What is boat sitting? How to become a boat sitter

Updated 15 Aug 2024

Aquatic highways are a whole type of adventure in themselves. The freedom a houseboat and boat sitting can offer opens new doorways and waterways for exploration. However, this unique sort of sit comes with some additional responsibilities and routines that may not suit all sitters.

For those keen to try out living in a houseboat as a pet sitter, we have a few pearls of wisdom to pass on before you set sail on your boat sitting bonanza. Here are some of the benefits of living on a houseboat, a few of the downsides to be aware of, and a list of tips for life on the open waterways around the world. 

Is boat sitting a possibility?

Certainly - boat sitting is becoming more popular as adventure-seekers look for more interesting ways to travel. There are many houseboat owners who need a vacation, too - but are in need of people with a bit of boat know-how to take care of their houseboat and pets.

If taking on a boat sit sounds like something you’d be interested in, stick with us as we get into what boat sitting really is, the benefits, what to prepare for, and how to become a boat sitter.

What is boat sitting?

Taking on a boat sit means you’ll live on somebody else’s houseboat for a period of time while they’re away. Your responsibilities should be agreed with the boat and pet owners (here are some questions to ask pet parents), but they could include things like taking care of the boat, cleaning, and of course, looking after their pets. 

It’s not all work and no fun though, naturally - you’re living on a boat after all! Boat sitting is a great way to see the world, meet new furry friends and like-minded others, and will certainly be a well-deserved reset from a busy lifestyle.

Boat sitting with TrustedHousesitters: how does it work?

So, like the idea of meandering down a river on a houseboat with a new furry friend by your side - every canal of the way? Great - well boat sitting with TrustedHousesitters works in much the same way as applying for any other house sit, but it’s important you have some boat knowledge and/or experience - for obvious reasons. 

For more information on how house (and boat) sitting with TrustedHousesitters works, explore our ‘how it works’ page below.

How can I become a boat sitter?

As a house, pet and boat sitter with TrustedHousesitters, you can apply for as many sits as you like - just for one annual membership fee. Simply create your profile, ensuring you’re showcasing any boating experience and knowledge, then apply for sits to connect with boat owners and pet parents. Once you’ve secured your sit - you’re good to go! Your boat sitting adventure awaits. 

What's boat sitting like for our members?

Along with doing your own research, one of the best ways to decide whether house and boat sitting is for you is to take a look at what our members have to say. Explore our members’ house and boat sitting stories and join our community forum to be part of the conversation.

Tips for boat sitting

• Prioritize pet safety
• Learn local mooring laws
• Basic boat knowledge
• Scope local amenities
• Pack layers

Prioritize pet safety

Along with keeping the boat afloat, pet safety is at the top of any pet sitter’s priority list while boat sitting. Ahead of your sit, clarify where the pets are allowed to go on the boat, what you must do for safety through the night, and any factors you need to be aware of.

Learn the local mooring laws

Make sure you’re mooring in the right place and for the right length of time to avoid wracking up any unwanted fines. Ask for detailed instructions from pet parents, check local authority sites and use the houseboat community for waterway tips.

Previous boat experience

Boat sitting is different from something like farm sitting or horse sitting, where experience is needed. It’s up to the pet parents how much experience they want from a boat sitter, but make sure you have some basic knowledge on houseboat engine care, mooring, locks, and how to live off grid.

Scope out the nearest resources and shops

During your boat sit, you might need to top up on supplies, so check local maps and ask pet parents for instructions on where is best to stop. You might need to refuel, full up on water, dispose of waste, and buy food supplies.

Pack layers

Houseboats based in cooler climates will normally be equipped with either diesel, wood, or coal heaters and stoves, along with additional insulation. Check with the pet parents on how well-stocked you’ll be whilst they’re away, what to do if anything runs out, and where you can pick up extra supplies. And naturally, pack a few layers should things get chilly!

Why boat sit? The benefits of boat sitting

• Freedom 
• Community
• Rural living
• Devoted time with the pet

Floating freedom

One of the most typical reasons people opt for the boat life is freedom, and you can have a taste of that as a boat sitter. 

Each boat sit will have varying levels of freedom - some owners may allow you to sail during the day and moor in the same place at night, others might need you to stay docked.

If you’re able to take the houseboat out for a trip during your boat sitting adventure, the possibilities are endless - dog walks, new lunch spots - you’ll be living on your own mode of transport.

Houseboat communities

Houseboat communities are a fundamental part of houseboat living. These communities are known for being welcoming places for help, resources, word-of-mouth knowledge, and a great source of company.

Enjoy rural living off the grid

If you fancy some rural living while sitting with the option to explore and see more of the countryside, boat sitting is for you. While certain canal ways will allow for easy inner-city access, you’ll still be equipped with basic facilities. If you’re looking for simple living with a wood-burning stove, a diesel heating system, and off-the-grid plumbing, you’ll enjoy life as a boat sitter.

Devote your time to pet love and mindfulness

If you’re able to set sail for parts of your sit, there will be points where you’ll be left to entertain yourself and pet pals whilst you search for your next mooring site. These are awesome opportunities to spend bonding with your fellow furry boat babies.

Boat sitting: things to be aware of

• Engine trouble. Agree with pet parents on what they’re comfortable with you fixing, and have a list of emergency numbers to hand. It’s also worth making yourself known to the local houseboat communities, and contact the owners if you experience any issues.
• Plumbing and heating. Be prepared for a cold shower if plumbing fails, and have a plan in place with pet parents should the heating stop working.
• Limited living space. Be honest and realistic with yourself - are you okay with small, simple living? If the idea doesn’t faze you and you love the idea of the open water despite the small living space, boat sitting could be for you.

The best places for houseboat sitting

Luckily, there are a lot of waterways in the world and on almost every continent. If you’re looking for a houseboat sitting adventure in the US, some of the top States for boat living include New York, California, Oregon, and Maryland, to name a few!

Over in Europe, the UK, Amsterdam, Denmark, and Ireland are arguably four of the most famous countries with canals. Norway is known for its stunning fjords and rivers, while Sweden has its own naturally formed waterways around Stockholm. 

So, ready for the open water? Hop aboard our community of likeminded sitters, and get your adventure started by exploring sits.

We have our houseboat community on our Community Forum - head there to learn more about life on the wondrous waterways or offer tips for budding boaters. Keen to find your own houseboat adventure? There are thousands of pet parents looking for paw-some sitters around the globe, check out what’s available and whether a house on the water is looking for a new pet pal.