Are you someone who loves being on the water but doesn’t want the hassle or expense of owning a boat?
A boat club membership might just be the thing for you!
Boat clubs offer all the fun of boating without the headache of maintenance and storage.
But what exactly is a boat club? How much is a boat club membership? Is it worth joining? Should you pay for a membership? Let us find out!
Average Cost Of A Boat Club Membership
The average cost of a boat club membership is between $600 to $10,500 for a one-time entry and a monthly fee of $200 to $700, depending on the location and boat club.
What Is A Boat Club?
Boat clubs are organizations that allow members to use a fleet of boats at a fraction of the cost of owning a boat.
Boat clubs typically have several membership tiers that offer different levels of access to the fleet and amenities, such as concierge service, storage, and maintenance.
Some boat clubs also offer charter services and special events.
How Much Does a Boat Club Membership Cost?
Just like with any type of club, there are going to be different levels of membership, each with its own set of benefits and perks, as well as a different price tag.
For example, some clubs may have an initiation fee as well as monthly or annual dues, while others may just have one or the other.
In addition, the type of boats that are available for use, and the number of boats in the fleet, will also affect how much you can expect to pay for a membership.
The average boat club membership costs anywhere from $2890 to $10,500 for a one-time entry and from $200 to $700 monthly fee, depending on the type of club and its amenities. For example, if your boat club has a large fleet and offers members full use of all its boats as well as all its equipment and facilities, then you can expect to pay more than if the club only has a handful of boats for members’ use.
Some boat clubs also offer additional amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, saunas, and even restaurants. If your club has these added features, then you can expect to pay more than if it doesn’t.
The cost of a boat club membership may also depend on the size of your family. If you have a large family, then expect to pay more than if you only have one or two children.
| Boat Club | Boats | Locations | One Time Entry | Monthly Fee |
| Freedom | Pontoon, Fishing boats, Center consoles, Deck boats, Wake boats | US, Canada, Europe | $5000 | $350 |
| Carefree | Cruisers, Bowrider, Deck boats, Pontoon, Fishing boats, Ski & Sailboats | US, Canada, Caribbean, Panama, Philippines | $3500 – $5500 | $350 |
| Nautical | Cobalt, Mastercraft, Bennington, Crest Pontoon, Mastercrafts | Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin | $2895 – $8000 | $295 – $700 |
| Suntex | Center Consoles, Tritons, Pantoons, Wakeboard Boats, Waverunners, Runabouts | Texas, Lowa, California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kentucky | $3000 | $375 |
| Gulfstream | Dual Console, Center Console, Pontoon, Deck Boats | Palm Beach Gardens, Tampa, Hypoluxo, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, ST Pete – Tiera Verde, | $3000 – $10500 | $100 – $399 |
How to Choose the Right Boat Club
When you’re ready to take the plunge and become a boat owner, there are a few things you need to consider. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to join a boat club or not.
Boat clubs offer many advantages, including access to a variety of boats, ongoing maintenance and storage, and complimentary or discounted rates on additional services like fuel and dockage. But with so many boat clubs, how can you know which is right for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop around for the perfect boat club membership:
- Location – Make sure the club is located in an area that is convenient for you. There should be several docks close to where you live or work.
- Size – Choose a club that has boats that are the right size for you. If you have a large family, you will need a larger boat. If you are single or have a small family, a smaller boat will suffice.
- Cost – Make sure the membership fee and monthly dues are within your budget. Also, check to see if there are any discounts or specials available.
- Services – Find out what services the club offers, such as cleaning, maintenance, and storage. Choose a club that offers the services you need at a price you can afford.
- Reputation – Take some time to research the club’s reputation. Ask around and see if anyone you know has any experience with the club. You can also check online ratings and reviews to get an idea of what other people think of the club.
Joining a boat club is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of boating without all the hassle and expense of owning your own vessel. By keeping these pointers in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect club for your needs and budget.
Reasons to Join a Boat Club
1. Get on the water faster and easier
- Boat clubs offer a hassle-free way to get on the water. No need to worry about maintenance, storage, or launching fees — just show up and walk away when you’re done.
2. Try before you buy
- Not sure if boating is right for you? Boat clubs offer a great way to test the waters without making a huge investment. You can try out different types of boats in different areas to find what you like best.
3. Save money in the long run
- Boat clubs offer a low-cost way to enjoy boating. You’ll save on maintenance and storage, as well as on launching fees, which can really add up when you think about all the times you need to get your boat into the water.
4. Enjoy increased flexibility
- Boat clubs offer a great way to enjoy boating without being tied down by ownership. If you want to go sailing on the weekend, you can do it. If you need to take time off work because of an emergency or vacation, it’s not an issue.
5. Enjoy a variety of boats
- You might have an idea in mind when you start looking at boats — but what if that particular boat isn’t available when you want it? With a membership at a club, you can enjoy a variety of boats that might not be available for purchase. You’ll also have access to a wide range of equipment, including lifejackets and other safety gear.
