Boatter.com — GDPR & Data Protection Policy

Last Updated: January 2026

Boatter.com (“Boatter”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU Regulation 2016/679). This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data when you use our platform at www.boatter.com. Boatter.com operates as a global subscription-based marketplace that connects boat owners and renters directly, without charging commissions or transaction fees.

1. What Personal Data We Collect
   We collect only the data necessary to operate and secure the Boatter platform. Account Information: Name, email address, contact details, account login credentials, and user role (boat owner, renter, or both). Listing Information (Owners): Boat descriptions, images, specifications, boat location (city/country), pricing, and availability. Booking & Communication Data: Messages sent between users, booking details such as dates and trip type, inquiry and response activity. Payment & Subscription Data: Boatter does not process rental payments directly; we only collect subscription payment confirmation details and billing address if required for tax or invoicing.
2. How We Use Your Data
   We use personal data to provide marketplace services, manage accounts, enable communication between owners and renters, process subscription payments and invoices, prevent fraud or abuse, improve platform performance, and comply with legal obligations. We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
   We process personal data based on consent (for marketing and optional profile details), contractual necessity (for account creation, subscriptions, and listings), legitimate interest (for platform security and analytics), and legal obligation (for tax, regulatory, and law enforcement compliance).
4. International Data Transfers
   Boatter.com operates globally, and your data may be processed or stored outside the EU. Where data is transferred internationally, we apply GDPR safeguards including Standard Contractual Clauses, secure cloud hosting, encryption, and access controls.
5. Data Retention
   Account data is retained until the account is deleted. Listing data is retained while a listing is active. Communication logs are retained for 24 months. Subscription invoices are retained for 7 years for legal and tax compliance.
6. Your GDPR Rights
   If you are located in the EU or UK, you have the right to access your data, correct inaccuracies, request deletion, restrict or object to processing, request a portable copy, and withdraw consent at any time. Requests may be sent to privacy@boatter.com. We respond within 30 days.
7. Data Security
   We protect personal data using SSL encryption, secure AWS cloud hosting, role-based permissions, regular security audits, and two-factor authentication for administrator access.
8. Data Breach Notification
   If a breach affecting EU user data occurs, we will notify affected users without delay, inform supervisory authorities within 72 hours, and take corrective action.
9. Third-Party Services
   Boatter.com uses secure cloud hosting providers, email delivery services, and subscription payment processors. These partners comply with GDPR data protection requirements.
10. Contact for Data Protection Matters
    For GDPR and privacy inquiries, contact privacy@boatter.com or visit www.boatter.com.

EU-Specific Cookie Consent (GDPR-Compliant)
Boatter.com uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze platform performance. Users visiting from the EU or UK will see a cookie consent banner.

Cookie Categories: Essential Cookies are required for login, security, and core functionality. Analytics Cookies are optional and used to measure site performance. Marketing Cookies are optional and used for newsletter or advertising performance tracking.

Cookie Banner Consent Text: “Boatter.com uses cookies to enhance your experience, provide essential platform features, and analyze performance. You may accept all cookies or customize your preferences. By clicking ‘Accept,’ you consent to the use of non-essential cookies in accordance with our GDPR policy.”

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Users may enable Essential Cookies (always active) and optionally allow Analytics Cookies and Marketing Cookies. Users may update their cookie preferences at any time through the “Manage Cookie Preferences” link located in the website footer.