One-time boat rentals and boat club memberships provide options for those who want to boat without the hassle of ownership.
Now in its second year in business, Watersports of Chattanooga rents ski boats, pontoon boats and jet skis out of Big Ridge Yacht Club (formerly Hixson Marina) to the public with no membership required.
Owner John Hohman says he’s been surprised at how many of his renters are former boat owners.
“Kind of like a pool in your backyard: It’s nice the day you buy your house, and it’s nice the day you sell your house,” Hohman says. “Owning a boat is similar: It’s great the day you buy it, and the second-best day is the day you sell it.”