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Boat rentals have become increasingly popular as a recreational activity for various purposes, ranging from celebratory events to corporate engagements. Understanding the primary motivations behind the rental of boats can shed light on evolving trends in leisure and business activities, and the venue preferences for hosting events.

In this study, we delve into the data from thousands of reviews provided by Getmyboat, a leading online marketplace for boat rentals, and utilize AI tools to analyze the top fifteen reasons why individuals opted for boat rentals in 2023. By examining the underlying factors that drive boat rental choices, we aim to offer insights into the diverse spectrum of motivations that influence the modern boating industry.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide. They are the largest provider of boating and on-water experiences. Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon , and everything in between.


About this Report

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed over thousands of renters who provided information about the reason for their booking, if they were hosting a specific celebration or event on a boat, during the course of 2023. Data was curated to exclude nonspecific reasons (i.e. “just for fun”) and reasons with insignificant sample size.

An interesting insight from this data report are the range of reasons and events from various stages of life that are represented as reasons to rent a boat. Regardless of location, boat charters stand out as ideal venues for hosting all sorts of celebrations, from professional to personal.


boat-reasons


#1 Birthday Parties

Here it is: the very top reason to have rented a boat in 2023 was to host birthday parties. Those with summer birthdays, in particular, took advantage of the sunshine and brought their favorite people together on the water. With customizable amenities and picturesque settings, boat rentals have emerged as an ideal venue for birthday festivities. Cakes and decorations can be brought onboard too!

#2 Business Meetings and Functions

Surprisingly, the demand for boat rentals for business purposes experienced a notable upsurge in 2023. Corporate entities increasingly recognized the value of unconventional settings for fostering a conducive environment for productive discussions and networking. Many large yachts come equipped with a bar and plenty of seating areas for colleagues to mingle, and a captain and crew members to handle all the navigating and hosting components. The allure of conducting corporate events against backdrop of a beautiful skyline or landscape from the water presented a refreshing alternative to traditional boardrooms.


#3 Weddings

The romantic allure of a nautical wedding ceremony or reception garnered substantial interest among couples in 2023. Getmyboat's data highlights the prevalence of couples opting for a yacht charter as an enchanting venue for their special day. Large yachts can accommodate over 100 guests, and the captain and crew involved are well-equipped to handle all the planning details, making it a seamless choice for couples looking to say their vows on the water.


#4 Sightseeing Adventures

With revenge travel on the rise in 2023, sightseeing by boat skyrocketed in popularity as travelers sought ways to maximize their vacation itineraries. Renting a boat provides a unique and immersive perspective for sightseeing, allowing individuals to explore coastal landscapes and hidden gems inaccessible by land. The freedom to chart one's course on the water offers a customizable and unhurried experience, enabling a deeper connection with the natural beauty and serenity of the surroundings. It’s a fantastic alternative to crowded walking tours, especially when traveling with children or older people who may not be able to walk and stand for long periods of time. The panoramic views and relaxing ambiance fostered by boat rentals create an unparalleled opportunity for sightseers to appreciate iconic skylines, picturesque landscapes, and other scenic wonders along the coastline.


#5 Family Vacations

Families seeking novel experiences during their vacations contributed significantly to the demand for boat rentals in 2023. Families with children of varying ages took advantage of boating activities like tubing, wakeboarding, and other water sports to keep kids entertained while cruising around a new destination. The flexibility of boat rentals in accommodating diverse age groups and preferences made them an attractive option for family vacation itineraries in thousands of destinations.


#6 Fishing Trips

Enthusiastic anglers and recreational fishing aficionados flocked to Getmyboat in 2023 to rent vessels for their fishing escapades. The accessibility to prime fishing spots and the convenience of well-equipped boats with experienced captains was appreciated by fishing enthusiasts, both in fresh and saltwater. Fishing stood out as a top activity choice for boaters on all types of waterways — from deep-sea sport fishing to quiet, river fishing via kayak.


