Contributor: Carefree Boat Club of Southern Connecticut
2024 Member Handbook
The Member Handbook has been created as an information tool, a go to for members. Members will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Club, so keep it readily available.
Task List for New Members
In order to have access to ResNet, where you will be making your reservations, you must complete the following tasks:
- Complete your CT or NY Safe Boating Classes and received your certificate
- Print, sign and send a copy of your boating certificate to Cheryl
- Privileges and Date Issued must be stated on the certificate
- Successfully complete On-The-Water Training
- Attend our Zoom class / Watch the video – Navigation 101
- Create a username and password in ResNet
Club Contact Information
| Mitch Heffernan | Owner | 860-316-7227 | [email protected] |
| Cheryl Heffernan | Owner / Membership | 860-395-9971 | [email protected] |
| Bryant Heffernan | Marketing / Fuel Charges | 860-575-2316 | [email protected] |
| Sara Heffernan | Member Monthly Charges | 860-581-0806 | [email protected] |
Dock Contact Information – Phone Numbers for urgent/emergency calls only. For all other inquiries, please text)
| Locations: | Number: 844-358-1939 | Dock Line (Direct) |
| Old Saybrook | Option 1 | 860-876-4120 |
| Bridgeport | Option 2 | 860-876-4007 |
| Westport | Option 3 | 860-876-4090 |
| Stamford | Option 4 | 860-876-4386 |
| Rye | Option 5 | 860-876-4238 |
You can find addresses and directions to Club locations in ResNet under the “INFO” tab
Club General Managers
| Club Locations | Cell Number | Email Address | |
| Nicole Nye | Rye | 914-837-8449 | [email protected] |
| Chris Loeb | Stamford | 914-760-0908 | [email protected] |
| Nick Heffernan | Old Saybrook | 860-575-2317 | [email protected] |
| Liz Getts | Bridgeport / Westport | 203-767-3144 | [email protected] |
Club Hours of Operation – Boating Sessions
| 2024 Dates | Club | Days | AM Session | PM Session | ||||||||||||||
| 05/11-05/19 | All | Mon-Sun | 12 pm-8 pm | |||||||||||||||
| 05/20-09/08 | OS | Mon-Sun | 12 pm-8 pm | |||||||||||||||
| 05/20-09/08 | B | Mon-Friday | 12 pm-8 pm | |||||||||||||||
| 05/20-09/08 | B | Sat-Sun | 9 am-1:30 pm | 3 pm-8 pm | ||||||||||||||
| 05/20-09/08 | W/S/R | Mon-Sun | 9 am-1:30 pm | 3 pm-8 pm | ||||||||||||||
| 09/09-09/30 | OS | Mon-Sun | 12 pm-6 pm | |||||||||||||||
| 09/09-09/30 | B | Mon-Friday | 12 pm-6 pm | |||||||||||||||
| 09/09-09/30 | B | Sat-Sun | 10 am-1:30 pm | 2:30 pm-6 pm | ||||||||||||||
| 09/09-09/30 | WSR | Mon-Sun | 10 am-1:30 pm | 2:30 pm-6 pm | ||||||||||||||
| 10/01-10/31 | All | Mon-Sun | 12 pm-6 pm | |||||||||||||||
| Fishing Hours – One Boat/ Club | ||||||||||||||||||
| 11/01-11/19 | All | Wed/Fri/Sun | 12 pm-6 pm | |||||||||||||||
| Clubs Closed for Maintenance | ||||||||||||||||||
| 06/04 | OS/B | 07/09 | OS/B | 08/06 | R | 09/10 | OS/B | |||||||||||
| 06/11 | W | 07/16 | W | 08/13 | W | 09/17 | W | |||||||||||
| 06/18 | S | 07/23 | S | 08/20 | S | 09/24 | S | |||||||||||
| 06/25 | R | 08/27 | R | 10/01 | R | |||||||||||||
| All Clubs Closed – General | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sept | Tues | 09/17 | Tues | 09/24 | ||||||||||||||
| Oct | Mon | 10/14 | Tues | 10/15 | ||||||||||||||
| Mon | 10/21 | Tues | 10/22 | |||||||||||||||
| Mon | 10/28 | Tues | 10/29 | |||||||||||||||
* Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day holidays are considered weekend reservation
| NUMBERS TO BE USED FOR TEXTING ONLY | Old Saybrook | 860-876-4120 |
| GENERAL QUESTIONS | Bridgeport | 860-876-4007 |
| CANCELLATIONS | Westport | 860-876-4090 |
| Stamford | 860-876-4386 | |
| Rye | 860-876-4238 |
Members can contact the dock phones directly for urgent and/or emergency calls only. All other inquires (spur of the moment requests / cancellations / general questions) are to be made via TEXT. Text messages will be read and responded to after 9:00 a.m. Staff will respond to text messages with a text response after 9:00 a.m. See the individual dock phone numbers above.
