The Many Uses of Dockshare

a large yacht is docked in a canal outside a large Floridian home

Private dock rentals. Peer to peer dock sharing. Airbnb for slips. Dockshare has been described in so many ways since we first launched. Hosts are raking in cash and boaters are finding new places to dock. It’s working and we’re beyond thrilled. 

But that’s just the beginning. The variety of use cases for private dock rentals is expanding all the time. People aren’t just using Dockshare to find a place to dock for the season. Our users come from all walks of life and Dockshare is growing into something larger than our founders ever imagined. Check out some of the many reasons people are using Dockshare:

Transient Dockage 

a sailboat is docked a a floating dock with salt marsh in the background

For boaters out at sea for extended periods, private dock rentals offer the perfect solution for a quick stop. Whether it’s to restock supplies, grab a shower, or simply relax on land for a bit, many private docks are conveniently located near such amenities. Some even offer perks like access to a golf cart or recommendations for local ride-sharing services.

Seasonal and Long-Term Docking 

With marinas across the country reaching capacity and waitlists extending for years, private dock rentals provide a peaceful and hassle-free alternative. Dockshare allows hosts to enjoy the simplicity of having a single renter for the season, while boaters can avoid the frustration of trailering all the time. Long-term private dock rentals often lead to lasting friendships between hosts and renters, enhancing the boating experience even further.

Yacht Brokerage 

a large yacht is underway at sea

Selling a boat? Dockshare offers brokers the perfect place to keep vessels in the water for sea trials. Some brokers book private docks for an entire season, allowing them to bring in bring multiple vessels during the course of their booking.

Avoiding Peak Boat Ramp Days 

Using a public boat ramp on a beautiful holiday weekend is a recipe for a major headache. You could be wasting precious family time on the water waiting for the #boatrampchamps to unclog the parking lot. Boaters frequently book docks Friday to Monday just to avoid using the ramp on a Saturday or Sunday. They launch after work on a Friday when the ramp is calm, and retrieve the boat after the weekend, maximizing their time on the water.

Dock ‘n Dine 

a couple walks on a dock away from a boat

Of course most waterfront restaurants have docking options, but not all of them do! Or what if you want to eat at the restaurant two blocks inland, but the free dock ‘n dine slips are only for the waterfront establishment? Many of our private dock rentals are within a short walk of popular restaurants, making your dock ‘n dining evening hassle-free.

Family Vacations 

Picture this. You’ve booked the perfect week-long vacation with your family, you’re bringing the boat, and you hope to be on the water everyday. But the adorable Airbnb you reserved doesn’t come with a dock. That’s where Dockshare can help. We are seeing more and more vacationers making weekly bookings so they don’t need to trailer their boat each day of their vacation.

Non-Boater Access 

two men hold paddles as they walk toward some paddling gear on a dock

Dockshare is not just for boaters! Private dock rentals open up a world of opportunity for non-boaters. Paddlers, kayak anglers, windsurfers, kiteboarders, and hydrofoilers (yep, even hydrofoilers!) are starting to use Dockshare to access new waterways that they couldn’t reach before. Since these watersports enthusiasts can’t go quite as far as a boat, having more points to access the water is key to exploring new areas.

Weddings, Baptisms, and Waterfront RnR 

a wedding couple sits on a dock and admires each other

Yes, you read that right! Our users are searching for docks for all kinds of things! Wedding photos, baptisms, a place to catch a tan – what will they think of next?!