Two of the largest digital boat rental platforms in the United States are joining forces in a move that signals continued consolidation across the recreational marine technology sector. Boatsetter and GetMyBoat have announced a merger that will combine their platforms, inventory, and operational expertise into a single global entity focused on boat rentals and on-the-water experiences.
Boatsetter and Getmyboat, two boat rentals and on-the-water experiences form the USA, have merged to form a new combined entity.
Together, the companies say they’ll become the global leader for boating and on-the-water adventure, with more than half a billion dollars in bookings across 184 countries. The merger will integrate their platforms into a connected marketplace.
Leadership and headquarters
Michael Farb, who has served as CEO of Boatsetter since 2022, will become CEO of the combined entity. The headquarters will be based in Miami, with Boatsetter and Getmyboat teams continuing to operate from their respective current locations.
Both platforms and apps will remain active with no immediate changes for consumers, owners or operators. Existing investors Level Equity, Centerbridge Partners, and Yanmar will continue to support the brands’ long-term growth.
Boatsetter platform overview
Boatsetter is a digital marketplace for boat rentals and charters (including luxury yachts), providing access to a wide range of on-the-water activities, including short-term rentals, day trips, and multi-day charters. Founded in 2012, the company connects qualified renters with boat owners and licensed captains through an online platform designed to simplify the booking and management process. Since launch, Boatsetter has enabled more than 500,000 first-time boaters to rent boats through its service and has grown into one of the largest boat rental platforms globally.
The platform currently lists more than 50,000 boats in over 700 locations worldwide, offering a broad mix of vessel types across coastal and inland markets. As a peer-to-peer marketplace, Boatsetter supports boat owners by providing tools to generate revenue that can help offset ownership costs, while giving renters flexible access to boats without the responsibilities of ownership. Boatsetter operates the only insured peer-to-peer boat sharing marketplace in the United States through its partnership with Buoy, providing coverage for both owners and renters. Bookings are completed through Boatsetter’s website and mobile app, where users can select specific vessel types, communicate directly with owners, and choose to operate the boat themselves or hire a licensed captain, depending on qualifications and local requirements.
GetMyBoat platform overview
GetMyBoat is a global online marketplace for boat rentals and charters, providing access to a large and diverse inventory of vessels across recreational boating markets worldwide. The platform lists approximately 170,000–180,000 boats in more than 10,000 destinations, spanning coastal, inland, and international waterways. Through its digital platform, GetMyBoat connects renters with boat owners and licensed captains, supported by an internal customer service team that facilitates bookings and on-the-water logistics.
The marketplace supports a wide range of use cases, including short-term rentals, private charters, and event-based boating. Its inventory reflects broad consumer demand, with powerboats accounting for roughly 24 percent of listings, followed by pontoons at 19 percent, sailboats at 16 percent, and personal watercraft, including jet skis, at approximately 4 percent. GetMyBoat offers both captained and bareboat rentals, subject to local regulations, and provides owners with tools to manage availability, pricing, and communications through its website and mobile app.
Investor support and long-term strategy
In June 2023, GetMyBoat received a $21 million Series B investment from Yanmar, a global manufacturing company with a long-standing presence in the marine industry. As part of the transaction, Yanmar acquired a majority stake in the company. The two organisations have partnered since 2018 and share a focus on expanding access to recreational boating. Following the investment, GetMyBoat continues to operate under its existing leadership and team, with Yanmar supporting the company’s global growth strategy, team expansion, and continued development of its platform and product offerings.
With both brands continuing to operate independently in the near term, the merger positions the combined company to focus on platform integration, international expansion, and long-term growth. As demand for flexible access to boating continues to evolve, the alignment of Boatsetter and GetMyBoat reflects a broader shift toward scale, technology-driven marketplaces, and global reach within the recreational marine industry.
The post Boatsetter and GetMyBoat merge to form a unified boat rental marketplace appeared first on Marine Industry News.
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