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Boat-sitting: a boat looked after, a stay aboard

Owners leave a boat in its marina for a stretch and a member looks after it while they are away. Crew get a stay on a real boat. Owners get someone they can check on.

For crew

No passage to sail this season? Look after a boat in a marina instead, sometimes living aboard, and build reviews that help your next application.

Find a boat-sit

For owners

Leaving your boat for the winter or a long trip? Say what needs looking after, see who applies with their verification, references and reviews, and agree a short summary.

Post a boat-sit

Open boat-sits

One boat-sit is open.

How it works

  1. The owner posts a boat-sit: the marina, the dates and what needs looking after.
  2. Crew apply with a message. The owner reads who they are first, then chooses.
  3. Both read a short summary and agree it. Details like keys and contacts are shared in the chat once it is confirmed.

Leaving your boat for the winter: checklist and finding a boat-sitter

Questions about boat-sitting

What is boat-sitting?
An owner leaves a boat in its marina for weeks or months and a member looks after it while they are away. The owner lists what needs doing, such as checking the mooring lines, the bilge and the batteries, running the engine and airing the boat.
Who pays what?
The owner says which of three arrangements it is: a free stay, shared costs such as electricity and berth fees, or a fee agreed privately between the two of you. We never handle money between captains and crew.
Is the boat insured?
Insurance is the owner's matter. Global Crew Finder does not arrange or check insurance. Ask the owner what is covered, and agree it before the stay starts.
Can a boat-sitter live aboard?
Only where the marina allows it. An owner who offers a live-aboard stay confirms that the marina allows liveaboards, and the listing says so. Check the marina's own rules as well.
What does a boat-sitter do?
Whatever the owner lists: checking lines and fenders, the bilge and pumps, charging batteries, running the engine, airing the boat, cleaning the deck, watching the weather and forwarding post. Read the list before you apply.
How does an owner choose someone?
Each application shows ID verification, references, reviews and boat-sits completed first, above the sailing CV. After accepting, both sides agree a short summary and use a handover checklist for keys, the marina office, emergency contacts and storm warnings.