Note ADid Boatsetter and GetMyBoat merge?
Yes. Their merger was announced on Dec 18, 2025, in a press release distributed through PR Newswire. The announcement said both consumer platforms and apps would remain active with no immediate changes.
What differs for your rental
Comparison item | Boatsetter | GetMyBoat | Report date Rental model | Peer-to-peer and commercial operator rentals | Peer-to-peer and commercial operator rentals | December 2025, Refresh Miami Captain options | Rentals with or without captains | Rentals with or without captains | December 2025, Refresh Miami Regions | Worldwide | Worldwide | Publication date not published Renter fees | not published | not published | Publication date not published
Insurance | Says all boats are insured; renter insurance options available | Boat-alert.com reports insurance availability, without terms | Publication date not published Cancellation | Boatsetter Promise includes conditional refund eligibility for weather disruption or a boat not as promised | not published | Publication date not published Membership terms | not published | not published | Publication date not published
The merger did not immediately replace either booking platform. The announcement distributed through PR Newswire on Dec 18, 2025, said both platforms and apps would remain active without immediate changes for consumers, owners, or operators. Refresh Miami also reported business as usual in December 2025; that is the dated status used here, not a claim about later changes.
Boatsetter’s stated insurance coverage and refund protection are the clearest distinctions in the comparison above. Boatsetter says all listed boats are insured and that renters have trip-specific insurance options. Its Promise provides eligibility for refunds when bad weather disrupts a trip or the boat is not as promised, rather than an unconditional cancellation refund. Ask for the applicable coverage, exclusions, deductible, and refund conditions before paying.
Neither platform can be compared on a published renter fee schedule here. Ask for the total payable, including any captain charge, fuel, platform fee, taxes, and other required charges, then use the calculator to compare your quotes. Worldwide reach also does not tell you which boats are available at your departure point. The Boatsetter review and GetMyBoat review explain each service separately.
Choose by boat and written terms
Choose Boatsetter if you want to examine its stated Promise protection and renter insurance options; choose GetMyBoat if you want to explore its advertised event bookings or longer-term rentals, which depend on owner rules and availability. Both offer rentals with or without captains, so wanting to drive does not by itself distinguish them. For a birthday or other group outing, compare the actual boat, departure location, and written quote rather than the merged company’s overall reach.
A captain-free listing is not confirmation that you qualify to operate it. Ask the owner what operating experience and documents are required, and check the applicable agency’s requirements separately. If you want a captain, confirm who supplies that person and whether the charge appears in your total. Neither marketplace fits your trip if the available listing cannot meet your operating requirements or provide acceptable written terms.
Your budget comparison should use matching trip details, not just the advertised boat price. Confirm the duration, guest allowance, fuel arrangement, and cancellation terms on each quote before splitting the cost with your group. Do not assume the merger makes insurance or refund protection identical across the brands. Use the boat rental apps and sites comparison if neither has a suitable listing for your place and plans.