Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions or comments, feel free to call us at (786) 760-0279 or email us at andy@sharesofboats.com — we're happy to help!
First, choose a boat and an ownership share (25% or 50%) from our listings. After placing a refundable deposit, we find co-owners, form an LLC, and complete the boat purchase. In the next phase, we manage all scheduling with our technology to optimize availability and handle the ongoing maintenance of both the boat and the LLC. When you’re ready to exit, we provide a flexible solution for selling your share
Each boat is owned by a multi-member, manager-managed LLC. This single-asset LLC, specific to the boat, has its own bank account and tax ID, holding the title to the boat. Owners hold shares in the LLC proportional to their equity in the boat, and SharesOfBoats does not retain any ownership in the LLC.
Our fully managed LLC co-ownership model saves you money in two ways. Compared to Traditional Ownership, you only buy the share of the boat you'll actually use, making ownership more efficient and you enjoy fuss-free ownership.. Unlike Clubs (Timeshares), you gain equity in your boat, and it’s shared with a maximum of four owners—far fewer than the 8-12 members typical in clubs.
Each yacht can be shared by up to four owners, with the option to own 25% or 50%, ensuring efficient scheduling and a more exclusive ownership experience while lowering the cost compared to sole ownership.
You can sell your co-ownership anytime through our marketplace. While SharesOfBoats provides a recommended price, you have the final say. Our dedicated resale program connects you with our active customer base of like-minded boaters, making it easier to find a buyer. For more details, see "How to Resale Your Co-Ownership with Us?”
If a co-owner fails to pay their share of the dues, our LLC agreement includes provisions to address this situation. After a short grace period, if payments are still not made, their ownership share will be put up for sale through our marketplace, and their usage rights will be suspended until the issue is resolved. This ensures fairness for all co-owners and proper maintenance of the boat. Payments are due on the first of each trimester, with one trimester paid in advance as a deposit. If necessary, SharesOfBoats will cover the overdue installments to ensure no financial impact on the other boat owners. The Member Agreement also allows for the removal of members who violate SharesOfBoats’s policies.
The LLC operates as a multi-member, manager-managed entity, with SharesOfBoats serving as the manager responsible for operations. Material changes require an ownership vote, while SharesOfBoats has limited authority to make non-material changes (like updating the address for state reporting). This aspect requires very little work from the members (Co-Owners) as the entire structure has been streamlined for efficiency. Decisions are facilitated through our technology to ensure seamless communication. Additionally, an Annual Members Meeting is held online each year to approve the budget and discuss other operational aspects.
SharesOfBoats is responsible for both the maintenance of the LLC and the boat. We sign a Management Agreement that outlines our commitments and performance metrics. We collaborate with local contractors and boat management companies to ensure high-quality service. We charge an administrative fee for our services, but we do not mark up costs, as this is not a profit center for us. For more details, see “How does the Maintenance of the Boat work?”
Yes, co-owners can choose to remove SharesOfBoats as the program manager and self-manage the LLC. However, we require that SharesOfBoats manages the boat for the first twelve (12) months to ensure quality service when we deliver the boat. Additionally, a six (6) month advance notice is needed for a smooth transition.
To buy a co-ownership share, either 25% or 50%, start by browsing our curated listings of brand-new boats and complete the form for your favorite. We’ll follow up with a personalized consultation to ensure it’s the right fit. Next, secure your share with a refundable deposit. If the boat is available, you can proceed to a sea trial and closing. If it’s coming soon, we’ll quickly find and vet additional co-owners, establish a dedicated property LLC, and manage all sales details, including titling and registration.
Financing options may be available for each listing, so please refer to the specific boat listing for details. For any financing questions or assistance, feel free to contact one of our team members, and we’ll be happy to help you!
As a new co-owner in a syndicate, you'll receive a share certificate, insurance details, keys, and access to the exclusive owners' area of our app. Additionally, you'll get an owners' manual, account information, an inventory list, AMM minutes, an information pack about the marina, and a comprehensive walkthrough during your first trip to familiarize yourself with the boat's features and equipment, along with information on further courses if you're interested.
All boat costs are divided among the co-owners based on their ownership share (25% or 50%). After purchasing your co-ownership, we prepare an annual budget covering marina fees, insurance, servicing, cleaning, towing, and our admin fee. The budget also includes a reserve fund for emergencies, capped at two trimesters' worth of costs. Once the reserve fund is established, monthly payments are due on the first of each month. Additional costs include fuel, an engine usage fee to cover wear and tear, and optional valet services, if needed.
You can buy a co-ownership share of either 25% or 50%, which corresponds to ¼ or ½ of the total shares. Typically, each boat has 4 shares available.
Yes, you can buy multiple shares across different boats in our marketplace. We love all types of boats—fishing, cruisers, sailing, and cuddy cabins—so it’s our dream come true!
Yes, we assess your skills during the sea trial and on the first day when the boat is delivered. You can choose to have a licensed captain operate the vessel with you, and we offer accredited training through our partners. Safety is our top priority.
Please, contact our team to discuss.
You can sell your co-ownership anytime through our marketplace. While SharesOfBoats provides a recommended price, you have the final say. Our dedicated resale program connects you with our active customer base of like-minded boaters, making it easier to find a buyer.
When a new LLC is formed, the original owners initially sign up for a three year term then can extend for a further two, totaling a five year term. If an owner chooses to not extend then we can also sell his share at that point.
SharesOfBoats will actively market your share, including listings on third-party websites, hosting sea trials, and promoting through email or direct mail. If buyer interest remains low despite these efforts, we may recommend lowering the asking price.
Yes, a standard commission fee is deducted from the seller's final sale price. Buyers incur no title, inspection, or service fees on resale transactions but do make a small non-refundable contribution to the boat's reserve account at closing. Buyers opting for financing will also pay a financing fee at that time.
Your usage is managed through our booking app, which splits bookings into special dates, weekends, and weekdays. These are divided equally based on your ownership share (25% or 50%), with important dates rotating yearly. If the boat isn’t booked, you can use it freely beyond your share. The app allows real-time reservations, waitlisting, and swaps 24/7 for added flexibility.
Our software lets you reserve, waitlist, and swap bookings 24/7 in real-time. Bookings are allocated equally among co-owners, based on their share (25% or 50%).
Absolutely not. A co-owner must be on board at all times, and the boat cannot be rented out or offered for skippered hire. If you’re unable to use the boat during your scheduled time, you can swap with another owner or offer the unused time to another group member.
Yes, the boats are fully insured for their replacement value through the LLC. Each owner is responsible for the deductible, typically ranging from $250 to $1,500, for any damage incurred while using the boat. Any claims beyond this amount are covered by the insurance policy, which includes third-party liability coverage
We're revolutionizing boat ownership with SharesOfBoats. Customize your ownership to match your actual usage, starting at 1/6—we take care of the rest. Say goodbye to the financial strain of clubs and traditional ownership. Welcome to the future of hassle-free boat ownership!