Many owners would like to see their boat or yacht earn money while they aren't using it but are reluctant to charter it out. Beds on Board, launched a year ago, might just be the perfect solution.

The service links boat owners with people who need bed and breakfast accommodation, but might not have thought of using a boat.

In fact, the idea was born from exactly that situation. The founder, Tim Ludlow was in Palma for a big regatta and noticed that although there was a real shortage of accommodation, there were also hundreds of moored yachts lying empty. That light bulb moment led to the creation of Beds on Board.

Airbnb for boats

Just as websites like Airbnb and CouchSurfing have enabled ordinary people to let out spare rooms and sofas to people who need a bed, Beds on Board makes it possible for boat owners to let out their yachts. But the key difference is that they are only used as static accommodation so it's not the same as chartering.

This is a key difference that could make Beds on Board more attractive to boat and yacht owners.

Not a charter

Chartering is an obvious way to earn money from a yacht that's otherwise laying up but it's not suitable for many owners.

The boat might not be the right sort to attract charter customers, there are administrative hoops to jump through, crew and services to find and - crucially - the chance that your pride and joy could be abused or damaged.

Beds on Board removes much of that worry by offering your boat as a floating bed, not a boat. And for many non-boat users the idea of a night on a marina or a river definitely has a certain charm.

Secure

Guests have their phone numbers and email addresses verified when registering on the website, before they can book with you, and payment normally arrives 24 hours after they've left your boat.

Like many similar websites your accommodation will be reviewed by guests so you will have to keep the boat clean and tidy, as well as having information on board to help them find things and use the facilities properly.

Give it a go

There's no cost to signing up so you can easily try it for yourself and see how it goes. You are encouraged to get in touch with prospective guests before they turn up to discuss their stay - make sure they know what to expect and what they need to bring, that sort of thing.

Take a look at the website and see what you think, and if you've already used Beds on Board we'd love to hear from you!

Beds on Board

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