San Diego Charter Fishing Captain-Turned-Tech Leader on Marine Tourism Growth
Zach Eischen’s journey from washing boats to leading sales at WaveRez is exactly the kind of story we love to tell on Chartering Growth. In this episode, we talk shop on why booking platforms are the front door to your business — and how smarter systems are helping captains scale.
Whether you run 1 boat or 10, Zach breaks down what it takes to win in today’s marine tourism world. He explains how captains can cut OTA fees, convert one-time bookings into repeat business, and take back control of their growth.
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by generic software or struggled to connect the dots between tech and trips, this one’s for you.
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – From Deckhand to Director
Zach shares how his time as a charter captain shaped his approach to booking tech.
06:22 – Why Captains Are Leaving FareHarbor
The limitations of big-box software — and what captains are switching to instead.
11:45 – “We’re a Consulting Company Disguised as a Platform”
What makes WaveRez different, and why customer support isn’t just a feature — it’s a strategy.
19:10 – Turning OTA Leads into Direct Bookings
Zach explains how to reduce dependency on booking sites and take control of customer relationships.
25:50 – What Works in Key West, Destin & Tampa
Examples of operators using better booking systems to scale operations and boost margins.
33:40 – Final Advice for Captains
Zach’s challenge to operators: Love the business side like you love the water. Tech doesn’t have to be overwhelming — if you’ve got the right partner.
