands are close to rainy Seattle, they are protected from the rain by the Olympic mountains and quite sunny, with almost 250 sunny days a year. There are even cacti growing in some islands! You can visit the islands in spring, summer, and fall. July, August, and September are the driest and warmest months, but spring and fall tend to be more peaceful.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Ozark lake has a shoreline of more than 1,150 miles and is one of the largest artificial lakes. Here, you can fish, try various watersports, hike on the shore, dine at restaurants, relax at a spa center, and more.
However, there is a drag racing culture in Lake of the Ozarks, with some boats trying risky moves. If your boat is small, be careful of them. There have also been high levels of E. Coli found in the lake.
Located in Lake Huron, this is a pretty quiet destination but definitely worth visiting. It’s only a little more than four square miles, and the only transportation is horse buggies, bikes, and boats. But it can feel like a superb retreat because of this. Enjoy the scenic views of the Great Lakes, dine at yachting clubs, explore historic sites and museums, golf, and enjoy your boating vacation.
Newport, Rhode island
Newport is on Aquidneck Island and is unique because of being very close to the open ocean. Boaters and sailors enjoy exploring many beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites since settlers have been coming here since the 1600s. It is especially great for sailing: even the America’s Cup was hosted for quite some time here. The climate is very temperate here, and adventurous people sail even in winter.
Other great boating places in the US
Of course, this is by no means an extensive list. There are many more wonderful boating destinations, such as San Fransico and San Diego in California, Nantucket, a former whaling port in Massachusetts, Charleston with its many beaches, harbors, and tidal creeks in South Carolina. Explore the fresh‑water lakes in Florida (be careful of alligators), or party in Lake Havasu just 24 miles from Las Vegas. Go to Maui, Hawaii, if you are looking for something exotic, or cruise down the Chicago River to observe the Windy City.
California, one of the largest and the most populated states in the US, can be proud of many things. Great boating destinations are definitely among them. Boaters and yachters love cities along the 840 miles long pacific coast, such as San Fransisco and San Diego, and they are great, but what about lakes? Did you know there are 3,000 of them in the Golden State? And they are awesome for boating. In this article, we will look at best 10 lakes to explore by boat in California.
Lake Tahoe
It is the second-largest lake in California and the largest Alpine Lake in North America. And one of the best boating destinations, to be sure! It is on the border of California and Nevada and surrounded by Sierra Nevada Mountains, which makes for very scenic sights to observe from a boat. All kinds of boats are popular here: motor and sailboats, jet skis and yachts, kayaks, and paddle-boats.
On the shores, you can find many hike trails. Lake Tahoe is in the Emerald Bay State Park, so nature sights here are really worth visiting. Nightlife enthusiasts will also not be bored: you can find great entertainment in Stateline and South Lake Tahoe cities.
Folsom Lake
This is another lake by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and another destination for boaters. Although this is not the only popular activity here: horseback riding, camping and hiking are too. It’s most popular with motorboats and jet skis, or at least it used to be so. In 2020, California State Parks lowered the speed limit to 5mph because of low water levels, so it’s just as safe for a non-motorized boat now too.
Lake Berryessa
This freshwater reservoir is two hours north of San Fransisco. All kinds of boats are welcome here, from houseboats to kayaks, although non-motorized boats are more popular. You can also easily rent out one; you do not have to be an owner! Explore the many coves and pretty beaches or try water various water activities. The mild temperature at the reservoir offers a retreat from the heat even in midsummer. Do not forget to check out the Morning Glory Spillway, which is basically a gigantic drain plug!
Lake Almanor
Another one of the best lakes in Northern California is Lake Almanor, popular as an affordable family vacation destination. This large lake is good for all kinds of boating, as well as fishing and water activities. There are many marinas along the coast, even some free launch ramps. The nearest town is Chester, with 2,000 inhabitants, and it has everything you might need. Choose this spot if you are not looking for something fancy but a simple and affordable place to spend your boating vacation.
Shasta Lake
Lake Shasta is the largest artificial lake in California, with a shoreline of 370 miles. It is in Northern California, 15 miles from Redding. Motorboats are the most popular here. Besides jet skis, there are also really many houseboats. You can either bring your own or rent all types of boats here.
