Boat sitting -- making the connections

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by ak08820

While looking for an AirBnB in S. FL I came across boats available for short term stays. For boat sitting, just make it available on AirBnB or equivalent site for an appropriate minimum duration.

Yes, but short-term rental is not the same thing as house/boat sitting. AirBnB is a commercial activity.

[ak08820]

Did you use any house sitting website to find them? Which ones are the best? Could the same sites be used?

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by ak08820

Did you use any house sitting website to find them? Which ones are the best? Could the same sites be used?

I'm exploring whether I can use the same, or a similar, platform. It might be possible just to add a category to existing house sitting sites, just like they have options to select for more unusual animals or locations. But it's also pretty specific, so I'm thinking a dedicated Boat Sitting site might be best.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Yes, but short-term rental is not the same thing as house/boat sitting. AirBnB is a commercial activity.

I’m starting to wonder if you and I are the only people who understand what housesitting and boatsitting is. Lol

Airbnb guests are precisely who I’m trying to keep away from my boat. I’m sure I could make all sorts of money renting it out as an Airbnb. But that money wouldn’t cover the damages those types of people do.

[petesals]

I think a dedicated site would be a great idea. My wife (65) and I (68) from Australia have boat sat for some NZ friends on their 48ft cat over the northern winter over several years, 4 months in Greece, 3 months in Sicily and 3 months in Wales. The owners had the benefit of spending NZ summer/Christmas at home, while we had some fantastic holidays in interesting places in the off season, which is great if you are not a fan of too many people.
We have owned and lived on a couple cruising cats of our own, so we know what to look for and can undertake general maintenance.
I am sure there are owners in need out there and many reputable knowledgable sitters. All we need is for some enterprising young man to put it all together. Best of luck!

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by petesals

I think a dedicated site would be a great idea. My wife (65) and I (68) from Australia have boat sat for some NZ friends on their 48ft cat over the northern winter over several years, 4 months in Greece, 3 months in Sicily and 3 months in Wales. The owners had the benefit of spending NZ summer/Christmas at home, while we had some fantastic holidays in interesting places in the off season, which is great if you are not a fan of too many people.
We have owned and lived on a couple cruising cats of our own, so we know what to look for and can undertake general maintenance.
I am sure there are owners in need out there and many reputable knowledgable sitters. All we need is for some enterprising young man to put it all together. Best of luck!

Thanks PeteSals. Great examples of what we're talking about.