CT and NY Safe Boating Classes
During your on-boarding process you received information for CT and NY Safe Boating classes – please find class information below.
- Websites for CT Safe Boating Classes:
USCG Auxilliary Safe Boating Classes – The Cos Cob Flotilla will be holding classes monthly beginning March 2022. Class will be taught at the Greenwich Water Club. For class dates and registration please call Leandre at 203-661-4033, Ext. 200. For any questions about the class please call Ray at 203-329-0260
www.connecticutboatingcertificates.com – Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC offers boating certification via Zoom. Please refer to their website for an up-to-date schedule.
www.boatsafeconnecticut.com – Instructor Mark Vining offers classroom and private in-home classes. Please refer to his website.
www.greenmarineeducation.com – Green Marine Education offers boating certification via Zoom. Please refer to their website for an up-to-date schedule.
www.seadolphin.com – Sea Safe Boating offers boating certification via Zoom. Please refer to their website for an up-to-date schedule.
- Website for NY Safe Boating Classes:
www.cgauxmamk.org – The USCG Auxiliary – Flotilla 7-5 out of Mamaroneck offers in-person classes. To check available dates and register call 914-698-0323 or email [email protected]
www.boat-ed.com/newyork – Boat-Ed is an on-line boating certification class that offers you the opportunity to complete your boating license at your own pace. You will receive a temporary certificate once you have completed the class and receive your permanent license via USPS approximately 1 to 2 weeks following completion of class.
www.ilearntoboat.com/newyork – ilearntoboat is an on-line boating certification class that offers you the opportunity to complete your boating license at your own pace. You will receive a temporary certificate once you have completed class and receive your permanent license via USPS approximately 1 to 2 weeks following completion of class.
On-The-Water Training / Additional Training
On the water training is scheduled at your homeport Monday through Friday* with one of our licensed captains. We do not train on weekends to allow our trained members access to the fleet. Members and Co-Member(s) are required to train together. If you are unable to train together there will be a fee of $250. However, if you would like to request additional training once you have completed on the water training, please refer to our Advanced Training schedule calendar.
*Weekend training will be offered through May 5, 2024.
For training videos please go to our blog:
https://carefreeboats.com/location/southernct/new-events/
Advanced Training – Sea School
Advanced Training classes will be offered again this season. The Club received a positive response and found a noticeable decrease in damage. Advanced Training will be offered at all locations and topics will include:
Advanced Docking & Throttle Navigation
Anchoring, Mooring & Boat Trim Women’s Boat Handling
Boat Handling for Water Sports Kid’s Boat Handling
Trip Planning / Outing to Destination
Members will receive advanced monthly calendars via our Monthly Newsletter.
Twin Engine Training
In order to have the ability to reserve one of the Club’s twin-engine boats, you must have completed twin engine training. Please contact Liz Getts or Chris Loeb (dependent upon location) directly to schedule a time convenient for you both and when a boat is available. Twin engine boats are located in Bridgeport, Westport, and Stamford.