There is not much wind here, and the waters are smooth, so Lake Shasta is known for various water activities, such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and more. Also, consider booking a tour to Lake Shasta caverns. The caverns are impressive, and you might even see some bats!
Big Bear Lake
This one is great to visit all year round. It is also unique scenery in California: a snow-fed lake at a 6,700 feet height and surrounded by pine trees. There are six marinas along the shores, where you can rent out a boat if you do not have one. You can also hop onto the Miss Liberty cruise for 90 minutes to hear the site’s history and see the most famous sights. The lake is not large, having a shoreline of 22 miles. The boat cannot be longer than 26 feet.
Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake is located in the same mountainous region in Southern California as Big Bear Lake and is only 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Besides enjoying boating and the rugged beauty of the scenery, one of the most popular activities here is bass fishing.
However, there are only 125 boats allowed in the lake at once. So have a boat launch reservation before you come in the high season, from May to September. Boat launching costs $10; canoes and kayaks do not have a fee.
Mono Lake
Mono lake is one of the oldest lakes in the US and three times saltier than the ocean. Because of this, there are unique tufa towers, sprouting from the water. This lake is popular among birdwatchers because millions of migrating birds stop here.
However, there are some restrictions on boating in Mono lake. The water is too salty and alkaline for speedboats and jet skis, and there are many underwater tufa towers. Also, to protect the birds, it is forbidden to go within one mile from the lake’s islands from April 1 to August 1 and to approach osprey nests and flocks of birds.
Lake Havasu
This Colorado River impoundment is between California and Arizona, surrounded by deserts and only 24 miles from Las Vegas: you can see its lights here! The lake has mild temperatures and can be visited all year round. A famous tourist attraction is the London Bridge across the lake. The lake is especially popular among houseboaters and motorized boat owners, although you can also sail, fish, and do many other things here.
Cachuma lake
This picturesque lake is in the Santa Ynez Valley, half an hour from Santa Barbara. The surrounding oak woods are a marvelous sight. This lake is a domestic water supply, so you cannot swim, water ski, or jet ski, as no body-to-water contact is allowed. But you can enjoy canoes, kayaks, and bass fishing: it’s actually one of the best California lakes for fishing. Also, visit Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for hiking, picnicking, camping, and more.
We hope that you were able to choose the next lakes in California to explore by boat. You don’t have to be a boat owner to enjoy such vacations since you can usually rent boats at those places. Perhaps you are renting out boats yourself? Check out our article on how to make more money with boat rentals! Or, if you are planning to rent a boat for the first time yourself, check out our tips for renting a boat.
The Mediterranean Sea is the largest inland sea and has some of the most popular yachting destinations globally. Are you planning a yachting trip in the Mediterranean? There are so many great destinations it can be hard to choose one! In this article, we will discuss the best places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean.
The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts in late April and lasts until early October. In winter, the waves and the winds are much harsher, so sailing is more difficult.
There are many types of different yachts you can choose. Since many companies and owners offer charter yachts, you can find a yacht affordably in the Mediterranean.
Eased charter rules in the Balearic Islands, Spain
These islands have been a popular location for a long time and might be becoming even more popular. Since January 2018, new regulations came into force in the Balearic islands. They simplified the chartering process, especially for non-EU yachts: they don’t require special licenses anymore. You can sail all year round here, but January is the coldest month. October has the most rain.
The four main Balearic islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza. They all have something special. Mallorca is the largest island and boasts of many attractions. Ibiza is known for its nightlife and parties and has the largest nightclub in the world. But it also has beautiful nature sights and many nature reserves. Menorca is perfect for sailing beginners since its bay of Fornells and port of Mahon have a constant breeze and are protected from high seas. Finally, visit Formentera, the smallest and quietest island of the four. It has both calm, idyllic beaches and many water sports activities.
Classic yacht charter: Cote d’Azur, French riviera
French Riviera, the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast of France, is a great place for a yacht charter. Such famous cities as Nice, Cannes, Toulon, Saint Tropez, and Monaco are here, with many famous yachting clubs. There is lots of great food and big parties here.
Another lovely French location to charter a yacht is Corsica Island. Mountain enthusiasts especially love it because it has some of the most beautiful mountain views.
