Adding a Boat to Your Airbnb Can Boost Your Bookings

Including boats with lakeside Airbnb rentals can be a great way to offer an added level of convenience and fun for guests. Not only does it give them the opportunity to explore Lake Norman and all it has to offer, but it also allows them to enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as fishing, swimming, and watersports. How else are your guests going to get to the rope swings and sandbars?

Rules of Providing a Boat:

There are a few things to consider when it comes to offering boats with your lakeside Airbnb rental. One of the most important is safety. It's essential to ensure that your boat is well-maintained and in good working order, with all necessary safety equipment on board. This includes life jackets, a first aid kit, and possibly even a flotation device or throwable rescue cushion. It's also a good idea to provide your guests with information on safe boating practices and local boating laws and regulations.

With the boring safety rules outlined above, you will need a separate contract for the guests to sign that limits your liability in case of an accident on the water. Lake Norman gets pretty choppy and speed boats seem like they're always aiming for you. This must be signed before they get the keys. Make sure they also know the rules of the water, not just how to use a boat.

Costs of Maintaining an AirBnb Boat:

Another thing to consider is the cost of including a boat with your lakeside Airbnb rental. While it can be a great amenity for guests, it's important to make sure that it's financially viable for you as the owner. This may involve factoring in the cost of maintaining the boat, as well as any fees associated with its use (such as fuel and dock fees). You'll also want to consider whether or not you want to allow guests to operate the boat themselves, or if you'll be providing a professional captain.

AirBnb Listing Needs to be Precise:

If you do decide to offer a boat with your lakeside Airbnb rental, it's a good idea to be clear about the details in your listing. Is it an actual boat, or a kayak? This might include the type and size of the boat, any restrictions on its use (such as age or experience requirements), and any additional fees that may be associated with its use. You may also want to consider offering a discounted rate for longer stays, as this can be a great way to encourage guests to book a longer vacation and take advantage of all that your lake has to offer.

How to Maintain the Fuel:

Now for the tricky part - I would suggest requiring your guests to fuel up the boat after their stay. If they don't fill it up, charge a crazy fee. I'm talking at least $200 + the amount for missing gas. Time is money, are you're going to go to the house after every guest, take the boat to the gas station, and then bring it home for free? No way.

Overall, offering a boat with your lakeside Airbnb rental can be a great way to add value for your guests and make their vacation even more memorable. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety, and consider the costs and logistics involved before making the decision to include a boat as an amenity. This will turn your management into even more of a job, so if you are looking to run this as automated as possible, a boat may not be worth the money. 

Some people are in growth mode though, and the cash is what's important.

Check out a couple of our properties on Lake Norman NC (they don't have a boat but they have docks!).

We're a property management company around Lake Norman North Carolina and would love to help you take care of your investment, reach out!