#7 Bachelorette Parties

The trend of celebrating pre-wedding festivities on rented boats gained momentum in 2023 as group travel was on the rise and party planners sought ways to beat the heat during their celebratory weekends. Bachelorette parties enjoyed the exclusivity and fun party atmosphere offered by boat and yacht charters with professional captain. Being on the water provides an idyllic setting for creating lasting memories with close friends. Commonly enjoyed boating activities for bachelorette groups included island and sandbar hopping, relaxing with floaties, and visiting boat-up waterfront restaurants. The relaxing luxury offered by boat charters were pivotal in shaping the bachelorette party experience.


#8 Proposals and Engagement Parties

Couples popping the question and celebrating their engagements were in the top 10 reasons why people rented boats in 2023. The allure of a picturesque setting for a romantic proposal or engagement celebration resonated with couples seeking a unique backdrop for this special moment. Being on the water set the stage for unforgettable moments of love and commitment. The data from Getmyboat indicates a notable increase in the number of couples opting for boat rentals to commemorate their relationship milestones.


#9 Date Nights

Continuing the trend of romantic reasons to rent a boat, couples seeking a unique intimate setting for a memorable date night found solace in the offerings of boat rentals. The privacy and exclusivity of a boat setting provided a great space for fostering meaningful connections and shared experiences. Boat charters for two, double dates, and small group dates were all booked in dozens of locations on Getmyboat. The data underscores the growing inclination towards unconventional date night experiences, emphasizing the significance of unique and personalized outings.


#10 Anniversary Celebrations

Another relationship milestone celebration that was popular on the water was anniversaries. Boat rentals and charters served as a desired venue for commemorating anniversaries in 2023. Celebrating enduring love on the water contributed to the appeal of boat rentals for couples marking their milestone years. Many couples also incorporated vow renewals as a component of their on-water anniversary celebrations.


#11 Graduation Parties

The enthusiasm to commemorate academic achievements in a distinctive and celebratory manner led to a surge in the rental of boats for graduation parties. The versatility of boat rentals in accommodating diverse party themes and group sizes contributed to their popularity among graduating students and their families. The data from Getmyboat highlights the growing trend of utilizing boat rentals as a venue for graduation festivities and academic milestones.


#12 Bachelor Parties

The inclination towards on-water experiences for bachelor parties was evident in the data obtained from Getmyboat in 2023. The trend of hosting bachelor parties on rented boats gained traction, offering the ideal setting for the groom-to-be and his friends. Much like bachelorette parties, bachelor parties enjoyed the safety provided by captained charters and the fun and entertainment of island and sandbar hopping, waterfront dining, and other activities like fishing and water sports. The availability of boating experiences in top destinations for bachelor parties combined with the customizable amenities and entertainment options available on these boats, contributed to their high demand in 2023.


#13 Honeymoons

Couples seeking a unique and romantic getaway for their honeymoon increasingly turned to boat rentals as an enchanting option for kicking off their marriage and relaxing after their weddings. The appeal of secluded and breathtaking destinations, coupled with the privacy and intimacy offered by boat rentals and yacht charters, contributed to the popularity in booking for honeymooners. The data from Getmyboat highlights the trend of couples opting for a serene and picturesque escape on the waters, setting the stage for a romantic and unforgettable honeymoon experience.


#14 Family Reunions

With the increase in family travel and resuming of large group events, the demand for boat rentals for family reunions witnessed a notable increase in 2023. Families seeking a memorable and inclusive experience for their reunions enjoyed the offerings of rented boats. The versatility of these rentals in accommodating multi-generational groups and providing a platform for shared experiences contributed to their popularity.


#15 Retirement Parties

The trend of celebrating the life transition into retirement on rented boats gained prominence in 2023. Individuals and their loved ones sought the tranquility and celebratory ambiance offered by boat rentals as an ideal setting for marking this significant life milestone. The customizable options and the serene backdrop of the open waters facilitated the creation of a memorable and reflective experience for retirees, their colleagues, and families.


Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.

Looking for more data on boating and boat rentals? Check out the Top American Cities for Boating in 2023 and the 2023 Boat Rental Insights Report.

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