Private boating lessons on your clients' boats

New boat owners, families, couples who want to feel safer on the water, and people who bought a boat but are nervous to take it out.

Hourly or half-day rate per lesson, often sold as a package of 2 to 4 sessions. Repeat work comes from referrals by marinas, dealers and boat clubs.

• Strong boat handling experience
• Patient, clear teaching
• Calm under pressure
• Good with nervous beginners

• Licensing: rules on carrying passengers for hire and on teaching can differ by state and waterway, so check before charging
• Professional liability or marine instructor insurance, since the client's boat insurance may not cover you
• Agree in writing who is responsible for damage and who is in command during the lesson
• Seasonal demand and weather cancellations in many states

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the safety gear, insurance and marketing you choose. Because lessons happen on clients' boats, these are estimates and your own costs may differ.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many lessons you book and what you charge. Demand is seasonal in many states and weather can cancel lessons.

Rules on carrying passengers for hire and on teaching can differ by state and waterway, so check before charging. Also check professional liability or marine instructor insurance, and agree in writing who is responsible for damage and who is in command.