The Big Picture: Cost of Owning a Boat vs. Boat Club Membership
Important points to consider when making the decision whether or not to purchase a new boat

Anyone who has discovered a love of boating has probably asked this question: Should I buy a boat? It’s a big question because, unlike many other investments, boats really have a lot of hidden costs that we don’t think about when we see others out on the water enjoying the sun, the waves and recreational water sports.

What we think about is how much FUN that would be!
So, here are a few things to think about before you buy:

Boat Costs in Terms of Money & Time
When you purchase a boat, you must be prepared for costs beyond simply the price of the boat. Because boats are complicated machines, it’s obvious you have to factor in the price of maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. If you enjoy mechanical work, you could spend the time on these first three items yourself and save your dollars.

However, if you can’t afford that kind of “spare” time, expect to pay for these types of upkeep services. Other monetary outlays will be in the form of docking fees or slip and boat storage fees. Again, if you have the time, and also the “space”, to store a vessel yourself, you can potentially save some money. In that case, be prepared for the time commitment needed to tow, transport, and launch the boat on a regular basis.

And of course, we can’t leave off the purely financial costs of insurance, depreciation and taxes on a luxury item.

All this time, effort, and money for the ownership of a single boat!

Advantages of Boat Club Membership
In contrast to owning a boat, a popular alternative is yearly membership in a boat club. Think about it. A way to get out on the water and create wonderful memories with family and friends – while literally avoiding all of the responsibilities {and headaches} of having your own boat.

Right out of the gates, knock of the financial “cons” of owning: Price & sales tax, insurance, depreciation, oh, and did we mention more taxes.

The club, on the other hand, has a fleet of nice, new makes and models to choose from. This could be better than boat ownership because you always have a variety boats to choose from.

Going fishing with the guys? Get a sport model, like the center console Key Largo 2100 CC.

Taking the family for a beach day in Watch Hill, RI? The kids will love riding in a bowrider, such as the Chaparral Suncoast 210.
You choose the boat, the club maintains it. Arrive at the marina – the engine is idling and warming up.

Get back at the end of your cruise, jump off the boat, jump into the car. Club staff will rinse the boat, clean the boat, fuel it up. It’s ready for the next great adventure.

Finally, forget towing a boat or storing it in the off season on your property.

Quality boat clubs operate as franchise locations, in a network of marinas all over the U.S. and Canada. Put a unique spin on your vacation plans and enjoy convenient, no hassle boating when you travel.

Cost Comparison Overview
It would be unrealistic to have a formula that accounted for the price differences in all scenarios. Boats obviously come in a wide variety of sizes, models, and options.

Taking numbers from our friends at Carefree Boat Club, on the average 24’ power boat the purchase price alone in 130% greater than the introductory fees of a club.

When we ADD up all of the “ownership” costs named above, the average monthly for owning is 250% higher than monthly membership fees. The estimated monthly ownership costs are close to $1,000 per month for most coastal regions in the United States.

Over a five-year period, the cost of membership is only 37% that of what a boat owner pays in purchase and expenses.

Now think of the time savings – what’s your time worth? This could be a no brainer for anyone who loves boating…