Boat & Watercraft Rental

Boat rental companies provide powerboats, pontoons, jet skis, and watercraft at lakes, beaches, and marinas for recreation and water sports.

With boating popular and boat ownership expensive, boat rentals generate revenue of $250,000-$850,000 with 40-60% margins through hourly/daily rates.

The business requires watercraft fleet, marina or launch location, comprehensive marine insurance, Coast Guard compliance, and captained or bareboat options.

Services include powerboat and pontoon rentals, jet ski and PWC rentals, fishing boat charters, captained boat tours, water sports equipment (tubes, wakeboards), and instruction and safety training.

Revenue through hourly rates $100-$500+ per vessel.

Success factors include watercraft fleet investment (pontoons popular for families), prime marina or beach location access, comprehensive marine insurance and waivers, Coast Guard safety equipment and compliance, and seasonal demand management.

Marketing focuses on tourists, lake and beach visitors, locals, and vacation destinations.

With boating popular and boat ownership expensive in 2025, boat rental offers water recreation opportunities serving lake and beach tourism with watercraft investment, insurance, and location as barriers.