Sardinia, Italy
Close to Corsica, just south of it, is another Mediterranean island: Sardinia. There are many small islets around the coastline that are lovely to visit. Costa Smeralda is a good starting point for your yacht trip since it’s only 20 km away from the Olbia airport. It also has one of the most popular beaches, the Emerald Beach. One of the most beautiful Sardinia’s highlights is La Maddalena Islands, a national marine park.
Undiscovered gems: Croatia
Yachting in Croatia might not scream luxury so much as yachting in the French Riviera does. But it’s more affordable, calmer, and likely just as worthwhile. It’s a bit similar too, not being located too far! Or even better: Croatia has over 1000 islands and islets, although only about 60 islands are populated. The most popular islands are Hvar, Brac, and Korcula. A great city to start your sailing trip is Split.
Some of the most popular places to visit are Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Šešula bay. Zagreb is the capital and most populated city, a cultural hub. Dubrovnik has a beautiful old town by the sea, surrounded by stone walls. Šešula bay will offer some calmness after an intensive trip and also protect your ship from the winds.
The largest Mediterranean archipelago: Greece
The Greek archipelago is the largest in the Mediterranean. It has from 1,200 to 6,000 islands: no one has counted them all yet! Of course, similarly to Croatia, only a small part of them have inhabitants, about 200. Like Croatia, Greece also has considerably low prices.
One of the most popular sailing locations in Greece is the Ionian islands. It is a group of islands in the west of Greece. They are great for beginning sailors, as well as the Saronic Gulf. On the other hand, the Cyclades in Southern Greece is better for professionals, as the winds are stronger there, especially in summer. Although those winds decrease the hot temperature, some companies do not even allow charter a yacht then.
Other great places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean
Amalfi coast, Italy. This picturesque coast boats of more than one famous tourist attraction close-by. Visit Naples, Pompeii, Vesuvio, and more.
From the Amalfi coast, you can get to the Aeolian Islands and Sicily. These Italian jewels are also just as great for yachting. You can find both quaintness and bustle in this region. You can see Mount Etna, an active Stromboli volcano, historic squares and galleries in the capital Palmero, quiet villages, and busy ports.
There is also Malta. It is not as popular for a yacht charter, so it’s quainter. It has 21 islands, but only two, Gozo and Comino, are populated. Relax at secluded beaches, try watersports or explore historic towns.
Finally, consider the Turquoise Coast or the Turkish Riviera. We recommend a gullet, a traditional Turkish yacht, to sail here. Some beautiful places are Butterfly Valley with a butterfly farm, Oludeniz beach, and Kekova Sunken City, seen below the water.
We hope that this article about the best places in the Mediterranean to charter a yacht was helpful. But perhaps you own a boat or a yacht yourself? Would you like to earn money with it? Learn about the basics of boat rentals and how to make more money with them.
Do you rent out your boat when you are not using it? We already briefly covered the basics of renting out a boat and why it is great. This article covers how to get more renters and earn more with boat rentals. We will share tips on making your advertisements more attractive, getting good reviews, and earning more money.
Things to consider before you post your rental boat advertisement
If you are planning to rent out your boat, make a plan and research first. How much competition is there in your town? How much do other owners ask for similar boats, and how booked are they? Such research will allow you to adjust the price. Also, think about the seasons. During the high season, the prices are usually higher, so you can raise them a bit. But during the low season, there are way fewer people, so you might not get any bookings. Regularly adjusting the price can help you make much more money than sticking with the same price all the time.
Make sure that your insurance covers your boat in the hands of renters. Whether it’s damage to your own boat or another, medical bills, or legal assistance, better be safe and insured than sorry. Of course, you will have to pay to upgrade the insurance. Some boat rental sites also offer to insure your boat throughout renting periods, but it costs too.
Finally, be prepared to meet your renters. Many book last-minute, so be sure that you can meet them or find someone who can. For this reason, most owners prefer long rental periods, from a day to a week, because it would be hard to manage more. During the meetings, provide instructions and tips for the renters. You can also take them for a quick ride to let them get familiar with the controls.
