Over 80% of young travelers say that they want a unique vacation experience. What could be more authentic, exciting, adventurous and different than staying in a houseboat rather than a traditional hotel? If you are not using your floating home the whole year, then you have a great opportunity to make a bit of money. However, before you put your property on the market, there are a few steps you need to take. Read on to find out how to get your home ready for others who are looking for houseboat accommodation.

Combining Simplicity and Uniqueness

In order to appeal to a mass market, you need to be able to have the widest appeal possible. To achieve this, go for simple and neutral interior design. Colors like white, grey and cream work best. These will make the inside feel more spacious and keep it looking clean. A modern look will appeal to all ages and ensure that your listing looks desirable when posted online.

However, it is important to ensure your houseboat stands out. Get to know your customer base. They are probably fascinated by sea travel, so offer something that meets their interests. Small touches such as books about sailing or maps of the local area can help to give your houseboat a unique selling point, ensuring that it stands out above the competition.

It might not be a bad idea to hire a professional cleaning service as well to make sure your houseboat looks as clean and attractive as possible to guests. Airbnb Turnaraound Cleaning Service provide exemplary service for such a job.

Getting Your Finances in Order

Once your boat is decorated and fully equipped for guests, you’ll need to ensure that you have the legal right to rent it out. The nature of houseboats means that they can be dangerous, so proper liability insurance is required. You’ll need to make sure that any potential tenant is fully covered in case they are injured within your home.

You’ll also need to look into the laws of renting in your area. There are certain requirements that cover homes and others that cover boats. Your houseboat rental property will need to meet both. Ensure your rental price can cover all the licensing required and set a deposit high enough to cover any potential problems. Educate yourself on boat safety and pass this information onto renters before they move in to limit the chance of any serious problems.

Find a Place to Advertise

In order to profit from entering the rental market with your houseboat, you’ll need to have some knowledge of marketing. While you might be able to find customers by word of mouth, this is never guaranteed. Services such as Boatbound offer an easy platform to post your property online. This can then quickly be found by potential customers and will facilitate communication between you and them. Houseboats can be expensive to maintain, so finding a client quickly should be a priority.

Renting out your houseboat allows you to offer others the chance to live this dream lifestyle. Whether they are looking for a unique weekend break or want to live the houseboat life long term, travelers of all ages are crying out for an opportunity like this. If you have the property, but aren’t using it, why not make some money through the rental market?