If you have a boat that you’re not using, you may be wondering how to rent it out.
Renting out your boat can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s essential to do it the right way.
To start renting out your boat, list it on a platform like Boatsetter. The listing should include quality photos, a detailed description, and a price that you’re comfortable with. Once your listing is live, you’ll start receiving rental requests from interested renters.
In this article, we will break down all the steps you need to take to rent out your boat safely and efficiently. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your rental experience.
So, whether you’re just getting started or are looking for ways to improve your current process, read on for our ultimate guide to renting out your boat.
What is Boatsetter?
Boatsetter is a leading boat rental platform that connects boat owners and renters. They make it easy for boat owners to list their boats and manage rentals directly on their online platform.
If you’re interested in renting out your boat, Boatsetter is a great option and one of the safest and easiest platforms for both owners and renters.
Listing your boat is free and typically takes less than 15 minutes. Once you sign up, their online platform makes it easy to review bookings and communications with renters.
One of the main benefits of renting through Boatsetter is that they offer insurance for both owners and renters, so you can rest assured knowing that your boat is covered in case of any damages.
Lastly, Boatsetter handles all payments and security deposits, so you can get paid directly to your bank account after each rental without having to collect payment directly from renters.
Get started with Boatsetter
Step 1: Check eligibility
The first step is to make sure that you’re actually eligible to rent out your boat. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Provide proof of coverage to Boatsetter upon request in order to approve or update your listing
- Meet state minimum commercial insurance requirements
- Meet minimum USCG requirements
- Meet local rules and regulations specific to your area of operation
If you plan on using the insurance policy provided by Boatsetter, you will need to follow these additional requirements:
- Vessels cannot be modified in any way that is not endorsed or approved by the manufacturer
- Vessels must have current insurance, registration, and any federally required licensing or other documentation
- Vessels over 40 feet in length are required to have a USCG captain at the helm
- Older and larger vessels can be asked to provide a survey from the past 24 months of listing to prove the seaworthiness
If you meet all of the above criteria, you can move on to the next step in the process.
Step 2: Prepare your boat
Before you sign up, you should prepare your vessel to be rented. It’s important that you take the time to do this so you can give your renters the best experience possible.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Clean your boat inside and out. This includes the hull, deck, and cabin.
- Remove all personal belongings from the vessel.
- Check that all safety equipment is on board and in working order.
- Check the engine and all other systems to make sure they are in good working condition.
Renters pay close attention to the condition of your boat so the better condition the vessel is in, the more likely you are to get positive reviews and repeat renters.
Once your boat is in the best condition possible, it’s time to sign up.
Step 3: Sign up
If you set up an effective listing from the start, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed with your boat rental.
In this section, we’ll cover the most important parts of your profile so you can make the best first impression and stand out from the competition.
To get started, go to Boatsetter and enter your boat’s details.
Get started with Boatsetter
Boat details
To sign up, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself, like your name and contact information. You’ll also need to confirm the boat’s exact location where renters will go to take out the boat.
Next, you’ll set up your listing. Your listing is what will convince potential renters to book your boat.
Be sure to spend time making it look good with as many photos as possible and an accurate, detailed description of your boat.
Lastly, you’ll need to select your preference of who operates the boat. As long as your boat is under a specific length and value, you will have the option for the renter, a certified captain, or both to operate the boat.
Photos
Your listing photos are one of the most important parts of your profile. You should have at least four photos of your boat, but more is better.
Include photos of the exterior and interior of your boat, as well as any features or amenities that make your boat unique.
Description
Your boat’s description is where you really get to sell your vessel.
Be sure to include information about the make, model, year, length, and any special features or amenities your boat has.
You should also include information about your boat’s features, availability and price.
Insurance details
An insurance policy on your boat is required to be approved. If you have commercial charter insurance, you can submit a copy of your policy to be approved.
If you don’t have commercial charter insurance, you’ll need to sign up for Boatsetter’s insurance which covers you for the duration of all rental periods.
To get started with Boatsetter’s insurance, you’ll need to provide a few details about the boat’s engine, hull identification number, and answer a few questions about the vessel’s history.
This should only take a few minutes to complete before you can get approved and move on to the next step.
Step 4: Get Your First Renter
If you’re in a well-populated area where sea-faring is popular, you should start getting renters right away. However, if you’re having trouble getting a rental after a while something may be wrong with your listing.
Here are a few things to check if you’re having trouble getting rentals:
- Make sure your boat’s availability is correctly and sufficiently set.
- Check your pricing to see if it’s competitive.
- Check your boat’s photos and make sure they’re clear and accurate.
If you’ve made all of the necessary changes to your listing and you’re still having trouble getting rentals, it’s possible that there simply isn’t enough demand for b in your area.
In this case, you may want to consider relocating your boat to a more popular boating destination. You can also try lowering your prices to be more competitive with other listings in your area.
Once you’ve made all of the necessary changes to your listing and found a renter, it’s important to maintain good customer service.
When a potential renter is planning to book a boat, they’ll expect speedy communication from you.
Be sure to respond to all booking requests within one hour so potential renters don’t book with someone else.
Wrap up
Renting out your boat can be a great way to earn some extra money. By following the steps in this guide, you can list your boat on a platform like Boatsetter and start earning money from renters. Be sure to spend time creating a good listing with clear photos and an accurate description of your boat. You should also be prepared to respond to rental requests quickly and maintain good customer service throughout the rental process. By following these tips, you can be a successful with your rental business and earn money from your boat.
Get started with Boatsetter
