As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know
Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with Frank VanZanden,
owner of Nautical Boat Club!
Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer and how long have you been around?
How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started?
After retiring from the aviation industry, my son and I decided to open a Nautical Boat Club here in the Houston area. Having previously been an NBC member, we embraced opening a
franchise here on Lake Conroe.
Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?
We’ve been open since 2019 and pride ourselves on having the nicest boats and best customer service for our members. Check out our top tier toys too like the ever popular inner tubes, skis, wake boards, surfboards and lily pads. Want to bring your fur baby? Dog-friendly boat options are available also. We treat every member as if they are family and truly want them to have an incredible time on the lake when they are enjoying the Nautical Boat Club experience.
What is your favorite part of running this business?
Working with my son Nik, interacting with our members, and helping our members create special memories with 
our boats makes every day on the water feel like I’m on vacation.
Who is your target market or ideal customer/client?
Ahoy! Come captain your own adventure. Families, couples, friends, and anyone looking to spend time on the water with our hassle-free experience on the lake should schedule a tour. We have members who have never driven boats before and members who have owned boats in the past that just don’t want to deal with the headaches associated with boat ownership. Nautical Boat Club is the solution!
Can you tell us something about yourself as the business owner? What is your background?
I spent 35 years in the aviation industry, in various management roles in various airports throughout the world. While Nik and I navigate the business together, he will eventually take over the helm. His extensive background working for various boat club locations will serve our clients well.
Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you'd like to mention?
We are currently offering a greatly reduced initiation fee on any annual membership when you mention you saw us on TheWoodlandsTX.com. Call Frank or Nik to learn more. You’ll be glad you did.
Is there any other information you'd like your potential customers/clients to know about your business?
We are all about making access to boating affordable, having members enjoy hassle free time on the lake. You decide which boat you want to use (Surfboat, Tri-toon, Bowrider or fishing center console), what water toys you want on the boat, and we have it all ready and waiting for you.
How do you see your business growing and improving over the next couple of years?
We are currently adding new boats and anticipate growing the fleet to 20- 25 boats, with additional locations on the lake and in the Greater Houston area.
To learn more about Nautical Boat Club, check out their featured business page on
TheWoodlandsTX.com !
