Your Choice for The Worst Price Gouging Transient Marina

[svHyLyte]

One of the reasons we remain members of a reasonably prominent yacht club is the fact of the "Reciprocity" privledges that other clubs offer in almost every sailing venue worth visiting in Florida and in many other states all the way up the coasts. For example, at Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, the transient fee is $3.50 per foot per night plus electricity. For that one gets a marginal slip, marginal lavatories/showers and an expensive restaurant/bar. Across the channel is the Lauderdale Yacht Club. For us there, the first night is free after which we pay $1.50 per foot per night including power and water. We get good facilities, a great but inexpensive restaurant, a nice pool and have a chance to meet a lot of the local folks that share knowledge and tips about the area. The same is true of clubs throughout Florida. We frequently visit the St. Pete Yacht Club where a 3-night long weekend stay costs all of $126.00. Likewise in Venice, Pt. Charlotte, Sanibel, Naples, Marathon, etc. etc. etc. Our Club in San Francisco often hosts members of reciprocal clubs for little or no charge at all as did our Club in Long Beach in SoCal.

FWIW...

[mrohr]

Hi All: there is enough money from the 1% that your business is not really needed.
However with good ground tackle AND $ spent on a serviceable dingy one can save bundles.
Use transient docks on week days and you may be able to work a discount esp. if for more than a single day. Weekends are better for anchoring out, but then you may be buzzed by those annoying jet skis.Marinas further up any river always seem cheaper than those with easy access to the main watercourse. Many yacht clubs( and marinas )today are hurting for members and some are receptive to getting a little extra cash but since this is not their main function you may be able to cut a deal,they often have moorings with launch service so no dingy would be necessary.Regarding moorings,many municipalities have installed moorings in attempt to raise revenue and boost tourism ,but are lax on collections;arrive after 6 and depart before 8am and you are home free.
Finally, many shore side restaurants will let you tie up if you are having a meal and you may often be allowed to stay the night if you are a late diner.

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

One of the reasons we remain members of a reasonably prominent yacht club is the fact of the "Reciprocity" privledges that other clubs offer in almost every sailing venue worth visiting in Florida and in many other states all the way up the coasts. For example, at Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, the transient fee is $3.50 per foot per night plus electricity. For that one gets a marginal slip, marginal lavatories/showers and an expensive restaurant/bar. Across the channel is the Lauderdale Yacht Club. For us there, the first night is free after which we pay $1.50 per foot per night including power and water. We get good facilities, a great but inexpensive restaurant, a nice pool and have a chance to meet a lot of the local folks that share knowledge and tips about the area. The same is true of clubs throughout Florida. We frequently visit the St. Pete Yacht Club where a 3-night long weekend stay costs all of $126.00. Likewise in Venice, Pt. Charlotte, Sanibel, Naples, Marathon, etc. etc. etc. Our Club in San Francisco often hosts members of reciprocal clubs for little or no charge at all as did our Club in Long Beach in SoCal.

FWIW...

You bring up an important consideration, and I'd like to ask a few questions, as a former YC member, now considering joining one in a different location.

1. Can you say what you mean by "reasonably prominent"?. Examples, maybe?
2. How does a YC that does not enjoy a wide, national and perhaps international group of recip clubs gain them?
3. Is it your experience that most clubs always have recip slips and/or moorings available?

[Hud3]

The Yachting Club of America maintains a list of clubs offering reciprocity...

REGISTER OF AMERICAN YACHT CLUBS

Catch 22: you have to be a member of a participating yacht club to get one. Or, maybe you could just ask a club member you know to let you see one.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by speedoo

You bring up an important consideration, and I'd like to ask a few questions, as a former YC member, now considering joining one in a different location.

1. Can you say what you mean by "reasonably prominent"?. Examples, maybe?

A club that is recognized by other yacht clubs, perhaps for its activities such as sponsoring races etc. In Florida there are many facilities associated with condo or communities that like to call themselves "yacht clubs" for marketing purposes but aren't recognized as a yacht club by any other than there own "members". In Florida, a "prominent club" might be one that is a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. However, our own Club also recognizes, and extends reciprocity to members of, Clubs outside the Council such as the San Diego Yacht Club, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, Richmond Yacht Club, all of California, etc. On the other hand, a group here-abouts that goes by the name "Redneck Yacht Club" won't quite get the same recognition. Generally, size, cost or prestige are not the determining factors. It is contribution the sport/community and courtesy to others.

2. How does a YC that does not enjoy a wide, national and perhaps international group of recip clubs gain them?

Generally, Clubs may extend reciprocity by their Secretaries sending Letter of Invitation to other Clubs which are routinely reciprocated if a club has facilities that it can extend to visitors. When we first arrived in Florida we were informed by office staff at one "Prominent" yacht club that we were unwelcome. I mentioned the matter to the Secretary of our Club in California (that had just hosted a group from the club that had chartered several boats in SoCal and spent seveal nights at our Club docks). She promptly called the Commodore of the club here who promptly sent us a letter of apology and an invitation to visit/use his/their club/restaurant "on the house as their guests". We did not, but could have.

3. Is it your experience that most clubs always have recip slips and/or moorings available?

No, but if not, most have been very helpful with alternatives including making arrangements with nearby municipal marinas at very discounted or no cost. Not always, but sometimes.

FWIW...