Can an Owner Request a Deposit Outside the Platform?
boatUnity offers a clear and secure system for security deposits through our exclusive non-withheld guarantee. This is the only type of deposit permitted on our platform, ensuring transparency and trust between renters and boat owners.
How the non-withheld guarantee works
The non-withheld guarantee is not charged to your payment method when booking. Instead, the amount—set by the owner or co-navigation captain—is held as a reference. If damage occurs, and the owner submits a request, the guarantee may be partially or fully transferred to the owner after a dispute has been resolved.
No additional deposits allowed
All individual owners and co-navigation captains must agree not to request any additional deposit outside of the boatUnity platform. If someone asks for an extra deposit before booking, we recommend canceling the reservation immediately and reporting this behavior as it violates our terms of service.
Professional rentals and charter companies
Rentals from professional owners or charter companies operate under their own deposit and claims procedures. In these cases, boatUnity does not intervene directly. However, our resolution center is always available to support both parties and help mediate if needed.