Airbnb For Wannabes?

[Delancey]

Agreed on all points. As far as the J-24 goes, I said for the right price I would consider it but it would have to be pretty cheap.

We have been planning to relocate somewhere south next season and having spent the afternoon looking around we are thinking Airbnb might be a nice way to check out the livaboard scene in a couple different spots we have been thinking about. A couple of the people seem pretty cool based on a lot of glowing reviews. Nice to meet real local people rather than on the internets

[garrobito]

Wach out about airbnd/boat combination.. at least here on the bay area I know a couple sailor were kick out from the marina because they're not allowed to sublease the boat.

[Delancey]

Just an example of what's out there.

65' powerboat on a mooring in Miami that averages out to $150 bucks a night with fees. Includes a dingy and access to a yacht club with a pool and a discount on beach cat rentals. I think it sounds like you get the whole boat to yourself, but I could be wrong on that. Would have to verify.

By comparison the company I used to work for owns a hipster hotel less than a half mile away from where this boat is anchored and they charge more than $300 bucks a night for their crappiest room. I know what those rooms are like. They're not bad and they have room service. They also have view of the parking lot.

[Delancey]

Lot's down in the Florida Keys. I was just looking at listing for an exclusive dockside rental on a Bene 331 in a private marina in Key West for $175 a night with a pool, private beach, wifi, and two kayaks. I would be curious to know what transient marina berths cost around there during peak season. Five bucks a foot? Anyone know?

FWIW the owner's profile says they have been members since 2012 and have over 60 reviews.

[Delancey]

45' houseboat at anchor at Ramrod Key, $120 bucks a night to have it all to yourself. Member since 2013 with 63 reviews, five stars.

[Steadman Uhlich]

I see it as different from chartering.

I think of chartering as: "I hire a boat (and crew) to go sailing."

Whereas I see the BnB concept as: "I spent two nights on a yacht in a wonderful location."

When I lived in San Francisco years ago, I looked into buying a houseboat in one of the famous houseboat communities. Each boat was very different, some with extreme 1970s styling. One I liked was 3 levels, with huge circular windows and domed skylights and very open wood interior. It would have been a very cool place to stay as a guest if one were visiting SF. Some of the yachts in the Bay Area are beautiful old woodies that are historic and would be fun to stay on if one is a sailor and likes the style or traditions.

So, I could see lots of potential for special boats or old boats or big boats or historic boats with or luxury boats without hosts aboard.

And I don't think it has to be seen as a "low cost" stay either.

For example, I would stay on the Maltese Falcon, without expecting it to be low cost.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Delancey,
Thanks for posting the photos.

That view from the large motor yacht is great, and the interior beats suites in most premium hotels!

Very appealing.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Delancey

Um, cheap place to crash at a fixed location that happens to be a boat on a mooring or in a slip vs paying competitive charter rates to use the boat to it's full potential and take it places?

How can you not see the difference in that?

My 35 years of experience is that folks are willing to loan, rent to trade their houses, or be there like Airbnb, but will hesitate big time when it comes to their boats.

Try a search on boat swapping and you'll see.

Good luck, I like the idea of going south to understand snow!