Preparing for a day out on the water takes a significant amount of time. One of the most underestimated services available is boat concierges. I am an avid boater and former captain. For this reason, I know that a single day of boating requires an hour minimum of preparation. Rather than waste your valuable time, I suggest you consider a service, but what is a boating concierge service?

What Services Does A Boating Concierge Program Provide

Without a doubt, the level of service is highly dependent on the company and what options you select as a customer. 

Here are examples of services provided by boat concierges. It should be noted that concierge services are offered by marinas and individual businesses servicing marinas. Understand that the significance of each service is to save you time as a boat owner. More time saved preparing allows for more time boating. This is especially important when you’re tied up at work all week and want to maximize your time on the water. 

Boat Cleaning

No matter if you’re boat is stored in a dry rack and covered or exposed to the elements in a slip; it is quickly coated in dust and dirt. 

I am a former captain who understands not only the importance of cleaning boats but the process of cleaning boats. A thorough cleaning requires a significant amount of time. For this reason, when hiring a concierge service, you can allow the team to clean your boat on a consistent basis. 

In the long term, your boat will better hold its value when properly cared for compared to allowing it to become stained from prolonged dirt exposure. 

Maintenance

Let’s face it; nobody wants to experience a mechanical malfunction while out on the water. No question about it, boats are prone to engine failure and electrical failure due to the constant pounding and vibration while underway. 

To keep your boat in top operating condition, consider hiring a concierge. The concierge service will include routine inspections and look for signs of potential issues. Additionally, if needed a mechanic is on staff or sourced to fix an imminent issue. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is be laid up dockside because you were not aware of a pending mechanical problem. 

It should be noted that a basic concierge package is unlikely to include engine maintenance. For this reason, you’ll likely be required to pay an upcharge for the higher level of service. 

Preparation

Unquestionably preparation for a day on the water begins before leaving the house in the morning. 

One commonly overlooked area of preparation is onboard safety equipment. Yes, required onboard safety equipment expires, such as flares. You don’t want to have a random Coast Guard boarding with expired or missing safety equipment. 

With that being said, boating concierge services provide bi-annual inspection of required safety equipment. The concierge will eliminate adding safety gear checks from your already long list. 

Importantly, preparation goes beyond safety gear. While yes, cleaning is an added bonus, high detail washdowns are typically monthly. I know for certain your boat will be dirty between the previous cleaning and the day you head out on the water. For this reason, the concierge will perform a light rins to remove dirt, dry, and prepare the cushions. 

Food Services

One of the most often overlooked benefits of a boating concierge service is food delivery. How many times have you been ready to walk out the door only to realize you are not prepared with boat snacks and drinks. 

Typically, a boat concierge service provides a list of food and drink items from which you can pick and choose. Importantly, you’ll have to pre order to ensure the food and drinks will be available when you arrive at the boat. 

With a concierge service, you won’t need to scramble to the grocery store before arriving on the boat later than expected. Last minute grocery store runs shorten your day on the water. 

What Is The Cost Of A Boating Concierge Service

I’d like to tell you an exact number based on the level of service for a boating concierge service, but it varies significantly. The pricing is highly impacted by the geographical location and the ownership of the service.

More often than not, rates are lower when the service if offered by a marina as they already have a complete staff. Outside providers are higher in cost. However, marina operations typically perform subpar work compared to privately owned businesses. Marina staff is unfortunately overworked so the end result is not as high in quality. 

I recommend finding an outside boating concierge service despite the higher cost. You will be more satisfied with the work performed compared to a marina concierge service. 

What Is A Boating Concierge Service? Answered

Now you know the answer to what is a boating concierge service. I recommend hiring a service if you’re working a 9-5. Comparatively, retirees may enjoy spending a few hours a week cleaning or packing up the food and drinks before heading out boating. Check out what concierge services are available in your area.