Owning a boat is like owning a money pit: you pay for a ton of costs. However, there are plenty of ways you could make money off your boat to reduce a bit of those expenses. Here are a few options you might want to try out:
Get a license and run charters
Get a captain’s license and start running tours, says ToughNickel. You might need other types of licenses, depending on where you are. Some states require you to get a guide’s license first, for instance. It might seem like a lot of work but with the right credentials, you can start offering rides, running charters and earning money off your boat.
Register with an app
These days, there are apps aiming to replicate the success companies like Uber and Airbnb have enjoyed in the past. By registering for the app, you become a part of a platform—community—that makes it easier for you to connect to potential customers or clients. You won’t have to worry that you might not be reaching out to your market in the best way. With the right app, finding boat captain jobs and paying rides is now much, much easier.
Hire a photographer
You’ll need to provide photos of your boat. Don’t just take random photos, though. Remember that a lot of potential clients will look over those photos and choose a boat based on what they see. If you aren’t a professional photographer and have no talent for capturing shots that show your boat in the best light, you might want to hire a pro to get those shots done.
Learn the app
Explore and master the features of the app that helps you find boat captain jobs. Failure to do so could lead to a frustrating experience for both sides.