Transparency at Boat.Rent
Transparency at Boat.Rent
We believe boating should be simple, affordable, and honest. This page outlines exactly how our pricing works for renters and vendors, how payments are handled, and what protections are in place. No hidden fees. No fine print. Just clarity.
For Renters
Simple pricing and full payment protection.
Renter Fees
3% service fee
This covers Stripe’s payment processing costs. Boat.Rent does not add mark-ups or additional charges. There are no platform, service, or admin fees beyond this.
Payment Methods Accepted
All major payment options supported by Stripe, including:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Apple Pay
Google Pay
PayPal
Bank payments (where supported)
How Payments Work
You complete your booking and pay the full amount.
Boat.Rent holds your funds securely — we do not release the full payment upfront.
When the vendor confirms the booking, we transfer a deposit to them.
This secures your reservation without exposing you to unnecessary risk.
The remaining balance is released to the vendor on the day of your charter or the day after it has been completed.
This depends on the vendor’s payout policy and the length of the trip.
This structure protects you from:
Vendor cancellations
No-shows
Disputes over service delivery
Paying directly to a vendor without recourse
If a vendor fails to deliver the service, we work on your behalf to recover your funds.
For Vendors
A commission structure built to keep your earnings intact.
Commission Structure
5% commission for your first six months.
10% commission after six months.
This is significantly lower than the 15%–25% typically charged across the industry. Lower fees mean you keep more of what you earn without inflating your rental prices.
Charter Club Membership (Optional)
For active operators who want predictable expenses and zero commission:
0% commission on all bookings
Membership is ideal for vendors receiving multiple bookings each season — it quickly becomes more cost-effective than percentage-based commission.
How Payments Work
A renter books your boat and pays the full amount to Boat.Rent.
We hold the funds securely.
Once you confirm the booking, we send you a deposit.
This locks the charter into your schedule and provides upfront certainty.
The balance is transferred to you on the day of the charter or the day after the trip ends.
This depends on your payout policy and charter length.
Payout Options
Direct bank transfer
Stripe
PayPal
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do renters pay a 3% fee?
This fee covers Stripe’s transaction costs. Boat.Rent does not profit from it.
Are there any other renter fees?
No. There are no service fees, cleaning fees, or extra platform charges applied by Boat.Rent.
When do vendors receive their payment?
Vendors receive a deposit when the booking is confirmed and the remaining balance on the day of the charter or the day after completion.
Why are your commissions lower than other platforms?
Most platforms charge 15%–25%, forcing owners to raise prices or accept lower margins. We designed Boat.Rent to keep both earning and pricing fair.
What is the Charter Club?
A membership option offering zero commission on bookings. Best suited for vendors with multiple bookings per season.
Does the Charter Club remove all fees?
It removes all commission fees. Stripe processing fees still apply if you choose to receive payouts through Stripe.
Can I connect my bank account directly?
Yes. Vendors can use direct bank transfers, Stripe, or PayPal for payouts.
Who holds the money after a booking?
Boat.Rent holds funds securely until the charter starts. Only a deposit is released to the vendor when they confirm the booking.
What happens if a vendor cancels my trip?
Your funds remain protected. We contact the vendor and work to recover your payment.
Do renters ever pay the vendor directly?
No. All payments flow through Boat.Rent for security, clarity, and protection.