London Boat Show - Beds on Board launches

by Jason Ludlow on 9 Jan 2015 At the CWM FX London Boat Show tomorrow (Friday 9th January) Beds on Board is set to introduce ‘another way to stay’ at its launch.

Research shows that on average most boats are used just 5% of the time. For the further 95% a lot of this floating real estate lies dormant, while clocking up mooring fees and maintenance costs. At the same time, people are often struggling to source short-term accommodation in the same desirable locations.

The founders of Beds on Board, Sir Peter Ogden with brothers Jason and Tim Ludlow saw this presented an opportunity and the business, a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting boat owners with accommodation seekers, was born.

Beds on Board will give the boat owner complete control and doesn’t incur the same costs as chartering. As part of the rising ‘share economy’ it simply introduces boat owners to people looking for beds. A simple, online management system enables owners to decide who stays, when and for how long. The package can help offset the cost of ownership without compromising the owners’ use of their boats.

As the boat remains static during the let and is used purely for accommodation there is no expensive licensing required.

As Jason Ludlow emphasizes 'This is a community where everyone benefits. The owner has full flexibility while guests get access to a great alternative to hotels and B&Bs in great locations.'

'Joining the community is completely free, we simply charge a small fee when a booking is made.' Ludlow continues. 'Through our secure and mobile-friendly bedsonboard.com site, owners can set their rates and log availability. Potential guests can search for boats and contact owners through the built in messaging service which also allows owners to vet individuals before agreeing a let.'

All Beds on Board payments and deposits are managed by PayPal so both owners and guests are both assured their money is tracked and safe.

Beds on Board continues to develop a network of agents to provide a full concierge service and any enterprising individuals or marina based companies that would like to look at partnership option should get in touch.

The three founders and the team behind Beds on Board will be on their stand (F013) at the CWM FX London Boat Show on Thursday 15th January between 16.00 and 19.00.