making money with a sailboat

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

How to earn money while you sail

• Katy Stickland
• July 20, 2020

Ever dreamed of giving up the rat race and working remotely from the deck of your yacht? Elena Manighetti and Ryan Osborne explain how they earn an income from their laptops while cruising full time

Elena tends to work in the saloon. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

We’d spent months soul searching, thinking of ways to quit the rat race but still make enough money to live more adventurous lives, writes Elena Manighetti .

In the summer of 2016, on holiday, Ryan and I found ourselves on a beautiful beach in Mallorca.

Suddenly, the answer to our questions was right in front of us: a charming yacht anchored in the bay.

Elena and Ryan have now sold their Heavenly Twins 26 and are exploring the Caribbean on a Tayana 37. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

On that day, we promised each other we’d look into the possibility of going cruising and earning money while sailing.

We spent the next few months reading cruising magazines, looking at boats for sale and devouring sailing-related books.

Exactly a year later, in May 2017, we cast off the lines and started living our dream.

Living the nomad lifestyle and still be able to earn money

We’d heard the buzzwords ‘digital nomad’ before but had never thought much of it.

As soon as we looked into the phenomenon, we realised that any laptop-based freelance job could be done remotely.

We grew more and more confident that cruising while young, on a low budget, working along the way ‘Pardey style’ was a very real possibility.

Lin and Larry Pardey have written 12 books at sea

Lin and Larry Pardey led the very same lifestyle from the 1970s onwards, sailing around the world while earning a living in different ports through writing.

They didn’t have it easy back then – they had to find work in each country, fill in the paperwork, wait months at a time to cash in their cheques and post off hundreds of pages of their precious work in foreign post offices.

This remarkable couple is just one example of the working cruising community.

All over the world, there are average people leading normal lives on the water while making a livelihood – from delivery captains and social media managers, to handymen and accountants.

While sailing in Western Europe, Ryan and I met other working cruisers who were earning enough money to follow their dreams.

Ryan edits the couple’s YouTube videos. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

They were either finding employment in new countries for a few months a year onshore as builders, acupuncturists and dentists or they were working from their boats as writers, beauticians and web developers.

Some lived frugally off passive income, such as renting their home.

Today’s technological advancements make this lifestyle even more achievable.

This means it’s possible to work on the go, even while underway, rather than having to stop in a specific port when money runs low.

It’s a huge advantage and makes life on board much easier.

With housing prices rising steadily, remote jobs becoming easier to obtain, the growing phenomenon of minimalism and the huge popularity of YouTube sailing channels, we believe more and more young people and families will soon move on to the water.

Buying the boat

When we started searching for the perfect boat, we didn’t have a big budget.

A little research showed it didn’t matter – there were sturdy, well-built glassfibre boats from the ’70s and ’80s sitting on mooring buoys or parked in boatyards all over the UK, waiting to be loved again.

We initially looked at a mix of monohulls and catamarans – Westerlies, Prouts, Contessas, and Heavenly Twins.

One of the advantages of a small catamaran is being able to beach it to dry out. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

Eventually, we settled on our Heavenly Twins 26 catamaran, Kittiwake .

The space, comfort, and downwind performance this little boat offered were incomparable with monohulls of the same price (under £10K).

We especially liked the safe centre cockpit, the shallow draft, the seaworthy low profile and the small rig.

It was the perfect first boat for a couple learning to sail.

Setting up our freelance jobs

Although we saved enough money to sustain ourselves for a year and set a contingency fund aside, I hated the idea of setting off on our cruise without an income.

Five months before our departure date, I started looking for potential clients.

Hunting for work in my field as a content marketer made things easier – I could use my experience, personal connections, and LinkedIn.

Three months later I had two fixed clients and I was earning a modest second salary (enough to pay the bills), so I quit my day job.

The couple’s solar panels total 560W giving them plenty of power for their laptops and mobiles. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

The time spent building my business on shore was worth every weekend I worked. It meant I had a fairly reliable income.

On the other hand, Ryan, being a civil engineer, had to reinvent himself.

He had a passion for design, so taught himself to code.

Now he takes on web design and practical boat work projects.

He also edits the videos we produce – tips and tricks vlogs, as well as episodes about our sailing adventures – which we publish on YouTube to earn extra money.

Building the ‘ Sailing Kittiwake ’ brand through our YouTube channel and blog has also helped us find more writing and design work.

We believe the best way to build a steady income is to set up a number of streams of revenue.

This way, should a client drop out or not pay on time, money is still coming in.

Learning to love anchoring

Living at anchor was always our plan, so we prepared ourselves and the boat for it and we got used to it from day one.

We’re almost completely independent from shore – the only things we need are food and water.

We have plenty of solar panels (560W), we can get online through our phones and we enjoy showers on board.

Anchoring for long periods gives the couple time to work online using mobile data. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

If we wanted to, we could provision, stock up on water and live at anchor for a month without going ashore.

We don’t feel living on the hook is at all a sacrifice.

We enjoy all aspects of it: privacy, the views, swimming and exploring in the dinghy.

The key to learning to love anchoring is doing it often so it becomes the norm.

Getting online

We predominantly use our mobile phones as hotspots and occasionally go to shore to use WiFi if we suffer from cabin fever.

A 4G mobile connection with good signal is generally faster than a standard public WiFi .

This means that even uploading big files, such as videos, is much faster (about a tenth of the time) on a mobile network.

For this reason, we choose to invest in mobile data packages rather than multiple drinks out at a café.

A WiFi booster helps you make the most of the signal from shore

It’s more cost efficient and we feel far more productive in a quiet anchorage than in a busy beach bar.

We own and use a total of four SIM cards from different countries at the moment.

Next year we plan to work more underway during our off-watches so we can have more free time at anchor.

As most of our sailing is coastal, we often have good reception.

With a dry centre cockpit and no heeling, it’s easy to work from a laptop.

Adapting to the liveaboard lifestyle

Our change from landlubbers to cruisers was a gradual one.

We lived on and off the boat since we bought it.

Once we set off, it was easy to adapt to our brand new lives, also thanks to the research we did before hand.

We’ve had a couple of wobbles since leaving Falmouth.

Being able to creep into shallow water has opening up many more anchorages. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

We found ourselves in a storm in the Isles of Scilly , where we had to relay a Mayday call for a vessel that was sinking nearby.

We also learned the hard way that fishing boats rarely respect collision regulations by very nearly colliding with one.

These lessons have proved invaluable.

We’re grateful we’ve come out of some difficult situations unscathed and wiser.

Earning money while you cruise

Working remotely from a sailboat means meetings become Skype calls, updates turn into online chats and briefs into emails.

Communication might be slightly delayed due to a potential time difference, so it’s best to look for flexible clients and seek projects that aren’t very urgent.

Passage planning needs to take work into account too.

Having to earn money while sailing can be challenging at times.

We sometimes can’t take advantage of a good weather window due to an impending deadline.

A sold tender that was easy to row was invaluable for work breaks. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

The other limitation we have is that we aren’t confident venturing to less-populated areas in case the mobile networks are weak and sparse.

We aren’t planning any ocean passages yet either, but if we do we’ll have to discuss time away with our clients.

When work is stressful, sitting in a small space can feel suffocating.

If we start showing signs of burnout, we go for a row in the dinghy or a walk ashore.

Worth the sacrifices

Elena Manighetti is a marketer, writer and vlogger who is sailing longterm with her partner Ryan. Credit: Sailing Kittiwake

While we recognise we have some limitations, we feel that working keeps us busy, active, and focused.

It may slow us down from time to time but it means we have a chance to get to know places and people better.

Working while cruising is ultimately the only reason why we can afford to live on a sailboat.

We believe the effort and compromises involved are definitely worth the slower pace of life, the sight of dolphins playing with our bows, the sundowners shared with likeminded cruisers and the freshly caught fish eaten in front of a beautiful sunset.

To follow Elena and Ryan’s adventures, visit: sailingkittiwake.com and youtube.com/c/sailingkittiwake

Get online at anchor

There are a number of ways to connect to the internet from a yacht…

• Use your mobile contract’s data allowance or buy an international top-up and use the phone as hotspot.
• Purchase local mobile SIM cards or dongles with good data packages to use as hotspots.
• Install a WiFi booster on your mast to catch networks from shore.
• Purchase a Fi-ready phone to use Google’s Project Fi to use one SIM card to access the internet worldwide.
• Or, try an Apple SIM card to buy local mobile data packages around the world from your iPad.
• If you’re new to working online, visit the Digital Nomad Community website to find helpful resources and connect with other nomadic workers. You can also join the Global Digital Nomad Network group on Facebook , where members often share useful articles and job openings.

Anchoring long term

• Set up a powerful electrical supply. Our solar panels total 560W and the batteries have 225A hours of storage. This allows us to run nav instruments, a small fridge and the autopilot , plus charge laptops, mobiles and cameras.
• Work out how to get water reliably using apps like OpenSeaMap to find sources on shore, or get a watermaker.
• Invest in an oversized anchor for a good night’s sleep. We use a 22kg Manson Supreme with 35m of 8mm chain and 50m of 14mm nylon rode.
• Fit a bright anchor light coupled with a cockpit light to avoid potential collisions with other boats motoring around an anchorage in the dark.
• Buy a dinghy that’s easy to store, launch and row. We have an 8ft Walker Bay which is light and great to row.

Jobs to work remotely from your boat

• Freelance writer or journalist
• Digital marketer
• Web or graphic designer
• Virtual assistant
• Language tutor
• Running an online shop
 or affiliate marketing
• Photographer of videographer
• Consultant in your field
• Social media manager
• Affiliate marketer
• Canvas work tailor
• Boat maintenance contractor
• Sailing instructor

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

How to get paid to go sailing – 5 different options for living the dream

• Elaine Bunting
• March 26, 2019

If you quit your job, could your skills pay for you to go sailing round the world? Elaine Bunting and Terysa Vanderloo explain how it can be done

This is the life... but how can you make a living off it? Photo: Amory Ross

Imagine escaping the daily routine of work, the long commute, the corporate life, the grey skies… What if you were paid to go sailing, or paid while you were sailing? Is that an impossible dream? Not any more.

A wave of people are turning their backs on traditional, linear careers and the long wait for financial freedom to take a break or go sailing indefinitely. They have decided to downsize, go travelling, perhaps volunteering, and live a simpler, freer life. But they are quite different to the impecunious sailing nomads of the 1960s and 1970s. These highly educated professionals are cruising in comparative comfort.

If you’re smart – and most of these thirtysomething and fortysomething digital natives are smart and skilled – life on board can be turned into a robust business model, one that offers quality family time, a better work/life balance, and maybe a more meaningful existence into the bargain.

If your aim is mainly to get a fat executive salary for being on a yacht you can get that too – join the superyacht industry. But make no mistake: that route is hard work with long hours and can be extremely limiting; you never get to make the important decisions about where you go or when.

So, for the purposes of this feature, we’re assuming ‘paid to go sailing’ means being master and commander of your own yacht, going where you please and (more or less) when you fancy.

Elayna Carausu (above) and her partner Riley Whitelum (below) have built up a huge following with their Sailing La Vagabonde lifestyle videos

Start a sailing vlog

The means of making money while cruising have diversified in recent years thanks principally to the rise of remote or agile working, and the success of fund-me platforms.

