Question 1

How many people can go on the boats?

Accepted Answer

Boatlife 5 can carry up to 6 adults. Boatlife 6 can carry up to 7 adults. Boatlife 9 / Nimbus Weekender 9 can carry up to 8 passengers.

Question 2

What engines do the boats have?

Accepted Answer

Boatlife 5 is powered by a 115hp outboard engine. Boatlife 6 has a 150hp outboard, the maximum rated engine for that boat type. Boatlife 9 / Nimbus Weekender 9 is powered by a 300HP four-stroke Mercury outboard.

Question 3

How do you ensure there is enough capacity?

Accepted Answer

We never oversubscribe our membership prior to making additional vessels available. We always ensure there is surplus capacity.

Question 4

What's required when I bring a boat back after a day's use?

Accepted Answer

We detail and clean the vessels periodically. You are required to give the vessel a hose down with fresh water and ensure the vessel is free from debris like sand and rubbish.

Question 5

Are children's life jackets onboard the vessel?

Accepted Answer

No. We suggest purchase of good fitting, quality children's life jackets. Children's jackets can be purchased from the Club at wholesale cost.

Question 6

Can Memberships be shared?

Accepted Answer

Memberships can be shared in some circumstances and an additional Skippers fee of $500 is payable. Talk to us about your circumstances.

Question 7

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Boatlife Boat Club membership joining fees are paid when joining by Credit Card or EFT.
The monthly subscription fees can be paid by direct debit or credit card. A discount is applied for subscriptions paid annually in advance.

Question 8

Must I have experience with skippering a boat?

Accepted Answer

Our members can be first-timers or experienced boaters. The boat club can facilitate boat license training and qualification courses.
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All new members have welcome to Boatlife induction training sessions with an experienced skipper to help them learn everything about safe boat handling and operating with confidence.

Question 9

What are the booking times for a day on the boat?

Accepted Answer

You can come and go and use the boat between sunrise and sunset on any day you have booked a boat. If you have booked a 1/2 day the change over time is 1pm during daylight savings and 12pm at all other times.

Question 10

What is a boat club?

Accepted Answer

A boat club gives members access to a shared fleet of boats without needing to buy, store or maintain their own boat. Members book a boat when they want to go out and the club manages much of the ownership hassle.

Question 11

Is Boatlife a boat hire company?

Accepted Answer

Boatlife is a membership-based boat club, not a casual one-off rental operator. It is designed for people who want regular access to boating in Sydney without owning a boat themselves.

Question 12

Is a boat club cheaper than owning a boat in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

For many people, yes. A boat club can avoid the large upfront cost of buying a boat, along with ongoing costs such as storage, maintenance, cleaning, insurance admin and depreciation. The right choice depends on how often you boat and how much control you want.

Question 13

Where can Boatlife members go boating?

Accepted Answer

Boatlife offers access from Sydney Harbour and Akuna Bay, giving members options for harbour cruising, swimming, fishing, family days and Hawkesbury-style boating.

Question 14

Do I need boating experience to join Boatlife?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be an expert boater. Boatlife includes induction and training so members can build confidence before heading out.

Question 15

What is the difference between boat share and a boat club?

Accepted Answer

Boat share usually means sharing ownership or access to a specific boat with other people. A boat club gives members access to a club-managed fleet, which can be simpler because the club looks after the boats, systems and availability.

Question 16

Is Boatlife good for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Boatlife suits families who want easier access to days on the water without managing boat ownership, trailers, cleaning or storage.

Question 17

Can I view the boats before joining?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prospective members are welcome to visit Sydney Boathouse, view the boats and discuss which membership option best suits their location, group size, licence status and boating plans.

Question 18

What should I tell Boatlife when enquiring?

Accepted Answer

The most useful details are your preferred location, usual group size, whether you hold a NSW boat licence, whether you need weekday or weekend access, and whether you are looking for ongoing membership or a one-off boating option.

Frequently asked questions