Boat timeshare??
 

Never herd of such a thing but this guy is trying to auction off his portion of the deal. Weird.
36-ft. Cobalt Boat, Trailer and 2 Sea Doos! $45.000
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/36-ft...item20bb4bd185

Given all-in cost of boat ownership, even in a down market, one day this idea -- or one like it -- will see its time.

I've seen this a few times. I don't see it being main stream unless people still want to hang on to outwardly expsensive boats like a cobalt. I see to many issues, if you could get past scheduling, you will have the issue of repairs, damage, etc. Which I am sure would be spelled out in a contract, but still you know where there would be issues. Not to mention the whole ownership thing. What if one guy wants out, the other guy would be stuck with a huge payment. A boat is something that can be moved, not like a house or a condo.

I just dont see it being legit, if you can not afford a boat unless you timeshare it than you shouldnt have it. I could see it being something marinas or companys do, which is nothing more than an expensive rental.

Not a new concept. There are boat ownership "clubs" where you can sign a contract and then reserve and pick from a number of boats you want on any set day. I've also seen instances where a person owns partial share in several boats, and then can pick their poision based on schedule and planned event.

It could make sense for some. I guess maint/repair wouldn't be your issue. But like any rental its not yours and there will always be ruled attached to it.

There is a boat club right here in Naples..220 a month, than just pay for gas, leave it at the dock they wash it up. I am friends with the GM. It works for alot of people that dont want the hassle of ownership.

Very common with houseboats on lake powell.

Yup, they've been doing boat clubs up here for a while...couple of boats to choose from, but not sure how scheduling works out. I think I heard the # 6k for the year thrown out there....

Heck, they even offer ownership deals on cruise ships now:

http://www.aboardtheworld.com/reside

This is popular in Chicago harbors as well. They have 4-6 owners per boat and swap days/weekends. Were docking next to one all last summer and they seemed to be happy with it. As usual, they commented on the partners they did not want to share weekend days with because they were not as cleanly though. Plus, said who in their group could not drive very well. The liability issue would kind of be an issue I think. Makes sense though when you have busy lives and don't like to cover all the expenses and can maybe only boat every 3-4 weekends.

Couple of them around here. It may very well be the next thing I try before buying another boat. I'm sure I will end up buying again but the options of having several sizes and styles plus if you join one of the larger clubs you can go anywhere they have a franchise and use for just the cost of fuel.