Looking to make waves in the world of affiliate marketing?

Turn your passion for all things nautical into hard cash with boating affiliate programs.

With the global leisure boat market valued at almost $43 billion and set to reach nearly $65 billion by 2030, there’s no shortage of opportunities in this niche.

North America leads the charge, with almost 12 million registered recreational boats in the US alone.

And with boat owners investing heavily in maintenance and creature comforts, there’s a plethora of high-quality products to promote.

Cast off into our data-driven analysis of the top boats and yachts affiliate programs to float your affiliate strategy.

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1 Wholesale Marine

When it comes to sourcing top-notch boating equipment, parts, and supplies at prices that won’t sink your wallet, Wholesale Marine is a true winner. Not only did it make Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Trending Online Shops, but it’s also a go-to source for budget-conscious mariners everywhere.

The site features known brands like Attwood, Bennett Marine, Interlux, and Solas — so hardcore boaters will see names they know and trust from your affiliate links.

Wholesale Marine’s affiliate program through AvantLink offers a sweet 14-day cookie window and commissions ranging from 2% to 5% per sale, depending on the item order. And with access to official banners, text links, product data feeds, and a dedicated affiliate support team, you’ll be ready to take your campaigns to the high seas in no time.

URL: Wholesale Marine affiliate program
Commission rate: 2% – 5% per sale
Cookie duration: 14 days
Products/Services sold: Boat parts & supplies
Payment methods: Direct deposit/ACH, wire transfer, PayPal
Market(s): US only

2 West Marine

Those in the market for a boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling fix, look no further than West Marine. This venerable brand has been serving up high-quality gear since 1968, when it started as a mail-order business called West Coast Ropes.

Today, it stocks over 100,000 products for every kind of water adventure. And with free shipping (no pun intended) on orders over $99, it’s a lure for enthusiasts looking to kit themselves out for their next aquatic escapade.

West Marine’s affiliate program is managed through the Pepperjam network and pays a flat commission rate of 5% per sale, with a generous 30-day cookie window to boot.

URL: West Marine affiliate program
Commission rate: 5% per sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Products/Services sold: Boat parts, sailing products, water sports equipment
Payment methods: PayPal, check, direct deposit
Market(s): US only

3 Marine Products

The clue is in the name: Marine Products sells, you guessed it, marine products. It’s a specialist in water sports gear, wakeboards, waterskis, wake-foils, and more, plus marine hardware, boat parts, wet suits, and life vests.

The retailer has won four Dealer of the Year Awards from the Water Sports Industry Association, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing.. Trust factors like this can be a valuable tool for turning traffic into clicks and sales.

Join their affiliate program on AvantLink, and you’ll get a 30-day cookie window, 5% commission rate on all sales.

The reported average order value of $250 means you could make around $12.50 per sale.

Marine Products provides various marketing materials and resources, including a monthly supply of fresh creatives and a price-match guarantee on all current model years.

URL: Marine Products affiliate program
Commission rate: 5% per sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Products/Services sold: Boating gear, water sports equipment, accessories
Payment methods: Direct deposit/ACH, wire transfer, PayPal
Market(s): US only

4 Waveinn

Combining nautical gear, equipment and apparel in one place, Waveinn has an inventory of 700,000+ products from top brands like Daiwa, Helly Hanson, and Shimano.

The company is part of Tradeinn, a network of 15 online sports equipment stores. So if you join this affiliate program, you also get to promote over a dozen other brands, helping you target a wider audience. All Tradeinn stores offer fast worldwide shipping and a 30-day returns policy.

Affiliate signup for Waveinn’s program is managed through the CJ Affiliate network. The program has a 30-day cookie window and a 6% commission rate.

An average order value of $150+ translates to a commission of around $9. However, only US, Canadian, and Latin American transactions are commissionable.

According to CJ Affiliate, Tradeinn’s combined affiliate program has a three-month EPC of $1.03.

Waveinn affiliates can access various marketing materials and tools, including a product data feed.

