Our Story

Capitol Boat Club was born in 2017 due to a severe lack of boating options on Madison's lakes. The city has a great lake culture but most people don’t have easy and affordable boat access.

Our Mission

With Madison’s limited options for rentals and very limited public slips available, people who live off the lake and still want to boat are faced with the hassle of pulling a boat in and out of the water and then storing it after each use. Capitol Boat Club has created a way for these individuals to partake in all the benefits of having a boat without the hassles and expenses. Though the concept of a boat club is new to most people, it is growing in popularity as the best alternative to boat ownership for those looking to boat frequently.

In our first four years, we functioned solely as a members-only boat club. During the summer of 2020 popularity in the club soared as Covid-19 canceled summer travel plans and limited the options for local activities. Boating was one of the only safe ways for families and individuals to get out of the house and enjoy their summer. Due to this boom in demand, we were able to invest in the addition of a rental fleet starting in 2021.

Now offering non-member rentals and captained charters in addition to our standard membership plans, we’re able to provide boat access to even more people in Dane County. We strive to provide safe, easy, and affordable boating for everyone from first-timers to seasoned former boat owners. Whether you’re visiting or a Madison native, we’re here to help with everything you need for an amazing day on Lake Mendota.