Boat Club Membership FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is membership boating all about?
  • Freedom of unlimited boating
  • Accessibility – it’s hassle free, quick and easy to get afloat
  • Community of like-minded boating enthusiasts
  • Sharing a fleet of boats is better than owning one. You are not limited by just one type of boat
  • Value for money – you have no boat assets, and no worries about trailer care, storage, maintenance, cleaning. Everything is provided
  • Quality boats – including new Ballistic RIBs, Beneteau & Finnmaster motorboats
  • Convenience – hours spent out on the water instead of cleaning, maintaining and preparing your boat
How much does Boat Club Trafalgar membership cost and how long is the contract?

The price to be a member is substantially less than the average cost of owning a boat! We provide a 12 or 24-month contract. If you sign up for a 24-month contract there is a 5% discount.

View our membership options.

Are there any hidden fees or surprises I should know about?
No – You only pay for fuel and any damages you may cause.
Can anyone become a member?
Members must be 25 years old or above.
Your RYA Powerboat Level 2 course and induction are included in your membership fee.
Do I need any training or experience to join Boat Club Trafalgar?
No prior experience is necessary or required. You will receive full training with expert RYA approved Instructors. Doing your RYA Powerboat level 2, if you don’t already have it, is part of our induction process.
How many times can I use the boats?
As a member you have unlimited access to the boats. Go boating as much as you like!
Who cleans and maintains the boats?
All our Boat Club Trafalgar boats are professionally maintained, serviced and repaired by certified marine technicians. Additionally, each vessel is thoroughly cleaned and inspected so it will be ready for you to enjoy.
Is the insurance covered by the Club?
Yes! Our insurance policy is specifically aligned with our business and covers major damage and liability.
How do I become a member?
The enrolment process starts with a visit to the Club and a tour of the boats at Trafalgar Wharf. Please call our office on 023 9270 6599 to set up a visit or book a Taster Day.
Who joins the Boat Club?
We have a complete cross section of members at different life stages. Many members have previously owned a boat and just want an easier way of getting on the water. Some of our members are new to boating when they start and go on to buy their own boat. It’s a good way to find out if boating is for you.
How do I reserve a boat?
You can make bookings online 24hrs a day using our booking app.
Where can I go boating?

Our current fleet can be used anywhere from Portsmouth Harbour, and the South Parade Pier in Southsea to Bembridge in the Eastern Solent and down to the Western Solent between Totland Bay and Hurst Castle.

With an additional day of induction members can also use boats within Langstone and Chichester Harbours. See MAP.

Can I use the boats overnight?
Yes, if you to sign up to our Platinum and Corporate membership package. Boats need to be moored up in a marina before sunset and cannot be operated at night.
What safety gear and equipment is provided?
We provide lifejackets free of charge, if you need them, although you are welcome to bring your own. All the boats carry first aid kits, flares, fire extinguishers and all the safety equipment required by Portsmouth City Council.
Can I bring guests?
Yes! You can bring as many guests as the boat capacity allows.
Can my guests use the club boats without me being there?
No – The Boat Blub is for the benefit of members.
Can I make a last-minute decision to use a boat?
Please phone by 5pm the day before.
How do I know boats will be available?
Availability is shown on the booking app or you can call the office to double check.
How long can I stay out on the water?
Sessions are from 9am – 1pm, or 1:30pm – 5:30pm, or all day.
Silver, Platinum and Corporate members can use the boats overnight.
What happens in the unlikely event the boat breaks down?
All our fleet boats are covered by Sea Start, who will come out and fix the problem or tow you home.
Do the boats have VHF and Chartplotters on board?
Yes, all boats are installed with VHF Radios, Chartplotters and fully equipped with all essential safety gear.
Is there a charge for cancelling a reservation?
There is no charge for cancellation. However, ‘no shows’ are subject to a £25 fee. The boats are here to be used at your convenience. So, we hate to have a boat sitting idle when a fellow member could be out on the water.
What’s the difference between Boat Club and Boat Share schemes?
Boat share can be arranged via commercial or and private agreements. Typically, like any time share, there are limits to the actual dates when you can use the boat. If the weather doesn’t play ball when you’ve got your boat time, there’s not much that can be done about it.
Could I just charter a boat?
One off chartering of a boat is an alternative option to membership boating. However, you would normally need to be of proficient RYA standard to charter. The average cost to charter a boat for the day works out similar to the monthly membership fee at the Boat Club, where you can book a boat anytime. You may need to shop around to find boats available when you want. And you might miss out on the social opportunities of a club environment.


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Boat Club Trafalgar Ltd, Part of TTG Portsmouth Ltd group of companies: Registered in England & Wales
Registered Office: Midland House, 2 Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5QY. Company No: 11202829 VAT Number: 290684671
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