Rent out a Boat as a BnB?

[Max Sail]

I saw a 'Stay overnight in my boat' ad on a BnB website. If your boat doesn't leave the mooring or dock, is it still considered chartering and something that requires a license?

Can you rent out your dockside or moored yacht as a weekend vacation rental or BnB type situation?

Would marinas allow this? Do you see any legal or insurance issues?

[S/V Illusion]

You skipped over a few considerations such as incorporation, business listening, liability, tax implications, etc...
Time to consult an attorney, not some obscure Internet site.

[goboatingnow]

Certainly this side of the pond it would be considered chartering.
Dave

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

You skipped over a few considerations such as incorporation, business listening, liability, tax implications, etc...
Time to consult an attorney, not some obscure Internet site.

An attorney will know nothing about maritime charter regulations . There is no requirement to be incorporated , I would contact the legal department of your national sailing association for advice in the first instance.

Dave

[Teknav]

If it is generating income, you'll need to treat it like any other business; licenses, insurance, permits, taxes, regulations to follow, among others. Good luck!

Mauritz

[Max Sail]

Let me restate this for a more productive discussion...

Does anyone ever rent out their boat as an overnight room for rent at the dock or mooring for side income, or know anyone who does?

Seems to me a moored or docked boat could make a nice BnB or romantic getaway.

Interested in hearing details from anyone whose done this...

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Max Sail

Let me restate this for a more productive discussion...

Does anyone ever rent out their boat as an overnight room for rent at the dock or mooring for side income, or know anyone who does?

Seems to me a moored or docked boat could make a nice BnB or romantic getaway.

Interested in hearing details from anyone whose done this...

Its certainly not common, it may happen , under the radar , but I've never seen it advertised like you propose. I have seen it advertised in one or two countries ,where a large barge was used

I mean would you be present on the boat, is to " self -catering " , the main issue is most people have no idea about the systems on a boat ( toilets , cooking , etc)

Certainly , irrespective of whether the boat moves or not , its chartering , you need to familiarise yourself with the rules that apply in your jurisdiction , after that you the n can look at the legals around business , income taxes etc. fundamentally boats are not the same as houses.

Dave

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Max Sail

I saw a 'Stay overnight in my boat' ad on a BnB website. If your boat doesn't leave the mooring or dock, is it still considered chartering and something that requires a license?

Can you rent out your dockside or moored yacht as a weekend vacation rental or BnB type situation?

Would marinas allow this? Do you see any legal or insurance issues?

Not noticed anyone offering this (on yachts) in these parts.

Do you have the link?

Like most things, I think quite doable, likely is considered as some form of Chartering (rules will vary according to location - but my guess above those for a trailer / caravan!), but that alone does not make it impossible - the question is whether commercially viable (Cost and Time / PITA for the regulations and to make the vessel punter (idiot?!) proof - and whether enuf punters).......usually a good reason why others are not doing something, but not always!, albeit I suspect that this fails on being fully commercially viable - but perhaps for someone who is not overly concerned with generating enough to support a mortgage and 2.2 kids etc, then maybe..........

Who would have seen Yurts as a viable business 20 years ago (turning a tent into a luxury priced experience!)

[tamicatana]

here ya go:

boat and breakfast - Google Search

[monte]

and https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/stay-on-a-boat

[Steve W]

I contacted this company last year and the houseboats they rent do not leave the dock. Sort of a floating condo rental. Might be worth contacting them regarding insurance, regulations, etc. Hope this helps.

HOUSEBOAT RENTALS starting @ $75 per nite

Steve

[Tingum]

I have a friend who rented out a big motor yacht as a B&B for years. It worked fine, he was in Lauderdale. If the folks wanted to pay extra he would take them for a ride, otherwise it was just a hotel room.

[Sylenos]

Renting houseboats and smaller yachts for a night, weekend or a week-long is common business in Lake Ozarks MO, USA. Or it was last year when I was there.

[nimblemotors]

I asked a similiar question, for the sfbay, and the common accepted wisdom was a marina does not allow it in their normal agreement. You would need special permission and insurance, etc, which may be quite expense making the financial aspect of it not what it first appears. So the rates charged would likely need to be much higher.

[hellosailor]

max, you might want to check out the many articles on airbnb and similar companies and how thehy, and their members, have had problems.

If your marina allows commercial use. And your locality doesn't require a business license or hotel license along with "hotel" taxes. And your insurer doesn't require you to have commercial insurance to match your commercial use of the vessel. And if you remove the engine and sails, so it is now a "house" (under the new supreme court ruling) rather than a self-propelled vessel.

Or you can try to dodge all that and fly under the radar, which works well unless someone slips in the companionway and sues you, or the marina throws you out for violating their rules. Some folks don't worry about that stuff, they just pocket the money and do it. Take your choice, business or casual.

And make sure you charge enough to unclog the head and change the sheets.