Creative work is being revalued via new platforms. If you haven’t yet explored Patreon , take a look. This is the principal fund-me platform being used by cruisers, and the most popular product is YouTube video logs or podcasts. Creators invite donors to pay according to a tiered structure – larger donations for some exclusive merchandise and engagement.

Some creators have established huge followings and make a surprisingly good living. One of the earliest and best of these is Sailing SV Delos , a core group of four very media-savvy people cruising on an Amel Super Maramu. They make nearly $14,000 a video from 1,800 paying donors, and can create up to four episodes a month.

Sailing La Vagabonde is another now famous vlog channel. Riley Whitelum’s and Elayna Carausu’s travel and lifestyle videos have a huge following and, with 1,800 paying patrons, they earn just shy of $10,000 per episode. They recently got a new yacht by leasing a new Outremer catamaran – this is a serious business.

Running your own sailing vlog isn’t all fun and games

These famous vloggers have spawned around 400 copycat channels, and some of these younger vloggers have serious financial commitments including hefty marine mortgages.

Video documentaries can pay, but it takes a long time to build up a following, requires a solid understanding of social media and intensive daily work on engagement – and it helps if you are young, fit and look spectacular in a bikini! A thick skin helps too – some online commentators are unkind.

As carefree as these videos might look, this can turn into a full-time job: the ‘adventures’ need storyboarding, shooting and a huge amount of editing time. If the episodes are frequent, you are also tied regularly to locations with good wi-fi/bandwidth.

Fund-me platforms are beginning to rejuvenate all kinds of creative art that digital media previously decimated. Patreon’s high earning ideas range from craft videos to a daily newsletter inspired by the Bible, and a US political podcast.

Perhaps some of your knowledge or work skills could be transferrable to an onboard life. Are you a teacher, a translator, a business coach, a designer or illustrator? Those skills can be marketed. Or you could work freelance to pay the bills.

Escape the 9-5: how to sail across the Atlantic (when you can’t quit your job)

Do you really need to stop work or take months off to make a transatlantic crossing? What if you can’t…

Sailing away: how to turn dreams into a successful family circumnavigation

This is part two of the Craven family’s story – read part one here. We approached Cocos Keeling at first…

Generally, the more freedom and free time you’re after, the lower the potential income. But it can be possible to earn enough money to go sailing, and enjoy it.

Some of those we interviewed admit they work harder than they did in their old desk job, and for less money, but had much greater fulfillment and satisfaction. It’s important to weigh that up, too.

The revolution in working from home has opened up many new opportunities at every point in our careers. The question is: are you ready to disrupt your life?

Are you prepared to take the plunge? Photo: Kristi Wilson

One couple who did just that are Tasha and Ryan Hacker . In 2015 they sold their education business and purchased a new Fontaine Pajot Helia 44, which they named Cheeky Monkey . They picked up their new cruising boat in La Rochelle, France, and over the next 18 months sailed her across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, through the Panama canal, and then to French Polynesia.

Tasha turned to film-making and started a YouTube channel called Chase the Story . Although she had no prior experience as a film-maker, she had a number of transferrable skills such as marketing and communication which allowed her to swiftly grow her audience and increase exposure.

Tasha had three main revenue streams: YouTube (via Google AdWords, and Patreon), which earned anywhere from $200 to $3,000 per month; writing, which earned between $250 and $1,000 per piece in popular magazines; and earnings from investments made following the sale of their company.

Tasha and Ryan Hacker fund their cruising lifestyle aboard Cheeky Monkey with work in creative media. Photo: Kristi Wilson

For Tasha the motivation for turning to film-making was not simply to fund their cruising lifestyle:

“I enjoy having a creative or professional incentive to keep my mind busy, active and sharp.” Being a YouTuber provided that discipline, while allowing her creative side to flourish.

However, there were compromises, such as the constant need to find good internet connections.

For those considering turning to YouTube or writing to fund an alternative lifestyle, Tasha has some advice: “If you love writing or film-making, and then publish them online, the money will follow and it won’t seem like a burden or a chore. But if the primary motivation is money, and you don’t love the creative process – as in, you don’t love sitting in front of a computer for hours on end while in a beautiful harbour – it will be a very difficult way to fund your cruising. It takes a long time to build an audience, and the love is what keeps you going even when the money isn’t coming in.”

Petter and Octavia Bergman live aboard their Hunter 44DS and write about their adventures on svbellamarina.com

Work from onboard

Petter and Octavia Bergman took a sailing class 14 years ago and instantly fell in love with the sport. Soon after they bought their liveaboard boat, a Hunter 44DS SV Bella Marina . They subsequently took a one-year sabbatical to cruise the Pacific coast of the USA and Mexico before settling in Silicon Valley. However, they desperately missed the cruising lifestyle, and immediately began formulating a plan that would allow them to combine their successful careers in technology with cruising.

While Octavia returned to work as a software executive and Petter did contract work building software products, they began to develop their own idea for a business that they could run while cruising: boat management software built by boaters for boaters, that they called Quartermaster. They hope in future this will provide enough income to support their lifestyle, but while it’s growing Octavia continues her consultancy work from the boat.

They also have an investment property, which provides rental income. They find that their monthly income varies greatly between $1,000 per month, to $10,000
per month, depending on the consulting engagements Octavia takes on.

For the past two years they have combined working remotely and running their business with cruising, and are currently in Hawaii preparing for a passage to the South Pacific. Octavia compares it favourably to their “old corporate work-life balance, which was non-existent”, but says that working requires them to stay in certain places for longer as they are dependent on accessing good internet.

Petter and Octavia also find they have less time for fun activities and boat maintenance compared with other non-working cruisers. But they strongly believe that despite the drawbacks, they have made the right decision.

“This lifestyle allows us to be cruising and travelling and enjoying beautiful sunsets and clear waters before being retired.

“Alternative lifestyles are becoming acceptable both in society and the workplace. We are all connected and there is internet on every rock out there. Why not take advantage of it?”

Mia Karlsson and Andy Schell take time out on a tiny island off St Thomas

Set up a part-time sailing business

American Andy Schell and Mia Karlsson, his Swedish wife, both in their thirties, decided to make their business fit the lifestyle they want. They run adventure charters, with a particular emphasis on passing on their expertise and love of the sea, and Andy has a large following for his regular podcast ‘On the Wind’.

“We take paying crew on offshore sailing passages
on our 1972 S&S Swan 48 Isbjörn . Each season consists
of an offshore passage calendar that we publish on 59-north.com , usually two years in advance, so we get to decide when and where we sail. This amounts to about 10,000 ocean miles per year over the course of about ten passages, each about 7-21 days,” explains Andy.

“We set out with a few goals: make a business where work doesn’t feel like ‘work’; earn enough to be happy, but never make it purely about money; live a simple, inexpensive lifestyle; and have the free time to pursue personal passions and spend quality time with family and friends.

“Ours is a ‘lifestyle’ business for sure – nobody’s getting rich doing it, and it’s not scalable in the same way a tech business is. I want to spend my life doing what I love, so instead of working in a job just to make money, then retire and pursue that passion, I’m skipping the middle part and making a living through sailing.

“We started the business plan backwards, in a way: there is lots of research that suggests happiness increases as income increases, but only up to about $70,000 per family per year.

Isbjörn and crew driving north from Fair Isle to Shetland

“So we used that as a target number, and tried to figure out how few passages we’d need to run to hit that number as profit, leaving a little margin for unsold bunks, unforeseen maintenance, etc.

“We bought a 45-year-old boat, and have replaced basically every bolt-on system. We got the boat relatively cheap – $130,000 – and since have put in at least $150,000 more on refit items. But, come this spring when she launches after a big nine-month layup and refit, she will essentially be brand-new from a systems standpoint, and we’ve got an all-time great ocean sailing boat, fully out fitted exactly as we want her, for $300,000.

“On the income side, we’ve ended up doing better than that initial $70,000 a year projection. In addition to the passages we offer, I host a popular podcast called ‘On the Wind,’ that makes its own revenue through sponsorships and donations (and, accidentally, is our primary marketing outlet; we estimate that about 75 per cent of our paying crew are fans of the podcast first). And, we host a few workshops in the fall in Annapolis, plus write the occasional article for magazines.

“All told, we make just under $200,000 a year, though with the huge refit expenses on the boat, we’ve only cleared about $40,000 in profit in 2016 and 2017. But that profit will certainly grow.

“We budget about $40,000 a year for maintenance, insurance, berthing fees etc. In addition, we have a fund for new sails every 50-60,000 miles, or five to six years, which total $25,000, but the back-end of the business has very low expenses, as everything is paperless and cloud-based, and we have no physical office.

“Ironically, sailing as a living is not really freedom – yes, we’re free to choose where and when we sail, but once we commit, we’re stuck to that plan. The freedom part comes in actually when we’re not on the boat. In our off season, besides running the back-end of the business and producing my podcast, we’re free to do what we want and have tons of free time.

“What scares me most is having a family. When we do have kids, I won’t want to go offshore anymore. We’ll have to take turns on the boat. But our passion has been shared from the start with us, so we’re optimistic.”

Matt and Lucy Wilcox aboard their Lagoon 380 S2 Independence

Freelance from your boat

Matt and Lucy Wilcox have been sailing for 14 years. Two years ago they bought a 2005 Lagoon 380 to cruise the US East Coast and the Bahamas.

The plan was to live off savings, then head back to work, but when the time came to return to their land-based lives they found they couldn’t give up their cruising lifestyle aboard Independence so instead made the transition to becoming digital nomads.

Lucy had previously worked for a university, teaching courses online, and secured a similar job teaching English online to Chinese students. Matt, meanwhile, freelances as a photographer and graphic designer, bidding for work using freelancing websites. Additionally, they are both cruising editors and photographers for the Bahamas Waterways Guide, and both undertake freelance writing work. This results in a 20-hour working week for each of them, with a combined income of US$2,400 per month.

Lack of mobile phone service can sometimes mean that certain areas can’t be explored as much as they would otherwise wish. Additionally, passage plans have to take into account Lucy’s online classes, which start at 0500.

During their two days off per week, they move the boat to another location, explore or simply relax. When they have the time and inclination, particularly if they are port-bound due to poor weather, they are able to increase their workload. When they are busy sailing, doing boat work, or have poor phone service, they are able to drop down their workload.

Lucy says: “Working part-time while cruising has actually brought more satisfaction and balance to our lives. We earn about 25 per cent of our land-based earnings, but we’ve never felt more successful. Working and cruising has been a win-win for us.”

Rubicon 3’s yachts include Oriole (foreground) and Hummingbird

Start a full-time sailing business

Bruce Jacobs and Rachael Sprot decided to make sailing their business when they set up Rubicon 3 . The business partners now have three yachts. This is a great example of the small but growing number of very professional, targeted, social-savvy adventure sailing businesses.

“Rachael and myself come from very different backgrounds. She is the daughter of a professional sailor and has worked as a sailor all her professional life. I spent 12 years in industry, working in marketing and product development,” says Jacobs.

“In 2012, we heard that Hummingbird ( Blackadder , as she then was) was being sold by Clipper Ventures and begged and borrowed to buy her.

“I knew without doubt that we could outmarket the rest of the industry. But getting the customers was only half the battle.

