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Hi there,
For what it's worth, I joined the Freedom Boat Club here in the DC area and it worked out really well for me. In DC they have 4 locations and almost 50 boats you can use. They do all the training and help you out a lot. It is expensive but I owned a 26' boat when I lived in NY and the per year cost that I paid every year in maintenance, storage, insurance, etc., was not that much less than the club cost. I know they have clubs in Charleston, and I imagine they have a similar training program, although I don't think they have as many boats. I will be transferring my membership to that club if I end up relocating to CHS. It was great for me, depending on what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go, I could take a pontoon out of downtown DC and putz around Georgetown and the Potomac, or I could get a sailboat out of Annapolis, or I could take a boat with a nice cabin out of Woodbridge for an overnighter. I loved the flexibility and lack of work/maintenance. Plus I have used boats at 2 Florida clubs on vacation. I'm visiting CHS 1st week of December and plan to reserve a boat there as well, I'll let you know what I think of their operation then.
You can always go to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. They have a class that is mandatory for all those under the age of 16. Even though you may be older than that, it may be a goo place to start. Here is the link:
I checked out FBC in Charleston and got some information and I cannot tell you what a great tip that was! My family will be joining once we get down there!
Thank you for providing the ultimate alternative to my situation. I just cannot thank you enough! We are so excited!!
I was just about to mention the Freedom Boat Club! My brother in law and nephew run the one in Savannah and started the one in Charleston. I am not sure if they are still helping with the managing of Charleston, but if they are, you are good hands. It's a great idea and the members really love it.
OCGirl,
Glad you found the info helpful. It worked out very well for me. If I had bought a boat I would have bought something with a cabin so I could overnight. Which would mean it was bigger than what I needed 99% of the time. I only did one overnight this summer, the rest of the time I took out 20-22 foot bowriders and deckboats. The one time we took out the 26' Searay we about died at the gas bill, I realized there was another big advantage to having access to smaller boats.
Anyway, when I go down next month I'll take some photos and post them.
That is kind of what we were thinking, especially being new to the entire boating lifestyle. I couldn't imagine deciding on one boat. And I definitely want to jump right in so that when spring and summer come, I've got a tiny bit of experience under my belt.
Do you find there is a huge difference at the gas bill between a 20ft and a 26ft. Do you mind my asking what the average gas prices are for your trips out?
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