6. Make new friends
- Boat clubs are great places to meet like-minded individuals who share your love of boating. In addition, club members often organize get-togethers, such as picnics and day trips. You can also find other boaters in your area through the club’s website or by searching online forums for local boaters.
7. Enjoy the benefits for life
- Once you join a boating club, there’s no need to worry about paying dues each year or renewing your membership — it’s yours for as long as you like!
8. Get expert help
- Most boat clubs have staff on hand who are happy to help with anything from docking tips to GPS navigation. If you’re new to boating, this can be a huge help in getting comfortable on the water. And if something does go wrong, they’ll be there to assist or even take over so you can relax and enjoy your time on the boat.
Becoming a member of a boat club opens up a whole community of fellow boaters that you can connect with — both on and off the water. You might make lifelong friends through your shared love of boating. Whether it’s your first time on a boat or you’re an experienced captain, joining a boat club is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy all that boating has to offer.
What’s Included in Boat Club Membership?
# Insurance
The boat club has an insurance policy that covers all boats at the club. This includes full coverage for damage to your boat, theft, vandalism, and other incidents. The benefits of this policy include the following:
- Peace of mind knowing that your vessel is protected from any kind of accident or natural disaster
- Coverage for loss or damage to your boat while it’s under our care
- Protection for you as a member if someone else damages their boat on yours (e.g., if another captain crashes into them)
# Boat Maintenance
- Boats can take a lot of abuse, but Boat Clubs will ensure that your boat is always in good condition.
- Trained technicians will clean and polish the exterior, wax it to make sure it looks great and protects against UV rays, and even make sure there are no leaks or other problems with the engine or any other part of the boat. They’ll also perform regular maintenance checks so we can identify any issues before they turn into bigger problems.
# Boat Club Training
The Boat Club offers training in a variety of areas, including:
- Navigation
- Rescue techniques
- Sailing basics (for example, how to tack a sailboat)
- The Boat Club also offers training in a variety of locations and on a wide range of boats.
# Boat training: depending on the boat club.
Training is included in club membership.
- The type of training you receive depends on the boat club.
- Typically, this training will be a one-time thing and not ongoing.
# Discounts on service and repairs
- You get discounts on parts and labor. You’ll also save money on storage, insurance, and other service-related expenses.
# Wide range of vessels
- When you join Boat Club, you’ll have access to a range of vessels to fit your needs.
- Choose from everything from standard boats (ranging in size from 20 feet to 30 feet) to luxury boats (ranging from 40 feet to 120 feet).
- Boat clubs also offer a variety of engine types and speeds, so whether you’re looking for speed or stability, they have the right boat for you!
# Safety Equipment
In addition to your boat, you’ll also receive safety equipment that will help keep you and your family safe on the water. These items are:
- Life jackets for all ages
- First aid kits with extra bandages and antiseptic wipes
- Fire extinguishers that can be used in the event of an emergency fire
- Flares for nighttime emergencies or signaling a nearby ship if there is an emergency on board
# Water Toys
- Water toys are included in the membership. Water toys include paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, towable tubes, and more. Members have access to enjoy these water toys at the club’s waterfront location as well as all across the Bay Area!
# The use of other locations in the country and around the world.
- As a Boat Club member, you’ll get access to these locations as well as memberships in other clubs around the world! Not only that, but if your friends want to come along and use one of these clubs too, they can join you for free (as long as they’re part of a group). All this means that whether you’re on vacation or just want to try something new while traveling home for spring break, there will always be somewhere nearby where you can do it.
What’s Not Included In Boat Club Memberships?
There are some things that are not included with boat club memberships. These items can include:
- Fuel- The cost of fuel is not included in your membership and will have to be paid for separately.
- Cleaning Fees- If you are renting a boat that has been recently cleaned, then cleaning fees may not be charged. However, if the boat is dirty or needs cleaning before use, then you may be charged for this.
Final Thoughts
Boat club memberships are an excellent way to save money on boating and can be a great investment. They allow you access to hundreds of boats located close by, with many different types available for use. This makes it easy for you to find something that fits your needs so that you can enjoy the water without having to spend a lot of money doing it.
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Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
That is handy to know, as we love boating, but also don’t want to be bothered with owning a boat and maintaining it. We like to go out about once a month as a family and just enjoy the sea. We normally hire, but looking at this article it may be well worth our while to join a boating club. I must admit I didn’t even know this option existed, so I will explore it further in our area.
I wonder if it will be cheaper to hire once a month or belong to a club?
Hi Michel,
If you often go boating, joining a boat club will be more advantageous. No doubt about it!
Let me know if you have more questions. I’ll be glad to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.
I came across your boat club post after searching for clubs that allow boat rentals as my husband always wanted to own a boat but it was too expensive for us to buy. We love to be on the water, fishing, or just relaxing for a day. I am glad I came across your article, as you addressed everything I needed to know and no questions were needed at the time. I will share your article on social media for my followers to discover boat clubs.
Hi Jannette,
Owning a boat is very expensive. Boat club is cheaper:)
I am glad this article has inspired you. Let me know if you have questions. I’ll be more than happy to answer.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day.