ResNet
When your contract was created in ResNet you received an email directly from the ResNet system inviting you to create your username and password. If you have questions or difficulty completing your access refer to the attachment you received with your welcome email – “ResNet Directions”. If you continue to encounter problems activating your account, contact Cheryl Heffernan – [email protected].
Reservation Access Time
Members may make a reservation up to 8:00 p.m. two days prior to the requested date.
Example: Member may make a reservation for a Wednesday up to 8:00 p.m. on a Monday.
Members may cancel a reservation until 5 p.m. the day before the reservation.
Member Charges
Members can now view charges that have been added to their usages by clicking on their username in the top right and then clicking “Account Details”
Carefree Boat Club Facebook Group
The Club’s only social media platform, allows staff to interact with our membership to post day of spur of the moment boat availability. Blog posts are not interactive, so members must contact the dock directly via TEXT ONLY if you would like to reserve the available boat. Once the boat is reserved, the blog will be updated. CLICK on this link, ask to join and you will be approved to join. https://www.facebook.com/share/69rDKvfvgzy4SHom/?mibextid=K8Wfd2
The ResNet Waitlist will not be used by staff. Dock staff will not be monitoring the Waitlist, do not make requests via the Waitlist.
Members will receive weekly boating tips and access to the monthly Advanced Training calendar.
Boat Availability for Member’s Reservations
The Club is committed to ensure a boat is available for member’s reservations. We maintain an inventory of repair parts and we have mechanics on board. However, if a member damages a boat, there is the possibility we will not be able to provide a boat for your reserved outing. Remember, if your reservation is cancelled due to boat damage, it is not our dock staff that damaged the boat. Please refrain from berating our staff – it was not their fault. Damage was caused by your fellow member. Inappropriate behavior on the dock may result in termination of your membership.
Children’s Life Jackets
If a member or guest of member has children aboard, children 13 years of age or under must wear a life jacket. Life jackets must be provided by member for all children. Each location holds back up life jackets, however the Club cannot guarantee life jackets will be available for your outing. Children’s life jackets can be purchased at any West Marine, Bass Pro or other sporting goods store. We highly recommend that you buy your own children’s life jackets if kids will regularly accompany you on your outings.
Water Sports
The Club will not provide water sport equipment. Dock staff does have pumps available and will assist member prior to outing. Please allow 10 to 15 minutes for tube inflation. If a member owns water sport equipment, member must arrange for their own storage. The Club will not be responsible for storing member’s equipment.
Reciprocal Reservations
Members are required to make their own Reciprocal Reservations directly through ResNet and reservations can be made for half day sessions only. Spur of the moment reservations are not allowed. All members must have their NASBLA approved boating license on file in ResNet and completed 5 outings from their home club without incident in order to have access to make a Reciprocal Reservation. Members must present their boating certificate upon arrival for Reciprocal Reservation. Refer to the attachment sent to you during your onboarding, “ResNet Foreign Reservation Directions” or you can find additional information in ResNet under the “INFO” tab / Reciprocal Reservations.
Members are allowed to request 2 reciprocal reservations simultaneously (1 weekend date / 1 weekday date).
Early Departure
If you would like to book an early am departure, please contact the dock staff directly at the location where you plan to reserve a boat 24 hours in advance. We strongly recommend you confirm an early departure request directly with the dock staff the evening before. We ask that you also add the requested departure time to the note section when making your reservation. Arrangements will be made and confirmed between you and the dock staff. Please text the dock staff at the location of your reservation.
Head Policy
One of the major complaints we receive from members is regarding the cleanliness of the heads. Due to quick turnaround time between sessions, staff is unable to complete a proper cleaning/sanitizing process of heads.
Heads will be supplied with two bags. One bag will be placed in the head, a second bag will be placed on top and filled with a dry chemical mix. Staff will remove the second bag between sessions and replace it with a fresh bag. This will ensure the head is extremely sanitary and allows staff to turn the boat around in a timely manner.
Heads are available for emergency use only. The condition of the heads rest in the hands of members during each outing. If a member leaves any mess in the heads or removes any bags there will be a punitive charge of $200 per incident.
