Lake Murray Marina
1600 Marina Rd.
Irmo, South Carolina 29063
(803) 407-2828
www.lakemurrayboatclub.com
Can you imagine a better way to spend a sunny summer day than out on Lake Murray? The Lake Murray Boat Club allows you to experience the beauty and fun of Columbia's largest lake without the burden of buying a boat. Jon Dukes and Jeff Austin, the owner and manager of the club, ensure that membership is not only more affordable than owning a boat but also much easier. "It is 10 minutes from when we arrive until we are out on the water," says Stephanie Fournel, an active member along with her husband Daniel and their two sons. "Not once have we called and been unable to have a boat, even a couple hours in advance, and everything is ready for us when we arrive. They even provide the expensive equipment that our boys love like wakeboards, kneeboards and tubes and have it all packed in the boat when we pull up. Each and every time, it is a hassle-free day."
Members pay less to enjoy the savvy new boats of the club with its complementary services than if they were to buy a boat and be responsible for its upkeep. "I am an ownership kind of guy, but it didn't take me long to see that it is much more cost-efficient to join this club," Daniel says. "Plus, we don't have to worry about maintaining, cleaning, storing or transporting a boat when we want to spend a day on the lake."
Daniel did his research before joining and found that the Lake Murray Boat Club is one of the few clubs in the country that strives to keeps its fleet as new as possible. Whereas most clubs might keep eight- and nine-year-old boats, the Lake Murray Boat Club trades out boats that are just a few years old for new ones. "We get excited about using the brand new boat," Daniel says. "Even before the weather got nice this year, we went with our boys just to check out the cool new boats and cruise around the lake."
And the staff? "They are happy to see us, happy to send us off, and happy to see us come back, even though it means they are about to wash down a boat. It is clear that they are doing what they really love. They are very respectful and helpful, and our boys love chatting with them," says Daniel.
Stephanie smiles, reflecting on the impact their membership has had on their young family. "It has exceeded all of our expectations. Since moving here five years ago, this past summer was the most memorable we have had."
To learn more about becoming a member of the Lake Murray Boat Club, contact Jeff Austin at (803) 407-2828, or visit their Web site, www.lakemurrayboatclub.com