“For five years now, neither of us has worked less than a 60-hour week and it is often far higher than that. This is partly because we are also committed to building a new type of sailing company that gives professional sailors proper training, pay and job security.”

Rachael Sprot at the office, helming one of the business’s yachts, Hummingbird

The work-life balance is something that should concern anyone thinking of making a leap to a sailing business from another career, thinks Jacobs.

“We sailed almost non-stop for the first two years, and actually it was pretty tough with family life as I was newly married and had a new baby. But now we skipper probably two trips a year as the admin and management side has become a full time job for both of us.

“When you are self-employed the work/life balance is different. There is far less ‘free’ time than before but there’s also far more motivation and satisfaction.”

As for the money, he says: “We spent five years paying ourselves very little (nothing at the start) so there is quite a bit of catching up to do. We pay ourselves enough now to pay the rent and bills, and that is fine. Any spare goes back into the business.

“I would urge huge caution to anyone thinking of trading in their current situation for something quite different. It’s easy to find a hobby is not the same as spending every day of your life doing it, and what may have been a real love can become a chore. Sailing is a very badly paid industry and while it can be a lovely thing to do for a while, it is a rare person who makes a long term living from it.

“My advice is to plan a career. How will you progress? What skills will you need to learn, what courses will you need to take, where will you be in 20 years from now? If you can’t answer that or don’t like the answer it may be better to keep sailing as your hobby.”

Turn Your Sailing Passion into Profit: Exploring Ways to Make Money While Sailing

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sailing is a popular form of adventure and leisure activity that has been gaining popularity as a means of earning money. With the rise of digital nomads and the desire for a more unconventional lifestyle, many people are seeking ways to make a living while sailing. In this blog post, we will explore different ways in which individuals can earn money while sailing.

Sailing offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure, and the idea of earning money while exploring the world is becoming more and more appealing to individuals seeking a more flexible lifestyle. With the right mindset and the right tools, anyone can turn their sailing adventures into a source of income. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to make money while sailing.

In this blog post, we’ll cover a variety of ways in which individuals can earn money while sailing or again how to make money with your sailboat. From offering charter services and selling merchandise , to teaching sailing and creating content for YouTube and social media , we’ll explore different ways to turn your passion for sailing into a source of income. So, whether you’re an aspiring sailor or an experienced sailor looking for new opportunities, this blog post is for you.

Sailing as a Charter Service

One of the most popular ways to earn money while sailing is by offering charter services. This involves renting out your boat to individuals or groups for a fee, allowing them to experience the joys of sailing without having to own a boat themselves.

To start a charter business, you’ll need to obtain a captain’s license and ensure that your boat is properly insured. You’ll also need to consider the type of boat you’ll be using for your charter business, as well as the sailing destinations you’ll be offering. Popular sailing destinations for charter services include the Caribbean , the Mediterranean , and the Pacific .

When setting up a charter business, it’s important to create a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your services. You can use social media, online directories, and word of mouth to attract potential customers. To stand out from the competition, consider offering special packages and promotions, as well as ensuring that your boat is well-maintained and equipped with the latest safety features.

In addition to earning money through charter services, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people and experience new destinations. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, offering charter services can be a lucrative and fulfilling way to make a living while sailing.

Selling Merchandise

Another way to earn money while sailing is by selling merchandise. This can include anything from branded T-shirts, hats, and stickers to nautical-themed home decor items. The key is to create unique and high-quality merchandise that appeals to your target market – sailing enthusiasts and those interested in a nautical lifestyle.

To start selling merchandise, you’ll need to set up an online store, such as on platforms like Shopify or Etsy. You can also sell merchandise through your own website, using an e-commerce platform like WooCommerce or Magento.

Once you’ve set up your online store, it’s important to promote your merchandise through social media, sailing forums, and other online communities. You can also consider collaborating with sailing influencers and bloggers to reach a wider audience.

When creating merchandise, it’s important to consider the design, quality, and price point. Ensure that your designs are unique and eye-catching, and that the products are made from high-quality materials. By offering a variety of products at different price points, you can appeal to a wider audience and increase your sales.

Selling merchandise can be a fun and profitable way to earn money while sailing. Whether you’re creating your own designs or sourcing products from suppliers, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your love for sailing into a thriving business.

Teaching Sailing

For those with sailing experience and a passion for sharing their knowledge, teaching sailing can be a lucrative way to earn money while sailing. Whether you’re teaching individuals or groups, offering sailing lessons can be a fulfilling and profitable venture.

To start teaching sailing, you’ll need to obtain a sailing instructor certification and ensure that you have the necessary liability insurance. You’ll also need to consider the type of sailing lessons you’ll be offering, such as beginner sailing lessons, advanced sailing lessons, or courses on a specific aspect of sailing.

When promoting your sailing lessons, it’s important to target individuals and organizations that are interested in sailing. You can use social media, online directories, and sailing forums to reach potential clients. To stand out from the competition, consider offering special packages and promotions, as well as ensuring that your sailing lessons are well-structured and engaging.

In addition to earning money, teaching sailing offers the opportunity to share your passion for sailing with others and make a positive impact on their lives. Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced sailors, you can use your sailing knowledge and experience to inspire and guide others on their sailing journey.

In conclusion, teaching sailing can be a fun and profitable way to earn money while sailing. By offering high-quality sailing lessons and targeting the right audience, you can turn your passion for sailing into a thriving business.

YouTube and Social Media

In today’s digital age, YouTube and social media platforms offer a wealth of opportunities for earning money while sailing. By creating and sharing engaging content that showcases your sailing adventures, you can build a following and monetize your channel or page through advertising and sponsored content.

To start a successful YouTube channel or social media page, it’s important to have a clear strategy and niche. Whether you’re focused on sailing tips, adventure sailing, or documenting your sailing lifestyle, your content should be unique and appealing to your target audience.

In addition to creating engaging content, it’s important to promote your channel or page through social media, sailing forums, and other online communities. You can also collaborate with other sailing influencers and bloggers to reach a wider audience.

When monetizing your channel or page, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations for monetization on each platform. For example, on YouTube, you’ll need to have a minimum of 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time to be eligible for monetization. On social media platforms like Instagram, you can monetize your page through sponsored posts and brand collaborations.

YouTube and social media can be a fun and profitable way to earn money while sailing. By creating engaging content and building a following, you can turn your sailing adventures into a thriving business.

Answers Provided for Further Questions About Earning Money Through Sailing

Pros and cons of making money while sailing.

Pros of Making Money While Sailing:

• Location Independence: Making money while sailing allows you to earn an income while traveling and exploring new locations.
• Combining Passions : Combining your love for sailing with a means of earning money can be fulfilling and satisfying.
• Flexibility : Many of the ways to make money while sailing, such as teaching sailing or selling merchandise, offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and work-life balance.
• Potential for Growth : By building a successful business or brand in the sailing industry, there is potential for significant growth and financial success.
• Building a Community : Through your sailing business or content creation, you can build a community of like-minded individuals and create new relationships and opportunities.

Cons of Making Money While Sailing:

• Start-Up Costs : Starting a business or becoming a sailing instructor can come with significant start-up costs, such as obtaining certifications, purchasing equipment, and obtaining liability insurance.
• Competition : There is a lot of competition in the sailing industry, and it can be difficult to stand out and attract customers.
• Seasonal Fluctuations : Some businesses, such as charter services, may experience fluctuations in demand based on the season.
• Technical Requirements : Creating a successful YouTube channel or social media page requires a certain level of technical expertise and a strong understanding of the platform’s rules and regulations.
• Physical Demands : Sailing can be physically demanding, and combining it with work can be challenging for some individuals.

In conclusion, making money while sailing offers a unique combination of location independence, fulfilment, and financial success, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. Careful consideration of the pros and cons is important for anyone looking to turn their sailing passion into a profitable venture.

Can sailing be a career?

Yes, sailing can be a career. There are many opportunities to work in the sailing industry, including working as a professional sailor, instructor, charter service provider, sailing tour operator, yacht designer or builder, and many others. Additionally, sailing can also serve as the foundation for a career in photography, videography, or journalism by creating and sharing content about sailing adventures and experiences. However, starting a career in sailing requires significant dedication, hard work, and often specialized training and certifications. Whether it’s working as a crew member, starting a sailing business, or pursuing a career in the sailing media industry, there is a lot of potential for a successful and fulfilling career in sailing.

At what age do people stop sailing?

There is no specific age at which people stop sailing. Some individuals may continue to sail well into their retirement years, while others may stop due to health reasons or other factors. The age at which people stop sailing varies greatly and is largely dependent on individual circumstances and personal preferences. Some people continue sailing even in their 80s and 90s, while others may choose to retire from sailing at an earlier age. Ultimately, the decision to stop sailing is a personal one and will depend on factors such as physical ability, financial resources, and personal interests.

What is the salary of a sailor?

The salary of a sailor can vary widely based on several factors such as experience, job type, and employer. Here are a few examples:

• Merchant Sailor: Merchant sailors work on cargo ships and can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per year.
• Yacht Sailor: Yacht sailors working on private or charter yachts can earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the size of the yacht and the level of experience.
• Racing Sailor: Professional racing sailors can earn salaries ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on the level of competition and success.
• Naval Sailor: Naval sailors in the U.S. military can earn a starting salary of $18,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.
• Sailing Instructor: Sailing instructors can earn salaries ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the level of experience, location, and type of instruction offered.

These are just a few examples, and actual salaries will vary widely based on individual circumstances and the specific job or role. It’s important to note that sailing jobs can often involve long hours and time away from home, so it’s important to consider these factors when evaluating salary expectations.

How much does a sailing crew make?

The salary of a sailing crew member can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the type of sailing, the size of the vessel, the level of experience, and the length of the voyage. Here are a few examples:

• Merchant Sailor: Merchant sailors working on cargo ships can earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per year.
• Yacht Sailor: Yacht sailors working on private or charter yachts can earn daily wages ranging from $150 to $300, with experienced crew members earning the higher end of the range.
• Racing Sailor: Professional racing sailors can earn daily wages ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the level of competition and success.
• Sailing Instructor: Sailing instructors working on sailing schools or as crew members on instructional voyages can earn daily wages ranging from $100 to $200.

Is living on a sailboat realistic?

Living on a sailboat can be a realistic lifestyle choice for some individuals, but it is not for everyone. There are pros and cons to this type of lifestyle, and it is important to consider all factors before making a decision.

• Low cost of living: Living on a sailboat can be significantly less expensive than living in a traditional home, as expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, and property taxes are eliminated.
• Freedom and adventure: Living on a sailboat offers the opportunity for adventure and a change of scenery, as the vessel can be taken to different ports and anchorages.
• Simplicity and self-sufficiency: Living on a sailboat can simplify life, as living space is limited and individuals must be self-sufficient.
• Limited space: Living on a sailboat can be cramped and cramped, which may not be suitable for individuals who prefer more space.
• Maintenance: Owning and maintaining a sailboat can be time-consuming and expensive, as regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep the vessel seaworthy.
• Uncertainty: Living on a sailboat can be unpredictable and uncertain, as weather, equipment failure, and other factors can cause unexpected challenges and hardships.

