Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers. No surprises. Reliable boat oversight.
Answers Before You Commit
Choosing someone to access and monitor your boat is a serious decision. Below are answers to the most common questions about our services, membership, and coverage.
If you don’t see your question here, we’re happy to talk it through.
If you can’t get to your boat regularly, yes.
Ask yourself this question, “do I want my boat to sink?”
Boats in the Lowcountry deteriorate quickly. Batteries fail. Bilge pumps stop working. Water accumulates. Damage builds — often unnoticed.
If a boat sinks, you’re not just dealing with repairs. You may also be responsible for salvage, environmental cleanup, and fines that can exceed $50,000.
We exist to prevent that.
Membership & Pricing
We offer three membership options:
- Standard — 6 visits per year ($850/year)
- Gold — 9 visits per year ($1,000/year)
- Platinum — 12 visits per year ($1,200/year)
Visits are spaced strategically throughout the year to maintain consistent oversight.
Each visit includes:
- A detailed checklist report
- Photo documentation
- Notes on any issues or concerns
Our standard membership is $750 per year — less than $65 per month to keep your boat consistently monitored and protected with up to 6 visits per year.
For those seeking more frequent oversight, we offer upgraded membership options:
- Admiral — 12 visits per year ($1,200/year)
- Captain — 9 visits per year ($1,000/year)
We offer one-time visits starting at $150 per visit.
- This is ideal for:
- Out-of-town owners
- Pre-arrival checks
- General condition assessments
We can typically reach vessels within a few hours in Charleston, and within 3–4 hours in surrounding areas.
Yes.
Boats over 22’ are subject to an additional $7.50 per foot.
This ensures proper time and attention for larger vessels.
Service & Coverage
Not all vessels are a fit for our service based on location, condition, or accessibility. All applications are reviewed prior to approval, and we reserve the right to decline service.
We service vessels along the South Carolina coast from Georgetown to Beaufort — including Charleston and surrounding Lowcountry marinas, private docks, and storage facilities.
Our service areas include:
- Beaufort
- Hilton Head Island
- Bluffton
- Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Isle of Palms
- Sullivan’s Island
- James Island
- Johns Island
- Kiawah Island
- Seabrook Island
- Folly Beach
- Georgetown
Yes. We regularly service vessels in marinas, private docks, storage facilities, and residential properties — including locations with restricted access.
If needed, we can access your vessel by water rather than by land. This is especially helpful for private islands, gated communities, or properties where coordinating entry can be difficult.
We’ll review your location during the service request process and confirm the best way to access your vessel.
That’s exactly why we exist! Whether you’re traveling, living out of state, or only in Charleston seasonally, we provide professional oversight so your boat remains monitored and marina-compliant while you’re away.
We inspect your vessel, ensure it remains in proper condition, and provide a documented report with photos. If any issues are identified, we notify you with clear recommendations.
Yes. We work closely with local marinas, service departments, dry stacks, and boat yards.
Whether your boat is in the water, in dry storage, or in a service yard, we coordinate directly with marina staff and maintenance teams when needed.
What We Do (and Don’t Do)
We handle minor repairs such as replacing lines, swapping batteries (depending on vessel type and size), tightening loose hardware, or addressing small issues like broken snaps.
We do not perform mechanical service or full maintenance work. For larger issues, we coordinate directly with trusted local marine vendors.
All materials and parts are paid upfront by the client.
We use professional-grade marine products, including Salty Hull, a top-rated salt removal treatment. It breaks down salt buildup without damaging wax, vinyl, canvas, or glass — helping extend the life of your boat’s materials.
We use trusted marine-grade products, including:
- 303® Aerospace Protectant for upholstery and canvas
- Salt-Away® and Salty Hull solutions for salt removal
- IMAR® Strataglass Protective Cleaner for Strataglass
- 303® Protectant for non-Strataglass surfaces
All products are selected to protect materials and extend lifespan.
Yes. The vessel owner must provide:
- Access to water
- A hose for rinsing and cleaning
Emergencies, Storms & Logistics
Routine inspections help ensure your vessel remains secure and properly maintained year-round.
When severe weather is forecasted, we provide documented pre-storm preparation and post-storm inspection services. After the storm passes, we assess the vessel and communicate any concerns promptly.
Additional storm-related services are coordinated as needed and priced separately from membership.
Yes. Emergency response starts at $150, with additional time billed based on the scope of work.
After each scheduled visit, you receive a report that includes:
- A photo of your vessel
- Battery readout
- Any recommendations or concerns
You’ll know exactly what was checked and the current condition of your boat.
Yes. Boatsitters operates as a professional service business and carries appropriate insurance coverage.
Payment & Discounts
We offer select discounts, including:
- Military — 10%
- TowBoatUS — 5%
- USAA / Navy Federal — 5%
- Stray Dog Society — 5%
Seasonal promotions may also be available.
We accept:
- Credit cards
- Venmo
- Cash App
- Zelle
- Cash
Know Your Boat Is Being Taken Care Of
If you can’t get there regularly, we can. Consistent oversight. Clear documentation. No guessing.