Airbnb is a well-known marketplace connecting hosts who want to earn extra income by renting their properties short-term and travelers looking for memorable holiday experiences. Staying in an Airbnb offers travelers a unique alternative to traditional hotel stays.
Since Airbnb guests are interested in different types of places to stay during their trips, the platform welcomes many different kinds of listings, including rooms, vacation homes, mansions, tiny houses, cabins, castles, RVs, and more. Moreover, it’s even possible to rent out boats in the same way as apartment and condo rentals.
Airbnb boat listings are very popular among adventurous travelers seeking unique accommodations. So, if you own a boat and are looking for ways to make some extra money, you may consider using it as an Airbnb rental.
Can You List Any Boat on Airbnb?
The short answer is yes. Airbnb boat rentals range from amazing sailboats and unique yachts to houseboats and catamarans. But there are certain restrictions about what can be listed as a place to stay.
Airbnb hosts can list boats and other vessels that serve only as accommodation and are semi-permanently attached to a set location. Still, there are also Airbnb listings that offer boats and yachts that can be rented as a private charter.
Running an Airbnb boat rental can be a profitable side hustle if you provide a memorable experience for guests looking for unique stays. It can also allow you to meet interesting people from around the world.
However, Airbnb hosting involves many responsibilities, and managing your boat rental can be time-consuming. An effective solution can be automating your routine operations using vacation rental software like Hospitable.
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Airbnb for Boats: Things to Consider Before You Get Started
Before you decide to embark on the journey of becoming a boat host and creating a listing on Airbnb, there are several factors to consider.
Short-term rental laws vary from state to state and even city to city, so you need to research your area’s local laws and regulations to make sure using your boat as an Airbnb is legal. Contact your local government to determine whether you need to obtain specific licenses and permits to comply with all the necessary regulations.
And keep in mind that you’ll have to report the income you get from renting out your boat or yacht on Airbnb in your taxes. It’s also essential to have the right insurance coverage to protect you and your guests in case of any accidents and damages.
Prepare Your Boat for Airbnb
Make your boat guest-ready and do your best to create an inviting atmosphere where travelers will feel comfortable and welcome. Ensure your boat is clean, safe, and has all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. Guests will expect basic amenities like electricity, running water, cooking utensils, linens, and a bathroom or a shower. Other amenities like a dining table or WiFi are desirable.
You must also ensure that your boat is well-maintained and has all the necessary safety equipment. Ensure you have enough life jackets for all guests and equip your boat with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and a well-stocked first kit.
Create a Listing for Your Airbnb Boat Rental
Once you have prepared your boat for welcoming guests, it’s time to create a listing. It’s your opportunity to showcase your unique property and attract potential guests. You should provide a detailed description of what your boat has to offer and highlight all the amenities.
Add high-quality pictures of your boat to showcase its unique features. Include clear house rules, check-in and check-out instructions, and safety guidelines, and specify your cancellation policy.
Set competitive prices for your Airbnb boat rental. Research other listings that offer boat rentals in your area to get an idea of the right nightly rate. When setting your prices, you should consider such factors as the size of your boat, amenities you provide, location, and the time of year.
Manage Your Boat Rental
Once your boat is listed on Airbnb, you can start accepting bookings. Respond to all booking requests as fast as possible and stay in touch with your guests using messages to address any concerns they may have or answer any questions.
Moreover, you must proactively communicate with guests during all the customer journey stages to make them feel cared for. Then, they are more likely to leave you 5-star reviews.
Being available to your guests 24/7 isn’t easy, but you can automate all conversations with your guests using vacation rental software like Hospitable, saving you hours. With Hospitable, you can set rules and create a personalized message flow for each guest. This way, you can ensure they always get the necessary information at the right time.
Have conversations with your guests even when you sleep
You’ll also need to take care of regular cleaning and maintenance to provide your guests with a clean and comfortable living space during each turnover. The easiest way to ensure your boat rental is spotless is to delegate this job to professional cleaners. Then, you’ll need to give them a detailed cleaning checklist that they should follow to ensure that your rental is perfect for the next guest.
Boat Rentals That Guests Can Book on Airbnb
Airbnb’s Boats Category offers guests an array of unique stays. Let’s look at some of the listings, so you can better understand what kind of experience guests can have if they dream of an overnight stay on the water.
This renovated barge is located in the heart of the Belfast Marina, right next to the world-famous Titanic Centre, and is only a 10-minute walk away from The Cathedral Quarter with great restaurants and bars.
The houseboat was designed to combine the joy of being close to the water with on-shore comfort and “chic” appeal. It has two bedrooms, a modern kitchenette, and a complete “on-shore” style bathroom and can comfortably accommodate up to four people.
This fully insulated houseboat is docked outside the village of Wakefield on the Gatineau River and can accommodate two guests. It’s a rustic, artisanal, floating tiny house with no hot water, shower, or electricity. The boat has a cozy, airtight woodstove, cooking facilities, and a second-story sleeping loft with a queen-sized bed.
This posh yacht is docked near historic locations and the North End, Boston’s oldest neighborhood. The yacht has two staterooms, each with its bath, a living area, and a small kitchen. Guests can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city by day and return to the Sea Pearl to spend a relaxing evening on the water.
The sailboat “Clementine” is set up as a full-time Airbnb in a slip at Reefpoint Marina, which has amenities like a heated pool with two hot tubs, a ship store, laundry and shower facilities, and a restaurant. The boat has beds for three guests, but the stay is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. It’s a perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Final Thought
Renting out your boat on Airbnb can be an exciting way to earn extra income while providing adventurous travelers unique and memorable experiences. You can turn your boat into a profitable venture in the Airbnb market with proper preparation, creating an appealing listing, and setting the right nightly rates.
