Five Boats to Rent in Boston Harbor This Weekend
A sunny stroll on the Harborwalk might be one of the summeriest things you can do in the city. But a new Airbnb for boats-type service is here to change that—and no longer will your Harborwalk jaunts include longingly eyeing the many rows of docked yachts.
Boatbound is a fast-growing, Seattle-based startup that’s shaking up the boat rental industry. Cleverly dubbed a “pier-to-pier” marketplace, the Boatbound platform offers up more than 12,000 boats to rent in 2,000 cities across the country. Boston just topped the company’s list for the fastest growing market nationwide, thanks to our Red Sox cap-wearing seafarers in the harbor and on the Cape and the Islands.
“You’ve got the right demographic of all these young people in the city who want to get out and do something different,” says Boatbound founder Aaron Hall.
He explains Boatbound acts as your friend with a boat.
“It’s something you can do relatively inexpensively when you factor in the idea that you’re bringing six to ten people out on the boat with you every time,” he says. “It ends up being a cheaper day than a lot of things you can do nowadays.”
Vessels range from small lobster cruisers to mega yachts, with daily fees going from anywhere between $300 and $2,100 per day.
Never skippered a ship before? Boatbound gives the option to search for boats that come with or without captains, and they’re all fully insured.
Below, we’ve highlighted five boats that could kick your weekend up a notch.
Photo courtesy of Boatbound
Model: Sea Ray Boats 540 Sundancer
Captain on board: Yes
Price: $1,680 per day
Guest capacity: 12
This sleek and speedy yacht is a high-end option that comes with a jet ski. It has air conditioning, wifi, a shower, and refrigeration.
Photo courtesy of Boatbound
Model: Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37
Captain on board: Yes
Price: $1,150 per day
Guest capacity: 12
This boat docks in Hull, but its captain cruises over to Liberty Wharf to pick up renters. There’s the option to stop at any of the Harbor Islands, and if a break from the sun is needed, there’s a full galley below deck with a large seating area and a stereo.
Photo courtesy of Boatbound
Model: Boston Whaler Inc 220/CC
Captain on board: Optional
Price: $400 per day
Guest capacity: Six
Suitable for water sports, fishing, or just cruising, this vessel has a wakeboard tower, swim ladder, and rod holders. And for the sea dogs out there, pets are allowed on board.
Photo courtesy of Boatbound
Model: Custom Pilothouse
Captain on board: Yes
Price: $1,000
Guest capacity: Six
For a more private island hopping experience, this lobster cruiser will bring you to George’s Spectacle, Lovells or Peddocks Island. Huge windows make for impressive visibility, and there’s plenty of benches for sightseeing.
Photo courtesy of Boatbound
Model: Sea Pro Boats 206 WA
Captain on board: No
Price: $500
Guest capacity: Six
With wells for live bait, this boat is equipped for fishing as well as cruising. There’s a touch-screen GPS system on board for navigation of the harbor, as well as a grill and a swim ladder.
Dozens of other Boston boat rentals are available at boatbound.co.