In conclusion, living on a sailboat can be a rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle for those who enjoy adventure, simplicity, and self-sufficiency. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider factors such as space, maintenance, and uncertainty before making a decision.

What does sailing do to your body?

Sailing can have both physical and mental benefits for the body. Here are a few examples:

• Physical exercise: Sailing can provide a form of low-impact exercise, as individuals use their muscles to handle lines, steer the vessel, and perform other tasks. This can help to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
• Exposure to fresh air and sunshine: Spending time on a sailboat provides exposure to fresh air and sunshine, which can help to improve mental well-being and boost the immune system.
• Reduced stress: Sailing can be a relaxing and meditative activity that helps to reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Improved balance and coordination: Sailing requires the use of various muscle groups and can help to improve balance and coordination.

However, it’s important to note that sailing can also present physical challenges, such as sunburn, seasickness, and dehydration, especially for those who are not used to being on the water. It’s important to take precautions and seek medical attention if necessary to minimize any adverse effects on the body.

Does sailing build muscle?

Sailing can help to build muscle, particularly in the arms, legs, and core. Handling ropes and lines, trimming sails, and performing other tasks on a sailboat can provide a low-impact workout that targets various muscle groups. Sailing can also improve cardiovascular health and help to burn calories.

However, sailing alone is not likely to build significant muscle mass, as the activity is not as intense as other forms of exercise such as weightlifting or high-intensity interval training. To build significant muscle, a more targeted strength-training program is typically necessary.

In conclusion, sailing can provide a form of physical exercise that can help to build muscle and improve overall fitness, but it should be combined with other forms of exercise to maximize muscle-building potential.

How to get a job on a yacht with no experience?

Getting a job on a yacht with no experience can be a challenging but achievable goal. Here are some steps to help you get started:

• Get certified: Consider obtaining certifications related to yacht operations, such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and First Aid/CPR.
• Build your skills: Work on developing your skills in areas such as sailing, cooking, and customer service, as these are all valuable skills for yacht crew.
• Network: Attend sailing events, boat shows, and other industry events to make connections with yacht owners and crew. Consider joining sailing clubs or online sailing communities to connect with others in the industry.
• Seek entry-level positions: Look for entry-level positions on yachts, such as deckhand, steward/stewardess, or mate, and be willing to start in a support role.
• Be willing to work for free: Consider volunteering or interning on a yacht to gain experience and make connections.
• Stay persistent: Getting a job on a yacht can be a competitive process, so be persistent and continue to develop your skills and network until you find a position that is a good fit.

In conclusion, getting a job on a yacht with no experience requires a combination of education, skills development, networking, and persistence. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of landing a position in the industry.

How to get internet while sailing

There are several options for accessing the internet while sailing, including:

• Satellite internet: A satellite internet connection can provide a reliable and fast connection, even in remote locations, but it can be expensive.
• Cellular data: A cellular data plan, such as a smartphone or a dedicated mobile hotspot device, can provide internet access but the coverage and speed can vary depending on the location.
• Marine Wi-Fi: Some marinas and ports offer Wi-Fi services, which can be accessed when the boat is docked or moored.
• Ham radio: A ham radio can be used for communication and information exchange, but it does not provide internet access.

When choosing an option, factors such as cost, reliability, coverage, and speed should be considered. Additionally, a backup plan, such as a traditional navigation system, should be in place in case of a loss of internet connection.

In conclusion, having access to the internet while sailing can be useful, but choosing the right option and having a backup plan are important to ensure a reliable connection.

Sailing can be a dream lifestyle for many, and with the right strategy, it can also be a profitable venture. Whether you’re offering charter services, selling merchandise, teaching sailing, or creating content on YouTube and social media, there are many opportunities to earn money while sailing.

The key to success is to have a clear strategy, target the right audience, and offer high-quality products and services. By doing so, you can turn your passion for sailing into a thriving business and live the life of your dreams.

In conclusion, sailing can be a fulfilling and profitable adventure, and with the right approach, you can earn money while pursuing your passion for the open seas. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, the opportunities to earn money while sailing are endless.

Steven T. Anderson

Steven Taylor Anderson is an experienced sailor and author who writes for sailingbetter.com. He has been sailing for over 20 years across the USA and has taken several courses to improve his skills. He has also navigated throughout the world on various boats and yachts. His passion for sailing and knowledge of the sport shines through in his writing, making him a respected authority on the subject.

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14 Ways to make money while sailing the world

Updated: Apr 3

When deciding to buy a sailboat and cruise around the world one of the primary factors is money. Some can afford to do it off their savings while others need to find ways to make money along the way. If you're thinking about sailing the world or want to try digital nomad life, here's 14 practical ways you could make money.

This is a topic I've done quite a bit of research on and have experience in as our adventures are all self funded. We aren't trust fund babies (although it would be nice!) and didn't win lotto, instead our cruising kitty is the result of hard and ongoing work, and careful financial decisions,

Freelance Work

Proofreading

Remote Work

Social Media

Dropshipping

Stock Market

Sell Physical Products

Sell Digital Products

Teach English Online

Translation Services

1. Online freelance work

Depending on your skills and what you did prior to boat life there may be opportunities for you to make money online by working as a freelancer. Freelancers work for different companies at different times and often set their own hours and schedules.

There are a huge range of freelance opportunities available online, with everything from blog writing and marketing to accounting, financial planning, legal services and virtual assistants. To figure out what you could do, we've created a guide specifically about becoming a nomadic freelancer .

Some people gain their freelance clients directly through sites like LinkedIn while others go through websites that connect clients with freelancers and handle the payment side of things. Here's a few to get you started.

Freelancer.com

Occasionally you might even come across a job posting from one of your favourite sailing YouTube channels! We've seen them from SV Delos among others.

2. Proofreading documents

An offshoot of freelance work is providing proofreading services, which is easy enough to do while you sail. I've separated it out because there are a huge range of niche areas where proofreaders are wanted, some of which have specific sites dedicated to them. Here's a few examples of proofreading niches you may fit into.

Translations

University assignments and applications

Legal documents

Education and course material

Resumes and job applications

Visa applications

Grant applications

Technical documents

Business plans and presentations

Web copy and marketing materials

3. Consulting

You may have life experiences or expertise that lends itself to consulting. Consultants offer specialist advice and services that are value adding for their clients.

Start by deciding your target market then look at ways to promote your skills online, such as building a website, developing a professional network, advertising your services and reaching out to potential clients. Once you have clients, you'll need a stable internet connection to work with them as it's highly likely that video calls will become part of your daily work. Starlink is a great option for this but if your boat is close to shore a Wi-Fi extender or 4G range booster might be enough.

These are some of the more in demand forms of consulting around.

IT consultanting

Marketing consultanting

Operations consultanting

Financial consultanting

HR consultanting

Compliance consultanting

Social media consultanting

Health and fitness consultanting

4. Remote work

With advances in technology remote work has become a possibility and for some moving aboard a boat means making money by doing the same job just from a floating office instead.

Depending on the employer working remotely can come with some restrictions, such as needing to be online during certain hours or only being able to work from company approved destinations. This can interrupt cruising life so it's important to find a remote position that works with the lifestyle.

5. Social media

Living on a boat is interesting and there are many who share that experience online to make money. One of the main avenues people choose is YouTube.

It's possible to make money off YouTube but it takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Branching out from a YouTube channel, there are multiple opportunities to generate revenue or gain financial benefits.

YouTube Adsense income

Membership platforms like Patreon and Creators Wheelhouse

Sponsorships and corporate deals

Product discounts

Channel merchandise

Keep in mind that your channel doesn't necessarily have to be about sailing, nor do you need to limit yourself to just one channel. If you're curious, you can see what cameras and software we use to film our YouTube videos.

If you enjoy writing then creating a monetised blog from the comfort of your yacht may be of interest. When you set out you'll need to know your niche, choose a platform that works for you and develop a loyal audience by providing quality content. As you build the blog look for ways to integrate different revenue streams.

Advertisements

Affiliate marketing (E.g. Amazon affiliates)

Merchandise

Individual coaching

Sponsored posts

A membership program

Here's a few examples of blogs that have been very profitable for the creators.

Finance Blog - Timothy Sykes

Blogging Advice - SmartBlogger

General Blog - Mashable

Organising Blog - Abby Organizes: Just a Girl and Her Blog

Cooking Blog - Show Me The Yummy

Blogging Advice - Ryan Robinson

Finance Blog - My Wife Quit Her Job

Cooking Blog - Pinch of Yum

Finance Blog - The Savvy Couple

Lifestyle Blog - A Beautiful Mess

Family Travel Blog - It's A Lovely Life

Again the blog doesn't necessarily have to be about sailing, just make sure it's something you're passionate about and spend some time learning about SEO.

7. Dropshipping

If you're business minded then you may be interested in opening an online store. Dropshipping makes it easier for you to do this from a boat.

With dropshipping you sell the products and the order fulfillment process is handled by a third party. Depending on the products you may be shipping them directly from the supplier to a customer, or have products stored at a warehouse run by the fulfillment company.

There are a lot of companies who support dropshipping so you'll need to find out which suits your needs best. Here's a few suggestions to get you started.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Sites like Shopify and Wix can help you create a storefront that the dropshipped products are sold through.

8. Stock market

Investing in the stock market and share trading is a way to make your savings work for you as you sail the world. It isn't something that should be entered into haphazardly, instead take the time to learn about the current state of the market and how to analyse the economy, global events and individual companies. It's also worth learning about trading concepts like dividends, short selling, day trading, charting, types of market trends and types of trades.

Usually a share trading account needs to be opened based on your tax residency and can be done through a bank or share trading platform. Make sure you check who owns the shares if the platform were to go broke and which stock exchanges you can access. As a minimum you'll want access to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq and your currency's major exchange, for example, with the Australian Dollar that's the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

9. Cash jobs

Some people find ways to offer services for cash while sailing. Thinking within yachting and boating, you could offer marine based services if you have skills in that area.

Mechanical servicing

Canvas and upholstery work (Check out my Sailrite review )

Sewing repairs

General maintenance and repairs

Customer cabinetry

Gelcoat repairs

Painting and varnishing

Splicing (I use the Samson Selma Splicing Fids around Liger)

Outside of boating, there are other services you may be able to offer.

Hairdressing

Babysitting

Massage therapy

Fitness classes or coaching

Dog sitting

Boat sitting

Watersports lessons

Music lessons

10. Sell physical products

To get the money coming in you may decide you want to start a business from your boat selling physical products. It would have to be something you enjoy making and you'll need to be willing hustle to try and sell products, especially if you're only planning to sell within the local area. Here's some ideas that could be of interest to potential buyers.

Spice mixes

Soft shackles

Custom clothing

Item printed or customised by a Cricut

Handmade flags

11. Sell digital products

Another way to make money while sailing is to sell digital products online. Your products could be created using skills developed in your previous work life, based on interesting life experiences or a new skill you've gained with the sole purpose of making money.

There are many different forms a digital product can take so here's some ideas to get you started.

Online courses

Downloadable resources

Stock footage, music, sound effects & photos

Digital templates

If you take a look online there are a huge range of places you could sell your digital products. Here's a few suggestions I found after taking a quick look.

