Boatsetter, Getmyboat Merge to Create Global Boating Powerhouse

MIAMI, FL – December 18, 2025 – In a landmark move set to reshape the global marine tourism industry, boat-sharing leaders Boatsetter and Getmyboat have announced their merger, forming a new, unified entity. The consolidation creates a dominant global marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences, boasting a combined history of over half a billion dollars in bookings across 50 countries.

Michael Farb, who has served as Boatsetter's CEO since 2022, will take the helm as CEO of the combined company, which will be headquartered in Miami. Both the Boatsetter and Getmyboat platforms will continue to operate independently for the time being, ensuring a seamless transition for their vast user base of renters and boat owners. The merger is backed by existing investors Level Equity, Centerbridge Partners, and Yanmar, signaling strong confidence in the new entity's long-term growth trajectory.

Charting a New Course in a Booming Market

The merger arrives as the appetite for outdoor and experience-based travel surges. The outdoor recreation sector has swelled into a $1.1 trillion economic engine, with a notable cultural shift towards activities that connect people with nature. The boat rental category, a significant segment of this trend, is projected to become a $36 billion industry by 2032.

"Outdoor recreation has surged in recent years with a record number of Americans wanting to spend more time in nature," said Michael Farb, CEO of the combined entity. "We're seeing this shift play out across our platforms as well. Millions of people are choosing time on the water to reconnect with nature, their loved ones and the outdoors more intentionally."

This move strategically positions the new company to capture this expanding demand. The peer-to-peer (P2P) rental market, where private owners list their vessels, is a particularly potent growth engine. Industry reports project this segment to grow from approximately $1.25 billion in 2024 to nearly $3.9 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of over 13%. By combining forces, Boatsetter and Getmyboat are not just scaling up; they are anchoring their leadership in the fastest-growing part of the marine leisure industry.

Consolidation and Competitive Waters

The union of Boatsetter, with its 50,000 listings in 700 markets, and Getmyboat, with its own extensive global footprint, creates an undisputed leader in the P2P boating space. This new scale presents a formidable challenge to competitors like Click&Boat and Sailo, intensifying competition that hinges on fleet diversity, user experience, and global reach. The combined entity's sheer size will enable more efficient marketing spend, accelerated product development, and a broader, more consistent inventory for consumers worldwide.

The financial backing of the merger is as significant as its market position. Continued support from Level Equity, a growth equity firm with over $4.7 billion in committed capital, and Centerbridge Partners, a multi-strategy private investment firm managing over $56 billion in assets, provides a deep well of capital and strategic expertise. Their involvement underscores a sophisticated strategy to not only lead the market but to define its future through sustained investment and operational excellence.

The Captains of the New Economy: Impact on Boat Owners

At the heart of this marketplace are the tens of thousands of boat owners and operators who turn their maritime assets into income. For them, the merger promises a wider net for potential customers and a suite of enhanced tools to manage and grow their businesses. The platforms have already proven to be a vital economic lifeline for many, helping to offset the substantial costs of boat ownership—which include maintenance, storage, and insurance—with some owners earning over $20,000 annually.

However, the consolidation also brings practical considerations to the forefront. While the press release promises enhanced support, owners will be closely watching for any changes to commission structures, which have historically hovered around 20% of the rental fee. Furthermore, the critical issue of insurance remains paramount. While platforms like Boatsetter have established partnerships, such as an exclusive deal with GEICO for liability coverage, these often have limits. Experts consistently advise owners to secure their own commercial boat rental insurance, as standard recreational policies typically do not cover rental activities, leaving a potential gap in protection that owners must proactively address to operate securely.

Navigating with AI and Technology

A key pillar of the new company's strategy is a deep investment in technology, particularly artificial intelligence. The vision is to leverage AI to streamline every aspect of the on-water experience. For renters, this could mean highly personalized boat and destination recommendations based on past behavior and stated preferences. For owners, AI-driven tools could offer dynamic pricing models that analyze market demand and weather patterns to maximize revenue.

Behind the scenes, AI is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Predictive maintenance algorithms can monitor engine data to flag potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, while intelligent navigation systems can analyze real-time maritime traffic and weather to suggest the safest and most efficient routes. This technological push, guided by CEO Michael Farb's background in scaling software-based marketplaces, aims to solve market inefficiencies and make boating not only more accessible for consumers but also significantly more lucrative for owners.

A Global Fleet with Local Tides

While the merger creates a global entity, its impact is profoundly local. The growth of on-demand boating directly fuels waterfront economies, supporting small businesses and tourism-driven jobs. In hubs like Tampa, Florida, owners on both platforms have collectively earned over $20 million in the last five years, with that income flowing directly back into the local community. This symbiotic relationship has led to collaborations with tourism boards, such as Visit Tampa Bay, to promote the diverse array of local boating experiences.

This expansion of the 'blue economy' also comes with the responsibility of navigating a complex web of regulations that vary by country, state, and even municipality. Operating a global 'Airbnb for boats' requires strict adherence to safety standards set by bodies like the U.S. Coast Guard and their international counterparts. The new company is doubling down on this commitment, highlighting the enhancement of trust and safety programs like the Boatsetter Promise and 24/7 customer support. By investing in robust vetting processes, comprehensive safety checks, and clear insurance frameworks, the merged entity aims to build the trust necessary to pioneer the next era of growth in on-the-water adventure.