@work: Water world
You don't have to own a boat to enjoy the water this summer. Just use one of Tom Jacob's instead.
Jacob, who grew up boating on his grandfather's northern Minnesota resort, now shares his passion — and his million-dollar fleet — with members of his Excel Boat Club, which has marina locations on Lake Minnetonka and the St. Croix River.
The goal, Jacob says as he gears up for the club's 10th season, is to provide the fun of boating — whether you're going tubing, fishing, skiing or taking a quiet wine and cheese cruise — while removing some of the expense and much of the hassle of boat ownership.
Members can choose from pontoons, deckboats, speed boats or a classy, classic wooden Skiff Craft cabin cruiser (on Minnetonka). All are spotless and all have custom sound systems, bathrooms and pop-up changing spaces. Many have their own grills, too.
Valets load and unload members' gear and pilot the boats in and out of the marina. Members get free use of tubes and other water toys, and the club will cater outings with pizza, custard and other treats from nearby eateries.
Memberships for the season, which runs through Oct. 10, cost $3,799 to $4,599 depending on the number of uses and whether they're going out on weekends or weekdays.
That compares, Jacob says, to the $6,500 a boat owner typically pays every year for a private marina slip, insurance, maintenance and other expenses.
Half- and full-day pontoon rentals also are available, for $250 to $499.
Three and out with Excel Boat Club’s Tom Jacob
- Do you ever get out on the water yourself?
Early in the morning. Whether it's kayaking or skiing or taking an hour-long boat ride in the middle of a quiet weekday, for me it's like recharging the batteries. It's hydrotherapy.
- Do you have your own boat?
I have a standard, 19-foot fishing boat. I use it in the fall quite a bit once the season closes out for a good month, maybe every day. I love to fish but put that on back burner until the season is over.
- Any unusual problems out on the water?
Sometimes people get lost on Minnetonka, which is kind of funny because it's a big circle. We have people that can't start the boat because they don't have it in neutral, which is an easy one to fix.