Ebook - Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Ebook - Rakuten kobo

Online Courses - Udemy

Online Courses - Skill Share

Downloadable Products - Etsy

Downloadable Products - eBay

Educational Resources - TeachersPayTeachers

Stock Media - Epidemic Sound

Stock Media - Artlist

Stock Media - Shutterstock

Stock Media - Pond5

You could also sell things through your own site. This isn't too hard to do if you use an online store creator like Shopify, Wix, Square Online or Squarespace.

12. Charter

For some people, offering day sails, fishing adventures or multi-day charters is a way to make money using their yacht. This requires a lot of dedication as there are regulatory and insurance requirements to meet, as well as a willingness to open your boat to guests.

Depending on your circumstances you may want to use an agency to help advertise and organise your charters rather than needing to do it all yourself.

13. Teach English Online

Teaching English online or English tutoring is another way you can make money while travelling, especially if you have a British, American, Canadian or Australian accent. Usually it requires a TEFL certificate which you can do online, and some of the higher paying sites also ask for a teaching qualification. There are a few ways to find English teaching work.

Get hired by an online English teaching company

Find clients through freelance sites like UpWork

Join a tutoring or teaching site where clients select you

Offer 1:1 conversational practice for adults

14. Translation services

If you speak more than one language you may be able to work on the go for a translation service or proof read translations. Often the translators main task is to ensure the original meaning of the text hasn't been lost. Some sites accept native speakers while others want some form of qualification or certificate.

As well as general freelance sites like UpWork and Fiverr, you can join translation specific sites, some of which are human focused and some that pair AI with human reviews. Here's a few ideas to start you on your journey.

Translate By Humans

Making money while you sail has its challenges but is well worth it if a life at sea is what you want. Keep in mind that you should stay on top of your tax obligations and there may be visa implications for working in foreign countries. You know your situation best so make sure you're doing what's best for you and your circumstances.

If you have any other ideas please pop them down in the comments, I'd love to read them!

This post features Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, if you use the link to make your purchase we make a commission. It's just a simple and free way you can support the channel.

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5 Smart Ways to Make Money With Your Boat

Sure, we all love a pocket full of cash—but setting economic arguments aside, there’s a great reason for using your boat to make money: in many cases, you’ll get to spend more time on it! And if you’ve spent some time checking out our Boat Maintenance pages , you’ve probably come to realize that allowing a boat to sit unused for extended periods of time isn’t good for it. So, not only will you feel better by making money with your boat (helping to pay off any potential financing or loans you still have remaining), your boat will be better off, too. 

Just how realistic is it to try to make money with a boat? Although in many cases you can’t expect to make a full-time living with it, defraying the cost of the boat and then some is quite doable.

Here are the top five ways people make money with their boats:

• Peer-to-Peer Rentals
• Charter Fishing
• Vending from Your Vessel
• Operating Sight Seeing Tours
• Special Business Opportunities

In the Market for a New Boat? Explore Boat Brands

1. Peer-to-Peer Boat Rentals

Boat sharing and peer-to-peer rental services are probably the fastest, easiest, most realistic way to bring in a few bucks with your boat asap. Like other peer-to-peer services (like Airbnb, for example), those designed for boats like Boatsetter , GetMyBoat , SamBoat , or RentABoat , are platforms you interact with via an app or webpage, where you can sign up to rent your boat to a fellow mariner who’s boatless.

How it Works

• You set the pricing and then the service takes a cut to cover their expenses and insurance.
• When someone applies to rent your boat, you get to choose whether to accept or reject the rental. So you always maintain control of who takes out your pride and joy.
• Then when the appointed date and time arrive, you meet the renters at the dock, show them the boat, hand off the keys, and watch your bank account balance go up.

“Boats need to be utilized in order to keep them in good working order,” notes Jackie Baumgarten, CEO and co-founder of Boatsetter. “Most owners come to us because it allows them to offset the cost of ownership and keep their boats in good working condition. The average owner will book $15,400 over a two-year period, and our top owners make several hundred thousand dollars a year.”

Learn More About Peer-to-Peer Boat Sharing

2. Charter Fishing

If you’re an exceptionally good angler and you have or are willing to get a USCG Captain’s license, as well as any guide’s licenses your state or locality may require, you can offer out your services on your boat and potentially make a bundle. In fact, this is one of the ways some folks make a full-time living on their boat.

You do need to remember that your income will be at the mercy of the weather, how well the fish bite, and mechanical break-downs, and truth be told many charter fishing captains have seasonal work or backup income of one form or another. But speak to any charter fishing captain and they’ll likely all tell you the same thing—that they absolutely love their job.

Learn More About Boat Charters

3. Vending from Your Vessel

You may have to jump through some licensing hoops to satisfy the government-types, but if you live near an area that’s popular with boaters you can turn your own boat into a money-making machine by selling stuff.

Concession stands are the usual move, and you can find boats rigged with freezers that sell ice cream, other that have grills for peddling hot dogs and burgers, and still others that have been rigged with huge livewells to sell live bait.

Aside from figuring out what licenses you may need, the biggest hurdle to making money with this method is usually the seasonal limitations. In most areas of the nation, you’ll only remain profitable during the warmer months of the year, and in others only prime summer weekends will have enough people out on the water to make it worthwhile. Still, imagine how much fun it would be to deliver ice cream to smiling boaters on a hot summer afternoon, and fill your pockets with cash at the very same time.

4. Operating Sight Seeing Tours

This is another venture you’ll need to have a captain’s license for, and since the local population already sees the sights this sort of operation only works in tourist towns. If you happen to live in a hot vacation spot , however, this could be great way to make a few bucks while introducing people to your local waterways.

In some areas eco-tours are a good bet, and in cities built on the waterfront you may find sightseers who are willing to pay extra to check out the scene from a unique point of view. Washington D.C. alone, for example, has about a dozen different boat tour services. The down-side? Like several of these opportunities, seasonality is likely to play a role in just how many months you can operate profitably.

Explore the 10 Best Boating Destinations in the US

5. Special Business Opportunities

If you’re really serious about making money with your boat and you want to turn it into a career, you could consider providing specialized services on the water.

Some examples of successful waterborne businesses include:

• Parasailing services;
• Dinner cruises;
• Scuba diving and snorkeling excursions;
• Whale-watching

In all of these cases, of course, you can’t just own any old boat. You’ll need to have a vessel that’s purpose-built for the service you want to provide, and licensing and insuring requirements are likely to be significant.

Still, all of these endeavors have the potential make some serious bucks—and could turn your boating addiction into serious business.

Read Next: First-Time Boat Owners Checklist

You May Also Like:

• 10 Tips to #RecreateResponsibly While Boating & Fishing
• Boat Essentials: What Supplies Do I Need for My New Boat?
• How to Get a Boating License
• 10 Fun Things You Can Do on a Boat
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How to Make Money With a Sailboat? Uncovering the Possibilities

Are you looking for a way to make money with your sailboat? If so, you’re in luck! This article will uncover the possibilities of how to turn your beloved sailboat into a profitable venture.

We’ll discuss the steps needed to get started, such as outfitting your sailboat, obtaining a captains license, joining a sailing organization, and marketing your services.

Additionally, we’ll go over how to advertise locally or online, offering a variety of services, and preparing and marketing for success.

So, come aboard and let’s explore the possibilities of making money with your sailboat!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

You can make money with a sailboat by offering sailing lessons, becoming a charter boat captain, or renting the sailboat out for day trips.

You could also offer boat tours or become a delivery captain and transport goods and people between ports.

Additionally, you could open a boat repair business or start a sailing-themed blog or YouTube channel and monetize it through ads and sponsorships.

Outfitting Your Sailboat

Outfitting your sailboat is an important step to making money with it.

This means taking the time to ensure that your vessel is properly equipped and seaworthy for the type of activities you plan to do.

Have your boat inspected by a qualified marine surveyor to make sure it meets all safety and legal requirements.

Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, first aid kits, and other items required by the Coast Guard.

You may also need to install extra navigation or communication systems if you plan to offer longer trips.

Additionally, make sure your sailboat is equipped with the right tools and supplies, such as charts, nautical maps, and extra ropes.

Having a well-outfitted and seaworthy sailboat will give you peace of mind and ensure that your customers have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Obtaining a Captains License

Obtaining a captain’s license is an important step for anyone looking to make money with a sailboat.

A captain’s license signifies that a person is qualified to operate a commercial vessel and prove their knowledge of the rules and regulations of the seas.

In the United States, a captain’s license can be obtained through the US Coast Guard.

Depending on the type of vessel being operated, different licenses are available.

For example, if you are operating a vessel for hire, you will need to obtain a Master’s License, which requires an exam and proof of experience.

Other types of licenses include Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, OUPV, and Sailing Endorsement.

The process of obtaining a captain’s license can be time-consuming and requires passing an exam.

To prepare for the exam, it is important to obtain the necessary study materials and become familiar with the content, as well as the rules and regulations of the maritime industry.

Additionally, many sailing organizations, such as the American Sailing Association, offer courses and resources to help prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and obtained your captain’s license, you will be able to legally operate a commercial vessel and start making money with your sailboat.

Joining a Sailing Organization

Joining a sailing organization is one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of the sailing industry and make money with your sailboat.

By joining a sailing organization, you can get access to experienced captains, learn about the latest sailing regulations and safety protocols, and network with other sailing professionals.

This can open up a lot of opportunities to make money with your sailboat, such as charters, sailing tours, and fishing trips.

When joining a sailing organization, its important to research the organizations background and the services they offer.

Some organizations may require a membership fee, while others may offer free membership.

Its also important to make sure the organization is legitimate and that they have a good reputation in the sailing community.

Once youve joined a sailing organization, you can start taking advantage of the services they offer, such as educational seminars and workshops.

You can also participate in social events and races, which can help you network with other sailing professionals and make money with your sailboat.

Additionally, sailing organizations often offer discounts on sailing-related items such as sails, rigging, and fuel, which can help you save money in the long run.

By joining a sailing organization, you can gain access to a wealth of resources and make money with your sailboat.

With the right preparation and networking, you can make the most of your sailboat and start earning an income.

Marketing Your Services

Marketing your services is an important step in making money with your sailboat.

There are a variety of ways to reach potential customers and promote your services, from more traditional advertising methods to social media campaigns.

Start by creating a comprehensive website that details all of the services that you offer with your sailboat.

Include photos and videos of your boat and any other relevant information that prospective customers may need to know.

Make sure to include contact information so that customers can easily reach out to you for inquiries.

You may also want to consider joining sailing organizations and clubs in your area.

This is a great way to network with other sailors and showcase your services.

Joining a sailing organization can also help you stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.

Next, you’ll want to consider advertising your services both locally and online.

Depending on where you are located, you can consider placing ads in local newspapers, magazines, or radio stations.

You can also create targeted online ads to reach a larger audience.

Utilize your website to drive traffic to your services by optimizing it for SEO and using social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to your advantage.

Finally, you may want to consider offering special promotions to attract customers.

Consider offering discounts or special packages for first-time customers, or offering loyalty rewards to customers who use your services regularly.

This will help you stand out from the competition and make it easier for customers to choose your services.

By taking the time to market your services, you can make money with your sailboat and enjoy the open seas.

With the right preparation and marketing strategy, you can make your sailboat a lucrative business and enjoy the open seas.

