Boat Clubs: Are They Worth The Cost?

Boat clubs are a great alternative to owning a boat. They are a membership-based organisation that provides individuals with access to a fleet of boats without the burdens of ownership. While boat clubs offer convenience and cost savings, it’s important to consider certain limitations before joining. Joining a boat club means paying a regular fee and booking boats according to availability. However, there are drawbacks to joining a boat club, such as limited boat options, high costs, and overcrowding.

Cost analysis: Is it cheaper to own a boat or join a boat club?

Boat clubs are an increasingly popular alternative to owning a boat, but the costs can quickly add up. So, is it cheaper to own a boat or join a club? Let's break it down.

The Costs of Boat Ownership

Boat ownership comes with a range of costs. Firstly, there's the initial purchase cost, which can be significant. The average cost of a boat is between $60,000 and $70,000. This is a large upfront investment, and it doesn't include additional expenses like fuel, insurance, storage, and maintenance. These ongoing costs can add up over time, making boat ownership a costly endeavour.

The Costs of Joining a Boat Club

Now let's look at the costs of joining a boat club. Instead of buying a boat, you pay a one-time initiation fee, which can range from $1,950 to $4,450, and then monthly dues, which typically fall between $150 and $500. These fees vary depending on the club, location, and membership plan. While this may seem more affordable than owning a boat, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as limited boat selection and availability, as well as the pressure to use the service enough to justify the cost.

Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs, it's clear that boat clubs offer a more affordable entry point. However, over time, the costs can accumulate, and they may even exceed the cost of owning a boat, especially if you're an avid boater. For example, with monthly dues of $500, you would spend $6,000 in a year, which is already a significant portion of the cost of purchasing a boat. Additionally, boat clubs often have limited locations and blackout days, as well as potential overcrowding issues, which can impact your ability to use the service.

In conclusion, while boat clubs offer a lower barrier to entry in terms of upfront costs, the ongoing expenses can be substantial. For occasional boaters, a boat club may be a more cost-effective option. However, for those who boat frequently, owning a boat may be the more economical choice in the long run, despite the higher initial investment. It's important to consider your boating habits, the specific costs involved, and the potential limitations of boat clubs when making a decision.

Maintenance: How much work is involved in boat upkeep?

Boat maintenance can be a lot of work and can be costly. The annual maintenance cost for a boat is around 10% of the boat's cost, and new boat owners pay around $5,000-$8,000 per year in maintenance. This figure includes the cost of regular washing and cleaning, boat detailing, winterization, complete servicing, and boat trailer maintenance. If you have a marina membership, you will need to factor those costs in, too.

The cost of maintenance depends on the size and type of boat, whether it is used in fresh or saltwater, and whether the boat needs to be prepared for off-season storage and winterized. Owners of smaller boats can often perform basic maintenance themselves and only pay for parts and supplies like engine oil.

Boat maintenance costs can also be affected by the location, size, and age of the boat. For example, boats stored in the water will require more maintenance than those stored out of the water, as extended periods in the water can lead to barnacle growth.

In addition to regular maintenance, accidents can happen, and repairs can be costly. Even if you opt to do the repairs yourself, you will still need to pay for replacement parts.

When it comes to boat clubs, the maintenance and upkeep of the boats are typically handled by the club. This means that members don't have to worry about the time and cost associated with maintaining a boat themselves. However, it is important to note that the quality of maintenance and the availability of boats can vary between clubs.

Convenience: How easy is it to reserve a boat?

Boat clubs offer a convenient alternative to owning a boat, providing members with access to a range of vessels without the associated maintenance and costs of ownership. However, the ease of reserving a boat through a boat club depends on several factors, including membership demand, location, and reservation systems.

Membership Demand and Boat Availability

One of the primary challenges in reserving a boat through a club is the limited selection of boats and high member demand, especially during peak seasons like weekends, holidays, and summertime. This can lead to situations where members are left empty-handed when they desire to take out a particular boat. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to plan ahead and make reservations well in advance, especially if you have specific boats or dates in mind.

Location Constraints

The location of the boat club also plays a significant role in reservation convenience. While some clubs have worldwide locations, members are often restricted to one location, typically a touristy spot. For instance, Freedom Boat Club, one of the largest boat clubs, has most of its locations in the US. Smaller, more affordable, local-based boat clubs may only have one or two locations, limiting your options for boating destinations.

Reservation Systems and Advance Booking

Boat clubs usually offer online reservation systems, allowing members to book boats in advance. The lead time required for reservations can vary between clubs. For example, Freedom Boat Club allows members to make up to four reservations through their online app up to six months in advance. Carefree Boat Club, another prominent club, also permits reservations up to six months ahead.

Some clubs may also offer more flexible, short-notice reservation options. For instance, Freedom Boat Club members can reserve boats with as little as two weeks' notice, providing a level of spontaneity comparable to boat ownership.

In conclusion, the convenience of reserving a boat through a boat club depends on various factors, including membership demand, location constraints, and the efficiency of the club's reservation system. While boat clubs offer a convenient alternative to boat ownership, members should be prepared to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure their desired boats. Making reservations in advance and being flexible with boat choices can enhance the convenience of the reservation process.

Boat variety: What types of boats are available?

Boat clubs offer a range of different vessels to their members, from family-sized pontoons to luxury catamarans. However, it is important to note that the selection of boats may be limited and might not always meet your expectations.

Boat clubs typically offer a variety of vessels to cater to different preferences and needs. For example, Freedom Boat Club, one of the largest boat clubs in the world, provides its members with access to pontoons, bow riders, center consoles, and deck boats.

Other boat clubs may offer similar options, but it is always a good idea to check with the specific club you are interested in to see the exact types of boats available. It is worth noting that most clubs have a narrow selection, and you may not always be able to get the boat you want, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.

Boat clubs also tend to update their fleets regularly, ensuring that members have access to newer boat models. For instance, Freedom Boat Club rotates new boats into their system and moves older ones out of inventory after three years of usage.

In addition to the variety of boats, boat clubs also offer different membership tiers and packages, allowing members to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget. These tiers may be based on factors such as the size of the boat, the frequency of usage, and the location.

Overall, while boat clubs provide access to a range of boats, it is important to research the specific offerings of the club you are considering and be aware that you might not always get your first choice of vessel.

Additional costs: What else do you need to pay for?

Boat clubs are marketed as a more affordable alternative to owning a boat, but there are still a number of additional costs to consider on top of the membership fees.

Firstly, fuel is often not included in the membership fee. Some clubs will provide a full tank of fuel and require you to refill it upon your return, while others will charge you for the amount of fuel you've used. Either way, this is an extra cost that you'll need to factor in on top of your membership fees.

Additionally, while boat clubs often provide boating lessons and training, these may come at an extra cost. If you're new to boating, be sure to ask about the cost of training before signing up for a club.

Another cost to consider is the cost of insurance. While some boat clubs include insurance in their membership fees, others require you to purchase your own insurance policy. Be sure to clarify this with any club you're considering joining, as the cost of insurance can be significant.

Finally, there may be additional costs for things like maintenance, repairs, and towing. While boat clubs typically take care of regular maintenance, if something breaks while you're using the boat, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs. Similarly, if you need to be towed back to shore, this could incur an additional charge.

While boat clubs can be a more affordable option than owning a boat, it's important to be aware of these additional costs and factor them into your decision-making process.

Frequently asked questions