Using boat rentals as additional revenue stream and a unique amenity on Airbnb (Ep568)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses how to increase revenue by renting out boats as an amenity at lakefront Airbnb properties. The host shares how he has successfully added pontoon boat rentals to his listings, generating significant income during peak season and providing an attractive amenity for guests.
Key Insights
- •The host generated $10,000 in revenue from each boat rental in a four-to-five month period, demonstrating the profitability of this amenity.
- •The host found that offering boat rentals significantly increases bookings, even if guests don't always use the boat. The boat rental is a strong listing differentiator.
Action Items
- ✓Consider adding a boat rental amenity to your lakefront properties to increase revenue and attract more bookings.Effort: mediumImpact: high
- ✓Research local ordinances and regulations related to boat rentals before implementing this amenity.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →waiver.com: The host mentions using a waiver service like waiver.com.
Watch Out For
- ⚠Failing to check local regulations could result in legal issues or fines.
Related News

The Next Chapter of Flexible Work Looks More Like Hospitality Than Real Estate
This article discusses a shift in the flexible workspace market, emphasizing hospitality over real estate. For STR hosts, this suggests the importance of providing exceptional guest experiences, such as personalized touches, to foster positive word-of-mouth and repeat bookings.

Why Travel’s Biggest Brands Are Becoming Dangerously Boring
This article discusses the trend of travel brands becoming less distinctive and more generic. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of creating a unique brand identity and guest experience to stand out in a competitive market.

Rove Bets on the ‘Hotelization’ of Workspaces with Its New ‘HQ by Rove’ Concept
This article discusses the "hotelization" trend in commercial real estate, where office spaces are designed with hotel-like amenities and services. The HQ by Rove concept in Dubai is highlighted as a model that integrates hospitality principles into workspaces, offering flexibility, wellness-focused design, and community-building features. Hosts can consider this as a source of design/amenity inspiration and a signal of changing guest expectations.
14 Upgrades to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out This Winter
This article from Lodgify highlights upgrades to make your vacation rental stand out this winter, aiming to help hosts differentiate their properties. Hosts should consider the suggested improvements to enhance their marketing and attract more bookings during the winter season.