Madison’s Best Alternative to Boat Ownership
Boat Club Memberships, Rentals + Charters
Luxury boats, equipment, and captains for the perfect day on Lake Mendota.
Madison, Wisconsin’s first and only locally owned boat club, offering memberships, non-member pontoon and speed boat rentals, and captained charters. Since 2017, Capitol Boat Club has been providing the most affordable way to boat whenever you want, without the hassle of boat ownership. Whether you're boating with friends, colleagues, clients, or family you'll always have access to a boat that fits your needs.
Boat Club Memberships
Want to boat anytime, all season long? Enjoy nearly unlimited exclusive access to a private fleet of premium members-only boats for a fraction of the cost of boat ownership.
Pontoon + Deck Boat Rentals
Not a member? No problem! We also offer the newest, cleanest, and best-maintained rental boats in town. Great rates, luxury boats, and friendly staff make us the #1 choice for boat rentals in Madison!
Captained Charters
Looking for an experienced boat captain? Let our highly skilled and WI boater safety certified captains keep you safe and let you relax while you enjoy a day on Lake Mendota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boats + Add-Ons
Policies + Location
+ Do I need insurance?
Nope. Our boats are fully insured by us, and you as a member or renter are included in that insurance.
+ Where is Capitol Boat Club located?
We’re located at the marina behind Mariner’s Inn at 5339 Lighthouse Bay Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. We'll meet you at Pier 5.
+ Where do captained charters pick-up?
You can meet us at our primary location behind Mariner's Inn, or get picked-up at the following locations: Warner Park Boat Launch, The Edgewater Pier, or Marshall Park.
+ What is there to do on Lake Mendota?
Lake Mendota is the largest lake in Madison with a variety of attractions to suit all your needs. For those looking to stay dry, try a shoreline cruise for views of the Governor's Mansion, Picnic Point, and Wisconsin State Capitol. Or how about a bar crawl with a captained charter, stopping at the Memorial Union Terrace, The Boathouse at The Edgewater, and Mariner’s Inn or Nau Ti Gal.
If you're looking to get active in the water, you can go tubing, skiing, wakeboarding or swimming. Or set anchor in Three-Foot Bay to relax or party with other boaters – enjoy time throwing a frisbee or football, lounging on a Lily Pad, or jamming out to music.
No matter your preferences, don't forget to bring food and drinks onboard to stay hydrated and fueled up for your day in the sun!
+ What is a boat club?
It’s like a country club for boats. You pay a one-time entry fee and monthly dues and in return, you get access to our private fleet of boats on Lake Mendota.
+ Why join the boat club rather than get a rental?
This depends on how often you plan to go boating. If you only boat 2 or 3 times a year, then boat rental is probably the most economical choice for you. You can review availability and book a rental or charter online.
However, if you want to go more often, and avoid the hassle and cost of owning a boat yourself, a Capitol Boat Club membership is the perfect solution. Our club boats are for members only and are higher-end models with larger motors than our already nicely outfitted rental boats.
+ What kind of boats do you have?
Our members-only fleet includes three pontoon boats, a ski boat, and a deck boat.
Our rental fleet includes two pontoon boats and a deck boat.
+ Can we ski and tube with the boats?
Yes! All the boats are equipped with tow bars. We offer tubes for rent for a small fee. We do not have skis or wakeboards, but you’re welcome to use your own with the boats. We also rent Lily Pads!
If booking a captained charter, we do not allow any towing, wakeboarding, tubing, etc due to safety and liability reasons.
Pricing + Reservations
+ How much does it cost?
Boat club memberships come in three different plans. Besides the entry fee and dues, the only other cost is the fuel you use.
Boat rentals and charters vary by time slot and boat – check our reservation page for current pricing. Half-day rentals typically range from $295 to $500 with fuel included.
+ How do I make a reservation?
Members receive a login to our online reservation portal. Renters also book online using our public reservation system.
+ How long are the reservations for?
Members can book either an AM or PM half-day outing. The exact time slots change throughout the year based on how much daylight we have, but they’re always 4-5.5 hours. Typical time slots include 8:30am-1:30pm for mornings and 2:30pm-7:30pm for afternoons.
Renters and charters can book anywhere from 2 to 6 hour outings. Available time slots are listed in the drop-down menu for each boat on our online booking page.