How to make your boat rentals ad appealing
Have nice pictures. The better the images, the more likely people will become interested. If the photos look bad, renters are likely to skip the ad. Smartphones today take good pictures, but it is still better to take them with a professional camera or hire a photographer.
Write a good description. Just like people seeking to rent an apartment, people looking for boats want to know as much as possible to make the best choice. Help them!
Respond quickly. If you were looking to rent a boat yourself, found the one you like, and contacted the owner, you would like a quick response, no? If you take too long, your prospective renters might lose interest in your boat. Replying soon lets the people know you are excited about renting your boat and makes them like you more, thus increasing the likelihood of a good review. Some sites even rank quick responders better.
Have a captain available. In peer-to-peer boat sharing, bareback rentals are the most common: it means that you rent the vessel alone. Larger boats and yachts are usually chartered with a captain. But some people might not have a captain, and might still want to rent your boat. You can be the captain yourself (have a license then) or connect with captains to hire if there is a need. By providing this option, you can get more renters.
How to get good reviews for your boat rentals
Good reviews are crucial. People are social creatures, and they want social proof, knowing that other people enjoyed products, services, or experiences. A good review is just that: someone says they liked your boat, and people are more willing to believe they will enjoy time on your boat too. And the more reviews there are, the more willing they will be! So make sure to provide good customer service to have good reviews.
Add extra features. Just like when you offer vacation rentals, think what you would like to have when you rent a boat for your vacations or a party and include it. For example, add water toys or fishing gear. Also, it’s a good idea to leave a welcome basket, wishing the guests to enjoy the boat. It would be a lovely surprise for them to find! You could also leave a cooler with bottled water and snacks, beach towels, etc.
Clean and maintain your boat. Make sure that everything works so that there is a minimal chance of trouble. Also, have all the safety equipment in good condition, such as life vests. Finally, leave the boat clean. You can scrub it yourself or hire cleaning services.
Meet them nicely and leave instructions. We already mentioned meeting the clients: try to cover as much as possible during the meeting, from controls to routes. They will also likely appreciate you leaving notes and suggested routes. You can even include menus from nearby restaurants!
Ask for a review. Sometimes people would gladly post a good review, but they forget or need a little incentive. When the rental period is over, write to them asking whether they enjoyed the experience and politely asking to leave a review if they did.
Conclusions
Some of the most important things when renting out boats are a plan, research, and insurance. Make sure your schedule allows checking-in renters and that your boat is clean and well-maintained when they come. Post an informative ad with high-quality pictures and be responsive to get guests, and provide good services to get good reviews. Then, enjoy earning money with boat rentals!
Do you own a boat? Does it sit idle most of the time? Boats cost quite a lot. It is estimated that maintenance is roughly 10% of the purchase cost. But owners use boats only ten days a year on average, according to the statistics. Why don’t you rent out your boat on the days you are not using it? You can earn money to cover all the maintenance costs and more!
Why is it good to rent your boat?
The main reason is to earn money. Insurance, slip fees, and maintenance all cost a significant amount of money, whether you use the boat or not. Renting out the boat could cover all these costs and provide additional income for you. Renting out your boat also keeps it in good working order. If the boat sits unused for a long time, issues can arise once you want to use it. When you rent it out, this risk decreases a lot as it will be regularly used. Also, you will have many chances to check the boat and fix issues without them growing into big ones.
Secondly, there is a demand for boat rentals. Many people love the idea of spending time on a boat. But purchasing and maintaining it costs a lot: as you probably already know if you are a boat owner. So they want to rent a boat, which allow them to experience all boating pleasures with no commitment.
How much can I earn?
Like very often, it depends. The better your boat, the higher the rental price. Check out different boat types. So, size matters, as well as age, maintenance, amenities, etc. Usually, boat owners earn enough to cover the maintenance costs, at least. An average boat renter might make more than $7,000 a year. Top renters make more than $100,000. And some may even make $200,000 a month! It might sound crazy, but it’s possible. But you will probably need more than one boat unless it’s a megayacht, a type of a yacht.
Take into account that the earnings may drop once you count everything that goes into your boat cost. You might have to pay fees to post ads on sites, pay the boat insurance, pay for storage, clean your boat, fix issues, etc.
