Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Boat Club?
The ability to have use of a wide variety of boat styles at multiple locations without the usual hassles and costs of owning a boat, and all for less than the cost of storing a single boat!
Can more than one person be on a membership?
Yes, our membership plan allows two (2) immediate family members on each membership.
I don’t know much about boating – is instruction available?
And you don’t have too! Each and every new member is required to go through a safety orientation plan. The safety orientation program will cover chart reading, docking, general navigation and rules of the road. We will spend up to four (4) hours of instructional time with you as part of your initiation fee. Should you desire or need additional time, it is billed in half-day (4 hour) increments at $50.00/hour.
Can I talk to other club members to see how they like and use the club?
Feel free to check out some testimonials from club members listed on our web site. We also welcome and encourage you to come down to the Club for a test ride on a boat, meet the staff and see how easy and well the club works. Call to schedule an appointment.
How much is my insurance deductible?
When you leave the dock you are responsible for the boat’s safe operation. Should damage occur to the vessel that results in an insurance claim your deductible is $2500.00 per occurrence. You have the option of reducing the deductible to $1000.00 per occurrence by paying an additional $120.00 per year.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
Reservations are on a first come – first serve basis. You are allowed to have two advanced reservations on the books at any one time.
What happens if the boat breaks down or I run out of fuel?
Each member is required to carry tow insurance. We highly recommend Sea Tow as they are nationally recognized and are the primary provider for our club. If you currently own another vessel and are already covered, simply provide us a copy of your membership card.
Do I have to boat in the Gulf of Mexico?
Absolutely Not! Beautiful Southwest Florida offers great boating both in the Gulf of Mexico and our inland waters.
What happens if I decide to discontinue with the club?
You are in complete control when you want to exit the club. With 15 day notice prior to the first of any month you can notify of the club that you want to cancel your membership. You are responsible for the balance of the money owed on your remaining months for your current membership year.
What is your availability of boats?
Excellent. A recent survey of all the boat usage at our locations showed that on any regular given day, only 50% of our boats left the dock, so availability is excellent. This is the primary reason our Members love the club and our reason to limit the size of The Boat Club.
Where do I buy fuel?
Fuel is available at Marina facilities. The boat is leaves port with a full tank of fuel. Upon returning the member is require to fill the tank and pay for the fuel used. If you wish our dockmaster to fill the tank please tell them at the time of departure. There is a $15.00 service fee added to your fill cost for this service.
Do I need to be back at a specific time?
Our normal hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can come back at a later hour provided 1) you’ve discussed your arrival time when you placed your reservation and 2) you must be back one hour before sunset (this will obviously vary depending on the time of year).
Can I go boating after dark?
Boating after dark is strictly forbidden by our insurance company. SW Florida waters are very shallow and contain numerous shoals. Boating at night is not a good idea regardless of whose boat your on.
Who is responsible for the boat?
Either of the two members who are listed on the membership. The vessel can only go out when accompanied by one or both of these members. You are solely and totally responsible for the vessel from the time of your departure until the time of your return. You are responsible for any damage to the vessel while under your command.
Am I responsible for cleaning the boat?
Members are expected to practice The Golden Rule…Do unto others…The boat is expected to be returned in the same condition it left in, less normal wear and tear. If the boat is returned in poor condition the member is charged a $75/hour clean-up fee. Examples of poor condition would be
a) excessive sand
b) shell fragments
c) food/drink spilled into locker areas
d) gum removal.
What Safety equipment is on the boat?
All boats have required USCG equipment. Adult life jackets for rated capacity, Type IV throwable, fire extinguisher, sound equipment, day and night flares. If you are bringing small children you are required to bring their life jackets. We strongly suggest you buy each child their own life jacket and label it with their name. All children 12 years and younger are encouraged to wear their life jackets at all times while onboard. Safety is our first priority.
Are my children allowed to use the boat?
Only if they are over 25 years of age, live in your household, and are listed as one of the two members on the membership and have completed a safety orientation program.
Do I need to bring a chart?
No, each vessel has a general chart of the area onboard. However, most Members purchase their own charts so that they can mark it up with favorite beaches, restaurants, or anchorages. Their own chart allows them to personalize their water experiences and pre-plan their upcoming day on the water.
How do I sign up?
Call to schedule a ‘Demo Ride’ and see how the Club can work for you.
In the meantime, check out the club at www.theboatclubs.com to review our fleet, equipment provided and our member testimonials.
Our staff will be happy to answer any of your questions.
SOUND GOOD? …
It is, so sign up today to JOIN THE CLUB!
Memberships are limited.
Call Us Today – You’ll Be Boating Tomorrow!
