How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boat in 2025?
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Boating Made Accessible
For years, boating was seen as a luxury reserved for yacht owners or insiders. But with peer-to-peer platforms like Boatsetter, more people are discovering that boating can be just as accessible as booking a vacation rental. The big question on everyone’s mind: how much does it actually cost to rent a boat in 2025?
The answer depends on the type of boat, location, and whether you hire a captain — but the good news is, there’s an option for every budget.
Average Costs by Boat Type
- Pontoon Boats
- Avg. hourly rate: $87–$125/hr
- Avg. per person: ~$100 when split by a group of 8–10
- Perfect for sandbar trips, family outings, and casual cruises.
- Motor Yachts
- Avg. hourly rate: $250–$500/hr
- Luxury charters start at ~$1,500 for half-day trips.
- Best for celebrations, milestone events, or high-end group experiences.
- Fishing Charters
- Half-day trips: $400–$800
- Full-day offshore trips: $1,200–$2,000+
- Species-driven (redfish, salmon, tuna) and best with a licensed guide.
- Sailboats
- Day sails: $150–$300/hr
- Multi-day trips: $2,000–$4,000 depending on size/season.
- A romantic, adventurous option for couples and curious learners.
- Jet Skis / PWCs
- Avg. daily rate: $150–$300
- Independent, high-adrenaline fun; popular with younger groups.
What Impacts the Price?
- Location: Miami and NYC tend to run higher than inland lakes or smaller markets.
- Seasonality: Summer and holidays (July 4th, Labor Day) see peak pricing.
- Captained vs. Bareboat: 70%+ of Boatsetter trips include a captain, which adds cost but also expertise and peace of mind.
- Trip Duration: Half-day (4–5 hours) is the most popular, making up ~44% of bookings. Medium-length trips (5–8 hours) are the sweet spot for value.
- Group Size: Larger groups split costs, bringing per-passenger prices to ~$100 — often less than dinner and drinks on land.
Data That Matters
Boatsetter has hosted over a million guests nationwide, with demand growing across both coasts and inland lakes. Seattle, Tampa, and Austin all saw double-digit YoY growth in bookings, while Miami and California continue to lead the charge.
With millions of visitors expected on the platform in 2025, peer-to-peer rentals are proving that boating is no longer a luxury — it’s an accessible lifestyle.
Tips for Saving on Your Boat Rental
- Book Off-Peak: Early fall and spring often have lower prices than peak summer weekends.
- Choose Group Trips: Splitting the cost with 6–10 friends brings the per-person price down significantly.
- Try Different Boat Types: Pontoons and deck boats are budget-friendly alternatives to yachts.
- Watch for Promos: Keep an eye on Boatsetter’s seasonal campaigns and referral programs.
Ready to Book Your Perfect Day?
Whether you’re planning a luxury yacht party, a family fishing trip, or a casual afternoon at the sandbar, Boatsetter makes boating affordable and accessible. With thousands of boats across 700+ locations, your dream trip is just a click away.
Find your next adventure — search Boatsetter rentals today.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