The most important things to consider when renting out a boat
The very first thing you should consider is how you are planning to post an ad. The most common way is choosing an app or a site because it’s comfortable and safe. You could post an ad on Craigslist or the nearest bulletin board, but there is no insurance that the person will be reliable. Of course, you wouldn’t have to pay a commission fee which sites usually require in exchange for providing a platform to post an ad, help with payments, etc. A site might ask for about 40% of your listed rental price. Others might not take a cut from your payment but ask you and the customer to pay extra fees for the platform. Boat renting sites include GetMyBoat, Boatsetter, and Click&Boat.
Consider posting an ad on XRental: our motto is allow partners to make money. We want you to earn as much as possible. We are renting boats in multiple locations already and plan to expand to cover the whole world.
Another important thing is insurance. The usual boat insurance will likely not cover damages made by renters. So make sure to update it. It’s usually not expensive to upgrade, and rental insurance can cover both repair and medical costs. Some sites like Boatsetter insure their rental boats up to $1 million, but sometimes the damages can exceed this amount. The site might also ask for extra fees.
There are also other ways to make money with your boat than just boat rentals. For example, you could offer charter fishing services, which means that you would take the guests on a fishing trip. Of course, you need to have a license, know the waters well, know how to fish, take into consideration the weather, etc. You can also make sight-seeing tours for the tourists in popular locations or even vend something like ice cream from your boat!
One of the interesting facts about BRABUS, a mad after-market tuning company that focuses on Mercedes cars, is that they have a marine division. They teamed up with an award-winning Finnish boat builder Axopar to produce a line of luxury boats. How much could you earn if you rented out a BRABUS boat? Read on to learn.
About BRABUS Marine
BRABUS is an after-market car tuner that takes powerful cars, usually Mercedes AMGs, and makes them even more powerful. You can read more about AMG vs. BRABUS here. Axopar is a Finnish boat builder that produces a range of exclusive motorboats. They have caught the public’s eye ever since their premiere at the Helsinki boat show and have not disappointed ever since.
According to BRABUS themselves “BRABUS Marine is devoted to redefine luxury day boating through building and developing ultra-exclusive, supremely exciting boats; the result of two companies united in the extreme“. BRABUS and Axopar came together in 2017. They shared the same passion, values, and goals. BRABUS Marine aims to become one of the top 10 luxury boat brands. Their boats have both astounding, instantly recognizable designs, as well as outstanding performance, and amazing drivability.
How much do BRABUS boats cost?
In order to learn how much you can rent with a BRABUS boat, we should also consider how much it costs to buy one. Let’s look at some prices on the market. A 2019 BRABUS Shadow 800 Black Ops cost $453,126 in Spain. A newer and more powerful version, 2021 BRABUS Shadow 900 Black Ops, costs $799,000 in North America. Finally, a 2022 BRABUS Shadow 900 XC Cabin costs $659,787 in Fort Lauderdale.
In short, you need quite an amount of money to get a BRABUS boat. But you can rest assured of its quality and performance. And you can make some money by renting the boats out!
How much can you earn when you rent out a BRABUS boat?
To imagine how much you could earn with your BRABUS boat, we should look at existing rental offers. Of course, the better and newer the boat, the higher the rental price.
For example, to rent a 2019 Axopar Sun Top BRABUS edition of 37 ft in Mallorca, you need $1,700 for one day. For three days you will pay $3,339 if you return the boat in the morning. If not, it will cost $5,000. After all, it will be like an extra day. You will also pay a very similar amount for the same model in Ibiza.
Let’s look at a better model: 2021 BRABUS Shadow 500 Black Ops Limited Edition. Only 28 such models were produced. You have to pay $3,025 to get it for half a day and $6,000 for the whole day. While the price is high, we believe it‘s adequate for the exclusivity you get.
So now you can imagine how much you can earn with BRABUS boats. The better the boat, the more you will earn. But $1,000 a day is guaranteed. With a boat like BRABUS Black Ops, you can easily make $5,000 a day.
Of course, you have to remember that there are many costs involved in the boat rental business. Count in at least 1.5% of the boat’s value for its yearly maintenance costs. You can end up paying 15-20% of its value for maintenance during the ownership period.
