By Peter Roos
You have heard that boat owners are happiest the day they buy their boat and then again the day they sell it. In between, the second or third biggest investment in your life sits behind your home depreciating as the salt air and saltwater take their inevitable toll.
Sovereign Boat Club (SBC) was founded in 2019 for Floridians who want a first class boating experience – without the high cost of ownership. They keep their local boats at Maximo Marina, the Harborage, and Port 32 in Tierra Verde, where they are convenient to all of our local readers, are protected, and close to Boca Ciega Bay, the Intracoastal and the Gulf of Mexico.
WHY IS SBC MEMBERSHIP MUCH BETTER THAN BUYING AND OWNING YOUR OWN?
There’s No High Cost to Buy – Boat prices have gone up 10% in the past year. Boat Clubs cost a small fraction.
Borrowing Cost Uncertainty – Access to easy, cheap money for financing purchases like homes, cars and boats appears to be ending as interest rates rise.
Asset Depreciation – An industry rule of thumb is that the value of a new boat drops 25% upon delivery and it will be worth 50% of the purchase price after four to five years of use.
Time Needed to Manage – The time for an owner to manage and maintain a boat can easily exceed the time spent on the boat for pleasure. What do you charge an hour for your time?
Annual Operating Expenses Going Up – Limited slip availability, fewer tradesmen to do maintenance and insurance claims from hurricanes have raised expenses significantly.
What, Me Worry? If you own a boat the answer is “Yes!” Potential problems on boats are everywhere: a leaky fuel line, a split intake hose, frayed electrical wires, galvanic corrosion, etc.
A FEW OTHER REASONS TO BELONG TO SBC
Treat yourself to an upscale boating experience for a life well-lived, an experience you’ve always wanted – with no worries and at low cost. It is “Hassle Free Boating” featuring full day use reservations of the spacious vessels 23- to 37-foot vessels.Seasonal memberships are offered for seasonal residents who reside locally part time.
Do you have a business client you want to impress, or thank? On-board entertaining of friends and business associates on a premium boat that is all but yours, will be enchanting for them and very satisfying for you.
Or do you prefer an undisturbed afternoon to get away? There’s nothing better than a fun day on a premium boat. You get the idea.
If you’re not sure boat ownership is right for your family, SBC is a low-cost, low-risk alternative to find out the kind and size of boat you might like to own. Memberships last no longer than one year and may be transferrable. If you want to go boating, consider joining Sovereign Boat Club for affordable, stress-free access to one of these amazing local boats.
Everglades 235 CC (Center Console Sportfish)
Pursuit (Dual Console)
Regal 33 SAV (Sport Activity Vessel)
Before you take a step toward boat ownership, check out the SBC website www.sovereignboatclub.com.Email sales@sovereignboatclub.com or call Greg Sweeney at 727-200-3474 for answers to any of your questions.
Tell them you read about them in Paradise NEWS and your first month of membership is FREE when you join.