By Dan Polimino
Wouldn’t it be great to own a boat in Hawai`i? Think about all the fishing you could do for Ahi tuna, Mahi-Mahi, or Ono. Or maybe you just like to snorkel or SCUBA dive. In the winter you could go out for some amazing Humpback whale watching! How about just going out for the day for a swim and some lunch.
It sounds great, but a lot of people don’t have a boat in Hawai`i because there are some obstacles. The cost of a boat can be great, and in many cases, even if you finance it, the payments can be higher than the mortgage on your home. Then there are the costs of maintaining a boat, like gas and repairs. There’s the time involved in hauling it around, taking it in and out of the water, cleaning it and protecting it from the harsh sun and salt water. Slips at the harbor are in high demand and even if you got one for your boat, it would cost you a small fortune. All these little things add up to why people don’t own a boat in Hawai`i. But what if you could have all the benefits of a boat without all the cost, time, and hassle? Well, you can now with the Hawaii Boat Clubs.
Hawaii Boat Clubs is a membership-based, concierge boating experience in Hawai`i. Here is how it works:
- There are four membership levels. Each has its own unique benefits. You simply pay a one-time initiation fee, which varies with the level of membership. Once the initiation fee is paid, there is a monthly fee you pay to maintain your membership. Sort of like making a car payment.
- After you sign up for a membership, you have access to the Club’s fleet of boats. The Club has partnered with Blackfin boats out of Florida and offer a 22-foot, 25 -foot, and a 27-foot craft. The 22 has a single engine 225 Mercury outboard, the 25 geared with a Mercury 350 Verado, and the 27-foot has twin Mercury 225’s. I’ve been on the 22-foot and on the 27-foot and I can tell you that both boats really move; not only are they fast, but they are also incredibly stable. I love the way they cut through the water and handle a variety of different seas. Members simply log onto the Club’s website and reserve the boat for the day and the time. Reservation priorities are based on your membership level. Once your boat is reserved, you simply show up at the harbor. The dockmaster hands you the keys and you head out on your four-hour or full day trip. When you’re done, you bring the boat back to the dock in the harbor, hand the keys back to the dockmaster and you’re done. No work, no cleaning, no hassle.
- When you are a member, you also have access to the Boat Club member lounge in Kawaihae Harbor. I’ve included some pictures here so you can see the lounge, but it’s nicely done where members can get together after a day of boating, have conversations, cocktails, pupus, get to know each other and talk about their day.
My friend Russell Schoepf, (pictured above with me on the 27-footer) is the owner of Hawaii Boat Clubs. Along with his brother, this idea has been their baby and is now has finally come to fruition. Members are signing up and Russell and his brother are looking to expand by adding more boats to their fleet. They are expanding the business to harbors in both Maui and Oahu. So, if you’re a member on the Big Island you are a member on those islands as well. Finally, they are inking a deal to have a reciprocal agreement with other boat clubs across the U.S., so you can use your member benefits in a city or harbor across the United States and internationally.
If you’re interested or would like more information about Hawaii Boat Clubs, feel free to reach out to me here at The Hawaii Team and I’ll be happy to make an introduction for you. If you do reach out to the boat club directly, then make sure you use my promo code “Dan10” and you’ll receive a 10% off your initial fee. Here is the link: hawaiiboatclubs.com
I think you are going to love the club, I know I do. See you on the water!