Do you like jet skiing? And do you want to start your own business? You can combine those two things and start a jet ski rental business! If done right, this business can be very profitable. With two jet skis, you could make $10,000. If you have more than six jet skis, you could make $1000 per weekday and even more on weekends. Of course, you need to have a good plan and know some things. Read on to learn what you should consider, at least for starters.
Consider the costs of starting a jet ski rental business
According to Business Name USA, it costs from $3,465 to $35,059 to start a jet ski rental business. According to Starter Story, the average cost of starting a jet ski rental business is $12,272. Different costs include licenses (at least $50), insurance (at least $500), maintaining a website, buying and maintaining your jet ski fleet. Still, it is considered that it is much cheaper to start a jet ski rental business rather than most other businesses. Read more about different costs here.
Finding the best location
Location is one of the most important things to consider when you plan a jet ski rental business. First, make sure that the waters are suitable for watersports because not all water bodies are. Also, it should be a popular location with tourists that are interested in watersports. Visit the place, explore it thoroughly, and acquaint yourself with all local regulations. It may even be illegal to rent out jet skis in the location, and you do not want to get into trouble with authorities!
What’s your competition?
Another essential thing to consider before deciding on your location and other business aspects is the competition. What competitors do you face in a prospective location? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they attract people? It would be best if you visit them and learn as much as you can about those things. It can help you create your business plan and avoid any mistakes they made or are making. You can also improve on their strengths to have a more successful business.
How do you plan to carry out your business? Do you want to have jet ski tours: you on a jet ski leading a group of people with jet skis? Your insurance will be a bit cheaper if you choose this option. However, you might also not make as much. Of course, you could offer self‑rides, which is one of the most popular options: people like to rent jet skis by themselves. You will probably want to map out routes for people and install GPS markers on your jet skis so that they do not get stolen or lost. You can also offer both tours and self-rides.
Also, you need to choose a business structure. If you go with a company, your liability will be limited. But you could also go as a sole trader, which has its advantages, such as easy establishment, easy dissolution, total profit, etc. But you also have to cover the losses yourself. There are also partnerships, such as family trusts. Decide what type of company is best for you. It is best to discuss this with a lawyer.
Find insurance
Insurance might be one of the hardest parts of starting a jet ski rental business. Not many insurance companies cover jet skis for rent. Some of them might charge a ridiculous amount of money. It is recommended not to choose a company that deals with owners because they might have no experience with a business. If you find a good company that works with businesses and charges an understandable amount, stick with it.
Get permission
Another thing to do is to get a business license. It is usually either getting the insurance or the permission that deters people from starting a jet ski rental business. Getting permission can take several months, and you need to know your business plan. You might need to answer about your insurance, the days and hours you will be operating, where you will be operating, whether you will take up space on the boat ramp, protection for your customers, and so on.
Additionally, you might need a seller’s permit and an EIN. Learn more about the necessary licenses for a jet ski rental business here.
Does it seem like too much trouble to start a jet ski rental business, but you still want to earn with jet ski rentals? You could partner with companies to post rental ads for your jet skis! You could partner with us: our motto is allow partners to make money. We will not rip you off in commission fees. Contact us if you wish to partner!
A good name
You need a good business name to attract people. We recommend choosing something related to the location. For example, Bear Lake Jet Ski Rentals. Why? Because people that come to visit Bear Lake and want to try watersports are likely to google bear lake jet ski rent and your business would pop out in their search results.
What we do not recommend is naming the business after yourself, like Ben’s Jet Ski Rentals. First, it does not say much. Secondly, you might want to sell your business someday: potential buyers might not want to buy a business with someone else’s name.
Start a website for your jet ski rental business
Marketing is a highly important part of any business. And the website is one of the crucial tools in marketing today. Today you can even make a website yourself with little trouble. We recommend WordPress: it is the most popular website builder, powering 40% of all websites.
We also recommend adding a reservation system to your website. Nowadays, people love doing everything from the comfort of their homes, especially booking things. If they plan a trip to your location and plan to rent jet skis, they might want to book jet skis in advance through your site.
