Beds on Board launches in Australia

A unique way for travellers to spend their holidays in Australia — and for boaters to defray the cost of ownership — is being introduced

Established in other countries, Beds on Board is an online booking tool that facilitates the rental of privately-owned luxury boats berthed at marinas for overnight accommodation while they are in situ and still tied to the dock.

Beds on Board in Australia was introduced to the public and marine industry at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show by Darren and Nicky
Vaux from Empire Marina.

Darren, who is a former President of the Boating
Industry Association, explained that the intention with Beds on Board is to work with the marine industry and maritime authorities from the beginning in order to establish a solid business foundation.

We are told that the first step in this process has been advice from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a general exemption from commercial vessel regulation is appropriate for Beds on Board and will be issued for public consultation shortly.

"AMSA have advised us that it is their view that creating a general exemption in relation to recreational vessels being used for the limited purpose of short term marina accommodation is an appropriate means of scaling regulation to reflect risk and that a draft general exemption for this use will be released shortly by AMSA for public comment," he said.

In the meantime, we are working with marinas and boat owners to list recreational boats onto the Beds on Board Platform so that we have a range of accommodation options to promote once the general exemption is finalised. 

"We are also working with the leading insurers to ensure that the use of the Beds on Board platform is covered by an extension to private boat insurance policies.  In the meantime, charter vessels and other vessels in survey under the DCV regs can be listed and accept guests through the site and we are working with a range of commercial operators to list their vessels on the site at this time.

UNIQUE OFFERING
The Beds on Board service is unique in that the boats don't move, they simply stay hitched in their berth. Paying guests get to experience the joys of staying on a boat and the marina life.

There are said to be strict guidelines about behaviour, guest numbers, and the rental agreement includes public liability insurance, we were reliably told at the launch of Beds on Board at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show.

Hopefully, this ensures Beds on Board won't adversely impact on the relaxed marina milieu enjoyed by permanents. The upside for boatowners is that they can defray their costs through income generated by renting out their cabins.

Typically, boats in the 40-50ft range command $100-$150 per cabin per night, we're told. The boat rental would either be managed by the boat owner, a marina manager or possibly a third party who, say, runs a charter fleet or a cleaning or valet service in the area.

LOCAL OPERATORS
The Vauxs met Beds on Board founders Jason (pictured above) and Tim Ludlow while presenting at the World Marinas Conference in Amsterdam in 2016.

"The sharing economy provides the opportunity to monetise under-utilised private assets and boats in marinas are only used around 20 days a year," Darren explained at the local launch.

"We also see it as a way to introduce a whole generation of non-boaters to the luxury boating and marina lifestyle in an easily accessible and low cost way, as well as helping boat owners to offset the cost of boat ownership," he said.

Beds on Board intends to open up a range of new accommodation experiences: from budget breaks, luxury coastal, to city chic ‘boatroom’ stays.

Nicky, who also owns Beaches and Mountains Girls Getaways, said it was a natural tourism opportunity for Australia to have a dedicated boat accommodation service because of our idyllic marine lifestyle and weather.

"Staying on a luxury boat is something most people think is outside their budget but bedsonboard.com brings this within reach for everyone.

"There are boats listed in Spain that range from $74 to $821 a night, differing in style, size and capacity," Nicky said.

"We are looking forward to supporting bedsonboard.com in bringing these unique experiences to Australia and introducing thousands of people to the boating and marina lifestyle."

GLOBAL BOATS, BEDS AND BASES
Beds on Board co-founder Jason Ludlow says Australia is a natural next step for the service.  

"We have thousands of beds on amazing boats available for rent through the platform in over 60 countries, so we have proven the demand for this unique accommodation.

"Australia and the South Pacific, with its ideal climate and wonderful waterways and marinas, will provide the opportunity for local and international tourists alike to enjoy this great lifestyle," he said.

SEARCH FOR YOUR BOAT AND BUNK
Anyone can search for a boat stay by visiting bedsonboard.com and entering Australia in the search tab.

To make a booking, contact the boat owner or details relevant to the rental boat on the site. Visitors simply verify as a member with an email address and password.

The online booking service also features a boat owner and guest review system, while the calendar allows boat owners to block out their time for personal use of their vessel.

According to some scenarios thrown up at the launch, it could be possible to fully offset your marina mooring fees by renting out your boat and its cabins four times a month.

More at Beds On Board.