skiff rental is a great way to enjoy the water without the hassle of owning, maintaining and towing your own boat. You can rent a variety of boats, from fishing boats to pontoons, by the hour, half day or full day. You can also use a variety of marketing strategies to grow your business, from social media to partnerships with local hotels and travel agents.
Stakeholder management is key in this type of business, especially when it comes to local authorities who regulate boat rentals. You must ensure you are meeting all of the legal requirements for boating in your area and be able to demonstrate that you are a professional operator.
It’s also important to communicate clearly with your guests, from the booking process to the safety briefing and back again. Providing clear information will help reduce the number of questions customers have and can make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Costs vary for this type of business, with small open skiffs located on lakes renting for as little as $30 or $40 an hour, while cabin cruisers and motor yachts may go for up to $500 a day. Pricing is also affected by the location, with higher prices being charged in tourist destinations for example.
In terms of marketing, you can reach potential customers by creating a website for your boating business, creating a social media presence and partnering with local hotels and travel agents. You can also list your boat on online marketplaces, which typically require a fee for each booking but can be worthwhile in terms of visibility.