BookABuoy
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about BookABuoy.
For Sailors
How do I book a mooring?
Search for a location and dates, select your mooring, choose your payment method and confirm. For instant bookings you're confirmed immediately. For approval bookings, your card is held while the host reviews your request.
What happens if the host doesn't respond?
Approval bookings automatically expire after 7 days if the host doesn't respond. Your card hold is released immediately and no charge is made.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes — you can cancel any booking more than 48 hours before check-in for a full refund of your card hold. Within 48 hours, cancellations are not permitted.
Is my payment safe?
Yes. All payments are processed by Stripe, the same technology used by Amazon and Uber. Your card details are never stored on our servers.
Do I need insurance?
Yes — you must have valid vessel insurance to book on BookABuoy. You'll need to upload your certificate in your profile before booking.
What if the mooring isn't as described?
Contact the host via the messages screen. If the issue isn't resolved, email us at ahoy@bookabuoy.co.nz and we'll help mediate.
Can I message the host before booking?
Once you make a booking request, a message thread opens automatically. You can introduce yourself, share your vessel details and ask questions there.
For Hosts
How do I list my mooring?
Switch to Host Mode from your profile, then tap 'Add Listing'. Walk through the 6 steps — location, photos, vessel limits, pricing, booking type and publish.
How do I get paid?
Once a booking is completed, your earnings (booking total minus the $5 BookABuoy fee) are paid to your nominated bank account. Make sure your bank details are up to date in your Host Profile.
Can I block dates?
Yes — from the Listings screen, open your listing's calendar, select the dates you want to block, and tap 'Block for Owner'.
What is the BookABuoy fee?
BookABuoy charges a flat $5 per booking fee. This covers platform costs, payment processing, and customer support.
Can I set different rates for different dates?
Yes — use the Rate Override feature on the Listings calendar to set special rates for specific date ranges.
What if a sailor damages my mooring?
We strongly recommend ensuring your mooring is covered by your own marine or property insurance. BookABuoy does not currently offer damage cover but this is on our roadmap.
Can I decline a booking?
Yes — for approval-type listings, you can decline any request. The sailor's card hold is released automatically.