A Look Ahead: Our New Platform & What to Expect in January
Over the past year, BoatyBall has grown significantly—and with that growth comes the responsibility to make sure our platform remains reliable, fair, and secure for everyone using it.
We want to share an update on our new platform rollout, why we chose to delay the launch, and what you can do now to make the transition smooth.
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Why We Didn’t Launch During the Holidays
Our original goal was to launch the new system in December. However, December through New Year’s is one of the busiest and most critical times of the year for charter guests, captains, and the mooring system overall.
Launching brand-new software during peak season and the holidays simply didn’t feel responsible.
Rather than risk disruption when boaters need the system most, we made the decision to: • Let the busiest weeks pass • Continue testing and refining • Launch when support resources and response times are strongest
Sometimes the smartest move is waiting.
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New Target: Migration the Week of January 5th
We are currently planning to migrate our paid online community into the BoatyBall Boater Reservations app during the week of January 5th.
This migration will: • Create a single, unified login • Improve system security and reliability • Make member benefits easier to manage • Help ensure fair access to moorings
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How You Can Prepare (Important)
If you are already a paid BoatyBall member, there is one simple step you can take now to ensure a smooth transition:
✅ Make Sure Your Emails Match
Please confirm that: • The email you use to log into the BoatyBall community • Is the same email you used to create your account at boater.boatyball.com
Matching emails allow us to automatically connect your accounts during migration and avoid delays or confusion.
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Why We’re Making This Change
This update isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting the system and the people who rely on it.
- Reducing Artificial Demand
We’ve seen an increase in: • Multiple people on the same boat creating accounts • Guests reserving moorings “just in case” • Excessive cancellations
This creates false demand, making moorings appear unavailable when they’re not. A paid membership encourages more intentional reservations and helps reduce unnecessary system load.
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- Stronger Enforcement & Bot Prevention
Like concert tickets and popular events, mooring reservations have become a target for automated software (bots).
These bots: • Rapidly reserve moorings • Create unfair access • Are difficult to fully block when accounts are free
Companies like Ticketmaster spend millions each year addressing this challenge. While we actively shut down bad actors, free accounts make it easy for them to return.
Requiring a paid membership helps us: • Better understand who our members are • Track and stop repeat abuse • Create real consequences for bad actors • Protect fair access for legitimate boaters
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Medical Evacuation Coverage (Optional Benefit)
Paid members are eligible to receive 12 months of medical evacuation coverage through AeroMD, but participation is optional.
To receive this coverage: • Members will be asked to verify their full name • Members will be asked to enter their date of birth
This information is required by AeroMD to activate and document coverage.
Easier Coverage for Crew & Guests
Under the current system, crew and guests needed to create their own accounts to be covered.
With the new platform: • Captains can easily add crew and guests • Medical evacuation coverage can be managed under one account • Less friction, more protection for those who opt in
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Bar Hop Program & Member Perks
We’re also excited to expand the value of BoatyBall membership beyond moorings.
Members who are eligible for medical evacuation coverage will also qualify for: • 🍹 Bar Hop Program with participating BVI establishments • 💸 Member-only discounts • 🎟️ Giveaways and raffles
This year, members were entered to win a free charter aboard the brand-new VOYAGE 510, with more exclusive opportunities planned.
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Our Goal With Membership
Our goal is to improve the overall experience, improve enforcement, and to provide value to boaters.
Between: • Fairer access to moorings • Reduced system abuse • Medical evacuation coverage • Easier crew management • Member perks, discounts, and raffles
…we believe membership should pay for itself many times over while helping protect the system for everyone.
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In Summary
• 🚀 Migration target: Week of January 5th
• 🔑 Prepare now: Make sure your community and BoatyBall login emails match
• 🛡️ Why it matters: Fair access, fewer bots, reduced false demand
• 🚑 Optional benefit: 12 months of AeroMD medical evacuation coverage (opt-in)
• 🍹 Extras: Bar hop program, discounts, raffles, and member-only perks
We appreciate your patience, your feedback, and your partnership as we continue improving the BoatyBall experience.
More details will be shared as we approach launch. Thank you for being part of the BoatyBall community. ⚓
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