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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How often can we take a boat out?
Is there a long-term commitment?
Are there additional fees for certain boats?
Are there quarterly maintenance fees?
What other fees are involved?
Do we need a license to operate a boat?
Do I need experience to join the boat club?
When are boats not sent out?
Can I bring guests with me?
Can I join with someone else or another family?
What happens if we have a problem on the water?
Can we use the pool at Homeport Marina?
What times can we take the boats out?
What happens if I have to cancel a reservation?
Can we ski or fish in the boats?
What about insurance?
I'm thinking about buying a boat, why should I consider a boat club?
Is there a way to "try before we buy"?
How does your advertising work?
What else should I know?
How soon can I get started?
How often can we take a boat out?
As a club member, you have unlimited access to our boats, however you may only hold 3 reservations on our books at any one time (4 as a Premier member). Once you have used a reservation, you may re-schedule. Generally, the boats are available during the week with just a few days notice, for weekend availability, we recommend you schedule about 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a long-term commitment?
No. Your membership is an ongoing agreement, which may be canceled with 60 days written notice. If you would prefer to pre-pay for 12 months, you may do that and save up to $589.00, depending on the plan you choose.
Are there additional fees for certain boats?
No.
Are there quarterly maintenance fees?
No.
What other fees are involved?
Fuel when you use your boat
Do we need a license to operate a boat?
Currently, Florida law does not require anyone over the age of 20 to hold a license, however, we recommend that all members complete the safe boating information and receive a safe boating card. Should the laws change, you would be grand-fathered in and would not need to get a license.
Do I need experience to join the boat club?
No. All members receive an on-the water orientation before you take out a boat, and we will be happy to provide you with instruction should you need it. We want you to be safe on the water!
When are boats not sent out?
We are closed on Mondays, so we do not send boats out. Boats are not sent out if there is a Small Craft Advisory, or if the weather is threatening. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday. We are open Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Can I bring guests with me?
Yes, you may bring however many passengers the boat you have scheduled is rated for. Our large deck boat will accommodate up to 13 passengers, most boats are rated for 6-8 passengers.
Can I join with someone else or another family?
Yes, you may list 2 members per membership, either one of the members may take a boat out; although you may not both take one at the same time.
What happens if we have a problem on the water?
All boats are equipped with VHF radios, so that you may contact us if you have a problem. If we cannot assist you, a local towng company will be contacted. This would include help should you run out of gas, have mechanical problems, or run aground.
Can we use the pool at Homeport Marina?
You may use the pool on any day that you are boating.
What times can we take the boats out?
8am-5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
What happens if I have to cancel a reservation?
We realize that even the best-laid plans are subject to change; therefore we only ask that you give us as much notice as possible. There is no penalty or charge if you need to cancel or change a reservation.
Can we cruise or fish in the boats?
Absolutely! We have several great boats for cruising, and you can fish on most of our vessels.
What about insurance?
We carry liability insurance, which covers all members. You are responsible for any damage you incur to a vessel, up to our deductible, just as if you owned a boat.
I'm thinking about buying a boat, why should I consider a boat club?
Most of our club members have previously owned boats and find this is a much better option. The average 20' boat will cost at least $200.00 per month for storage. Add to that a boat payment, insurance, and maintenance - boat ownership can easily cost over $600 per month. Then you get to do all the cleanup and maintenance, too. If you have never owned a boat before, the club is a great way to help you see what kind of boat you'd really like, and how often you will really use it.
Is there a way to "try before we buy"?
If you rent a boat from us, you have one week to join the club, and one-half of your rental fee will be deducted from the initiation fee.
How does your advertising work?
If you have a business that you would like to advertise in our newsletter, there is no additional cost to do so. Members who choose to advertise will receive a monthly bill for advertising, which may be eligible for a tax deduction.
What else should I know?
We strive to the best boat club in the area, and are proud of the boats we have to offer our members, as well as our membership program. We believe that we provide a great service at a very reasonable price. The boat club is owned and operated by Captain Howard G. Levy, a Master Mariner and International Yachtmaster Offshore with over 40 years of boating experience. Captain Levy holds both USCG and MCA 200/500 Ton ITC License's. Our Manager is Troy Hughes and our Dock Master is Jesse Whitelaw. We are here to help you have a safe and fun experience. Troy is our fishing expert, so if you fish, he's the one to talk to. Troy & Jesse are both wake board crazy and the ones to talk to about any watersport questions!
How soon can I get started?
As soon as possible. Once we have completed your paperwork, you can begin to make reservations.
VIP BOAT CLUB®
137 Shore Drive
Ozona Shores Marina
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
727-789-2688 Voice
727-789-0652 Facsimile
It's a beautiful day for a boat ride!®
mail@vipboatclub.com |
