Borrow a Boat acquires Beds on Board

Boat hire and yacht charter marketplace Borrow A Boat, has acquired Beds on Board, the platform that connects guests and owners for static charters (non-sailing boat hire).

The acquisition brings over 5,000 additional boats and more than 30,000 users to Borrow a Boat and, says the company, reinforces its position as the largest boat charter marketplace in the UK.

Borrow A Boat will also be inviting Beds on Board boat owners to list on Borrow A Boat, allowing them to offer both static and standard charters.

Launched in 2015, Beds on Board connects boat owners and accommodation seekers looking for ‘another way to stay’. It allows boat owners to monetise their otherwise vacant boat, helping to offset the costs of ownership while offering customers competitively priced accommodation. Unlike traditional chartering, there is no licensing required with static charters.

CEO & founder of Borrow A Boat, Matt Ovenden, says: “The acquisition of Beds on Board is a huge milestone for us. There are a number of synergies between the two businesses – both having been founded with the goal of making boating more accessible, affordable, flexible and inclusive for all.

“Opening up otherwise vacant boats for static charters satisfies the pent-up demand for city-breaks and staycations, while offering customers a more unique and memorable experience than traditional overnight accommodation options.

“This is just the first of many exciting announcements this year, and we’re looking forward to revealing more milestones later in the year.”

Borrow A Boat also recently acquired a Dutch competitor.