WHEN SUN LIFE WILMINGTON ISLAND MARINA, formerly known as Hogan's, sought a boat club to partner with, Nautical Boat Club answered the call. "It was serendipitous," says Shayne Mooney, who is the owner-operator of this location alongside business partner Jon Dukes. "We were looking to grow for a while, and it felt like we'd be a really good fit for this market."

"While we are the new club in town, Jon and I have 3o-plus years of experience and success in other locations," says Mooney.

He started as an intern at the Irmo, South Carolina, location, where Dukes was the franchisee, then moved on to his own franchise in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, before the two teamed up in Savannah. With nearly 30 locations nationwide, Nautical Boat Club began more than 25 years ago, when the concept of a membership-based boating experience was new.

But now, especially with the rising costs of inflation, joining a club has become a smart decision for those who love boating but aren't interested in the

upkeep that comes with it. "Boats are a headache; there's always something broken on them, gas is expensive, and there's also storage to think about," explains Mooney. "We make it easy — you jump on the boat and go."

The club, which officially opened in May, offers tiered memberships, with members paying a one-time fee, monthly dues, and committing to a one-year plan. The trade-off? An unlimited number of outings on a selection of high-end boats, a supply of

"Boats are a headache; there's always something broken on them, gas is expensive, and there's also storage to think about... We make it easy — you jump on the boat and go."

-SHAYNE MOONEY, NAUTICAL BOAT CLUB CO-OWNER/OPERATOR

water toys and life jackets, staff available from sunrise to sunset, and a GPS they'll set up for you. "We focus on providing a white glove, country club-style service," says Mooney. "The staff will load your stuff onto the boat when you arrive, help tie it up when you dock, and know you on a first-name basis."

Currently, the Wilmington Island location has six boats to choose from, from a Key West 219 FS to a Scout Dorado, with all of the boats ranging from 21 to 25 feet. Depending on your

membership, you'll have access to some or all of the models, either on weekdays only or all week long. To operate their boats, the club requires members to have a valid driver's license and be at least 25 years old, similar to car rental rules.

Memberships are a family unit deal, however, so no one needs to miss a day on the water.

For new members, Nautical Boat Club will send them out with a Coast Guard-certified captain for a three-to five-hour training, where they'll practice docking and navigating local waters, such

as how to get to the popular destination, Daufuskie Island. "We'll show you everything you need to be a successful boater," explains Mooney. "We want everyone to be safe and happy."

Mooney reveals that they have a record set from the Mount

Pleasant location - 98 outings in a calendar year for one member.

"If someone wants to try and break that here, they can," he challenges.

-MARY CORNETTA

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