No boat. No storage fees. No “someday we should try this.”
There’s something about summer in Erie that makes you want to be on the water more.
Maybe it’s the sailboats out on Presque Isle Bay. Maybe it’s watching kayakers paddle past while you’re stuck in traffic heading to the beach. Maybe it’s that feeling of “we live by the water… we should actually USE it.”
Now you can.
The Erie Community Boating program from the Bayfront Maritime Center is making boating more accessible for Erie families, teens, and adults with a simple membership program that lets you reserve kayaks, canoes, and sailboats — without owning any of them.
That means no maintenance. No docking fees. No winter storage. No trailer headaches.
You just show up and get on the water.
⚓ Ready to Try It?
Memberships are available for adults, teens, duos, and families, with options for kayaking/canoeing, sailing, or both.
Adult memberships start at just $30/month.
What Is Erie Community Boating?
Erie Community Boating is a monthly membership-based “borrow our boats” program designed to help more people experience recreational boating on Presque Isle Bay.
Members can reserve boats from the Bayfront Maritime Center fleet, including:
- Sailboats
- Kayaks
- Canoes
The goal is simple: make boating affordable, approachable, and accessible for the Erie community.
Whether you’re a longtime sailor, someone who used to kayak years ago, or a family looking for a new summer activity, Erie Community Boating is designed to make getting on the water feel easy.
Membership Options for Families, Teens, and Adults
Bayfront Maritime Center offers flexible monthly memberships depending on how you want to get on the water.
- Adult Memberships (18+)
Kayak/Canoe: $30/month
Sailing: $50/month
Combined: $60/month - Youth Memberships (14–17)
Kayak/Canoe: $20/month
Sailing: $40/month
Combined: $50/month - Duo Memberships (2 adults in same household)
Kayak/Canoe: $45/month
Sailing: $75/month
Combined: $95/month - Family Memberships (up to 4 household members ages 14+)
Kayak/Canoe: $65/month
Sailing: $110/month
Combined: $150/month
Once your membership is active, you’ll receive a Member ID and can schedule a skills check and orientation before reserving boats independently.
Never Sailed Before? They Have Lessons for That Too.
If you’ve always thought sailing looked fun but had no idea where to start, Bayfront Maritime Center also offers beginner-friendly sailing lessons for both adults and teens.
Lessons combine classroom learning with hands-on time on the water.
No experience required.
⛵ Sailing Lessons Through BMC
Adult Weekly Learn-to-Sail Course
$250 | 6 Weeks | Ages 18+
Perfect for true beginners. Each two-hour session combines easy-to-follow instruction with guided sailing time on the water.
Upcoming Sessions throughout the summer and fall.a
Adult Refresher Sailing Course
$150 | 3 Weeks | Ages 18+
Designed for adults with some sailing experience who want to refresh their skills and confidence.
Youth Learn-to-Sail Course
$250 | 5 Days | Ages 14–17
An amazing summer camp for teens! This weeklong beginner-friendly sailing course is just for teens and includes three-hour daily sessions and hands-on instruction.
Available weekly sessions run June through August.
Bonus: After completing sailing lessons, participants receive their first month of Erie Community Boating membership FREE.
This Might Be the Summer You Finally Do It
One of the best things about living in Erie is the water.
And for a lot of families, Erie Community Boating removes the biggest barrier to actually enjoying it.
No huge investment. No expensive equipment. No needing to “know someone with a boat.”
Just a chance to spend more evenings on Presque Isle Bay, try something new, and experience Erie from the water this summer.
🌊 Learn More + Sign Up
Ready to kayak, canoe, or sail on Presque Isle Bay this summer?
