SamBoat US — Boat Rentals & Charters

How It Works

• Search — pick your destination, dates and the type of boat you want.
• Filter — choose bareboat (you skipper it) or a listing that includes a licensed skipper.
• Book — request or instantly book, message the owner, and confirm the meeting point.
• Sail — collect the boat, run through the handover checklist, and go.

Popular US Destinations

• Florida — Miami, the Keys and Tampa Bay. The biggest concentration of listings and a year-round season.
• California — San Diego, Marina del Rey and San Francisco Bay for coastal day sails.
• New York — Hudson River and Long Island charters, strongest in summer.
• The Great Lakes — Chicago and Michigan for freshwater cruising in peak season.

Boat Types

• Sailing yachts — for anyone with experience or booking a skipper.
• Motorboats — the default for day trips and watersports.
• Catamarans — stable, spacious and the usual pick for families and groups.
• RIBs — fast, informal and good for short coastal runs.
• Houseboats — the slow option, popular on inland waterways.

Why Book With SamBoat

Listings carry reviews from previous renters, bookings are covered by the platform's insurance arrangements, and support handles the awkward parts — cancellations, weather, disputes — rather than leaving you negotiating directly with an owner in another country.

Tips for UK Travellers

• Check the licence requirement. Many US states allow bareboat hire without a formal licence, but rules vary by state and by boat size — the listing states what's needed.
• Bring an RYA certificate if you have one; it strengthens a bareboat application even where it isn't formally required.
• Read the deposit and damage waiver terms before booking.
• Confirm what's included — fuel, cleaning and skipper fees are frequently extra.
• Check your travel insurance covers boating activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat licence to rent in the US?

It depends on the state and the boat. Some require a boater education card, others don't. Every SamBoat listing sets out the requirement for that specific vessel.

Can I hire with a skipper?

Yes. A large share of listings offer a skippered option, which is the sensible choice if you're unfamiliar with local waters.

Is a deposit required?

Usually. Most owners take a refundable security deposit, released after the boat is returned undamaged. The amount is shown on the listing.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Cancellation terms vary by owner, and many include weather provisions. Check the policy on the listing before you book.

More on the water: Cruise holidays hub.

Affiliate disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. Referral done ✅ if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.