Boat Club vs Buying a Boat

If you're comparing a boat club membership to buying a boat, you’re asking the right question.

Because this isn’t just about price.

It’s about lifestyle.

The Real Cost of Buying a Boat

Let’s use a common example:

$60,000 boat.

Here’s what ownership typically includes each year:

• $5,000–$8,000 depreciation
• $2,000–$4,000 storage
• $1,000–$3,000 maintenance
• Insurance
• Registration
• Repairs you didn’t plan for

Ownership often exceeds $12,000–$18,000 annually before fuel.

And that doesn’t include your time.

Cleaning. Trailering. Servicing. Waiting on parts.

What a Boat Club Membership Includes

Most memberships include:

• Fleet access
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Professional training
• Multiple boat types
• Online reservations

Instead of owning one boat, you gain access to many.

Instead of fixing problems, you show up and boat.

Flexibility Comparison

Owning

One boat.
One style.
One responsibility.

Membership

Pontoon for cruising.
Deck boat for tubing.
Different lakes in different seasons.

Flexibility matters — especially for families.

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What Members Say

“We looked at buying for years. After joining Nautical Boat Club, we realized we were boating more often and enjoying it way more. No maintenance, no stress — just time on the water.”
— Michael R., Nautical Boat Club Lake Norman (Google Review)

When Buying Might Make Sense

Buying may work if:

• You boat 3–4 times per week
• You want heavy customization
• You enjoy mechanical upkeep
• You have private waterfront storage

For most families who boat a few times per month, membership delivers more convenience with fewer surprises.

The Decision Framework

Ask yourself:

1. How often will I realistically boat?
2. Do I want maintenance responsibility?
3. Is flexibility important to me?

Ownership is an asset.
Membership is an experience.

Explore Your Options

Tour a Nautical Boat Club location.
Compare it side-by-side with ownership costs.
Run your real numbers.

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