Turn your permanent mooring into a base
State right at the start that the boat will remain at its described mooring throughout the stay. Guests should realise that they are booking accommodation and will not be able to set off on their own. A photograph taken whilst sailing or during a previous trip may blur this impression. The actual situation at the mooring is the better basis for the advert.
Describe the surroundings without assuming any prior nautical knowledge. Is the boat moored at a jetty in a harbour, at a quayside facility or within a larger site? Mention the routes and areas available for use during the stay. A view across the water is no substitute for explaining what is located directly next to the boat.
Also show the surroundings of the mooring. Other boats, a public riverside path or a busy harbour area may form part of the stay. Avoid making absolute claims about peace and quiet or seclusion based on this. With a factual description, guests can decide for themselves whether this is precisely the kind of setting they are looking for for their overnight stay.
Show the full route on board
Take a photo of the transition from land to the boat and describe its layout. Is there a narrow jetty, a step or a walkway across a specific outdoor area? The route with a travel bag may look different to the same route without luggage. An additional photo taken from the perspective of arriving guests makes it easier to assess the situation.
On board, too, it’s important to describe the layout to help with orientation. Show how to access the interior and explain whether there is a steep staircase or several steps to negotiate. Low doors and limited headroom should be clearly indicated. Rather than simply stating that the boat is suitable for certain people, describe these specific features as precisely as possible.
The photos should show the actual access point used. A previous mooring with a wide access point may create different expectations from the current situation. Therefore, if the permanent location changes, check not only the location details but also the access photographs, the description of the surroundings and the information on onshore facilities.
Describe sleeping berths and cabins in simple terms
Not every guest knows the difference between an enclosed cabin and an open berth. Explain the sleeping arrangements using familiar terms. Is there a separate room with a door, an open sleeping area, or a seating area that is converted in the evening? If several people can sleep on board, their spatial separation is just as important as the total number.
A bed may narrow towards the foot of the bed or be accessible from only one side. Describe such features and include dimensions if you can provide them accurately. A photo without a strong wide-angle effect helps to visualise the space. The height above the sleeping area may also be relevant if the cabin differs significantly from a normal bedroom.
Show where luggage can be stored and which areas remain clear when beds are made up. If a table is lowered for the night, guests should be made aware of this change. Also illustrate the interior layout, including the sleeping arrangements. This makes it clear which communal areas are available during the day and which of these take on a different function at night.
Explain the bathroom facilities and kitchen in particular detail
The most important question is often whether the shower and toilet are on board or ashore. Describe both separately and state the actual distance to shared facilities. If there is only one toilet on board, a photo of a toilet block should not give the impression that there is a private bathroom on the boat.
If there is a small kitchen, provide specific details about the facilities available. Is there a cooking area, a fridge, or simply a way to heat water? Describe the facilities that are available for guests to use during their stay. The mere presence of visible appliances or marine fittings does not automatically mean that guests are permitted to use them themselves.
Explain any special features regarding utilities in a way that is clear for guests during their stay. This may include which sockets are usable or how hot water is supplied. Technical jargon on its own is of little help. A detailed on-site briefing can supplement practical details; the advert should explain the basic facilities and any obvious limitations in advance.
Classify outdoor areas as part of the accommodation
A seat on deck can make all the difference to a guest’s stay. Show where it is located, how to get there and what furnishings are actually available. In a photograph, a space may appear more spacious than it actually is when used by several people. Therefore, include a normal everyday scene – for example, showing the seating provided – without setting up additional props just for the photo.
Describe the proximity to neighbouring boats and the jetty. If other people walk right past the boat, this information is part of a realistic expectation of privacy. It is also sensible to include a factual explanation that the location on the water may involve perceptible movement or noise. Do not promise consistent conditions in all weather situations.
Stick to the accommodation areas on offer. Visible paddles, fishing tackle or other equipment should not be presented as included in the booking if this is not part of the described stay. This site expressly does not offer any equipment. Your advert should explain how guests will stay at the permanent mooring and which areas are available for this purpose.
Carefully prepare your accommodation listing
Plan the available dates to suit your own use of the boat and the time needed to prepare it. If you move it to another location in the meantime, the description and calendar must not give the impression that the situation has remained unchanged. Before you start, walk through the layout, sleeping areas and facilities from the perspective of someone who has never stayed on board before.
On BookNoFees, you can list your boat as accommodation free of charge. You select the appropriate type of accommodation during the listing process and add a description, photos, details, a calendar and the price. You then submit the listing for review. Throughout, describe the stationary overnight accommodation and the areas you make available to your guests at the fixed mooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests sail the boat on offer?
This page relates exclusively to overnight stays at a fixed mooring. Make it clear in the listing that the boat remains there and that no trip is included. Use appropriate photos of the mooring and the living area. A charter or sailing offer is not described here.
How do I describe showers on land?
State the location of the shower on land, whether it is shared, and the actual route from the boat to the shower. Separate the details regarding the shower and toilet if they are organised differently. A photo may supplement the description, but should be clearly recognisable as a facility on land and not as a room on board.
Do I need to avoid specialist maritime terms?
You can use them if you briefly explain what they mean. When planning a stay, for example, it matters whether a cabin is enclosed and how the sleeping area is accessed. Familiar descriptions of the rooms and layout often help guests more than a long technical list detailing the boat’s design.
What needs to be updated when you have a new permanent mooring?
Check the location details, access, surroundings and all facilities that were previously used on land. Update the relevant photos as well. The interiors can remain unchanged, whilst the nature of the stay may change significantly due to different routes or a different neighbourhood. The listing should always reflect the situation currently on offer.