Dog Policy
Dogs are allowed on non-cabin boats only. If damage to vinyl occurs or extra cleaning be needed, member will be responsible for repair and cleaning costs. If your pet relieves itself of poop or pee, you are responsible to clean it up prior to returning to the dock.
Late Pickup / No Show Policy
If a member is late for their reservation and plans to arrive later than one hour from scheduled reservation time, the Member must TEXT the Club location of pick up to notify dock staff. Example: Member text – “This is Dave Smith – I will be arriving an hour late for my outing today.” Staff response text – “Thank you, your boat will be ready when you arrive.” If a member is more than one hour late with no notice, Club reserves the right to assign reservation to another Member.
Lost and Found Policy
Members who have misplaced personal belongings following an outing, please contact the dock directly. Refer to Page 1. for individual dock contact information.
Check Out / Check In
The Check Out / Check In process is completed to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers. Due to the number of incidents, we experience during the season, the dock staff together with Member will be completing a full visual review of the boat prior to departing the dock and upon returning. Please cooperate with our dock staff when they are completing this process.
VHF Radio Usage:
Members are to use the VHF radio to hail the dock staff on Channel 10 when returning to the slip. Members are to call via VHF or text the dock staff when they are 10 out.
Member: “Carefree Boat Club, Carefree Boat Club this is Shark Bait”
Dock Staff: “Shark Bait this is Carefree, go ahead”
Member: “We are approximately 10 minutes from the dock”
Dock Staff: “Understood, Shark Bait. You’ll be returning to slip number X, which is a
bow in starboard / port side tie up. Please have your lines ready and your
fenders down.”
Tracking Policy / No Go Zones
All boats are equipped with a GPS tracker which will monitor your outings. You will be notified if you enter a designated “no go zone” area. Upon your return you will be assessed a $250 charge for entering a no go zone due to the boat needing to be pulled out of the water. The boat will be inspected and additional charges may occur if damage is found. In addition to the monetary fine, your boating rights will be suspended for two (2) weeks. Any existing reservations within that two (2) week period will be cancelled. If the boat is damaged beyond the 2-week suspension, member will be suspended until the boat returns to the fleet.
No Go zone areas are:
- Charles Island, Milford, CT
- Cockenoe Island, Westport, CT
- Execution Rocks, Manhasset Bay, NY
- Penfield Reef, Fairfield, CT
- Scotch Caps, Rye, NY
Charting / Navigation
We held Zoom classes introducing members to navigation. We recorded these classes for members to review. You can find both classes at the following website:
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69aTk_Diwz9hgTY8rYAsEg
Late Return to Dock
Member must return to the dock at assigned time. Be courteous and aware of the time, there may be another family waiting for the boat. If circumstances preventing you from returning on time, call the dock staff immediately. If a member returns late the dock staff reserves the right to charge member a fee of $35.00 for every 15 minutes past check-in time.
Fuel Charge
Member will incur a 5% surcharge if fuel charge is not paid at the dock immediately following their outing.
Rye Outings
In 2021 the City of Rye began charging a surcharge over and above the slip cost. The charge for 2024 remains the same – $12,500. This surcharge is added to all Rye outings. Members will be charged $17.50 per outing when boating from the Rye location because of the City of Rye tax implemented in 2021.
Rye Parking
The City of Rye allocates the Club 30 parking passes each season. Staff will provide members a maximum of 2 passes per outing and passes must be returned prior to departing the parking lot. We have instituted the policy that passes will be numbered, and members must sign out each pass. Staff will collect car keys from members, and members can retrieve their keys when they return the parking pass upon returning from their outing. If a member does not return their parking pass, they will be charged $25.
We have negotiated with Rye officials the use of the parking lot at Milton School on Hewlett Street for additional parking on weekends. Staff will provide a temporary pass to be left on the windshield and will state the date of the outing and will be good for one day only.
Carefree Boat Club of Southern CT will not be responsible for member’s parking tickets.
