Owning a GoBoat premium electric picnic boating business is more than just smart…it’s a lifestyle choice. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh start, from young professionals to semi-retirees, it’s an opportunity to mix business with a new sense of adventure!

GoBoat’s mission is simple: make boating easy, safe and affordable. The concept gives locals and tourists alike a fresh way to spend time outdoors and enjoy Australia’s iconic waterways.

“It’s a unique boat hire experience, it’s so easy; the motor is electric, there’s a central picnic table so everyone on the boat gathers for lunch,” says head of operations, Jonathon Rodgers. “The BYO is quite big and guests can make it as cheap or as expensive or they like. 

“Some locations partner with a local cafe or restaurant, so there is the option to go all out with grazing platter or croissants. We like to keep the event affordable so our customers can bring the food themselves,” he says.

Now GoBoat is franchising, providing the opportunity to tap into the rising trend of experience-first tourism is available to anyone – with or without boating experience.

A franchisee can employ a manager for the site, or can be a hands-on owner operator. Either way, the model is designed to run smoothly with just a few casual staff.

Operations experience underlies systems and processes

Jonathon brings almost two decades of experience in boats, from tourism to super yachts to commercial vessels. This hands-on experience has shaped GoBoat’s operating systems, making it simple enough that even boating novices can successfully own and operate a GoBoat business.

“Whether you are a non-boater, or have 20 years on the water, we provide the systems and a consistent approach to operations,” he says.

“We have created systems for elements that wouldn’t normally be systemised in a marine environment.”

GoBoat offers premium levels of support to franchisees

All Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulations are managed by GoBoat, leaving franchisees free to focus on what matters most – safety and a great customer experience.

GoBoat provides clear, ready-to-use systems covering everything from guest check-in and safety briefings to boat preparation checklists, vessel troubleshooting, and day-to-day operations.

“Every employee or franchisee operates with two core principles in mind: safety and customer service. It’s simple: we keep the boats and guests safe, and they have a fantastic experience,” he says.

Training and upskilling are routine

Customer service is at the heart of GoBoat’s success. To support this, the franchisor provides rigorous, competency-based training that equips every team member with the confidence and skills they need. This training covers daily operations from day one right through the first year.

“We are always upskilling because we want to give the best service and customer interaction,” Jonathon says.

“There is always something to work on with boats; cleaning, detailing, polishing. We practice preventative maintenance and train everyone, from junior to franchisee, to identify issues before they arrive. We encourage managers and franchisees to be on the tools and interacting with the boats.”

Automation is key to streamlined operations

While GoBoat encourages a hands-on approach with its vessels, it matches this with a strong level of automation in its systems and operations, starting with the customer journey.

Customers can see live availability online when they book a boat and any add ons such as merchandise or food and drink options. 

“Automation is very big for us and there’s a centralised component; emails are automated through the customer journey, and this includes providing a safety waiver prior to their arrival,” Jonathon says.

“We’re interacting with customer online for less than 15 minutes but the streamlined system makes their journey easy and gives us all the information we need.”

Marketing made easy with strong collaboration

GoBoat can help franchisees market their business, assisting with templates, photo shoots, influencers and user-generated content.

“We take a collaborative approach to marketing and we have an inhouse social media coordinator who can assist franchisees,” Jonathon explains. 

“GoBoat is unlike any other small business and we can support franchisees so they are comfortable with all aspects of the business,” he adds.