Rentals and Boating Clubs Help Marinas Stay Afloat in Troubled Waters

As snow and ice blanket the bucolic North Fork, thoughts might begin to turn to balmy vacation destinations and exotic locales.

But with the recent economic downturn, boating businesses have had to adapt, turning to new ideas and creative alternatives to keep afloat.

in Southold has launched a new way for new and seasoned boaters alike to enjoy a high-end getaway experience – without ever leaving the North Fork.

This spring, the marina — currently celebrating 50 years as the nation’s first Grady-White fishing and cruising boat dealership — introduces a member-only boat club, where boaters can rent instead of having to deal with the headaches of owning a boat.

The concept, said of Egypt Marine President Elisa Ruroede, was born to offer everyone the benefits of boating. Club membership, she said, offers deep pocket values, allowing boaters to enjoy a top of the line boating experience without steep ownership costs.

Once the fee is paid, the only additional cost for club members is fuel – there is no sign up fee, and no ownership expenses, including registration, insurance, slip fees, insurance or maintenance.

With boat sales down due to a sluggish economy, the objective in creating the club was to adapt and diversify, in order to keep customers out on the waters of Southold Bay.

“We’re making the pleasures of boating more accessible," she said. “Boating is a great way to connect with family and friends."

Other perks of the Port of Egypt program include a boating safety course and discount on use of a 30-by-50 foot solar heated pool. The boating club, said Ruroede, will offer a new experience.

“The person who rents for the day is of a different mindset than the person we are going to attract with the boat club,” she said, adding boat club members will feel a sense of ownership.

Two members have already signed on to the boat club, which also offers safety classes through the Coast Guard auxiliary on site.

n Aquebogue offers boat rentals for those wishing to enjoy a day on Peconic Bay. Rentals are popular because many do not want the initial expense, as well as maintenance and other costs.

“The average person uses their boat eight times a year – and, in that case, it makes better sense to rent,” said Andrew Galasso, Larry’s Lighthouse sales manager. Renters need only to turn the key and head out, without worrying about boating chores.

One client, he said,  lives in Nassau County and finds, “rather than dragging his boat out, it’s easier to rent here” while vacationing on Shelter Island.

Another reason rentals are up, said Galasso, is that in the past, it was possible to buy a boat with no money down — “You can’t do that anymore,” he said.

Most rental customers, said Galasso, are recreational boaters hoping to enjoy a day of tubing, waterskiing, fishing, or just a day out on the water. With economic tides turning, Galasso believes things are starting to look better.

"The bottom is definitely behind us," he said.

Strong’s Marine in Mattituck offers both boat club and rentals. Patty Reeve, business development director, explained that due to the economy, renters are more apt today to rent for the day or week, instead of the season – and some choose to rent rather than buy.

“For people who come out here to their summer homes, it’s easier to rent," she said. "They just pick up the boat and when they’re done, they give it back, rather than having to worry about what to do with it at the end of the season."

Strong’s Marine has offered a boat club for 15 years.

“A boat club doesn’t limit you to a seven hour day,” said rental and dockage manager Lisa Bilski. “It’s a very exclusive private club. You come and go as you please. It’s as if you own the boat without the obligation.” Midweek and other specials are available.

At in Greenport, boat storage numbers have remained steady, despite the economy, said manager Mike Acebo.

“We’re seeing larger and more expensive boats coming in to our facility,” he said. “We can’t say that we’re feeling a major downturn. But we are seeing a shift in some of the boats.”

Smaller boats owners may be selling, but there has been a spike in sophisticated sailboats. Last year’s transient business, said Acebo, “was fantastic,” with over 800 visitors taking boat trips and mini vacations close to home.

“When you have good weather and affordable fuel, that gets the juices flowing. People really get out there and use their boats,” he said.

Across the board, boaters are adapting to economic stormy seas. Heading out on the water, Ruroede said she always breathes a deep sigh, whether she's on a day trip to Sag Harbor or a sunset picnic on the water.

“We’re hoping to get more people to experience that feeling," she said.