Swell Boat Club FAQs​

 

Membership

"What is Swell Boat Club?"

Swell Boat Club gives members access to premium boats without the cost, maintenance, storage, and stress of owning one.

​

"How does membership work?"

Members pay a monthly membership fee and a one-time joining fee. This gives access to the fleet through our online booking system.

​

"Is launching and cleaning the boat up to me?"

Not at all! Enjoy the convenience of ready to go vessels. We will be waiting with the boat in the water at the jetty ready to role. Return the boat in a tidy state and leave the cleaning up to us!

​

"Is my membership limited to one specific boat?"

No. Your membership gives you access to the Swell Boat Club fleet, not just one boat. Some larger or offshore vessels may require extra induction before use.

​

"How many members share each boat?"

We keep numbers low, with around 10 members per vessel, so availability stays strong.

​

Bookings

"How do I book a boat?"

Bookings are made through our online calendar system using iCal.com integration. You’ll be able to view available sessions and lock in your time on the water.

​

"How do booking credits work?"

Members receive 3 booking credits to use at any one time meaning there's a limit of 3 active bookings.

Weekday half-day bookings use 1 credit.
Weekend half-day bookings use 1.5 credits.

​

"Can I book a full day?"

Yes. A full day is booked by selecting both the morning and afternoon half-day sessions.

​

"Are there booking limits?"

Yes. Members can only hold a limited number of active bookings at one time to keep access fair for everyone.

​

"Can I use the boat at night"

At this stage there is no facility for night time boat usage. Hours are limited to between 6am and 6pm.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Safety & Induction

"Do I need a boat licence?"

Yes. All members must hold a valid Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.

​

"Is there an induction?"

Yes. Every member completes an induction covering boat operation, safety equipment, local rules, club expectations, and how to use the booking and log-on systems.

​

"How does log on / log off work?"

Swell Boat Club uses OffshoreSMS as part of our safety system. Members log on before departure and log off once safely returned.

​

"Can I take any boat straight away?"

Not always. Top tier boats may require additional induction, experience, or approval before use.

​

Costs & Payments

"Is fuel included?"

No. Fuel is charged separately based on usage.

​

"How are payments handled?"

Accounting and payments are managed through Xero, helping keep subscriptions, joining fees, invoices, and expenses organised.

​

"What happens if I damage the boat?"

All vessels are insured, but members may be responsible for damage, excesses, or costs caused during their booking.

​

Using the Boats

"Can I bring friends and family?"

Yes. You can bring guests as long as you stay within the vessel’s capacity limit. The booking member remains responsible for the boat and everyone onboard.​

​

"What happens if the weather is bad?"

Safety comes first. If conditions are unsuitable, bookings can be rescheduled under the club’s weather policy.

​

Joining

"How do I join?"

Join the waitlist, receive an invite when a spot opens, complete onboarding and induction, then start booking.

​

"Is this the same as hiring a boat?"

No. Swell Boat Club is a membership-based boating club. Members are inducted, known to the club, and given ongoing access to the whole fleet of premium vessels rather than one-off casual hire of a cheap boat. There are fewer restrictions and limits overall

​

"Why join instead of buying a boat?"

Because you get the best parts of boating without the worst parts - no storage, servicing, insurance headaches, cleaning, depreciation, or big upfront purchase cost.

​​

​

Ready to Get on the Water?

Join the waitlist today and be first in line when founding member spots open.