When people think of purchasing a boat, they often imagine themselves using their vessel for leisurely activities. They may also value their privacy while aboard too and introduce a homely atmosphere to the interior.
Unfortunately, the sailing community experienced many setbacks last year in light of the coronavirus pandemic. However, today restrictions are easing, and boats are now cruising across waters freely. The appetite is there to experience sea air and quaint riverscapes once again, which means there’s a lot of money to be made as well.
Any boat you buy can also serve as a lucrative moneymaking opportunity. Remember, this isn’t just a purchase but an investment, and with that comes many possibilities to explore.
How can you make money from your vessel? Keep reading after the jump for some suggestions.
Start Teaching
Sailing, captaining, or otherwise piloting a boat requires skill and finesse. It may be possible to pass on your knowledge to others for a profit.
Depending on the type of boat you have, you may face varying demand levels for your services. Sailing, in particular, requires strength and fortitude, as well memorisation of the different parts of the boat that need taking care of while on a voyage. Additionally, excitement may be found as you all rush around, adapting your boat to different weather conditions.
Of course, boats can be used for more than just navigation. Perhaps your boat can merely be a means to an end on some of your teaching escapades? You could also take people on fishing trips or teach safety training and first aid techniques when on the water. Set up a website and social media pages, and post plenty of pictures of your teaching skills in action online. Hopefully, you’ll attract interest.
Make sure you have other amenities with you, too, to keep people safe. The equipment can include first aid kits and lifejackets. If you’re trying to be a sailing instructor, follow the career path in terms of qualifications and compliance as well. Your services need to be legitimate!
Use Your Location
Where you live may greatly influence the opportunities you can profit from with your boat. For instance, you could consider touring people around scenic waterways near you.
Take inspiration from places like Amsterdam, where canal trips are exceedingly popular among locals and tourists. If you happen to cruise around on a stretch of water that is nearby anything noteworthy, then it’s worth taking visitors around. Remember that you’ll need a license for passenger trips.
Can famous bridges be seen or passed under? Do whales or dolphins ever surface occasionally in your area? Are there any mesmerising views nearby? Whether it’s architecture, architecture or even stunning sunsets on a clear horizon, fresh eyes would pay their hard-earned money to see it all.
Don’t let your boat do all the work, either. Brush up on your knowledge of the sites you’re visiting so that you can educate people on your journey. If you have space, provide refreshments to those in your care and try to make them as comfortable as possible. They may recommend your tours to family and friends if they’re impressed by the experience.
Vlog Your Adventures
Many people would be curious about your life on the water but may not have the time or money to sail on oceans, rivers, and canals themselves. However, they can still contribute toward your moneymaking goals in some capacity.
You could set up a channel on a platform such as YouTube and publish videos that detail all your experiences. Fans of your work could then subscribe, contribute to ad revenue with their views, or contribute smaller sums to a Patreon page of yours.
Remember to apply some of your creativity here too. Get familiar with editing software, and consider pushing your boating to the next level. For example, you could start diving from aboard your vessel and record footage from under the depths. People can be fascinated by those who live their lives in unique ways, so tap into that where possible.
Sell Your Boat
Some people drift in and out of the boating life. It may appeal to you for a couple of years, and then the hobby needs to be retired for a while.
Companies like TheYachtMarket have used Bénéteau boats for sale, and you can also sell your own vessel through them. If you ever miss life on the water, simply revisit them when you’re ready and make a purchase of your own. Until that time, though, you can swap your boat for some extra money thanks to their global demand for quality stock.
Keep in mind that boats are amassing more popularity than ever before, so it may be a good idea to work with that demand while you’re able. If you try to sell your boat elsewhere, timing may be crucial, as very few people will wish to buy a vessel in the throes of winter.
Engage in Peer-to-Peer Chartering
You may not wish to be rid of your boat permanently. However, something still needs to be done if storage expenses are starting to add up during a lull period in your cruising.
In these situations, you could look into peer-to-peer chartering. You can rent your boat out to other enthusiasts for a time and make some money from your boat while you’re not looking to use it. Additionally, you can set the parameters for these types of engagements. For example, you will be able to:
- Specify that renters must have qualifications and experience in sailing.
- Set the dates that your vessel is available, ensuring that you answer to no one.
- Chat online with interested parties first to gauge their level of accountability.
- Participate in a skippered charter scheme where either yourself or another captain is onboard monitoring the proceedings.
There’s an element of risk involved, but as you can see, there’re many ways you can mitigate those circumstances. So long as you do all the proper checks and go through trustworthy channels, there’s some money to be made here.
Start a Boat Café Business
It can be a good idea to run a business from your boat. You could run a café or restaurant, for example, and have guests clamour aboard for tea, biscuits, or fine meals.
Research all the licenses you’ll need for the food industry submit the relevant applications. The Canal & River Trust may need to be notified, depending on your location. You may also need to keep your local council informed too.
Take care to moor your boat close to passersby to attract as much business as possible. Budget for any necessary refurbishments too to make your vessel ready for trade and hygienic food preparations. An enticing theme or cosy atmosphere can work wonders as well.
Advertisements in your boat’s windows, or erected signs on paths outside, should help to draw people in. Use your vessel as an excuse to be more creative with your marketing.
Conclusion
The purchase of a boat can be just the start of a long and lucrative journey. There are many exciting prospects to consider here, from running businesses to sharing your experiences with the world. If you’re tired of not getting enough use out of your boat, then it may be time to change your strategy somewhat. Create some opportunities or sell up. You’ll profit either way, and you can always revisit life on the water with affordable and used Bénéteau boats for sale.
