If you’re interested in getting out on the water this season but still haven’t purchased the perfect boat, there may be other great solutions available to you. Boat clubs and boat rental companies offer all the joys of boating with none of the hassles. Both options are great for discovering if boating is right for you and offer a wide variety of vessel types to select from which gives you a chance to use many different boats before you commit. However, there are a few major differences that you should be aware of before you make a choice.
Boat rental companies charge by the hour. Although the more affordable option, most boat rentals are limited to a specific area and only for the tenure of the contract. You will only pay for the time you actually use the boat and you won’t spend a lot of money on fuel, since it’s usually included in the price.
Boat club members can use different vessels each time they leave the dock as well and have access to boats nationwide at the other locations owned by the club.
Membership plans typically include a one-time subscription fee plus an added monthly fee, so it’s a good idea to make sure you will be able to make the time to go boating and take full advantage of the investment before signing a contract. Keep in mind, most boat clubs do not allow members to keep boats overnight for safety reasons and, in most cases, are expected to bring the boat back with a full tank of gas.
Know what you want out of the experience before deciding which option is right for you. With either choice, you should be comfortable operating a boat and understand local boating laws. Boaters born after 1972 are required to possess a valid Maryland Safe Boater Certificate to operate a boat.
Whether you rent a vessel or join a boat club, make sure your TowBoatUS membership is up to date before leaving the dock. Since your membership covers every boat you own, borrow or charter, you can enjoy your time on the water without worrying about who to call if things go wrong. As always, happy to help.
