Buy a Boat, Rent or Join Boat Club
Buy a Boat, Rent or Join Boat Club – what is the best fit for you and your family’s boating needs?
Boating fever starts many different ways. Your friends ask you to join them on their boat. Your kids come home from tubing on their best buddy’s parents boat. You are back at work on Monday and everyone else is talking about all the different things they did on the water over the weekend…
It then begins…should I buy a boat? It is a big investment, both in time and money, so how do you know if you are making the right decision.
Then the gates open with a flood and the next wave of questions….am I sure that I am a boater? Do I have the money? Do I have the time to maintain it? Do I have room to store it? Where do I store it? What type of boat fits my family’s needs as well as the local waterways? To answer these and other questions, you may want to consider other options besides owning. Then you can decide what type of boater you are.
Boat Renter
Are you brand new to boating? Do you or your family have very little experience on the water? Are you unsure of your discretionary income? Renting may be for you. Are you a boater?
A premature boat purchase can be a very expensive lesson. Boat rentals provide the smallest commitment. Renting may be a good way to find out if the boating lifestyle is something you and your family will enjoy. You may want to test the waters, so to speak, with renting.
DO ask the rental company what their insurance policy covers. You will want to be aware of how much liability protection if any is provided with the rental fee.
ASK if there is training provided on how to safely operate the boat. Is a state certified operator’s license is required?
Telling factors: If you only envision going out on the lake 2-3 times a year, you are probably a renter.
- Monetary Investment: Minimal
- Non-Boating Time Investment: Minimal
Boat Club Member
Do you envision boating once or more a month? Do you not have the time or desire to handle storage, maintenance, and up-keep? Boat Clubs may be for you.
Boat Clubs have become popular in the last few years with good reason. Clubs offer the benefits of owning, but with less commitment and less handling of the maintenance, storage, upkeep and more. You pay a low, flat monthly rate and that allows unlimited access to a shared fleet. Boat Club members enjoy a variety of boats. Clubs often have multiple locations so you can enjoy different lakes and areas. Training, insurance and more is often included. If you want the flexibility of boating when you want, where you want, and are in it for the on-the-water experience only, then Boat Clubs may be for you.
- Monetary Investment: Moderate
- Non-Boating Time Investment: Minimal
Boat Owner
Do you enjoy maintaining your car, yard, or house? Do you have considerable discretionary income and time? Owning the asset of a boat is just as important to you as the boating lifestyle? Boating will be your lifestyle. Ownership may be for you.
Boat ownership is a big step. Research is important no matter what type of boat person you may be. Owning your own boat is the most expensive decision so make sure this is going to be the best investment for you and your family. Owning your own boat takes a great deal of time. It’s great for the person who enjoys taking the time it takes to properly maintain, store, and make sure the boat is safe. If you are considering storing and transporting the boat yourself, make sure you have the time and expertise. Research your state’s requirements on boater’s safety courses. This provides classroom training but not on the water boat handling training.
- Monetary Investment: Extensive
- Non-Boating Time Investment: Extensive