URL: Waveinn affiliate program
Commission rate: 6% per sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Products/Services sold: Fishing equipment, boating gear
Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
Market(s): US, CA, Latin America

5 Cabela’s

For outdoor gear that’s both rugged and refined, Cabela’s carries everything from motors to electronics to accessories.

The brand was founded by brothers Dick and James in 1961 and was acquired by outdoor gear giant Bass Pro Shops in 2017, Cabela’s is now backed by big business infrastructure.

Join the Cabela’s affiliate program through Impact Radius and take advantage of its sliding commission scale, which pays up 1% on firearms, 2% on ammunition, and 3% on all other products. Plus, with a 14-day cookie window, you’ll have plenty of time to reel in sales.

According to Impact, Cabela’s has a 30-day EPC of $0.41.

Cabela’s provides a wide range of marketing material, including high-quality creatives, affiliate newsletters, and pre-written content. It also employs a dedicated affiliate management team.

URL: Cabela’s affiliate program
Commission rate: 1% – 3% per sale
Cookie duration: 14 days
Products/Services sold: Marine electronics, trolling motors, kayaks & canoes, boat accessories
Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
Market(s): US only

6 Bass Pro Shops

Speaking of Bass Pro Shops…

BPS is a privately owned US retailer specializing in various outdoor gear categories, including hunting, fishing, and boating. Customers get free shipping on orders of $50+.

The company operates 177 stores across North America across the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s brands.

Like Cabela’s, the Bass Pro Shops affiliate program is managed through Impact and pays a 1% commission on gun sales, 2% on ammo, and 3% on other items. It also has a 14-day cookie window.

Bass Pro provides various marketing materials and assets, including a product catalog feed, constantly updated sales promotions, and a dedicated affiliate management team.

URL: Bass Pro Shops affiliate program
Commission rate: 1% – 3% per sale
Cookie duration: 14 days
Products/Services sold: Outdoor gear, boating equipment & accessories
Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
Market(s): US only

7 Seal Skin Covers

One of the most important investments a boat owner can make: an all-weather boat cover, designed to withstand the elements.

Seal Skin Covers knows that protecting your boat from the elements is crucial, which is why they specialize in high-quality all-weather covers made from five waterproof layers. These covers are ultra-durable and come with a 10-year warranty, plus free shipping anywhere in the US.

The Seal Skin Covers affiliate program, managed through ShareASale, is a standout in the boating niche. With a generous 90-day cookie window and base commission rates starting at 12%, climbing as high as 15% based on performance, it’s a great opportunity for affiliates.

ShareASale’s 30-day stats show an average order value of $136.36, an EPC of $103.31, and a strong 6.78% conversion rate. Plus, affiliates with sizable audiences in the automotive or boating niches can access extra cash rewards, free product samples, and sponsored content opportunities.

Marketing materials include high-quality creatives, regular deals and coupons, affiliate newsletters, and a product data feed.

URL: Seal Skin Covers affiliate program
Commission rate: 12%+ per sale
Cookie duration: 90 days
Products/Services sold: Boat & car covers
Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, international direct deposit, wire transfer, Payoneer
Market(s): US only

8 Sea Eagle

Sea Eagle is a leading player in the inflatable boat, kayak, and paddle board niche, with over 50 years of experience under its belt.

Its impressive reputation is backed up by a 96% satisfaction rating from customers. With nine in 10 consumers reading reviews before making a purchase, this is a big selling point.

The online, family-owned business offers free shipping to the lower 48 states and a 180-day money-back guarantee.

Join the Sea Eagle affiliate program through AvantLink to access a 120-day cookie window and a generous 9% commission rate.

The program offers a great opportunity for affiliates, given the high average order value of over $650. You could earn over $58.50 from a single sale. Plus, Sea Eagle allows PPC campaigns as long as you follow the brand’s guidelines.

URL: Sea Eagle affiliate program
Commission rate: 9% per sale
Cookie duration: 120 days
Products/Services sold: Inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, stand-up paddle boards
Payment methods: Direct deposit/ACH, wire transfer, PayPal
Market(s): US only

9 BoatUS

The sea can be a cruel mistress. So safety is a key aspect of boat ownership — and BoatUS specializes in insurance and towing among its many benefits and services.

