Boatsetter and Getmyboat Unite to Expand Global Boat Rentals

The combined platform now represents more than $500 million in bookings across 50 countries, will be headquartered in Miami, and will be led by Michael Farb as CEO of the merged entity while both apps and sites remain active for consumers, owners, and operators. Existing backers Level Equity, Centerbridge Partners, and Yanmar will continue support, and Getmyboat’s catalogue of 180,000+ boats and 2 million customers complements Boatsetter’s network of vetted owners and captains to create a larger, connected marketplace.

What the merger delivers for renters and owners

The integration targets immediate improvements in inventory access, discovery, and booking security. Travelers can expect broader choices ranging from pontoons and fishing boats to superyacht charters, and owners gain access to consolidated demand-generation tools, unified trust-and-safety systems, and expanded marketing reach. The merged platform plans to invest in enhanced tech — including AI-driven search and recommendations — to speed matching between guests and appropriately equipped vessels.

Operationally, the union preserves familiar consumer touchpoints: both Boatsetter and Getmyboat platforms remain operational with no sudden user-facing changes, while back-end systems are synchronized over time to provide a single, consistent booking experience and unified standards like the Boatsetter Promise and 24/7 customer support.

Numbers, scale and category economics

Industry signals behind the merger are concrete: outdoor recreation now drives a sizeable share of tourism spend, and the boat rental sector is forecast to grow substantially over the next decade. Fishing tourism, a key vertical for charters, is rising in valuation and underlines demand for shoreline logistics, provisioning, and experienced captains. For renters, this means more localized trip types — fishing excursions, sailing days, watersports sessions — available across more destinations and price points.

Logistics and supply-chain implications for charters

Scaling a marketplace changes the logistics behind every trip: berth reservations, refueling, provisioning, maintenance, crew scheduling, and regional compliance must all scale in parallel. A unified platform can improve forecasting for marinas, create more consistent supply of licensed captains, and streamline payment and insurance flows for owners. For owners who monetize through charters, enhanced tools and consolidated demand can reduce vacant days and increase utilization rates.

Practical operational changes owners should expect

• Centralized listings and cross-platform visibility to reduce double-booking and broaden audience reach.
• Improved trust and safety tech and 24/7 support to handle incidents and guest inquiries faster.
• Data-driven pricing tools and AI recommendations to optimize seasonality, local demand, and special events.
• Stronger local partnerships with marinas, provisioning services, and tourism boards to streamline guest experiences.

Local economies and the blue economy effect

In tourism hubs, boating platforms channel income into small businesses, fuel stations, marinas, restaurants, and local guides. For example, owners on both services have collectively generated more than $20 million in owner payouts in the Tampa region over five years, supporting jobs and reinforcing waterfront vitality. As the blue economy grows, scaled marketplaces can accelerate regional tourism by offering seamless booking for diverse experiences — from fishing charters and sailing lessons to luxury superyacht excursions — while encouraging investment in moorings, marinas, and coastal infrastructure.

Owner success stories and incentives

Long-standing owners illustrate the revenue potential created by marketplace reach and tools. One owner, JP Mancini in Miami, completed over 1,000 trips on the platforms and reported more than $1.2M in earnings, attributing bookings and streamlined operations to the marketplace model. For many owners, enhanced software, marketing support, and trust mechanisms translate directly into higher occupancy and more predictable income streams.

How this affects the renter’s decision-making

• Search across wider inventories means better fits for group size, skill level, and budget.
• Access to captained and bareboat options allows renters to choose between self-skippered sailing or a guided experience.
• Ratings, detailed listings (make, model, equipment), and transparent pricing reduce uncertainty when planning beach days, gulf cruises, or lake outings.

When preparing for a trip, renters should check vessel details, captain credentials, cancellation policies, fueling plans, marina access, and local regulations. This due diligence ensures safety and a seamless day on the water whether the plan is a family beach escape, a fishing expedition, or an overnight sailing charter.

Highlights: the merger creates a larger, more navigable marketplace that improves options for travelers, simplifies logistics for owners and operators, and strengthens blue-economy ecosystems. Experiencing a new coastal or island destination remains a multifaceted process where culture, nature, local cuisine, architecture, language, and the unique rhythm of life shape the journey; to fully appreciate an inlet, bay, or lagoon, consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each spot tells its own story GetBoat.com

Forecast and call to action: the merger is significant for the global leisure map — it has the potential to reframe supply-and-demand dynamics, accelerate product innovation, and shift where travelers choose to spend time on the water. To gain a deeper understanding of this unstable and ever-changing world, as unpredictable as the sea, join the community of boat enthusiasts and get the best deal on your first rental.

Tips for booking and enjoying your on-the-water day

• Verify vessel make, model, and equipment in the listing before you book.
• Read owner and captain ratings; contact the host with specifics about your itinerary.
• Plan provisioning and fuel stops in advance, and confirm berthing or launch details with your marina or captain.
• Consider captained charters for unfamiliar areas, complex navigation, or larger groups.
• Factor in insurance, cancellation policy, and seasonal weather when finalizing plans.

Summary: the Boatsetter–Getmyboat merger enlarges a market that already serves millions of boaters, offering wider selection and improved operational tools for owners while boosting traveler choice across yachts, charters, pontoons, and sailing adventures. The consolidated platform promises investments in AI, trust and safety, and product development that should make booking, renting, and owning easier — supporting marinas, captains, and local economies. Whether you seek a day cruise to a hidden cove, a fishing trip in clear waters, or a superyacht charter for a special occasion, this new marketplace is positioned to simplify the search, clarify options, and connect travelers with the right vessel. Chart your course today.