Barton & Gray Mariners Club is a fractional boat ownership and marine services provider with 30 to 60 foot luxury yachts suited for cruising, run abouts, and sportfishing. The yachts spend the summers in the Northeast and the winter months in Florida and the Caribbean. Barton & Gray Mariners Club members have the flexibility to own shares for the winter, summer, or both customizing the experience to their lifestyle.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Barton & Gray Mariners Club founder Douglas Palmer Gray.

HR: Tell us about the yachts in the Barton & Gray Mariners Club program.

DPG: First there’s the Hinckley Picnic Boat, one of the most admired, envied, and enjoyable motoryachts on the water today. Extremely versatile, the Picnic Boat can cover long ranges or a quick trip to the beach. Our members enjoy this yacht’s graceful approach to boating practicality.

Then there’s the Hinckley Talaria 44 Flybridge. It’s far more than merely a “scaled up” version of the Picnic Boat. The T44 MY’s Bruce King-designed lines show that she’s an extended range cruiser. You can board her by the integrated stern platform, and there’s a wonderful view from within her elegant, enclosed pilothouse.

The Hinckley Talaria 55 Flybridge is the largest and most posh of the Hinckley power yachts. You can join the captain on the massive flybridge or keep to yourself on the dec, in the galley, stateroom or saloon.

Then there’s the 47 WallyPower, a 47 foot, two-cabin cruiser developed on the successful hull lines of the WallyTender. It’s a comfortable, safe and stylish craft. A larger version, the 70 WallyPower, integrates the design, innovative technology, and the open-air living characteristics of the Wally boats. This yacht has large social areas, including the forward cockpit, which comfortably seats 10 people.

The salon under the glass superstructure is an inside-outside living area and is very large for this size of boat. Other great features include the wrap-around fender, the wide boarding/swimming ladder concealed in the transom, and the tender garage for the storage of the annex and jet skis.

HR: What services are provided by Barton & Gray Mariners Club?

DPG: The club covers the usual maintenance, insurance, hauling, transport, captaining and other operating expenses of the yachts. But we are unique in our deep understanding and passion for the activities that make yachting such a diverse, unique and exciting lifestyle platform, from our executive team to our provisioners. We provide the tools, people and insight for trips the best beaches, islands, clamming, snorkeling, restaurants, and fishing.

HR: What other fees do members pay?

DPG: Gas, food, liquor, and extraordinary activity items.

HR: Can the boats be chartered? If so, is that revenue shared?

DPG: No

HR: Do owners have the ability to reserve other boats in the fleet?

DPG: Not officially, but our club is a service-driven organization and we cater to our members needs and wants. If a boat is available, we will accommodate.

HR: Can memberships be sold or transferred? Are there any restrictions?

DPG: Yes they can, but are sold and valued within our sales and marketing channels.

HR: Can a member assign the time to a friend or family member? What are the terms?

DPG: Absolutely, one of the greatest benefits of a captained luxury runabout is its transferability – send your friends, family, clients or neighbors! But members cannot sub-lease or charter their share in their boat.

HR: What are the unique attributes of the Barton & Gray Mariners Club fractional yacht membership program?

DPG: BGMC is run by and founded upon a deep love of yachting and the coastal lifestyle. We are offering the best boating activities, on the most well made and beautiful yachts, in the most desirable locations to our members. We want getting out on the water to be a desired amenity for those living on the coast.

Fractional ownership and unique scheduling help make the program work. But ultimately, Barton & Gray Mariners Club’s value proposition is to deliver terrific boating experiences while removing the headaches of traditional boat ownership so that our members won’t give up boating for golfing or other amenities.

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