Three girls and a boat: The joy of boat sharing

Mary Ann Moran, Peta Clifton and Selina Craig

For many, the idea of owning a boat is a lifelong dream—being able to cruise the rivers, feel the wind on your face, and enjoy the freedom that comes with life on the water. But for some, boat ownership can feel out of reach. This is where the magic of boat sharing comes in. We caught up with three friends who embarked on a boat-sharing adventure to learn more about their experience and the unexpected joys it’s brought them.

How it all began: A summer decision

“We started talking about it in the late summer of 2018,” Mary Ann explains, “and by October, we had bought Pisces III.” For these three friends, the decision to buy a boat together was a natural extension of their long-standing friendship. “We’ve been friends for a good while, skiing together and attending festivals. We’re fortunate to live just 15 minutes from the Thames, and Henley has always been central to our social lives.”

Two of the group had prior experience with boats, which sparked the idea. “We knew the fun and unique experiences that a boat brings. Selina had experience with house sharing too, which made us confident that boat sharing would be a great adventure.”

Making it work: Flexible and fun

For this trio, the boat season typically runs from Easter to late October or early November, depending on the weather. “We take her out of the water for the winter, but during the season, the use really varies. Sometimes it’s all three of us with mutual friends, other times we go out with different sets of friends and family, or even just two of us if one is unavailable.”

One of the big advantages of boat sharing is the flexibility. “It’s nice not to feel tied to always going out together. But we love the laughter and good times when we do.”

More than they expected

When asked if they’ve used the boat as much as they thought they would, they reflect on the weather, the pandemic and the useful research they did in preparation. “When we bought Pisces III, we had a beautiful late Indian summer. We were fortunately able to use the boat quite early on in Covid times when there was not much else to do and this was a massive bonus.” The trio have always been very realistic about how much they thought they would use the boat before they bought it. “Sharing makes it a more viable option as three people are able to use it rather than just one owner.” This has therefore maximised the overall usage and river enjoyment for the friends.

They also mention some unexpected benefits to owning a boat together. “Having a boat is something I couldn’t do on my own, so sharing is perfect. I didn’t realise how much I would relish the change of pace the river brings. It has also added a new dynamic to our friendship and introduced us to new people through each other.”

Tips for successful boat sharing

Sharing a boat with friends or family might sound complicated, but these three have found a system that works well. “We had lengthy discussions before buying Pisces III about potential challenges. We didn’t want to set days or weekends because that could lead to resentment if it rained on someone’s turn.” Instead, they use a WhatsApp group to coordinate. “If someone wants the boat on a particular day, they just ask. We agreed that holidays, Regatta, and other special events would always be joint adventures unless someone can’t make it.” Another useful tool for managing a boat sharing calendar is Time Tree. It allows you to pop in key dates you’d like to book the boat out as well as leaving notes for one another.

A further tip from Mary Ann, Peta and Selina is, “Know your numbers. We decided early on to pay a monthly amount into a shared pot for all expenses—expected and unexpected. This way, we never have to worry about costs.”

And what about damage? “We agreed that whoever is on the boat when something happens covers the costs. Thankfully, that’s been rare!”

They also advise making sure everyone is boat competent. “We took lessons together so we could all confidently take the boat out on our own.”

The best part of boat sharing?

“Sharing life on the river with friends is the perfect antidote to a stressful day. It gives you the chance to appreciate what’s right on your doorstep.”

Challenges? Not Many! Surprisingly, they haven’t faced many challenges. “We’ve managed to work out any small clashes easily.” They also recommend investing in both winter and summer covers to protect the boat from the elements and bird poo!

Would They Do It Again? Without hesitation, they say yes. “We wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe we’re unusual in that our friendship and different backgrounds allowed us to make the right decisions upfront, but it’s been a fantastic experience.”

Why consider boat sharing?

For individuals, couples, or families dreaming of boat ownership, sharing can make it a more accessible and enjoyable experience. It offers flexibility, the chance to split costs, and the joy of spending time on the water without the pressure of managing everything on your own.

If you’re interested in boat sharing or exploring boat ownership, we’d love to help you get started. At Val Wyatt Marine, are passionate about the rivers and seas that connect us all. Let us help you find your perfect boat—or share one with friends for an unforgettable adventure!