Advertise Locally or Online

Making money with a sailboat can be an enjoyable and lucrative experience, but it is important to make sure your sailboat is properly outfitted and seaworthy before you begin.

Once you have the proper equipment and skills, you will need to market your services to find customers.

Advertising locally or online is a great way to reach potential customers.

When advertising locally, you can use a variety of methods such as flyers, local newspapers, and word-of-mouth.

Flyers are a great way to get the word out about your services in a specific area.

You can post them in public places such as libraries, parks, and grocery stores.

Local newspapers are also a great way to advertise your services in a cost-effective way.

You can also reach out to sailing clubs and organizations in your area and let them know about your services.

Online advertising is a great way to reach a larger audience and find potential customers.

There are a variety of online platforms where you can advertise your services, such as sailing forums, classifieds sites, and social media.

You can also use paid advertising on search engines and social media to reach even more potential customers.

No matter how you choose to advertise, make sure to be clear and concise about the services you offer.

Mention the different types of charters, tours, and lessons you offer and be sure to include pricing information.

You should also include contact information such as your phone number or email address, as well as any certifications or credentials you have.

Finally, be sure to provide customer reviews or testimonials to build trust and show potential customers that you are reputable.

Offering a Variety of Services

For those looking to make money with their sailboat, one of the best ways to do so is to offer a variety of services.

By diversifying what services you offer, you can appeal to a larger customer base and increase your potential earnings.

Some of the most popular services for sailboat owners to offer include chartering, sailing tours, fishing trips, and sailing lessons.

Chartering a sailboat can be a great way to make money, as you can charge customers for your time and services.

You can offer all-inclusive charters, where you provide your customers with food, drinks, and other amenities.

Alternatively, you can offer a la carte charters, where customers can pay for just the services they need.

Sailing tours are another great way to make money with a sailboat.

You can offer sailing tours of local sights and attractions, or even longer distance sailing adventures.

Along with the tour, you can provide customers with food, drinks, and other amenities.

Fishing trips can also be a great source of income.

You can offer fishing trips to local fishing spots, and provide customers with fishing equipment, bait, and other supplies.

Finally, you can also offer sailing lessons.

Whether youre teaching a private student or a group, you can charge for your time and expertise.

You can even teach a variety of sailing courses, including basic sailing, navigation, and more.

By offering a variety of services, you can increase your potential earnings and make money with your sailboat.

With the right preparation and marketing, you can start your sailing business and enjoy the open seas.

Preparing and Marketing for Success

Making money with a sailboat can be an enjoyable and profitable experience, but it requires the right preparation and marketing efforts to truly succeed.

Before you can start offering services, you need to make sure your sailboat is properly outfitted and seaworthy.

This includes making sure all of your safety equipment is up to date, and that the boat itself is in good condition.

You may also want to obtain a captain’s license or join a sailing organization to learn more about the sailing industry and make connections that can help you find customers.

Once your sailboat is ready to go, its time to start marketing your services.

You can advertise locally with fliers, posters, and ads in local newspapers, or you can use online marketing strategies to reach a broader audience.

You should also consider offering a variety of services such as charters, fishing trips, sailing lessons, and more.

This will help you appeal to a wide range of customers and maximize your earning potential.

Making money with a sailboat requires the right preparation and marketing efforts, but the rewards can be great.

With the right preparation and marketing, you can make money with your sailboat and enjoy the open seas.

Good luck and happy sailing!

Final Thoughts

Making money with a sailboat can be a fun and profitable venture.

With the proper preparation, outfitting, and marketing, you can start your own sailing business and start taking customers out on the open seas.

Whether you decide to offer charters, fishing trips, or sailing lessons, you can make money with your sailboat and enjoy the journey.

So if you’re looking to make some extra money and enjoy the great outdoors, consider making money with your sailboat today!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Owning a boat is a dream for many people, but it can be expensive to maintain and operate. From fuel costs to regular maintenance, boat owners are often looking for ways to offset these expenses. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can earn income by using your boat. In this article, we will cover some creative and practical ideas to turn your boat into a money-making venture.

Renting Your Boat

Boat rental services.

One of the most popular ways to make money with your boat is by renting it out to others. Boat rental services like Boatsetter and GetMyBoat allow boat owners to list their boats for rent, connecting them with potential renters. These platforms handle payments and insurance, making the rental process easy and worry-free for both parties.

Private Rentals

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can rent out your boat privately to friends, family, or through local classified ads. Make sure to establish appropriate rates and clearly outline any terms and conditions you have in place for renting your boat.

Fishing Charter Services

If you have a deep passion for fishing and your boat is equipped to handle fishing, you can offer fishing charters to clients. Fishing charters can vary from half-day trips to multi-day expeditions, depending on the local fishing options available. Advertising on Google or in local fishing publications can help you generate business.

Take People on Cruises or Boat Tours

Guiding people on sightseeing and eco-tours can be a great way to earn income with your boat. If your area offers picturesque views, unique landscapes, or captivating wildlife, consider offering tours that highlight these features.

Sunset Cruises

Offer romantic sunset cruises for couples, complete with onboard refreshments, allowing guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water.

If your local area is home to fascinating marine life, offer tours to educate people on the various species and their habitats. You can partner with local marine biology organizations for more in-depth insight and potential cross-promotion.

Maritime Events and Boat Shows

Participating in maritime events and boat shows can allow you to showcase your boat while earning income. Organizers often look for boats to feature at these events, and you may receive compensation for allowing your boat to be on display. Furthermore, you can also offer charters or rides to attendees looking to experience being on a boat while at these events.

Boat Lessons and Instruction

If you are an experienced and skilled boater, offer lessons or instruction to those looking to gain confidence and expertise on the water. From basic boat handling to sailboat racing techniques, your knowledge and experience can be valuable to others.

Safety and Skills Courses

Partner with local boating safety organizations or yacht clubs to offer safety and skills courses that can benefit novice and experienced boaters alike.

Licensed Captains

If you hold a captain’s license, people in required situations (e.g., moving larger vessels) might hire a licensed captain to skipper their boat. This can be a lucrative way to use your maritime expertise.

Boat Deliveries

Another method of using your boat for income is offering boat delivery services. Many boat owners need their boats moved from one location to another, whether it be from a seasonal boating location, boatyard, or marina. You can offer this service for a fee, taking the stress off the boat owner and ensuring their vessel gets to its destination safely.

As you can see, there are numerous ways to generate income with your boat. Whether you are renting it out, offering charters, providing boat tours, or offering instruction, there are plenty of opportunities available to you. With some creativity and initiative, you can make your boat a profitable venture that helps offset your boating expenses. So, hoist the sails and embark on your money-making journey!

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24 Unique Ways To Make Money With A Boat ($6K Monthly!)

Want to make money with a boat?

Here, we’ll show you 24 awesome ways to make money with a boat, where to buy a boat and more.

Table of Contents

Make Money with a Boat Personal Picks

Here are some quick picks to inspire you to turn your boat into a profitable venture :

• Most Profitable: Charter boat fishing
• Coolest: Floating bed and breakfast
• Out-of-the-Box: Boat-based retail store

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• 33 Best Ways To Make Money As A Notary ($6K+ Monthly!)
• New vs. Used Boat: 10 Interesting Pros and Cons
• Buying vs Renting a Boat: 16 Pros and Cons You Should Know

Make Money with a Boat Quick (24 Interesting Ways)

Charter Fishing

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $3,000 – $10,000

Charter fishing is a popular way to make money with your boat. As a boat owner, you can offer fishing trips to tourists and locals who don’t own boats but are keen on fishing. Websites such as FishingBooker can connect you with potential customers.

To become a charter fishing captain, you must obtain a captain’s license and ensure your boat has the right equipment. This typically includes rods, reels, bait, tackle, and perhaps even a grill to cook up dogs and burgers for your guests. Some charters offer specialty services, like deep sea fishing or fly fishing expeditions.

Boat Rentals

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $2,000 – $8,000

Peer-to-peer boat rentals are a growing trend in the boating world. Platforms like Boatsetter and Click&Boat allow boat owners to rent their vessels to others without using them. It’s a great way to offset the cost of ownership and make a bit of money on the side.

Renting your boat out can be quite lucrative, depending on the type of boat you have and its location. Factors such as seasonality, boat type, and local demand can all affect how much you can make. However, it’s important to consider the costs of boat maintenance and insurance when calculating potential rental income.

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $2,500 – $7,500

Boat tours are another excellent way to make money with your boat. Whether you’re cruising around a picturesque lake or offering eco-tours along a scenic coastline, there’s plenty of demand for this type of work. Depending on your location and interests, you could offer sunset cruises, wildlife spotting tours, snorkeling, or historical tours.

Companies like GetMyBoat can help you market your tours to a wider audience. Remember, you’ll need a captain’s license to operate a tour boat, and it’s a good idea to have a knowledgeable guide onboard to provide interesting information to your passengers.

Water Taxi Service

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $1,500 – $5,000

Operating a water taxi service can be a smart way to make money with your boat. Water taxis are often in high demand in coastal cities or island communities. They provide a unique and efficient mode of transport for both locals and tourists.

Starting a water taxi service requires a commercial-grade boat and a captain’s license. The earnings potential will depend on your location and competition. Websites like WaterTaxiNow can help you get started with your water taxi business.

Boat Cleaning and Detailing

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $2,000 – $6,000

Boat cleaning and detailing is a business idea that doesn’t necessarily require you to own a boat. However, if you own one, it can provide an additional source of income. Many boat owners prefer to hire professionals to keep their vessels in pristine condition, especially during the peak boating season.

You must invest in cleaning supplies and equipment to start a boat cleaning business. You can advertise your services on local marinas or websites like Boat Planet .

Yacht Delivery

Yacht delivery is a niche service where skilled sailors transport yachts from one location to another. This can be a great way to make money while sailing worldwide. It can be seasonal work, often picking up in the spring and fall when people move their boats to and from warmer climates.

You need strong sailing skills and a good reputation to become a yacht delivery captain. Crewseekers can connect you with yacht owners looking for delivery services.

Boat Maintenance and Repairs

Boat maintenance and repair is another service-based business idea that can be quite profitable. Owning a boat gives you firsthand knowledge of the kind of work boats require, which can be valuable when selling your services to other boat owners.

You can offer everything from engine repairs to hull cleaning and painting. Remember to advertise your services at local marinas, boat clubs, and online platforms like Boat Planet .

Boat Storage

Estimated Monthly Earnings: $1,000 – $5,000

If you have extra space near a body of water at your property, offering boat storage can be a good way to turn a buck. Many boat owners need a place to store their boats during the winter months or when they’re not in use.

You can charge a monthly fee based on the size and type of the boat. Check local regulations and insurance requirements before starting a boat storage business.

Boat Transport

Boat transport is another service that you can offer as a boat owner. This involves transporting boats overland using a trailer. It’s often required when people buy a boat in one location and need it delivered to another.

You’ll need a suitable vehicle and trailer for this business and insurance to cover any potential damage during transport. uShip can connect you with customers who need boat transport services.

Sailing Lessons

If you’re an experienced sailor, offering sailing lessons can be a fun and rewarding way to make money with your boat. You can teach people everything from basic sailing skills to advanced navigation techniques.

You’ll need to be certified as a sailing instructor by an organization like the American Sailing Association . Once certified, you can advertise your services at local marinas, boat clubs, and online platforms like Lesson.com .