Member Responsibility – Member is the Captain of the Boat
- Member is responsible for any loss or damage to Club boats and accessory equipment. As with rental car contracts, any damage whether caused by member or another boater, the member is responsible. If damage is caused by another boater, the member is responsible for collecting proper (insurance) information.
- Member is responsible for inspecting the boat prior to departure and performing a visual walk through for cometic and engine damage with staff before departure.
- Boat damage that occurs while the boat is in member’s possession will be noted and charged.
- Member is the Skipper of the vessel and totally responsible for the safety of all on board. Should a passenger be injured, and a medical claim filed with HRTK’s insurer, the member is responsible for the insurance deductible up to $5000.
- Member is responsible for fuel used.
- Member is responsible for any loss and/or damage to the boat and/or equipment. If loss is covered under Club’s insurance policy, member’s liability may be limited up to a maximum of $5000 per incident.
- Member can elect to purchase Supplemental Coverage to decrease the amount of liability. Member’s deductible per incident will be reduced from $5000 to $1,000 per incident if Supplemental Coverage is elected and if the incident is not the result of operating the boat in shallow water.
- Damage to a Club boat may result in the Member losing boating privileges for at least 2 weeks or until damage cost is received.
- Damage to a Club boat for the second time will result in the member losing boating privileges until retrained for a minimum of 4 hours at member’s expense and cost of damage.
- Refer to contract – 38) Boat Damage
Boat Safety
- Clothing – heeled shoes are not allowed on board
- When boat is anchored and family/guests are swimming, one person must remain on board
- The maximum number of passengers allowed on board (including the captain) is ten (10)
- Please drink responsibly for your safety and the safety of your family and guests
Boat Damage and Repairs
We train and expect our dock staff to discover boat damage when the boat returns from an outing. If any boat damage goes uncovered the next member may be at risk of having a boat or boat systems fail. Additionally, minor damage that goes without repair can turn into a serious problem, so we ask that when you return, please inform the dock staff of any boat system that is not functioning and/or any damage that occurred while the boat was in your possession.
If a member causes any damage to a boat the deductible will be $5000. The maximum cost to members is $5000 for repairs plus Sea Tow if needed.
If a member causes damage to the lower unit (including damage to the skeg and prop), member will be suspended for 2 weeks and charged a non-refundable $150 haul fee so the boat can be inspected. Damage and charge is at the discretion of the Club’s General Managers. Member will also be charged a $250 refundable hull damage fee. If no damage to the hull is found, member will be refunded $250. If damage is found and the cost exceeds $250, member will be charged the remaining cost of damage.
If a member crosses a rocky, foul, shallow or dangerous area (deemed by staff) at mid-tide or higher, member will receive a warning and/or possibly a 2-week suspension. Warning or suspension is at the discretion of the Club’s General Managers. If the prop and skeg reveal no damage upon inspection, member will not incur additional fees.
If a member crosses a rocky, foul, shallow or dangerous area (deemed by staff) at mid-tide or lower, member will receive a 2-week suspension. Member will be charged a non-refundable $150 haul fee so the boat can be inspected and will also be charged a $250 refundable hull damage fee.
If a member intentionally beaches a boat that is cause for immediate termination without refund.
* If any damage occurs by member, a retraining session will be schedule at the discretion of the Club’s General Managers. Training will be a minimum of one (1) hour and member will be responsible for the cost of training.
Remember:
- The member is responsible for all damage (excluding failed systems)
- If you caused damage, report it to the dock staff when returning to the dock.
- If a member causes damage, they will be charged upon return. List of repair and costs are:
- Aluminum Prop – $250
- Stainless Steel Prop – $850
- Skeg – $350
- Lower Unit Replacement – $5000
- Cushions – $350
- Fender – $40
- Anchor – $200 to $500 (dependent upon anchor)
- Dock Line – $65
- Cup Holder – $20
- Gel Coat – $150 per inch. If scratch reveals a view of the fiberglass, the damage will be examined and quoted. Member will be charged $250 immediately until the boat is pulled and a quote is completed.
