Boatswap: A look at international boat sharing
Mar 28, 2019
It is very common these days to share your car or house with anyone. However, exchanging your boat is not as common yet. Even though it literally opens up a world of destinations! Sailum is one of the few existing online platforms for boat swap. We would like to get the word ‘boat swap’ out there and make it available to all boaters worldwide.
In the article we introduce the concept, which is FREE for anyone, and we share the stories of some of our members that have engaged in a swap. The platform is growing and we have users worldwide.
Yes, we´ve seen our waters inside out, and wouldn´t we love to discover new horizons? But sailing long distance is not for everyone. Renting a boat at another location is one option. But it is expensive and the rental boats are often a dime a dozen. Boatswap is another option.
Founder of online platform for boat swaps Sailum, Martijn Franssens (the Netherlands), elaborates on the rationale behind a boat swap:
“After sailing the Frisian lakes and the coast of the Netherlands for many years, I wanted to explore new destinations. However, in my three weeks of holiday I could not sail my boat to the Mediterranean for example. Therefore I found myself renting a boat for the summer holidays while my own boat would not be used. Besides I always had that nagging feeling of dissatisfaction. A rental boat hardly has the soul of a privately owned and loved yacht and I would hardly get in contact with the locals.
Besides having every destination within an arms’ length, swapping your boat has several advantages over renting. One of the great advantages is that it is low budget; a swap happens with closed wallet. Another true benefit is you get to sail privately owned boats of all types instead of the regular boats that you find at your boat-rental. The biggest gain may be that you connect to locals that introduce
How does it work?
There are a few online platforms out there that enable boat swaps and allow you to get in contact with other boat owners and arrange your swap in a few simple steps. The first step is to sign up your boat. When signing up your boat you tell other sailors about your boating experience and the new sailing areas you’d like to discover. When looking for a ‘partner in crime’ you can search by location or by boat requirements. Have you found a potential match? Get in touch with the boat owners to arrange your boat swap.
Is swapping safe?
Martijn Franssens explains: “I hear boaters say: I would never let anyone else use my boat. I understand the concern that you may have since every boat has its own manual. When swapping a boat through Sailum you are certain to connect to fellow experienced boat owners. Their résumés and the reviewing system tell you who you’re dealing with. When you get in touch with a boat owner, one click will show you their skills and reputation. Moreover, you will introduce the other captain to your boat personally to hand over ‘the manual’ properly. You may even head out together to introduce the boat and have a beer or two.
Sailum is all about sharing. Our values are transparent: we treat people and boats with respect. Our community is our strength, and we know how much love and care goes into maintaining a boat. Therefore, we aim to leave it better than we found it. Having said that, a good insurance is crucial to loan out your boat with an eased heart. Most insurances do cover damages caused by the one you loaned your boat to.”
Alain Roy (France, owns a boat in the Algarve) about his boat swap in Canadian waters: “I loved it! The location was great and the welcome committee was very helpful. Therefore we felt comfortable with the boat right away. We spent our cruising time in the Gulf Islands nearby. The area is very pleasant to visit with terrific anchor spots. It proved to be the perfect trip! Russ and his wife reciprocated three months later, and it was a pleasure to welcome them on my sailing ground: the Algarve. All along their stay aboard, we stayed in touch so I could give suggestions as they went. Actually, the part of welcoming someone else and being welcomed by them is what I find great about swapping. There’s no money involved; you get friendship instead!
– Frieda Fennell
Editor’s note: CYOB is not familiar with the author, this sharing platform nor are we familiar with the service. Investigate before you participate, but who knows, the boat sharing economy may be the way of the future.
– JM
