Outer Banks Boat Club???

[jtreskon]

Does anyone have any information on the outer banks boat club? I guess its like a time share for boats. You pay an initial fee of $13,350 and $379 monthly to get full use of their boats for 5yrs. They say all you only have to reimburse them for the gas and they'll take care of the rest (slip fees, insurance, maintanence ect). I'd like to get some input before I think about joining up.

[Drydocked]

Originally Posted by jtreskon

Does anyone have any information on the outer banks boat club? I guess its like a time share for boats. You pay an initial fee of $13,350 and $379 monthly to get full use of their boats for 5yrs. They say all you only have to reimburse them for the gas and they'll take care of the rest (slip fees, insurance, maintanence ect). I'd like to get some input before I think about joining up.

I have a friend who is a member. They had some teething problems at first, which I think they've ironed out. You might want to double-check with them on these items:

• Initially, not all the boats were rigged with the same electronics. Don't forget, you might not be in the same boat twice, so it was like having to relearn the electronics each time. But I think they're all the same now.
• Like timeshares, you can't just show up and expect a boat, you have to reserve time. Make sure you understand and are OK with the restrictions on when you can actually use the boat.
• When they first started, they did not have permits for operating in Mexico, so runs to the Coronados, 302, etc. were out. But I think they also got that ironed out.
• I forgot what the arrangements are if you break down on the water, but you should confirm whether they come and get you, or you call Sea-tow / VA, or ??
  

[Jaydog]

I'm pretty sure the guy that runs/owns the shindig is a BD member and he's totally cool from his posts that I remember. I also know some BDers are members but can't put a name on them either.

So I guess I'm just bumping this for you, good luck!!!

[speedgoat]

A couple of my buddies are members. I've been out on several of the boats and they all shared the same electronics package. I believe all their boats are equipped this way. They also currently have the Mex. documentation for their boats. You can also join with a friend/partner and split the initiation & monthly fees as well. It's pretty nice to not have to scrub the boat down at the end of the day. Just gas it up and leave it in the slip and you're done.

[dustytires]

Sounds like an 'easy' way to piss away over 35 grand. No muss, no fuss, no boat in 5 years. I wonder if they write them off twice? As part of the 'Club' and as 'Demo's for the dealership? I could see paying a few grand up front, a nominal fee per month say $200, and then have to throw down more money every time you use a boat. Not almost $400 every month whether you use it or not. They would still be making money, remember demonstrator use on their investments and I think more people may be interested in the lease. How about a 2 year deal? Why not pay more extra for weekends and less on weekdays, and the customer has the choice, not one membership or the other depending on our schedule and boat hoes. You can buy a damn nice late model 4 stroke equiped boat for less than 50k right now, with financing you take longer to pay it off if you can't swing a cash buy and take it anywhere you want. Up or down the coast, stripers on the river etc. Sure it will cost more but it will be yours in the end, and if we use the $50k price for comparison you can certainly get more the $15k for a used quality 23 footer in 5 years.

Something to think about.

[Troy]

I've heard nothing but good things about their operation. Several of the guys on BD are members so hopefully they will chime in. I checked them out but ended up not joining. Biggest issue for me was the potential for not getting a boat on a busy weekend (they swear it never happens but I find that really hard to believe) and having to return the boats by 5:00 or so in the evening.

I wanted to be able to go out locally after work and return the boat at dark thirty. To do that you have to reserve the boat for the next day as well. Just sounded like a hassle to me.

Lastly, the thought of cruising around in a boat with the equivalent of a rental sticker plastered on the side was not appealing. But I'm a poser so maybe that only bothers me.

They have several options for the rental term (2 or 5 years I believe) and also week day only deals. It's probably a perfect set up for some people.

[Chas'n Tails]

I am a member. Give me a call. Steve @ 951-782-1479

[locobro]

I was a member, it didn't work for me but it may work out beautifully for some. Didn't work going long. Going local should be a breeze. They had some maintenance issues at that point but that was three years ago. I like Brady and would like to think he has made it right. Good luck.

[FishWiz]

Sounds like an 'easy' way to piss away over 35 grand. No muss, no fuss, no boat in 5 years. I wonder if they write them off twice? As part of the 'Club' and as 'Demo's for the dealership? I could see paying a few grand up front, a nominal fee per month say $200, and then have to throw down more money every time you use a boat. Not almost $400 every month whether you use it or not. They would still be making money, remember demonstrator use on their investments and I think more people may be interested in the lease. How about a 2 year deal? Why not pay more extra for weekends and less on weekdays, and the customer has the choice, not one membership or the other depending on our schedule and boat hoes. You can buy a damn nice late model 4 stroke equiped boat for less than 50k right now, with financing you take longer to pay it off if you can't swing a cash buy and take it anywhere you want. Up or down the coast, stripers on the river etc. Sure it will cost more but it will be yours in the end, and if we use the $50k price for comparison you can certainly get more the $15k for a used quality 23 footer in 5 years.

Something to think about.

Opinions are like A**holes.. ever own a boat larger then a kayak, pay maintenance, clean it after 24 hour run, pay slip fee, etc? May not be for everyone, many of us love our boats, even like working on them, but they have a niche for some people. But apparently not for some people so willing to spew their opinion in front of thousands. Nuff said.

[inSTANt bendo]

Buddy of mine is a member, not a dick member, but a member of the boat club. Went out on a club boat a week or so ago and it was a pretty cool set up. Kicked ass just pulling up to the dock and walking away. Needing to have it back by 6pm could be a real pain in the ass if you are waiting out the afternoon bite 60 miles south, but you can also fly home at 30mph in the slop and not chip your teeth on your beer!

For us busy guys that just can't spend the time working a boat, it's pure fishing convenience!

[jtreskon]

Thanks for the quick info. I'm going to check out a 23' sea swirl tomorrow if everything checks out I'll probably pick it up.

[PowerCat]

Allright everyone. I usually stay out of these threads because I don't want to look like a used car salesman.

However, I felt compelled due to some of the misinformation being spewed.

So here is the low down:

Our fleet is fully insured
Our boats are licensed for US and Mexico
Our boats are covered by Sea Tow
All our boats have the EXACT SAME ELECTRONICS PACKAGE, even stereos
All our boats have safety equipment
All boats are equipped with live wells
All boats are cleaned and maintained by the Club Staff

I will agree our club is not for everyone. As a club member you are gaining convenience. Yes you have to reserve a boat in advance. We allow members to reserve a boat up to 7 days in advance with no limitations as to the number of days they use the boat per year. We also allow members to reserve a boat up to 30 days twice per calandar month. This is sometimes too confining for people use to going boating on the spur of the moment.

There is a cost to this and that is our initiation fee and a monthly due. Yes we have a buddy program that someone can join with you for an extra amount each month.

These fees cover all the costs associated with taking care of owning and taking care of a boat. The only thing that we do not pay for is fuel, bait, and personnal equipment.

Members also receive a substantial discount if they renew their membership.

Yes, we are a niche. Our services are pointed to people whom may not have the time to take care of a boat, who may not be able to afford a large boat like ours, and for people that just do not want the hassle.

We have several members that belong to Bloodydecks and any of them would be happy to answer your questions. I too will answer any questions as well.

Hope this clears the air on this subject.

PS: I appreciate everyone's comments on this subject.