One of my Buffalo waterfront wishes has come true. Someone has launched a boat sharing company.
Over the years, the idea of buying a boat has crossed my mind. But then I think about all of the hassles. I think about the insurance, and the maintenance, and the storage, and the financial burdens. I also think that if I buy a boat it will sit there and not get used – I never know when I will be able to find enough free time to warrant all of the headaches associated with owning a boat.
Finally, the time has come that someone has gone out and done all of the hard work, so that freewheeling water hounds can simply enjoy the benefits of owning a boat, without the hassles of purchasing one.
“We are Buffalo’s first private member boat sharing club,” said Anthony Agostino (lead image), Founding Member of Buffalo Boat Share along with Tom Andrews. “Members pay annual dues and have access to our fleet of new boats all summer long. The club pays all costs associated with buying the boat, insurance, launching, dock fees, maintenance, and storage. Our exclusive member-to-boat ratio allows for more opportunities to enjoy boating without owning. NO long term commitment, NO hassles, NO stress. IT’S BOATING SIMPLIFIED. Members just show up on the dock, ready to enjoy their time on the water with family and friends. We are excited to be part of the resurgence on Buffalo’s water front. It was one of the reasons we decided to start the club. The other being an affordable alternative to boat ownership. We will be operating out of Collins Marine this year, but hope to be able to get into other locations in the next few years. We definitely want to be at Erie Basin Marina at some point.”
Our exclusive member-to-boat ratio allows for more opportunities to enjoy boating without owning.
Agostino tells me that so far the response to the idea has been tremendous, especially considering that this is a grassroots startup. He also told me that they offer affordable membership options, when compared to the high costs of boat ownership.
While the seasonal rates might not appear to be necessarily cheap, one has to consider the costs associated with boat purchase, which include annual docking and storage fees, insurance, maintenance, etc. Not to mention the initial purchase of a boat. Plus, if a couple of good friends were to share the membership fees, that halves the cost.
While these boats may not be located in the city at the moment, Agostino does plan on researching new harbors to offer the membership packages, as he mentioned previously. In the meantime, Collins Marine is located along the Niagara River in Tonawanda, and allows for awesome boatings into the city to enjoy all of the new amenities that are found along the Buffalo waterfront.
Members pay dues annually prior to the upcoming boating season. Season runs from May 15th to September 30th (20 weeks).
For further info, you can check out buffaloboatshare.com. Also see Facebook for further updates.
Maybe this type of program might someday lead to daily boat rentals, similar to what one might find in Florida when on vacation. Now that would really be something.
Photo: Facebook