The organization offers various benefits and services to its 700,000+ members, including savings opportunities across more than 30 national partners and over 1,200 businesses.

BoatUS runs an in-house affiliate program with a sliding commission scale, paying…

$10 per Basic Membership
$20 per Unlimited Freshwater Towing Membership
$25 per Unlimited Saltwater or Gold Towing Membership sold

…plus a further $5 if customers add Trailer Assist to their membership purchases.

The affiliate program is open to anyone with an active marine or boating-related website.

URL: BoatUS affiliate program
Commission rate: Up to $30 per sale
Cookie duration: Unlisted
Products/Services sold: Memberships
Payment methods: Unlisted
Market(s): US only

10 Better Boat

Better Boat is a family-owned online business specializing in boat care products, safety gear, and accessories. Better Boat’s soap, polish, wax, and cleaning tools are must-haves for every boat owner, ensuring repeat purchases for affiliates.

With over 500,000 satisfied customers, Better Boat has strong brand recognition and offers free shipping on orders over $25 and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Join the Better Boat affiliate program through Refersion and earn 12% commissions on all conversions that close within the 21-day cookie window.

Commissions are paid 30 days after the sale, provided you have a minimum balance of $10.

Better Boat is looking for affiliates with active audiences, including bloggers with traffic and YouTubers or social media influencers with 1,000+ followers.

URL: Better Boat affiliate program
Commission rate: 12% per sale
Cookie duration: 21 days
Products/Services sold: Boat care products
Payment methods: PayPal, Trolley, gift card
Market(s): US only

11 Boatbookings

Boatbookings claims to be the world’s leading online broker for yacht charters, and with their fleet of luxury vessels, it’s easy to see why they’re trusted among boat lovers.

These guys organize crewed yacht charter vacations, experiences, and adventures for the elite, from motor yachts to sailing boats, and even static charters for corporate entertainment.

Join their in-house affiliate program with a 30-day cookie window and earn 20% commission on completed charters, with higher rates for top performers. Get paid one month after each successful charter.

To join the program, you must have an audience interested in chartering yachts or a related niche, such as luxury goods, concierge services, or travel.

URL: Boatbookings affiliate program
Commission rate: 20% of commissions earned by Boatbookings
Cookie duration: 30 days
Products/Services sold: Bareboat and crewed yacht charters
Payment methods: Bank transfer
Market(s): Global

12 Sailing Europe

Sailing Europe is one of the leading lights of the charter industry, offering customers access to 12,000+ character yachts in some of the world’s top sailing destinations, from Croatia to Cuba.

As well as operating its own charter agency, the company maintains its own fleet of sailing boats and catamarans based at the Croatian port village of Rogač.

Sailing Europe’s in-house affiliate program pays a flat €50 commission on all charter bookings, plus a bonus €50 payment for every fifth sale. Commissions are paid monthly for sales generated in the previous month, with a minimum threshold of €100.

You must have your own website to join the affiliate program. Once approved, you’ll get access to various marketing materials, including text links and banners.

URL: Sailing Europe affiliate program
Commission rate: €50 per sale
Cookie duration: Unlisted
Products/Services sold: Yacht charters
Payment methods: PayPal
Market(s): Global

Conclusion

We could have listed dozens of boat affiliate programs, but we only recommend the best of the best.

So we analyzed the programs promoted by 10 of the most established sites in the boating and yachting niche, including Motor Boat & Yachting, DIVEIN, Ride the Ducks of Seattle, and Boat Safe.

These sites are cashing in, and so can you.

All you need is your own affiliate site, and that’s where we come in. At Authority Hacker, we’ve built successful sites in countless niches. We’ve learned a lot along the way. And because we’re decent folk, we’d love to share our insights with you.

Sign up for our free training to learn seven secrets to creating high-performing affiliate sites, including one incredible tip for stealing your competitors’ best keywords.