Getting your fleet is something that will cost quite a bit. The bare minimum if you want to earn is two jet skis. We recommend that you start with at least four jet skis. Seven would be much better, and ten would be awesome. Also, don’t forget that you need a rescue jet ski and a rescue board: people will run into trouble sometimes. We recommend that this jet ski is more powerful than others. For your fleet, some good models include Sea-Doo Spark and Yamaha Ex Series. You can also consider getting one fishing jet ski so you can appeal to fishing enthusiasts.
Some also recommend buying salvage jet skis that need to be repaired because they are much cheaper. However, you need to make sure you can fix them and that repairs will not cost that much. Most do not recommend buying used jet skis for business because problems can often arise.
Marketing
You are not likely to make it if you do not have good marketing. There are various strategies to go about it. For one thing, social media is highly important nowadays and can be a great tool. You can involve influencers, asking them to promote your product. You can also invest in ads. Of course, you must also moderate your presence on social media because negative reviews can ruin your reputation. Also, try to provide a good experience so customers can recommend you to their friends and family. Finally, highlight not just the services but also the experience, such as what people can see when they rent your jet ski. Read more marketing ideas for water activity rental businesses here.
Of course, these are not the only things to consider when starting a jet ski rental business. Research as much as you can before you try: there are many helpful articles and videos on the internet. It is also best to consult a lawyer. And if you try, you can make it! Best of luck!
Perhaps you have some tips about starting a jet ski business? Share in the comments!
Jet skiing is both fun and beneficial. It improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and burns calories. It is also a very memorable experience, which you can do both alone and together with others. However, few people own jet skis. If you want to try them, you will probably try to rent one. You can easily rent and enjoy a jet ski even without prior jet skiing experience. We will tell you all the main things about renting a jet ski for the very first time so you can do so without any fear.
How do jet skis work, and how do you control them?
Jet skis work by sucking the water and pumping it out. First, you have to plug in a key. Then you turn ithe jet ski on by pushing a button on the left side. The accelerator is on the right side. Squeeze the accelerator slowly and bit by bit if you don’t want to start jumping out of the water. When turning, you have to accelerate at the same time. Watch this video for the basics of riding a jet ski:
Remember that jet skis are only supposed to suck up water, not sand or rocks. Only turn it on when there are at least 24 inches of water under you. Also, the key should be always attached with a cord to your jacket or wrist. This way your jet ski will stop if you fall off. Wear a life jacket, eye protection, gloves, footwear, and maybe even a wet suit.
Who can rent and operate jet skis?
In most cases, you can operate a jet ski from 16 years old. You can also rent a jet ski from up to 16 years old, at least from some companies. However, if you are under 18, you need to have a signed waiver from guardians who are at least 18 years old. Also, have a valid photo ID.
Remember that usually, the same laws apply to jet skis as to boats. So, if you need a license for boats, you also need one for jet skis. You need a license to operate jet skis in over 40 states in the US. Jet ski drivers may also need to go through on‑site training. It is best to look up local laws on jet skis to be certain about rules.
Licenses are cheap to obtain. And the boating course is very educational even for experienced boaters. We recommend getting it if you are in the US. License is also often required when you want to rent a jet ski.
However, passengers can be of any age and must not have valid licenses or ID cards. Just make sure they wear a life jacket.
How much does it cost to rent a jet ski?
There are hourly rates and daily rates of jet ski rentals. Some companies rent out for half an hour too. Usually, it costs from $70 to 100 to rent a jet ski for an hour. A full day would cost $300-400.
Sadly, you might be paying more than that. Companies often provide prices without additional fees. Such fees include minimum rental hours, fuel charges, pick up and drop off fees, life jackets, wet suits and goggles rental fees, even car parking charges. So, it is important to read what is included or not. And prepare more money than you think you might need!
You can have a great jet ski experience without much experience. However, you have to follow some safety rules and be careful. Here are some tips and precautions:
Wear a life jacket. The probability of an accident is not likely, but they do happen. Life jackets can save a life. Each person on the boat should have a fitting jacket: do not give adult jackets to children and vice versa. Have eye protection and gloves too.
Make sure the weather is good. If a storm is approaching, you should not be out on the water with a jet ski. Just check out weather forecasts from time to time.
Ensure that the passenger is holding on tightly. They must inform the driver if they are not ready to start or if their hands start slipping.
