Community Boating Membership

A SEAS Community Boating Membership is an affordable option for getting on the water! With a SEAS membership you are eligible to reserve a boat from our Sonar fleet after passing a check-out sail with one of our staff members. There are different memberships to choose from: Individual Season Membership, Family Season Membership, Individual Monthly Membership, and Student Season Membership.

To become a member click here. 

2024 Hours of Operation & AVAILABLE BOATS

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 10am to 8pm (limited boat availability after 5pm)

  • Wednesday – 10am to 5pm

  • Friday – 10am to 8pm

  • Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays – 10am to 6pm

No boats will be available for check-out within one hour of closing hours.

*Hours will change later in the season

The Sonar is a 23ft keelboat featuring a large open cockpit and 900lb lead keel that make it roomy and stable for day sailing, racing, and adaptive sailing. Designed by Bruce Kirby, who is perhaps most famous for designing the Laser dinghy, there have been over 800 boats constructed and used boats remain rare due to the popularity of the design. Sonars are a popular choice for community boating programs, instruction, and adaptive sailing. Part of the success of the class is due to its inclusion in the Paralympic Games. SEAS owns and maintains nine Sonars for use in instruction, adaptive sailing and for high level match racing events.

Sonar (23ft Sailboat for 2-6 People)

Community Boating Guidelines

Flag system (NEW for 2024)

Flags indicating SEAS Community Boating conditions will be flown from the flag pole by the Sonars on the Lakefront. Flags are based on sustained wind speeds. Gusts will be take in consideration when making a decision on sailing conditions.

Green flag - Up to 12 knots

Yellow flag - Up to 18 knots

Red flag - Up to 22 knots

No flag - Community boating closed due to weather conditions

We will mainly use Sheboygan South Pierhead weather station as a reference on Sail Flow. Final decisions on sailing conditions will be made by SEAS staff.

Skills Check Details

To ensure the safety of our members and the equipment we require an annual check out sail. The Sheboygan harbor offers a challenging rock lined channel to exit and enter the inner harbor that requires a high level of proficiency in upwind sailing with our dominant wind direction. We also check for overall control of the vessel and confidence as Lake Michigan can be a dangerous place. You will receive a flag rating upon passing the skills check.

If a member does not pass the check-out sail on the first attempt our staff members will explain the skills that need work and can help design a plan to reach your goal.

To view our check out form click here.

Boat Check-Out

  • Must be a SEAS member in order to check out a boat.

  • A skills check is required prior to a boat check-out.

  • You can use the code generated when you purchased your membership to reserve a boat.

  • Member and guests must complete a waiver prior to sailing.

Safety

  • No boats will be released in inclement weather conditions as determined by the SEAS Staff on the Lakefront.

  • Lifejackets (PFDs) must be worn and secured properly at all times while on the dock and while on the boat. SEAS is able to provide Type III PFDs for SEAS Member(s) and guests, but the SEAS Member(s) and guest(s) are allowed to bring their own USCG Approved PFD (Type I, II, III, V) with the exception of the belt-style Type V.

  • The Member(s) and guest(s) must be wearing close-toed shoes.

  • Animals are not allowed on SEAS boats.

  • Alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited substances are not allowed on SEAS boats for any reason.

Damage Deposit

  • A Damage Deposit will be collected in the form of a valid credit card from the Member(s). Upon returning to the dock, the staff will inspect the boat for any damage. Normal wear and tear will not be deemed as damage.

  • You must report any possible damage upon returning to shore. Not doing so will result in SEAS collecting a damage deposit.

  • Charges will be made based on the SEAS Damage Expense List, which can be made available to a Member at any time.

Boundaries

  • The North Boundary is the Red Nun Navigation Buoy located on the Sheboygan Reef.

  • The South Boundary is the northernmost water intake off the Alliant Energy Power Plant (‘The Bottles’).

  • The East Boundary is two miles east of the Lighthouse.

  • Boats must remain at least ¼ mile from shore at all times to avoid accidentally running up on the shore.

  • SEAS sailboats are not allowed on the Sheboygan River, unless with a SEAS staff member on board.

  • SEAS boats may not be docked anywhere except the SEAS dock except in an emergency or instructed otherwise.

  • The Member must hail the Dock Staff on their way back in when passing between the North and South Pier Lights.

Find our Lakefront Location here.

Contact | rentals@seasheboygan.org | (920) 889-5083 (seasonal phone)

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