Port Harbor Marine in South Portland, Maine, recently launched its new "Boat Club in Maine" program to draw in would-be boaters who are watching their budgets.

Port Harbor president Rob Soucy said the concept grew out of the company's successful boat-rental program. He expects the program to appeal to a more local crowd and help increase traffic to the dealership.

"The membership allows people who've been thinking about owning a boat, but who aren't quite ready to make the full commitment, an opportunity to get into the sport at a fraction of the cost," he said in a statement.

Memberships fall under two categories: a family membership, which allows family groups and one designated captain access to boats from May 1 to Oct. 1; and a business membership, which grants access to three designated captains, one of whom must be on board for every outing, throughout the May-to-October season.