Online boat exchange launched

THE first worldwide online boat exchange system has been launched, allowing boat owners to unlock the equity in their boats.

BVC International has announced the global like-for-like boat exchange network for every class of vessel from 10ft fishing skiffs to 300ft super-yachts, launching the Web site www.bvcinternational.com.

Company co-founder Andy Young said: “A boat on a mooring, berth or trailer that's not being used costs money and benefits no one."

“Our passion is boating and the freedom to travel. We want to share this taste for adventure with others across the world and inspire a new global boating lifestyle, unlocking every vessel's true potential.”

BVC International works in a similar way to the highly successful home exchange programs around the world. An owner makes his boat available to other like-minded people in exchange for the use of a similar-size boat in a distant location.

“One major difference with BVC International is that we offer greater flexibility than direct exchange,” said Young.

“Owners build up credits by making their boat available and can ‘cash in’ those credits to use a similar boat anywhere in the world.

“Whether they are families who would love to go ski boating in new locations without trailing their boat long distance or superyacht owners who would like boats around the world without the multi-million-dollar cost, BVC International offers a solution.”

BVC International has offices in Sydney, Australia, in Spain and in the UK with 23 agents across nine countries.

“We already have hundreds of boats in locations as diverse as St Lucia, Spain and, of course, Australia in our database, so members already have a wealth of opportunities,” said Young.

He said his team had spent a number of years seeking and forming partnerships with some of the leading members of the boating industry, along with national port authorities, marinas and clubs across Europe, the America's, Australasia and the Middle East.

“We are also very proud to be working alongside world-class boat builders who are giving all new owners a one-year membership to BVC International as well as offering existing owners the chance to join our global community,” he said.

The BVC International annual membership fee is typically less than a single day's charter for a member’s boat class. Members pay a booking fee for each exchange whether it is for two days or four weeks. The fee is generally less than most hotel daily room rates.