About Us
A Platform Built by People Who Live and Work in This Industry
Boat.Rent wasn’t created by outsiders or tech investors. It was built by people who have spent years at sea, working directly in the charter industry, listening to both renters and boat owners describe the same issues over and over again.
High fees. Unpredictable pricing. Platforms that don’t understand the realities of running a boat.
We decided to build something better.
Our Story
Boat.Rent was founded by Jay Daunoras, a professional captain with seven years of hands-on experience in yachting and charter operations. Jay has seen the pressures owners face, the complexities of maintaining a vessel, the challenges in finding customers, and the frustrations clients feel when pricing isn’t clear.
Across the industry, the same complaints surfaced:
- High platform commissions that strip away margins
- Inflated rental prices that make boating inaccessible
- Complex, confusing booking processes
- Zero help when choosing the right boat
- Platforms built by people who don’t actually understand boating
Jay built Boat.Rent to solve these problems from the inside out.
Our Philosophy
Everything we do comes down to three core principles.
Fairness
Owners keep more of what they earn. Renters aren’t forced to pay inflated prices.
Transparency
No hidden fees. No manipulated pricing. No surprises at checkout.
Built for the Industry
Real operational experience guides every decision. We understand the realities of chartering because we’ve lived them.
The Concierge Service (For Renters)
Choosing a boat can be overwhelming, especially on large platforms with thousands of listings. Most people don’t know where to begin — which boat type fits their group, what the local regulations are, what’s suitable for a family trip, or what’s realistic for their budget.
That’s why we created the Boat.Rent Concierge.
What the Concierge Does
- Talks directly with you about your trip
- Understands what you need — boat type, area, timeframe, crew requirements
- Shortlists the best options
- Confirms availability and pricing
- Helps you book the right boat without the guesswork
This service is completely free and is already one of the most appreciated parts of the platform. Renters get expert guidance. Vendors get high-quality leads and better-fit customers.
The Charter Club (For Vendors)
We built the Charter Club for operators who want to take enquiries a step further — adding their website link, direct booking link, and Book Direct CTA so renters can go straight to their own booking page. One flat annual fee. No monthly subscription. No commission.
What It Offers
- Website link on your listing
- Direct booking/enquiry link
- Book Direct CTA for renters
- Featured placement on destination pages
- Flat $49/year — no monthly subscription
What We’re Building
Boat.Rent aims to reshape the boating marketplace into something that works for everyone:
A platform where renters feel supported, not overwhelmed
A marketplace where owners keep more of their earnings
A booking system that is clear, fair, and transparent
A financial structure that rewards frequent bookings rather than punishing them
A customer experience that feels personal, supportive, and genuinely helpful
Tools that scale with owners as their fleet grows
A platform built by industry insiders, for the people who live and work on the water
A hybrid model that supports both DIY operators and fully managed listings
Our Commitment
Boat.Rent exists to make the boating industry more transparent, more accessible, and more sustainable. Our mission is simple:
- Better value for owners.
- Better experiences for renters.
- A fairer, more honest marketplace for everyone.