Wakeboarding or Waterskiing Instruction

Estimated monthly earnings: $2000 – $4000

If you’re a skilled wakeboarder or waterskier, here’s a way to make money with your boat that’s both fun and rewarding. Offering lessons can be a great source of income, especially during the summer months. You might even consider hosting wakeboarding or waterskiing camps for beginners or advanced riders. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your passion while making extra cash.

According to Payscale , waterski instructors can earn anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour depending on location and experience, which can add up quickly if you have multiple students or groups. Ensure you have the right boat and safety equipment and don’t forget about liability insurance.

Boat Photography Services

Estimated monthly earnings: $1500 – $3000

Photography is another creative way to make money with your boat. With the beauty of the sea as your backdrop, you can offer various photography services such as family portraits, engagement sessions, wedding shoots, or wildlife photography.

You can charge clients by the hour or per session, and according to Salary , photographers can earn an average of $65,000 per year. Of course, this will vary depending on your location, skill level, and service demand. Good marketing is key to success in this business; showcasing your work on social media and your website can attract potential clients.

Marine Surveying

Estimated monthly earnings: $3000 – $5000

Marine surveying is a specialized field that involves inspecting and assessing the condition of boats and yachts. If you have a background in marine engineering or a related field, this could be a lucrative business idea.

Marine surveyors can earn a good income, especially if they specialize in a specific type of vessel or service. ZipRecruiter states the average annual pay for a Marine Surveyor in the United States is $73,992 a year.

Diving or Snorkeling Tours

If your boat is located in an area with beautiful underwater scenery, offering diving or snorkeling tours can be a profitable way to use your boat. You can guide tourists to the best spots and provide them with an unforgettable experience.

According to Payscale , scuba instructors can earn anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience. Of course, you’ll need to be a certified diver with all the necessary safety equipment.

Marine Wildlife Watching Tours

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with abundant marine wildlife, why not start a wildlife-watching tour? From dolphins and whales to seals and birds, these tours offer a unique and memorable experience for tourists.

Rates for these tours can vary based on location, length of the tour, and the types of wildlife guests can expect to see. Wildlife tour guides can earn an average of $38,500 annually.

Boat Parties and Events

Estimated monthly earnings: $3000 – $6000

One exciting way to make money with your boat is by hosting parties and events. From birthday celebrations and corporate events to themed parties and sunset cruises, the possibilities are endless.

The amount you can charge will depend on the size and type of your boat, the length of the event, and any additional services you provide, such as catering or entertainment. According to WeddingWire , boat wedding venues can charge anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for a ceremony and reception

Boat Advertising Space

Estimated monthly earnings: $500 – $2000

Did you know that your boat can be a moving billboard? Advertising companies are always looking for new and unique ways to reach consumers, and your boat could be just the right boat they’re looking for.

The amount you can earn will depend on the size of your boat, its location, and how often it’s out on the water. Wrapify says you can earn up to $450 monthly by wrapping your vehicle in an advertisement.

Boat Salvage and Recovery

Estimated monthly earnings: $4000 – $8000

Boat salvage and recovery is a specialized field that involves locating and recovering sunken or abandoned boats. If you have the right equipment and skills, this can be a lucrative way to make money with your boat.

Salvage operations can be complex and risky, so it’s important to have proper training and insurance. Salary says salvage engineers can earn an average of $71,000 per year.

Boat Flipping (Buy, Renovate, and Sell)

Estimated monthly earnings: Variable

Flipping them could be profitable if you’re handy and enjoy working on boats. This involves buying a used boat at a low price, fixing it up, and selling it for a profit.

The amount you can earn will depend on the boat’s purchase price, the cost of renovations, and the selling price. The profit margin on flipping boats can range from 10% to 30%.

Boat Brokerage

Estimated monthly earnings: $5000 – $10000

Starting a boat brokerage can be profitable if you understand the boating industry well and have strong sales skills. As a broker, you’ll help buyers and sellers navigate the boat market, earning a commission on each sale.

According to ZipRecruiter , the average annual pay for a Boat Broker in the United States is $80,149 yearly.

Marine Equipment Rentals

Renting out marine equipment such as fishing gear, snorkeling, or paddleboards can be a profitable add-on to your boat rental business. This offers an additional service to your customers and helps you generate extra income.

The amount you can charge will depend on the type of equipment, the rental period, and your location. According to RentCafe , renting out equipment can be one of the most profitable things, with a profit margin of up to 50%.

Floating Food Truck or Bar

Have you ever considered combining your love for cooking with your passion for boating? Well, here’s a boat business idea that does just that! Operating a floating food truck or bar is a unique and exciting way to make money with your boat. You can serve hot meals, refreshing drinks, and stunning views in one go.

You could set anchor at popular cruising spots or events and serve hungry boaters without them having to leave the water. The potential earnings can be quite attractive, too. A successful food truck can make between $5,000 – $20,000 monthly. Of course, this will depend on your location, menu prices, and operating costs. Remember, you’ll need permits and licenses to operate, so check the local regulations.

Boat-Based Retail Store

Estimated monthly earnings: $2000 – $5000

Here’s another out-of-the-box way to make money with your boat – turn it into a floating retail store! You could sell anything from beachwear and accessories to fishing gear and nautical-themed decor. If you’re sailing the world, you could even offer unique souvenirs from the various places you’ve visited.

Your potential earnings will depend on what you’re selling and how much you mark up your products. VendHQ states the average retail markup is 50%, which can vary widely depending on the industry. Remember you’ll need a good inventory management system and sales tracking system.

Boat-Based Bed and Breakfast

Estimated monthly earnings: $3000 – $7000

If you have a spacious boat and enjoy meeting new people, running a boat-based bed and breakfast could be a great way to make money while living aboard a boat. Guests would have the unique experience of sleeping on the water, and you could offer additional services like guided fishing trips or sightseeing tours.

According to Airbnb , hosts can earn up to $6,000 a month, depending on your location, the size and condition of your boat, and the amenities you offer. You’ll also need to check local regulations regarding short-term rentals and ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage.

Treating it as a real business is important no matter which money-making venture you choose. Keep track of your income and expenses, provide excellent customer service, and strive to improve. Happy boating!

Where Can I Buy A Boat?

Becoming a boating enthusiast opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you’re an angler looking for the perfect fishing spot or a cruiser dreaming of charting new waters, owning a boat can be a rewarding experience. It’s not just about sailing dinghies or cruising full-time; it’s about the freedom and adventure that comes with boat ownership. And guess what? You can make a bit of cash from it, too!

There are plenty of ways to profitably use your boat. One of the most popular methods is chartering your boat. You might have met many charter owners living aboard their boats like it’s their second home. The good news is you don’t have to sell live bait or become a commercial boat operator to make extra cash. If you have an old boat lying around, there are several online platforms, such as Boats.com , where you can list it for sale.

Depending on your boat type, you could run eco-tours, rent out to others who want to go sailing, or even provide anchorage services. For instance, if you’re a good angler with a boat equipped with huge live wells, you can offer guided fishing trips. Or if you’ve been cruising for five to ten years and know your way around, why not become a live-aboard guide? Don’t forget there are rental services that let you rent your boat to potential renters. Remember, trying to make money with your boat doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can be just as fun as setting sail for a new anchorage!

Make Money With A Boat FAQ

How can i make money from owning a boat.

You’ll be surprised at the ten ways to make a little money from your boat. From peer-to-peer rentals to charter fishing, there are numerous opportunities. I’ve first met people making money by offering sightseeing tours or special business events on the water. You could even consider vending from your vessel!

Are boats a good investment?

Investing in a boat can be a good idea if you use it to generate income. For example, you could rent your boat as a ‘bareboat’ rental. Many individuals I’ve met have turned their love for sailing into a profitable venture. However, like any investment, it requires careful planning and management.

Can a boat pay for itself?

Yes, a boat can indeed pay for itself! Some boat owners list their boats on-to-peer rental websites, generating a steady income stream. Others want to share their passion for sailing and make money by offering private fishing charters, sunset cruises, or even eco-tours.

Can I make money chartering a boat?

Absolutely! Chartering a boat can be a profitable business. You can offer private fishing charters, sightseeing tours, or even turn your journey into a paid crossing. Remember, depending on your location, you might need a captain’s license to legally charter your boat.

Is owning a boat a tax write-off?

In some cases, owning a boat can provide tax benefits. Use your boat exclusively for business purposes, such as running charters or renting it out. You may be able to deduct certain expenses. However, tax laws vary widely, so it’s best to consult a tax professional to understand your situation.

Make Money With A Boat Conclusion

Make money with a boat; it’s not just a dream but a reality within your grasp! Imagine the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you cruise along, all while your bank account grows. It’s like finding a treasure chest, but instead of gold coins, it’s filled with opportunities for financial independence. So whether it’s through chartering, fishing, or even underwater photography, there’s a sea of possibilities. Remember, every great journey starts with a single step, or in this case, a single nautical mile. So set sail on your financial journey today, and watch as your boat not only carries you across the waves but also towards a brighter and more prosperous future. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always the option of turning your boat into the ultimate venue – because who wouldn’t pay for a party at sea?

Hello! I'm Charles. 1st gen millionaire, real estate investor, health enthusiast, and military veteran. In the last 17 years, I have managed billions of dollars of resources for the Department of Defense. Created financial management plans that enabled fellow service members to get out of thousands of dollars in debt and tailored wellness plans that helped people reverse and eliminate high-blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and obesity. Learn more about me here .

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Boat Business Ideas: How to Make Money with Your Boat

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One of the best things about boating is that it’s an activity that can be spun in a lot of different ways:

• Some people love to head out for sunset or dinner cruises.
• Others like to go out for a day of wake sports with the kids.
• Still others want to head to colorful coral reefs for an afternoon of snorkeling, while yet others want to wet lines and spend a whole day fishing to their heart’s content.
• Then, there is a whole menu of special-event boating options, with everything from onboard bachelor and bachelorette parties to on-the-water wedding proposals and milestone birthday celebrations .

For budding entrepreneurs listing their boats with Boatsetter , each type of activity that people like to do aboard a boat represents yet another business opportunity, plain and simple.

Boat owners can target all these different types of customers by investing in marketing and boat accessories that will help focus the boating experience on what clients want to do. With a little creativity, it’s easy to compile all your boat business ideas to create package(s) that will set a boat apart in the rental marketplace.

Interested in running your own charter business? Read: How Do I Start My Own Charter Business?

3 Smart Ways to Make Money with Your Boat

Once you list your boat on the Boatsetter marketplace, you’re able to easily connect and communicate with an avid supply of boat renters located all across the country. Then, comes the fun part. Crafting and customizing your boating experiences to attract both local and visiting renters who are looking to book an on-water adventure.

If you’re trying to figure out how to start your own boat business, here’s three creative ideas to get you started.

1. Offer your own watersports adventures

Say you want to target families with kids for a day of wake sports.

• You can outfit your boat with kid-size life jackets, kid-size water skis, kid-size wakeboards and similarly kid-sized tow toys.
• Have kid-friendly (and coral reef-friendly) sunscreen aboard.
• Include a cooler packed with juice boxes and kid-friendly snacks in the boat-rental fee.

