A new platform is giving Britain’s private boat owners a way to share their vessels with holidaymakers on their own terms and earn from them when they’re not aboard.
BOATSTAYS, a newly launched service connecting private boat owners with guests looking for something more personal than fleet hire, is designed to make weekend breaks, week-long trips and afternoon escapes on the water easier to arrange, connecting travellers with the boat owners who know our canals and rivers best.
The owner-hosted platform dedicated to narrowboats and river cruisers introduces a model already familiar in other sectors but is relatively new to inland waterways. Instead of relying on traditional fleet operators, www.boatstays.org lets individual boat owners list their vessels when not in use, earning income while staying in control of availability, pricing, and house rules.
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Central to the launch is a founding owner offer for early adopters. Those who list their boats before September 30 will keep 100% of their earnings for their first full season, with BoatStays waiving its standard 15% commission entirely.
Founder and CEO Joseph Butcher was inspired to launch BoatStays through a lifelong love of holidays afloat. “BoatStays is so much more than a business. I want to build a community which shares the same passion I have for boating holidays,” he said. “Some of my best memories have been spent on the canals, and I’ve always felt there’s something special about that slower, more connected way of travelling.
“What makes BoatStays different is that it puts boat owners at the heart of the experience. Instead of a traditional hire model, it gives people the freedom to share their boats on their own terms, rather than fitting into a one-size-fits-all model. You’ve got real people sharing something they care about, and guests getting a much more authentic experience in return.
“For me, it’s about creating genuine connections and growing a community around a shared love of the water, rather than just focusing on transactions or bookings. This reflects the spirit of the waterways and the people who use them.”
The platform is built around the practical realities of boat ownership. Listing takes minutes; owners add photos, a description, what’s on board, and house rules, then set their own nightly rate, minimum stay and security deposit. A live calendar lets owners block out any dates they want the boat for themselves. Every guest must make a profile before they can request a booking, and funds are released to the owner about 24 hours after check-in. For owners who are not yet set up for commercial hire, BoatStays provides a free licensing guide covering every UK inland waterway authority.
Joseph added: “BoatStays connects you directly with people who own and love their boats. No fleets, no anonymous handovers, just a warm welcome and a great trip. And it’s not just about enjoying these places, but looking after them too, and making sure they’re protected for future generations.”
BoatStays contributes a share of revenue, currently 3% of each booking, to The Rivers Trust.
