Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M600

Sharing the fun with Ownaship – The country's biggest boat-share player

by Ownaship 27 Jul 2022 23:44 PDT
Ownaship's Westhaven Marina pier, Auckland © Ownaship

Westhaven-based Ownaship - the country's biggest boat-share player - recently took delivery of its 11th Rayglass 3500 launch. Like the other 10 in the fleet, this one belongs to a syndicate of six owners, a sharing model Ownaship managing director Simon Barker says has multiple attractions.

In a nutshell, it's mainly about convenience and stress-freeboating. A vessel in a Westhaven berth means easy access, and all the responsibilities that come with boat ownership - securing a berth, insurance, security, maintenance, cleaning - are eliminated. It's literally a walk-on-walk-off style of boating.

The company now operates 31 vessels - the other 20 range in size from Rayglass 2500 runabouts, medium-size launches, to the ultra-luxurious Maritimo M55, as well as sailing and power catamarans. Ownaship, says Barker, "has doubled the size over the last 24 months."

And there's little evidence of any slow-down. To meet the growth another Rayglass 3500 will join her siblings later this year, with another two arriving next year. Currently there is a single Elite AT43 launch in the Ownaship fleet, but another arrives this December, with a further three on order. In addition, three more Maritimo M55s and an S55 will arrive in the next 12 months.

Corresponding to the growth is a significant shift in the company's client profile, says Barker. "Many are newbies - people who've never boated before - or who perhaps have minimal boating experience.

"Most of these new shareholders come to us via word of mouth. They have friends who have gotten into boating through us and have raved about how easy and enjoyable it is. That's really appealing to people who don't have a lot of experience or time".

"I think their 'step-into-the-unknown' is made a lot easier by our training programmes. It's a thorough, immersive process with the accent on hands-on experience. Our training and support gives them the confidence to skipper large vessels with ease - our shareholders are among the best-trained skippers in the country."

Changing Preferences

Barker also believes the 'profile' of the typical Kiwi boat owner has changed (and continues to change), and says various factors are driving the shift.

"Many traditional boaties have far more diverse interests these days - boating is no longer the all-consuming activity. It's simply another component in their busy lives, and that means the associated boat owning responsibilities are even less appealing. It's increasingly difficult to justify the expense of buying and maintaining a vessel you might only use a few times a year.

"On the flipside, though, there is also much greater interest in bigger, more comfortable and luxurious vessels. The boat-sharing concept gives someone access to a boat he/she might not be able to justify as a sole owner. Yes, boats might be bigger and more complex, but with 'can-do' technology like bow-thrusters and joy-stick manoeuvring it's also much easier to operate a bigger vessel."

An analysis of the 220 clients across 31 Ownaship's vessels underscores his point: "There's a noticeable pattern - a general trend of 'upgrading' to bigger boats shared between fewer owners. Our vessels typically operate on half-, quarter- or sixth-share models. The trend might see an owner selling a sixth share in a Rayglass 3500, for example, and buying into a quarter share of a Maritimo M55 - or even a half share."

There's also a noticeable shift, he adds, in the way people use their boats. "Going back 10 or 15 years, the typical owner was a chap focussed on fishing with his mates - with an occasional 'family day' thrown into the mix. Today it's switched 180 degrees - it's more about cruising with the family or friends - and very little fishing."

Ownaship's research found that with the sharing model, clients spent more time boating (on average) in a given year than a typical sole owner.

The Future

The acute shortage of marina berths in the greater Auckland region, says Barker, is another factor in the growing popularity of the sharing model.

"You only have to consider the pattern in Sydney to see how the scarcity of marina berths has resulted in a massive growth in boat sharing companies. Even if you were lucky enough to secure a berth, the costs are prohibitive.

"Sharing a boat - with a berth in an easily accessible marina - eliminates the problem. We're seeing the same scenario play out here in Auckland."

The Fleet

Barker says the Ownaship model offers a 'sharing solution' to every kind of client, whatever the experience level, budget and boating aspirations. The 31 vessels in the current fleet include Rayglass 2500s, 2800s, 3500s and 4000s, one Elite AT43, three Fountaine Pajot sailing cats, a Fountaine Pajot MY40 power cat, two Maritimo X50s, three M51s and the new M55.

The Rayglass 3500

Accounting for more than a third of the Ownaship fleet, the Rayglass 3500 is obviously a favourite 'sharing' boat, typically owned by a syndicate of six members. What makes it so popular?

"It's very affordable price-point," says Barker. "A versatile cruiser, it sleeps six and is wellappointed. Equally suited to day trips or weekend getaways."

Adds Rayglass sales director Scott Little: "It's built around a very sea-friendly hull with an easy motion. Twin engines and a bow thruster make for easy manoeuvring - it's not a daunting boat to handle, even for relative beginners."

For more information call Ownaship at 0800 696 7447 or visit www.ownaship.co.nz.

Related Articles

VISIONF Yachts unveils Superfast 46
A new speedboat with 80 knots max speed VISIONF Yachts, renowned for its cutting-edge luxury power catamarans, has revealed the latest jewel in its performance portfolio — the VISIONF Superfast 46, a 14-meter, high-speed masterpiece capable of reaching a staggering 80 knots. Posted on 7 Jul
Inside Maritimo Newsletter - Take a Virtual Tour
Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo Take a moment to indulge in our immersive virtual tours, available through the form link below. Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo, all from the comfort of your own home. Posted on 4 Jul
Baglietto launch first DOM115 Superyacht
A 35-meter masterpiece by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Baglietto design team The first unit of the DOM115, the entry-level model of the line designed by Stefano Vafiadis, was officially launched in recent days. Posted on 3 Jul
Grand Trawler 63
A new benchmark in elegant voyaging With the launch of the Grand Trawler 63, BENETEAU sets a new benchmark in long-distance luxury cruising. Posted on 3 Jul
Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive
A head-turning vision that sets a new standard in customization It's a question often asked by outsiders looking at Palm Beach Motor Yacht's vibrant new product introductions and development pipeline: What was the genesis for this particular design? Posted on 2 Jul
The new Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand The eye-catching new arrival in the fleet of BENETEAU's modern passagemakers is the Swift Trawler 37. The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand replaces the Swift Trawler 35, balancing enhanced design and comfort on board. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul
One thing. One big, very fast boat
One thing that opened the door, another made us enquire some more - 50 knots! Yes. It was one thing that opened the door, as it were. One thing that piqued the curiosity enough to go, ‘I'll take a look at that!' One thing that when you're trying to crack in excess of 50 knots... Posted on 30 Jun
Baglietto and Meyer Davis unveil concept Vesta56
A 56m superyacht collaboration Baglietto, the Italian shipyard with over 170 years of heritage and excellence, along with Meyer Davis, the multi-disciplinary design studio, announce a new creative partnership. Posted on 29 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 30
Explorer Basin to Red Bluff Bay So many more whales this morning, right off the bat as we exited Explorer Basin, outside of Tebenkof Bay. Posted on 28 Jun
Maritimo S SeriesPalm Beach Motor Yachts