This same concept can be applied to offer fishing adventures! Stock your boat full of rods, reels, bait, tackle, live wells, and coolers—transforming it into the ultimate angling machine.

2. Host special events onboard (and actually make it special )

Maybe you want to target people interested in having a special date or a wedding proposal on the water.

• Work out a deal with a local florist to include flowers at a price that you can add into the boat-rental fee.
• Talk to the local liquor store about ordering cases of Champagne at a bulk discount, and provide bottles on board, pre-chilled in a cooler.
• Have good-quality “unbreakable” Champagne glasses on board, along with the option for renters to add a “to-go charcuterie board” that you arrange with your local butcher, or a sampling of chocolates from your local sweets shop.

3. Plan snorkeling tours and scuba diving excursions

What if you want to target families of snorkelers as your rental clientele?

• For starters, you’ll need snorkeling gear in adult and kid sizes.
• Talk to a local scuba shop about a deal on repeat rentals of rash guards or wet suits.
• Invest in a couple of GoPro cameras that guests can use for the day to take underwater photos.
• Have “fish books” on board that will help guests identify everything they saw underwater, once they get back aboard and are drying off.

Ready to Start Your Own Boat Business?

No matter which type of clients you want to target to make money with your boat, you can hire captains who know the best itineraries for fishing, snorkeling and romantic scenery, as well as boat managers who can help to run the day-to-day operations. Local event planners can also be a huge help, and may work for a percentage of the rental fee as a commission.

The big thing to remember is that no matter which kinds of clients you want to target on Boatsetter , the boat is just the beginning. The experience is the thing you want to sell. Accessorize the boat to fit the experience, and then market that experience to the world.

• Still hesitant about listing your boat on Boatsetter? Be sure to read: Is Owning a Boat a Good Investment?

Earn an Average of $20,000 or More by Listing Your Boat for Rent on Boatsetter

Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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How to Charter Your Boat and Make Money

25th sep 2020 by samantha wilson.

Buying a boat is an act of passion. A love for the sea, the sense of freedom you feel when sailing, and the sport of boating combine to create a true love affair which, for most, is the main catalyst for saying ‘let’s go for it’. Yet time constraints mean you might not get to spend quite as much time on your beloved asset as you might like, and the boat lamentably spends too much time idle – and costing you money in the meantime. With berthing costs, insurance and maintenance an ever-present part of all boat owners’ budgets, is there a way you can make some revenue from your boat when you’re not using it and off-set some of those costs? Can you make money chartering a boat ? The answer is a resounding yes, and here we take a look at ways you can make your boat pay for itself.

Ways of chartering your boat

Chartering your boat for others to use is the most common way of earning an income from your boat. The charter market has long been a thriving industry, with charterers willing to pay good money for the private use of a boat, whether it’s a luxury yacht, a weekend sailboat or a fishing day boat.

There are a  myriad of different ways you can charter your boat , and the best part is that you can stay firmly in the captain’s seat (proverbially or not) as you decide which set-up works best for you. Choosing to charter your boat yourself is one option, you will need to advertise your boat, liaise with charterers, make bookings, hire a captain and crew (or captain it yourself, once you have a commercially endorsed license ( UK , USA , Europe : Do You Need Licence to Sail a Boat? )), commercially insure the yacht and provision your boat. While this option means you save the commission costs of a charter agent, there is a lot more work involved for you…time you could be spending on your boat yourself. 

Boat charter agencies are set up to do the hard work for you. In return for a set commission (typically between 10% - 20%), they will ensure all paperwork is in order, liaise with charterers and your crew, source professional skippers, offer a comprehensive contract and make sure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’ve got an 80 metre (260 feet) motor yacht to charter or a 12 metre (40 feet) catamaran, there are specialist charter agents the world over, offering everything from bareboat charters to crewed charters.

Bareboat Yacht Charters

As the name suggests, this is the simplest form of yacht charter as it doesn’t require you supplying a crew or offering any provisioning. Charterers with sailing or boating qualifications can charter your boat and take full command of it, planning their own itinerary, ensuring it is provisioned and navigating and berthing it themselves. The plus side for you is a reduction in running costs although the charter price will reflect this. On the downside, there may be a smaller market of potential charterers for your particular boat if they don’t have the right sailing qualifications. Most bareboat charters are on sailing monohulls and catamarans, although there is growing demand for more motor yachts . 

Crewed Charter Boats

Crewed charter boats offer a higher level of service, and are available for anyone to charter. On smaller yachts under approximately 18 metres (60 feet) a crew would usually consist of a captain and or a chef/steward, while larger yachts will require more crew. Provisioning is done according to the guests’ preferences, with meals cooked for them, the itinerary planned and the captain taking charge of the running of the yacht. The broker will be the middle man between guests and captain, and as an owner your input will be minimal. 

Yacht Cabin Charters

This option only works on larger boats with several cabins, where guests pay per cabin and not for the private use of the whole yacht. By sharing with others they get a reduction in the cost, while you as the owner earn the full amount, if not more, than a single group charter. Obviously the logistics can be more complex, and the commercial certifications required are more rigorous, but it can be a lucrative little earner, especially in tourist hotspots. 

Day Boat Charters

Day cruises are hugely popular all over the world, and private day charters offer good income potential, especially for smaller boats. From fishing to watersports, sightseeing and wildlife watching, there are many types of trips you can offer. Due to the increased number of bookings, an agency is a good way to go when offering your yacht for day charters, and they will advertise your boat, schedule trips and work with the captain. It also means your boat isn’t booked for weeks at a time, meaning more time for you to spend on it yourself. 

Charter Ownership Schemes

Alternatively to listing your boat with a traditional charter agency, charter ownership schemes provide an option to lease your boat to an agency in return for a guaranteed annual revenue of around 8-9% for a set amount of years (usually five). As owner, you can book four to six weeks of use of your yacht per year, and receive hefty discounts on the use of other boats managed by the agency. 

The best thing about charter ownership schemes is that you don’t need to get involved with the running of your boat whatsoever, there are no operating, insurance or berthing costs, and the agency will undertake all the maintenance. You get a fixed income and those precious weeks of cruising your beloved boat. The downside is that the larger companies only accept brand-new boats, and some only certain boat builders, although there are smaller boutique agencies who are more flexible. 

At the end of the contract agreement, you can either sign your boat up for another contract, or sell your boat and start all over with a new boat. As an example, a boat with a sale price of £200,000 ($250,000) leased in the Caribbean would earn £18,000 ($23,000) a year, or £90,000 ($115,000) over 5 years, bringing the net cost of the yacht down to £110,000 ($140,000). If you then sold it for a used price of around £100,000 ($128,000), your 5 years’ worth of boating holidays would have worked out extremely cost-effectively. Looking at it differently, if a charter aboard a 13 metre (45 feet) sailing yacht costs £7,500 ($10,000) per week and you took five weeks of holidays over five years, you would have created £187,500 ($250,000) in holiday value. Subtract the earnings made on chartering your yacht and it’s easy to see where the savings add up. 

Peer-to-Peer Yacht Charter

Making waves in the charter market are websites where you remain in total control, and use their platform to make connections with potential customers. One type is peer-to-peer charter, whereby you list your boat’s details, add photos and videos, offer available dates and select a price. Experienced and qualified boaters, who use a rating system and provide ID documents, can then choose to charter your boat. The website takes a commission of around 15%, but otherwise you do all the work and reap the financial rewards. This is essentially a bareboat charter without the broker, and while there are many positives to this simple option, you as an owner front any risk or damage to your boat. A good way to mitigate that is to offer it as a skippered charter and have a trusted captain of your choice at the helm.

Yacht Accommodation Rental

A last but worthy mention is the option to offer your boat as accommodation rental and earn some money to offset maintenance costs. As the boat doesn’t leave its berth in the marina, the risk, running costs, crew costs and provisioning are all saved and your boat becomes a quirky floating self-catering accommodation. Websites such as the well-known Airbnb, as well as glamping websites such as Canopy and Stars will list your boat in exchange for a booking fee making it a straightforward and stress-free way to earn from your boat. 

If you’re considering  buying a boat  then knowing the financial implications are vital to your overall enjoyment of it. The purchase price is just the beginning, and you need to factor in the ongoing maintenance and running costs. Creating revenue by  chartering your yacht  can massively off-set those costs. Browse our listings for both brand  new and used boats , talk to brokers and gather all the information you need to make the best choice. 

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Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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4 Ways To Make Money With Your Boat

• Last Updated: June 19, 2023

If you’re a boat owner, there are plenty of ways to make money with your boat . You can charter it out to passengers , use it for advertising or even rent it out for fishing trips. By monetizing your boat in one of these ways, you can help offset the costs of owning and maintaining it. If you’re looking for extra income, here are some great ways to use a boat to generate revenue.

Rent Your Boat

Renting your boat can be a great way to earn some extra money. Not only will you be able to offset the costs of owning a boat, but you can also share your passion for boating with others.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before offering a boat as a rental. First, you’ll need to ensure that your insurance policy covers rental use. You’ll also want to create a rental agreement that outlines the rental terms, such as the length of time, the price, and any other relevant details. Finally, it’s important to carefully screen renters to ensure that they are responsible and experienced boaters. By following these simple tips, you can safely and confidently rent your boat to others, making money while doing something you love.

Water Taxi Service

If you live near a body of water, one way to make some extra money is to start a water taxi service. This can be a great way to take advantage of a boat while providing a valuable service to a community. Water taxi services can be beneficial in areas with limited public transportation. They can be a great way to make some extra cash, particularly during the summer when demand is high. There are a few things you’ll need to do to get started.

First, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses, insurance, and permissions from your local authorities. Next, you’ll need to create a business plan and marketing strategy . You will also need to determine your rates and figure out a route that you can consistently maintain.You’ll also need a reliable vessel with admirable features like T-tops like those from Stryker T-Tops that can withstand the rigors of regular use. A water taxi service can be a profitable venture with little effort.

Offer Charter Services

Offering charter services is a great way to make money with your boat. There are a few different ways to go about this, but the most common is offering fishing charter services or sightseeing charter services . Fishing charter services involve taking paying customers out on your boat to fish in different bodies of water. Sightseeing charter services involve taking paying customers out on your boat to see different sights along the coast or in different bodies of water.

Whatever type of charter service you decide to offer, you will need to ensure you are well-equipped and knowledgeable about the area you will be sailing in. You will also need to get your boat insured and registered as a business and obtain the proper licensing from the Coast Guard. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you provide a safe and enjoyable experience for your customers while also making a profit .

Teach Lessons

Teaching boat lessons is a great way to turn your passion into profit if you love being on the water. Whether you’re teaching people how to fish, sail, or simply cruise around the harbor, there’s always a demand for experienced boaters willing to share their knowledge. Another great thing about teaching boat lessons is that you can set your hours and rates and don’t have to commit to long-term contracts. It’s also a great way to meet new people and explore different waterways.

If you’re looking for ways to make money with your boat, consider some options we’ve outlined. Boating can be a fun and profitable way to spend your time – all you need is a suitable vessel and some creative ideas.

About Author / JD Hysen

JD is an Executive Consultant and Fintech writer for Millennial. With expertise in stocks, tech, and culture, he delivers captivating insights. When not immersed in his work, he dominates the tennis court with a competitive spirit.

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