How can you monetize your boat with Peer to Peer yacht charter?

There is a growing trend in peer to peer yacht charter. How does it work?

People already rent rooms, cars and bikes from one and other, so this movement was bound to hit the boating world at some point. The concept of the sharing economy works especially well with things that are expensive to own and may not get much use. Take a boat as a prime example, the average boat owner is on the water for a couple of weeks per year and the cost of maintenance averages at around 10% of the cost of the boat per year – it soon adds up and this is why peer to peer yacht charter makes sense for a lot of owners.

What is peer to peer yacht charter?

The arrival of peer to peer boat charter sites has provided a way to connect boat owners with those who want to set sail, via a secure platform. Sailing newbies, pros or even those who just fancy lazing around on a yacht for the day are able to rent affordable boating experiences.

One such site is Click&Boat, with more than 20,000 privately owned yachts available for hire across Europe. Boat owners create a listing for their boat, write a description and set a price. Users simply have to enter their search criteria, browse the boats available to them and then make a request to the boat owner.

Depending on their needs, charterers are able to choose from small motorboats to large luxury yachts, for a couple of hours to a couple of weeks. Owners registered to these sites are covered by insurance policies and rental contracts to secure the entire process and cover their precious boats.

Should I list my boat on a peer to peer site?

While it is comforting to know that your own boat is safely waiting for you in the harbour, if like many owners, you are not able to use your boat as often as you like, then chartering out your boat can help to cushion your expenses. As long as boats are well maintained, it is safe to say that those which are sailed regularly by competent crews are going to be in a better state than those which are left idle for months on end.

For the boat owners’ peace of mind, charterers are asked to provide the boat owners with their sailing CVs and bookings are not confirmed until the owner is fully satisfied with the hirer’s credentials. Boat lovers who do not yet have their own boating qualifications can sail with a skipper and gain experience along the way. After the charter, both owners and hirers are asked to rate and review the experience, in a similar way to the Airbnb system.

Airbnb of the Seas

Platforms such as Click&Boat, the “Airbnb of the Seas”, will no doubt prove more and more popular in the future, both for owners and charterers. On the one hand, yacht ownership calls for serious levels of financial commitment and recouping some of the costs by chartering your boat in this way makes a lot of sense. On the other hand, for those who want to go sailing but lack sufficient time and/or money resources to own a boat themselves, this solution also makes a lot of sense.

Boat engine cooling systems

Some boat engine breakdowns are unavoidable but those caused by lack of maintenance or regular checks can be avoided. Failure to maintain an engine’s cooling system is a well known example of this, so it is well worth spending time checking over the cooling system both when the boat is ashore and afloat.

Sail trimming for cruisers

Sail trimming tips for cruisers. Whether racing or cruising, a well tuned boat will sail faster and tend to heel less than a boat with badly adjusted sails.

Rudders and steering systems – Part 3

In the third of our three blog articles on rudders and steering systems, we look at how to replace rudder bearings and repair a water-saturated core.

Competent crew skills: arriving and leaving a berth

Skilled boat handling is needed when entering or leaving harbour. Crew tasks include preparing the mooring lines and fenders before docking and...

A simple guide to understanding tides when passage planning

Understanding tides when passage planning When planning a trip in tidal waters, check the tides before going afloat. Use...

How to ensure your boat is in proper working condition

In this article Eva Tucker from Volvo Penta presents a handy check list of all the things that you need to check regularly in order to make sure that your boat is in a seaworthy condition. Including maintenance, safety gear and electrical checks.

You Need To Understand The IRPCS ColRegs To Pass Your Yachtmaster, Master of Yachts and Coxswain Certificate of Competence

IRPCS ColRegs Rules of the Road at Sea and Yachtmaster Learning, understanding and remembering the International Regulations...

How to cope with an emergency at sea

A safe skipper will be mentally prepared for all kinds of potential emergencies happening at sea, including medical emergencies, engine failure, fire, a holed hull, capsize and dismasting.

Boat ownership – some fundamentals

Owning a boat is a big commitment that should bring no end of satisfaction, but the costs of maintaining and keeping a boat are significant and should never be underestimated.

How to improve a yacht’s upwind performance

There are several ways to improve the upwind performance of a sailing yacht. Read on for some useful tips including headsail reefing, heavy weather jibs and motor sailing.

Hull inspection – the annual checks

With the boat ashore for the winter it is time to do a hull inspection - the annual checks. Are there any scratches and chips in the...

Electric motors and hybrid systems

In recent years there have been considerable advances with the development of electrically powered propulsion in the leisure marine sector. This includes developments with inboard and outboard electric motors, hybrid systems, lithium-ion battery technology as well as solar, wind and hydro powered generators.

Wooden Hull Repairs

While wooden boat hull maintenance is mostly straightforward, it is always a good idea to take expert advice on any repair job needed doing to a wooden boat, unless you have done the job before and know what you are doing.

Sailing Safely at Night – Best Practice

Sailing at night can be a magical experience – the peaceful solitude, starry skies, and gentle lapping of waves create an unforgettable atmosphere. However, nighttime sailing also presents unique challenges and risks that require careful preparation and vigilance. This comprehensive guide will cover essential safety practices to ensure your nocturnal nautical adventures are both enjoyable and secure.

DIY boat upgrades: Budget-friendly projects to enhance your (older!) boat

DIY projects that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your boat. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of DIY boat upgrades that won’t break the bank but will significantly enhance your boating experience.

Engine failure at sea – common causes and how to avoid them

Many engine failures are caused by lack of maintenance, resulting in fuel filter blockages, water pump failures, overheating and other breakdowns. Indeed, one of the most common reasons for marine rescue service call outs is for one of the most basic reasons possible – boats that have run out of fuel.

First aid at sea basics

At least one person on board should be trained in first aid and know how to administer the contents of the first aid kit, ensuring there are adequate supplies for the planned duration of the trip.

Tools and spares for your boat

Tools and Spares to take to sea!

You won’t regret taking a look at our essential tips and checklist to make sure you’re prepared for routine maintenance and those unexpected jobs that come up whilst you’re afloat!

Pre-start engine checks

According to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) almost one third of emergency call outs at sea are caused by mechanical failure. Many engine breakdowns are avoidable. The best way to avoid a breakdown is to carry out pre-start checks before heading out to sea.