The Real Cost of Boating: 2026 Case Study

THE FLEET

2026 Membership Program

Is it finally time to buy your own 32' cruiser?

Before you visit the boat show, look at the numbers. Based on our 2026 NY Metro Cost of Ownership Case Study, owning a premium boat is a massive financial commitment. We've crunched the data to show you the "real" cost of ownership versus the freedom of membership.

The Total Annual Outlay

Ownership costs in the NY/CT Metro area are heavily weighted by high slip fees, winterization, and maintenance. Most buyers look at the monthly payment, but the "hidden" operational costs add up fast.

Select a Scenario

*Data based on 2026 market rates for marinas in Jersey City, Western LI, and Westchester.

The "Price Per Hour" Epiphany

The average boat owner in the Northeast gets approximately 50 hours of use per season. When you divide the total annual cost by those hours, the "true" cost is staggering compared to The Fleet.

Used Ownership

$1,033/hr

New Ownership

$1,220/hr

Fleet Membership

~$360/hr

~70% Savings

Choose Your Helm: 2026 Tiers

We've designed four tiers to fit your lifestyle. Whether you need a consistent weekend escape or the ultimate yachting season, the math works in your favor.

Officer

Entry Level

Commander

Balanced Access

Captain

Weekend Focus

Admiral

Ultimate Access

Admiral

$26,280 / season

Total Hours

74 Hrs

Hourly Rate

$355/hr

Included Time & Perks

*All tiers include fuel, cleaning, and professional captain.

Fleet Membership vs. Boat Clubs

Why choose The Fleet over a standard boat club? The difference is in the class of vessel and the service model. We are "Private Yachting," they are "DIY Rental."

Feature Traditional Boat Club Fleet Membership
Vessel Class 21' - 25' Bowriders 32' Premium Cruisers (Whaler/Formula)
Operator Self-Captain (You drive & dock) Professional Captain Included
Fuel Costs Member Pays ($2,500+/yr est.) Included ($0)
Prep & Cleaning DIY (Check-in/out process) Turn-key (Walk on / Walk off)
Availability High volume / Lottery system Priority Guaranteed Access
Amenities Basic seating Full Head, Cabin, AC, Premium Audio

The "Owner's Tax" vs. Fleet Freedom

Don't buy the boat. Buy the summer.

Secure your 2026 membership today and spend your summer on the water, not in the boatyard. Memberships are limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact for Consultation

Captain Matt

(475) 666-0696

Captain Services

Hire Captain Matt

In addition to providing boat charters; Captain Matt also provides captain service, boat training and vessel delivery.

Are you planning a big day on the water with family and friends this season on your boat or a bareboat charter?   Let Captain Matt run the boat while you relax and entertain your guests.   Did you recently purchase a larger boat?  Do you need some boat coaching on best practices around the docks?  Learning the local waters?  Learning about the many systems aboard your vessel?   Do you need help in locating the right boat for a bareboat charter?  Take the stress out of boating and hire Captain Matt.

Contact Captain Matt today for inquiries about our other custom concierge boating services offered.   Hourly or Daily Rates available by specific request.  Captain Matt is based in Fairfield County, Norwalk, CT but available to travel for the correct opportunity.

Captain Matt

About the Captain

 

Captain Matt Bottali is a USCG accredited captain holding an OUPV and Master License upgrade.  Matt has been a small business owner for over 20 years and knows the importance of customer service, satisfaction and referrals.  Matt grew up boating with family on both fresh and salt water bodies of water.   He purchased his first boat as just a young teenager and enjoys spending as much time as possible on the water.

Some of Captain Matt’s favorite maritime destinations is Block Island, RI, Mystic, CT and Sag Harbor, NY

Captain Matt on LinkedIn
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Captain Matt on CallACaptain

 

Contact Captain Matt
Did you recently purchase a new boat? Do you want an experienced captain to provide training?

We’re happy to help get you comfortable operating and docking your new boat!

Do you need to move your boat across the sound, to a new port or perhaps deliver to another state?

We can provide over-water boat delivery service almost anywhere!