FAQ
Answers, before you ask.
What people usually want to know about owning a share of a boat, building a BOATLUX business and GIU.
Boat Ownership
Do I actually own part of the boat?
Yes. You acquire an ownership interest in the entity (LLC structure) that holds the boat. Your ownership documents describe your interest and your rights in detail.
How is BOATLUX different from a boat club?
A boat club sells a membership to use a shared fleet: you pay an initiation fee and monthly dues, but you never own a boat. With BOATLUX you own a share of a specific boat through its ownership entity, share its operating costs with the other owners of that boat, and can sell or transfer your share. BOATLUX still handles management, maintenance, storage and preparation.
How does the ownership structure work?
Each boat is held by its own ownership entity, and multiple ownership interests participate in the same asset. The number of interests can vary by boat and program.
How does unlimited use work?
There is no traditional fixed number of annual days. You book through the smart scheduling system, subject to availability and the applicable rules of each boat and program.
How does scheduling work?
Owners reserve time through the BOATLUX scheduling system, designed to distribute access fairly among the owners of each boat.
What is GIU?
GIU — Global International Use — lets eligible owners potentially access BOATLUX boats in other participating markets, subject to availability and program rules.
Can I use boats in other locations?
Through GIU, eligible owners may access boats in participating locations across the international BOATLUX network.
Who manages maintenance?
BOATLUX coordinates scheduled and necessary maintenance through the local operation, so your boat is ready when you are.
Who manages insurance?
Insurance is managed through the applicable BOATLUX operation.
Who handles storage?
Professional storage and care are handled by the local BOATLUX operation.
Can I use a captain?
Yes — a captain can be available when needed or selected according to the applicable operation.
Can I sell my ownership interest?
Ownership interests can be transferred according to your ownership documents. Your local franchise assists with the process.
What happens if I want to upgrade?
Talk to your local franchise about moving to a different boat or share as inventory becomes available.
Where are BOATLUX boats available?
Current locations include Florida, California, Brazil and the UAE, with new markets, including Europe, coming soon.
Franchise
What is a BOATLUX franchise?
A BOATLUX franchise lets you operate the BOATLUX shared-ownership model in your own market: you bring local boats and owners together, with the brand, the systems and the support of the BOATLUX network.
Do I need experience in the boating industry?
Not necessarily. Ideal candidates are entrepreneurial and understand the nautical lifestyle, and many already own a boat, but what matters most is a good fit with the model. BOATLUX provides training and ongoing support.
What does BOATLUX provide to franchise partners?
Market analysis and location assessment, business structure and launch planning, marketing and lead generation, a sales process with contracts and customer onboarding, technology and operational processes, and ongoing guidance.
Can I see income or return figures?
BOATLUX does not publish income, profit or return figures on this website, and nothing here is a promise of results. Any financial performance information a franchisor chooses to provide is given in its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), at the time and in the manner required by law.
Which markets are available?
Territories are listed with their status: available, coming soon or contact us. See the opportunities section of the Franchise page, or get in touch to ask about a market that isn’t listed.
How do I get started?
Start a conversation: tell us about yourself, the market you’re interested in and your goals. The BOATLUX franchise team will get back to you to understand whether a franchise could be the right opportunity. This website is not an offer to sell a franchise.
Global International Use
What does GIU stand for?
GIU stands for Global International Use. It is the BOATLUX program that lets an owner potentially access eligible boats in other participating locations of the international network, in addition to their own boat.
Does every boat include GIU?
No. Only boats marked GIU Eligible take part, and access depends on the participating locations, availability and the rules of the program.
Can I use any boat in the network?
No. GIU gives potential access to eligible boats in participating locations, subject to availability, scheduling and the program rules. It is not a guarantee of a specific boat or date.
Are there extra costs or rules for using GIU?
The terms, rules and any applicable fees for GIU are defined by the program and can vary by location. Your local BOATLUX team can explain them before you decide.
How do I request time on a boat in another location?
Through BOATLUX scheduling, following the rules of the program and of the local operation. Ask your local BOATLUX team to walk you through it.
Where does GIU work?
In the participating BOATLUX locations. See the Locations page for the current and upcoming markets.
Still have a question?
Ask the team.
Send us a message and the right BOATLUX team will get back to you.
These answers are general information, not a contract or an offer. Details depend on the boat, the location and the program rules.