AirBNB RT 31 or 41

What's Next?

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What's Next?
Hey Tugnuts--

Current R-27OB owner here (fantastic boat), with boat at Elliott Bay (Seattle) Marina. I'm considering switching to a 31 or 41 and living aboard about 1/2 of each month and using as Airbnb the other half.

- Does anyone have any experience with putting their RTs on AirBNB, preferably in the Seattle area, but any experiences will be helpful?
- If so, I would welcome any pros/cons and experiences with AirBNB-ing your boat

- Any thoughts on what would be the better boat for a combo of liveaboard and renting out?

Many thanks in advance,

Bryan
 
The first thing to get cleared is for obtaining permission from the marina that you intend to be at for offering the AirBNB. This is essential for avoiding legal conflicts with having people unknown to the marina living onboard.

My daughter tried the AirBNB on her sailboat at the Port of Edmonds and it went well for a few months until the marina got wind of it and in no uncertain terms told her to cease the AirBNB offering as it was contrary to the slip leasing T&Cs.

My daughter fought it, but lost.

If you do proceed, be aware it will require setup time, instructing the AirBNB folks about how to operate the boat's facilities, and cleanup/laundry after the AirBNB tenants move out. Then there's the issue of Liability and Insurance to cover yourself for the various/unknown issues that may arise.

AirBNB on a boat is very attractive to out-of-towners and my daughter had no problems getting frequent enquiries from all over the world.
 
I have no specific experience with boat as AirBnB, but I agree with Baz about clearance from a marina being the necessary first step. Doesn't hurt to ask, although I would be surprised if any in the Seattle area would agree, because most of the moorage agreements I've seen have several provisions that would pose concerns. My guess is they would view it as being akin to a charter (which they might allow but under a very different kind of agreement).

Some concerns in general moorage agreements include limitations of various kinds for: liveaboards, nights on board, guest nights per year, no commercial operations, number of visitors, identifying visitors to the office (if staying overnight), no codes for visitors, parking restrictions, and the all purpose gotcha of "anything disturbing others".

OTOH it would be a great experience!
 
Great advice, Baz and SJI. I had already flagged the marina and potential liability issues, but am happy that -- if one can successfully thread that needle (a big "if") -- the market is there.
 
Out of curiosity, will your intended slip be covered or open? If open you might consider having a full cockpit enclosure for added comfort and living space.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how you get along with obtaining permission from your marina.
 
you might want to check out a listing on craigslist seattle,under tugboat sally. The listing says that seattle has passed a law not allowing short term rentals on the water, and that is why they are selling their boat that was used as a airbnb.
I guess you could always have it on a trailer and park it under the overpass, then you would be legal!
Bob
 
bob daily":3h4kxvej said:
you might want to check out a listing on craigslist seattle,under tugboat sally. The listing says that seattle has passed a law not allowing short term rentals on the water, and that is why they are selling their boat that was used as a airbnb.
I guess you could always have it on a trailer and park it under the overpass, then you would be legal!
Bob

There maybe other places besides Seattle to consider nearby. 😉 😱
 
You could park your boat trailer anyplace on the Seattle streets where all of the homeless people park their derelict RV's. There's plenty of free camping there too. :lol:

Marshall
 
Great advice, Baz and SJI. I had already flagged the marina and potential liability issues, but am happy that -- if one can successfully thread that needle (a big "if") -- the market is there. Thanks all. Bummer about the new law. I'll check to see if it encompasses Ballard, etc.
 
Firstly EBM does not have any covered slips and secondly they do not allow live aboard except on anyone of the privately owned 12 condo slips on E dock; 40 ft on one side and 52ft on the other.( I own one)
Living aboard a R31 is a little like camping, while living on the R41 is akin to staying at the Ritz Carlton

Sjreibman
 
Thanks very much for the analysis re 41 v. 31. That's my assessment as well.

Much appreciated.
 
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