How to Start a Boat Charter Business 1-2-3
Take Your Love of Boating... and Make Money
If you enjoy sailing, fishing or simply being out on a boat, and you want the freedom and independence of
working for yourself - a boat charter business could be your ideal career.
The main cost of starting a boat charter business is the expense of the boat and boating equipment (upwards
of $50,000). If you already have boat that you want to make money with, you are ready to get started.
Depending on where you live, the boat charter industry can be seasonal, the weather can affect your business
and the market can be competitive, so you want to take these factors into account when you are starting your
business. Could you offer charter or transportation services to residents during the non-tourist season? Or
maybe you would prefer to operate a part-time or seasonal business?
Captain David G. Brown has put together
an informative guide for those who want to earn an income sailing or chartering a boat. As these vessels
can be used for many forms of recreation, boating enthusiasts can take their hobby and turn it into an
enjoyable career.
Boats can be chartered for dinner cruises, fishing excursions, water taxis, special private events and more.
Business owners can specialize in one type of activity or offer several options to clients.
Captain Brown covers all aspects of operating a
professional boat-based business, including:
- Licensing requirements
- Liability issues
- Administrative tasks
- Marketing and finding customers
- and lots more...
Make Money Chartering a Boat
Checklist for Starting a Boat Charter Business:
1. Obtain your captain's license. You will need to pass an exam at a Marine
Safety Office Regional Examination Center, and you can use this inexpensive captain's license study guide to prepare you for the exam. (Interactive CD and 14,000
questions and answers included). Contact the US Coast Guard for boat chartering licenses needed (see basic checklist).
2. Get a business license. Check with your local government
office to find out which licenses and permits you need for your business.
3. Open a business
bank account so you can keep your personal finances separate from company income and expenses. Also,
your banker may be a good source of small
business financing if you need any.
4. Arrange a meeting with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways
to maximize your business tax deductions. You
can get referrals from other local business owners.
5. File your fictitious business name with your city or county clerk, or if
you want to form a corporation, see how to
incorporate your company.
6. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your
charter business. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) is a good place to
start. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance.
7. Set up your business phone system. Whether you use a
toll-free 800 phone number, a
multi-line phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional phone number to your existing service, you'll
want a designated line to establish a professional business image.
8. Order business cards. One of the cheapest ways I know of to advertise a
business. See how you can design your own professional business cards online, plus simple tips for
increasing your sales >> Free
Business Cards.
9. Advertise - Use a
car magnet to advertise your business while you are on the road, a yard sign to announce a sale or a
banner to promote your store's grand opening. You can design and create your own signs cheaply online
using SignsBannersDecals.com.
10. Free Website Builder - Create an
online presence for your boat chartering business and show off a professional visual display of
your charter services. This is a great way to attract local clientele - and your website can do much of the
"selling" for you. It's easier and cheaper than you think with a Free Website Builder
11. Local Search - More and more people are looking for local businesses online (instead of
the traditional yellow pages) - and and local search engines and directories are easy to advertise with.
Local Search sources that are affordable and receive substantial traffic include: Google Local, Yelp, Super
Pages and more specialized site Trip Advisor.
Boat Charter Business Resources:
Charter Business Associations
- National Association of Charter Boat Operators
Included in NACO's membership are marine charters who offer diving, eco-tours, sailing, fishing and other
vessels who carry paying passengers. They work proactively in the industry's interests and offer several
member benefits, including discounted insurance, wholesale supply pricing, merchant account and marketing
material discounts and more.
See Also Houseboat Rental Business Plan
