Boat Clubs

[Rockslider]

Does anyone have any experience with the American Boat Club at Akwa Marine, or similar operations? As a "reformed boater" thinking about getting back into it, I have very clear memories of the expenses and headaches of boat ownership. This seems like it might not be such a bad deal -- $1200 to join and $3900 a year to use a choice of several boats (I sold my 17' center console years ago when I realized I had spent most of the summer chasing down my mechanic, and it cost me something like $375 each time I set foot on the boat to go to the end of the harbor). Just wondering if anyone has any insight/recommendation. Thanks.

[Water Camper]

About 4 years ago I took a good friend out on the lake for the day. He mentioned he was thinking about buying a boat, but was unsure as to go traditional cutty, bow rider, or pontoon. On our way back to port I took him by Akwa Marina Beach Bar. We talked to the bartender about their American Boat Club option. My friend liked the option and joined and has been a member ever since.
They get a lot of use out of the facilities, not just the boats, ie the swimming pool, the beach, changing and restroom facilities etc.

That being said, he has occasionally complained about taking a boat out and it not being fueled, the boat being damaged by the previous user and not being reported.

My impression is that he has found the experience worthwhile, but it has its shortcomings.

Hope this helps,
Bill

[Biggd]

I was wondering about this boat club also.
How much advance notice is required to reserve a boat?
There doesn't seem to be enough boats for a large amount of members.
I must admit, even though I service my own boat, owning sometimes just doesn't feel worth the work. It seems like I spend more time servicing it and cleaning it than I do enjoying it.
I did enjoy boating more when someone else owned the boat.

[Descant]

The American Boat Club website lists their boats for the 2014 season. Yes, no typo, 2014.
1 deck boat, 2 bow riders and two pontoons.
Have they grown since then?
The FB page says they added a tritoon last June, no more info that I could see.

[Water Camper]

Biggd; To my knowledge reserving in advance is not as much an issue as availability. You can reserve up to 3 4 hour time slots at a time. That can be for the same boat or 3 different boats at differing times.
Descant; To my knowledge, yes they have purchased a few additional boats overs the years.

It appears to me that my friend seems to have a boat when he wants almost every week. Whether he has learned how to use the system, I do not know. He tends to boat more during the week than on weekends which may have something to do with availability.

My 2 cents worth of knowledge,
Bill

[joey2665]

Akwa Vista and American Boat Club are both on this forum. They are usually very responsive, send them a PM and they will answer all your questions