Last Updated on September 2, 2023 by Britt Olizarowicz
The yacht club vs. country club decision isn’t as straightforward as you may think it is. There is quite a bit to consider here, from price to facility availability. As a former membership director, avid boater, and golf professional, I’ll explain everything you should know about the yacht club vs. country club membership decision.
Yacht Club vs. Country Club: At A Glance
I’ll give you a detailed description of each of these categories and their pros and cons below. However, if you don’t have a lot of time, here are the basic differences between yacht club vs. country club.
| Yacht Club vs. Country Club | ||
| Location | Near lakes, rivers, and oceans, limited availability | Can be located anywhere, suburban and rural areas are most common |
| Facilities | Boat docking, marinas, sailing lessons, waterfront dining, water related activity, pool, swim team | Golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, dining options, fitness and wellness center, bocce, pickleball |
| Membership Fees | Include boat docking fee, initiation costs, monthly dues | Dues, golf fees, initiation fees, capital reserve |
| Membership Requirements | May require boat ownership to join, could require a sponsor | Initiation fee, sometimes requires an interview or sponsor |
| Events and Social Activities | Regattas, sailing events, waterfront social gatherings and parties | Golf tournaments, social events and parties |
| Membership Size | Typically smaller in size due to limited space for boats | Can be quite large, depending on the facilities |
| Guests | May allow access to guests, sometimes with added fees | Guests can be invited to the club on a limited basis for a fee |
| Pricing | Depending on location, yacht club initiation can run anywhere from $1000 to $20,000. Dues range from $1000-$5000 a year. | Depending on location, golf club initiation fees can run anywhere from $0 to $200,000, and dues range from $3500-$20,000 per year |
Why Join A Country Club vs. a Yacht Club?
The country club offers more activities than a yacht club. At a typical country club, you will have a wider range of activities that you can participate in, and some of these activities can be done year round.
Some of the top reasons to join a country club include:
- Pristine golf course facilities
- Availability of golf tee times
- Access to court sports like tennis, bocce, pickleball
- Fitness facilities, spas, and wellness centers with access to pools
- Social events with friends and family
- Networking with like-minded individuals
- You have a family who is active and always looking for activities and events
Some of the reasons to stay away from a country club include:
- You only play golf a few times per year
- Fees and dues will keep you from having money left to enjoy the club
- You spend your weekends out on your boat and have limited time off
- You don’t like being around the same people all the time
Why Join A Yacht Club vs. A Country Club?
The yacht club is a bit limited in what it has to offer, although the opportunity to boat and get out on the water can provide endless hours of personalized entertainment. Some of the top reasons to join a yacht club and not a country club include the following:
- You own a boat and need to dock it somewhere
- You enjoy being outside and on the water any chance you get
- Golf is not something that is a priority in your life
- Lower initiation fees and dues are attractive to you
- Outdoor and waterfront dining are important luxuries in your life
Some of the reasons to stay away from a yacht club include:
- You don’t enjoy swimming or being near the water
- A boat is required, and you don’t own one!
- Being out on the golf course is more enjoyable to you than being on a boat
- The season where you live is too short, and you won’t use the club enough
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the yacht club vs. country club. If you are still on the fence about which is better for you, here are some additional things to consider.
What is the difference between a yacht club and a country club?
A yacht club is designed for people who enjoy boating, sailing, and water activities. Yacht club locations are typically next to the water and offer a beautiful place for dining and socializing. A country club is built for those who like golf, tennis, and social activities. Yacht clubs are for those that like water sports, and country clubs are for land sports.
How can I become a member of a yacht club or country club?
Most yacht clubs and country clubs require a membership initiation fee, an interview with club personnel or a membership committee, and then payment of monthly dues. Some yacht and country clubs have waiting lists, and you will have to put your name on that until a space becomes available.
What are the typical membership fees for yacht clubs and country clubs?
Yearly membership fees for yacht clubs typically range from $ 1,000 to $ 5,000 per year (this does not always include your docking fees). Country club dues or membership fees range from around $ 3,500 a year up to $20,000 for a prestigious club.
What types of recreational activities can I expect at a yacht club?
Many yacht clubs have access to water sports such as paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks. In addition, a yacht club often has a pool that is used for membership enjoyment and recreation, as well as a swim team.
Are country clubs open to the public, or do they require membership?
Country clubs require membership and are not open to the public. There are some semi private country club memberships for those who want to enjoy a lower-priced membership with some restrictions on pay times and events.
Can non-boat owners join a yacht club?
A non-boat owner can join a yacht club, but this is dependent on the club. Some clubs offer pools and dining facilities that attract even non-boat owners to join.
Do yacht clubs and country clubs offer dining options to non-members?
Most yacht clubs and country clubs do not offer dining options to non-members. Members of yacht and country clubs pay membership dues to have access to the facilities.
Are there age restrictions for joining a yacht club or country club?
Every club has an age restriction for joining a yacht club or country club. Typically, yacht club and country club members need to be 18 or older. However, in the case of country clubs, some parents will join for their child who is an aspiring young player.
Yacht Club vs. Country Club
When it comes to the yacht club vs. country club decision, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. Find something that works as a happy medium for you. In addition, you always have the option to look for a community that has both yacht and country club access.
I would recommend joining both the yacht club and the country club if you have the financial means; however, you should be aware that this requires quite a time commitment.
