Boat hire platform tipped as ‘Airbnb for boats’

A San Francisco company has been described as the ‘Airbnb for boats’ after becoming a market leader for boat rentals.

A San Francisco company has been described as the ‘Airbnb for boats’ after becoming a market leader for boat rentals.

GetMyBoat launched in 2013 and now has more than 30,000 boats available for hire in 135 countries across the world, ranging from powerboats and yachts to jet skis and houseboats.

Its apps for iOS and Android devices allow renters to book directly from the docks.

Bryan Petro, chief information officer, said: “GetMyBoat is the world’s largest marketplace for boat rentals.

“That statement is backed up by the number of boats we have on the platform.

“The goal is to offer renters options wherever there is a lake, river or ocean – any body of water, we want to cover.

“Building a new brand, a new marketplace – you need to focus almost entirely on creating a great experience for your customers. And we’re fanatical about it.

“We help renters find the right boat. Our captains are great at answering renter’s requests pretty quickly. However, if the boat requested is booked, we will help the renter find a match for that boat.

“Even if we don’t have a boat in any of thousands of locations that we have boats listed, we will do the leg work to get that renter on the water.

“What is gratifying are the stories and feedback we’re getting, like from Lord Jim Sailing in Scotland, who have re-launched their service on GetMyBoat to reach renters all over the world.”