Nautical Boat Club-Irmo marks 20 years on Lake Murray

By AI, Created 11:03 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Nautical Boat Club-Irmo is celebrating its 20th anniversary this spring as one of the nation’s first Boating Country Clubs and the Midlands’ only one. The club says the milestone underscores its growth, upgraded fleet and multigenerational membership base in the Lake Murray area.

Why it matters: - Nautical Boat Club-Irmo has become a long-running boating option for Central South Carolina families who want access to a boat without the costs and upkeep of ownership. - The club says its membership model covers most boating expenses, which can make lake access easier for regular users. - The anniversary also highlights Lake Murray’s role as a regional recreation hub.

What happened: - Nautical Boat Club-Irmo is celebrating its 20th anniversary this spring. - The club opened in 2006 as Lake Murray Boat Club. - Owner Jon Dukes said the Irmo location was among the first few Nautical Boat Clubs nationwide. - The club says it is the Midlands’ only Boating Country Club®. - Nautical Boat Club says members now have full benefits at almost 30 locations nationwide.

The details: - Dukes said the fleet has expanded from a 4-cylinder, 115-horsepower pontoon priced at $32,000 to $132,000 tri-toons with V-8, 250-HP engines. - Dukes said many members have grown up around the club, and the business has become a multigenerational gathering place. - The club says grandparents, parents and children have all belonged over the years. - Dukes said some adult children have inherited memberships from their parents. - The club says it also hires local high school and college students as dockhands. - Dukes said many former dockhands later returned as members with their own families. - Nautical Boat Club says membership includes unlimited access to a fleet of boats, complimentary water toys and concierge-style service. - Monthly dues cover insurance, maintenance and slip fees, with gas as the main extra cost. - The club says members get guaranteed reservations, unrestricted guest privileges and nationwide access to all Nautical Boat Club locations. - Lake Murray spans 50,000 acres and has more than 650 miles of shoreline. - Dukes pointed to the Lake Murray Marina at Marina Bay as a starting point for watersports, swimming, bass fishing and waterfront dining. - The marina also offers access to Lake Murray Public Park and Dreher Island State Park. - Dukes noted Dreher Island State Park includes nature trails, camping and fishing. - Dukes also referenced the Irmo Okra Strut, which is turning 65 this year.

Between the lines: - The club’s message is less about boats alone and more about community, repeat membership and family continuity. - The upgrade from modest pontoons to high-end tri-toons suggests the club has moved upmarket over two decades. - The emphasis on service, safety and guaranteed access points to a membership model designed to reduce friction compared with renting or buying.

What’s next: - Dukes said beautiful boating weather has arrived in South Carolina and invited Central South Carolina boating enthusiasts to visit the club. - The club is asking prospective members to call for a tour. - More information is available at the club’s location page.