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Boat Club
Memberships, there is getting to be few of these in DFW. Some
restrict to only 8-10 members per boat with annual fees and some
will use the boat as rentals if members are not using them.
It is just
another name for boat rentals except you pay a LARGE fee as down
payment and Monthly Membership Dues while also signing a LONG-TERM CONTRACT. Read Your
Contract Completely! Are you liable for 6 mos. or all 12 mos in dues?
Unlimited
Boating? How many boats are there and how many members share? How
many members are competing for your weekend or holiday time, and how
is it decided who gets a boat? What time frame is "unlimited?"
Do you have to bring the boat back by sunset? Are the boats used as
rental boats when not used by members? Do you pay monthly dues
if you cannot get the time you want due to weather, prior
reservations, heavy work schedule, etc.? Can you book your whole
season at one time? If you want every
Sat. from 12 to 8, will you be able to get that? How early/late can
you reserve or can you even stay overnight? Are gas and oil included
or do you have to pay extra? How about having to pay Entry/Parking Fees into the park? If you're
late or lost and you stay past your reservation time, are there penalties
and what additional charges do you incur? Is your club membership
cancelled if you have an accident...even if it's not your fault? Is
there $1 million in commercial liability insurance which the city
requires to operate a business on Lake Lewisville? Are you
responsible for any boating accidents or damages and have to pay a
deductible or for all the repair costs?
As a Club Member, are you
liable as a group for another club member in a lawsuit? How long has
the company been in business? What about weather
concerns and people arriving late that might cause delays for your
reserved time? If your plans change, are there any cancellation
fees? Are you guaranteed any number of hrs. use each month?
The normal season for
boating in Dallas is May Memorial weekend to Sep. Labor Day weekend,
Approximately 14
wks.-- and, for most people, is usually only during weekends and holidays.
Average boating time is
approximately 30 hrs. a season at 2 - 4 hrs. a week or
less.
Example: $1,500 Down, $250 a month x
6 mos. = $3000 / 30 hrs = $100 per hr.
Gas @ 3-5 GPH x 4hrs =
12-15 gals @ $4 per gal = $48 - $60 each time you go out.
This is an avg. $100 per
hour + gas = $150 per hr?
So avg. 30hr per season @
3hr rental = 10 trips
Add another $1,500 if you
have to pay for the whole year even though you might not use the
boat 6 mos. out of the year due to cold/rainy weather or work
schedule.
That makes the cost $4500
/ 30 hrs = $150 per hr. + Gas!
What about sales tax? No matter how it is presented, you are still renting a
boat which requires sales tax.
Most rental companies do
not have long-term contracts,
have free parking and furnish the gas/oil
at no extra charge.
Most rentals in the area are approximately $50 -
$85 per hour and include fuel.
Example: $85 x 30hrs =
$2550 + Tax and includes gas.
What ever your choice,
be safe and enjoy our lakes |