- Boat Wrap – $25 per inch. Member will be charged $25 per inch for rips or tears made to the boat wrap.
- Hull Damage – Hull damage made due to the anchor not being secured will result in the member be charged $250. Additional charge may be incurred upon boat being examined and quote is completed.
Supplemental Insurance
Member may purchase Supplemental Insurance for $275 per year. Supplemental coverage applies to watercraft only. Damage to watercraft through Foreign Reservations are subject to the deductibles of the hosting Club. Supplemental insurance does not cover boat damage if a member operates boat in shallow water or boats after sunset. Night boating is not allowed. However, should a member be unable to return to the dock due inclement weather, supplemental coverage will be honored.
Sea Tow
CBC carries Sea Tow coverage on all boats at the Club’s expense. Each Chapter of Sea Tow is individually owned and sets their own rates and coverage plans. We therefore have two pricing plans as follows:
Connecticut – Towing and fuel delivery costs are covered by our policy with Sea Tow of Connecticut, except salvage cost (see below).
New York – Sea Tow charges an additional $200 per hour for towing and fuel delivery, except salvage cost (see below).
The Club will cover Sea Tow towing and fuel delivery costs if the need is a result of boat failure or Club sending out a boat with less than 25 gallons.
If a member grounds a boat or damages a boat or fails to refuel boat from excessive usage, the member is responsible for additional Sea Tow costs.
Salvage Costs: If a member grounds a boat and the boat needs to be rescued, Sea Tow charges $200 or more per foot. The member is responsible for all Sea Tow salvage costs in addition to up to $5,000 in cost related to boat damage.
We strongly recommend members to purchase their own Sea Tow membership. You can contact Sea Tow at 800-4-SEATOW.
Long Island Embassy Guide
We strongly recommend member’s purchase the Long Island Embassy Guide. The cost is $45 and will be charged to your credit card on file using Clover. The Guide is a great source of information when looking for and planning your boating destinations. Some of what the Guide offers includes:
- Charts with channel and marina identification
- Navigation and anchorages
- Tide & current information
- Transient dock information
- Restaurants
You can purchase an Embassy Guide by contacting Sara Heffernan.
- Email: [email protected]
- Cell: 860-581-0806
Once ordered, Sara will charge your CC on file and the Guide will be delivered to your homeport. Please allow 5 business days for delivery.
Referral Program
Many members through their own excitement, talk about the Club to everyone they know. We would like to show our appreciation by rewarding members a “thank you” of $200 for each referred new membership.
Member Expectations
The Club offers a number of differnt membership plans. These plans are designed primarily to match the members needs on how often they expect to boat during our six-month season. It is important that your expectations are aligned with the membership plan you have and the reservation access you expect.
In order to gauge which membership plan is best suited for your needs we provided each new member with a chart of expected minimal usages for each plan we offer within the pricing schedule. Over time members may lose sight of these general guidelines so we have outlined them below. If you find you require more or less boat access, please contact Mitch at 860-316-7227 to discuss your boating needs.
The Club is built on the concept of shared boating. We maintain a member to boat ratio that provides our members with an expected boating frequency. We cannot guarantee the number of boat usages since the member is in control of when they make reservations and whether or not the member is flexible on when they can boat, locations they prefer to boat from and their choice of boat styles. Obviously, if you are fixed on a Club location, time of day or even the boat style you will experience less availability. Another benchmark to consider is a New England boat OWNER’s average usage – 15 times or 60 hours per our 6-month season.
WHAT MEMBERS SHOULD EXPECT OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP
Membership Plan Total Expected Outings Weekend expectation
Premier 4 24 + 40-50%
Premier 2 12+ 40-50%
Weekday Only 24+ n/a
Captains
On occasion, members have requested having a captain on board for an outing. Members will be responsible for contacting captains directly to discuss date of outing and payment.
Captain Rich Hannon – [email protected]
Members can also inquire about captains on the website The Capt App
