Switching from FareHarbor: What You Keep, What Changes
Thinking about making a move? Here's exactly what the transition looks like—no surprises, no sugarcoating.
We'll cover what transfers, what you'll need to recreate, and how to switch without disrupting your bookings.
Why Captains Switch
Before we get into the how, let's address the why. The captains who come to us from FareHarbor usually cite:
Common reasons:
- Percentage fees adding up ($500-2,000+/month for busy operators)
- Interface is more complex than needed
- Support is good but focused on larger operators
- Feeling like a small fish in a big pond
Valid reasons to stay:
- Heavy OTA dependence (FareHarbor's integrations are excellent)
- Using advanced features (manifesting, complex resource management)
- Part of a larger organization that's standardized on FareHarbor
If you're nodding at the first list, keep reading. If the second list describes you, FareHarbor might still be your best bet—and that's okay.
What Transfers Automatically
Let's be clear: there's no "one-click migration" button. FareHarbor doesn't make it easy to leave (no surprise there). But your important data is exportable.
Customer Information
Booking History
Your Pricing & Trip Types
What You'll Recreate
Some things don't export and need to be set up fresh:
Trip types and descriptions: You wrote these once, you can copy-paste them into a new system.
Availability/calendar: Start fresh. Actually a good opportunity to clean up your schedule.
Automated emails: Most systems have templates. You'll customize them, but it's not starting from zero.
Waiver content: If you used FareHarbor's waiver integration, you'll need to recreate the waiver (or copy the text).
Time Estimate
The Transition Plan
Here's how to switch without losing bookings or confusing customers.
Week 1: Set Up (While FareHarbor Still Active)
Export Your Data
Set Up New System
Test Everything
Week 2: Transition
Pick a Switchover Date
Update Your Website
Update Other Channels
Handle Existing Bookings
Week 3+: Wind Down FareHarbor
Keep FareHarbor active until all existing bookings complete. Then cancel.
Don't Cancel Too Early
What Customers See
From your customers' perspective, almost nothing changes:
Before: They go to your website, click "Book Now," and book a trip.
After: They go to your website, click "Book Now," and book a trip.
The interface looks a little different. The confirmation email comes from a different sender. That's it.
Customers don't care what software you use. They care that booking is easy and they get on the water.
Handling the Overlap Period
During the transition, you'll have:
- Existing bookings in FareHarbor (honor these normally)
- New bookings in your new system
Tips for managing both:
- Color-code your personal calendar - FareHarbor bookings in one color, new system in another
- Check both systems daily - Until FareHarbor bookings clear out
- Block FareHarbor dates in new system - Prevent double-booking
This overlap usually lasts 2-6 weeks depending on how far out your bookings go.
Common Questions
"What about my reviews?"
FareHarbor reviews stay on FareHarbor. Google reviews stay on Google. Your most valuable reviews (Google, Facebook) aren't affected.
"Will I lose my search ranking?"
No. Google ranks your website, not your booking software. As long as your website stays the same (just with new booking embed), nothing changes.
"What if I hate the new system?"
Try before you commit. Most platforms offer free trials. Use it for a few weeks before fully switching. And honestly? Switching back is the same process in reverse.
"What about my OTA bookings?"
If you have Viator/GetYourGuide bookings coming through FareHarbor, you'll need to manage those separately. Either:
- Keep a minimal FareHarbor account just for OTAs
- List on OTAs with your direct booking link instead
- Accept that OTA bookings will require manual calendar updates
Some operators choose to list their direct booking link on OTA platforms rather than using FareHarbor's integrations. You may lose a few bookings, but if you're saving hundreds per month in FareHarbor fees, the math often works out in your favor.
The Real Barrier to Switching
Let's be honest about what holds people back.
It's not the technical stuff. Setup takes an afternoon.
It's not the money. Switching saves money.
It's the inertia. "FareHarbor is working fine." "I don't have time for this." "What if something goes wrong?"
The Cost of Waiting
Switching Checklist
Before you switch:
- Export customer data from FareHarbor
- Export booking history
- Save copies of your trip descriptions
- Note your current pricing and deposit settings
During setup:
- Create account on new platform
- Add trip types and pricing
- Set up deposit requirements
- Configure automated emails
- Connect payment processing
- Test with a real booking (refund yourself)
Going live:
- Update website booking embed
- Update Facebook booking button
- Update Google Business profile
- Update email signature
- Update voicemail mention
After switch:
- Monitor both systems during overlap
- Cancel FareHarbor after all existing bookings complete
- Enjoy keeping more of your money
The Bottom Line
Switching booking software isn't a big deal. It's an afternoon of setup and a few weeks of monitoring two systems.
The hardest part is deciding to do it. The actual doing? Way easier than you're imagining.
If FareHarbor is costing you hundreds per month in fees and you're not using the enterprise features that justify that cost, you're paying for complexity you don't need.
Your call. But the math is pretty clear.
Ready to see what you'd save? Try Guidewinds free — no credit card required. Or watch the demo first.