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Leo Ticheli · 08-07-2019, 10:46

My greatest joy in sailing has always been the company of other sailors, both out there and in the marina. I love to walk the docks and make friends with my neighbors, who with a vanishingly small number of exceptions, have been great people.

Enter the Airbnb boats and in particular, the one parked next to mine. Usually, it's OK, but sometimes it's far from it. I won't bother you with details, but I'll bet you can guess. Maybe you have experienced it.

I imagine it could be tempting to turn a boat sitting in a marina into a profit stream, but personally, I don't want "renters," especially inexperienced people on my boat.

Is the boat Airbnb becoming more common, or am I just lucky?

Fair winds,
Leo

toddster8 · 08-07-2019, 11:17

There was one (that I know of) in my marina for a couple of years. I don't know that it generated more annoyance than everyone else's guests. i.e. The security gate is basically propped open all summer long.

I rented my furnished downstairs out on AirBnB for several years, and half of the people who come weren't smart or responsible enough to deal with an ordinary bathroom. No way I would trust any of them with a boat.

belizesailor · 08-07-2019, 11:20

We use AirBnB a lot and Ive noticed quite a few boats on there, charters too.

Fore and Aft · 08-07-2019, 14:50

Our marina ended up changing the rules so they could stop Airbnb renting boats out. There was one boat that was a non stop party. When one of the renters decided untying other boats was a good laugh the marina had to finally step in.
Cheers

IslandHopper · 08-07-2019, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fore and Aft

Our marina ended up changing the rules so they could stop Airbnb renting boats out. There was one boat that was a non stop party. When one of the renters decided untying other boats was a good laugh the marina had to finally step in.
Cheers

You may or not be aware that down here in Aus AMSA are going through the motions about the legalities and feasibility on the issue......

https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-oper...-accommodation

they put it out for public consultation last April/May....

https://www.amsa.gov.au/news-communi...rt-term-marina

Outcomes of consultation document.....

https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-oper...e-safety-short

.....it's an ongoing process....

Leo Ticheli · 08-07-2019, 17:19

My marina just informed me that the two remaining Airbnb boats will not be allowed to continue when their annual contracts come up for renewal.

Fair winds,
Leo

Calif.Ted · 08-07-2019, 17:25

They'd be evicted immediately where I am and there's a 6-10 year waitlist for 35'-40' slips.

Fore and Aft · 08-07-2019, 23:03

Thanks Island Hopper for posting those links. It sounds like AMSA is basically saying no at this stage unless you jump through all their hoops. That sounds good to me, it stops anyone trying to hire out some floating wreck. I also wondered about the marina’s liability allowing a floating hotel operate on their premises?
The other issue and I am probably just a worrier is security. Our marina is locked up tight, so today when we went out for a sail I happily left my dock trolley full of power tools on our finger knowing they would still be there when I got back. I would not be so happy doing that if a parade of casual renters were strolling up and down our dock.
Cheers

belizesailor · 08-07-2019, 23:35

If you there is an AirBnB boat in your marina causing problems then check to see if your municipality requires registration. If they do then the boat is operating illegally and you can get them shut down. Some municipalities have pretty stiff fines for operating lodging illegally.

Jolly Roger · 09-07-2019, 08:39

There is also the question of liability and insurance to check—it’s not like a house. My agent told me my insurance would double and be classed as a bareboat charter, even though it wouldn’t leave the berth. Personal liability would also need to be increased. Imagine what would happen if a renter tripped over something and broke his leg, or fell in, getting on or off the boat.

Alex_V · 09-07-2019, 09:03

I don't understand who in their right mind would Airbnb their boat to total strangers? My check list when I leave my boat is rather intensive. I would trust a close friend who is hands on familiar with my boat, and sailing in general to stay on my boat or take it out. Total strangers - hell no.

gulfcoastsailor · 09-07-2019, 09:36

A sailing yacht is a complex piece of machinery. That does not change just because it is at a dock. I cannot fathom renting mine out to strangers!

Leo Ticheli · 09-07-2019, 11:46

Thanks to the Airbnb boat docked next to mine, I've installed a video camera. Two times lately I've found my lifeline gate opened and some dirty footprints on the deck. Sigh.

Fair winds,
Leo

Jolly Roger · 09-07-2019, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex_V

I don't understand who in their right mind would Airbnb their boat to total strangers? My check list when I leave my boat is rather intensive. I would trust a close friend who is hands on familiar with my boat, and sailing in general to stay on my boat or take it out. Total strangers - hell no.

They want to do it for money.