PowerTime and SailTime Debut at the 2026 Oriental In-Water Boat Show
Boating enthusiasts across Eastern North Carolina will soon have a new way to get on the water as the SailTime Group launches PowerTime at the Oriental In-Water Boat Show, April 10–12, 2026.
Operating as PowerTime Coastal NC, the new franchise is owned and operated by entrepreneur David Schmeissing. Mr. Schmeissing is relocating from Chicago and very excited to bring the innovative membership boat club to the North Carolina coast.
The show launch will feature the Aquador 300 HT, representing PowerTime’s premium powerboat fleet and will provide a preview of the company’s future expansion into sailing through SailTime and a regional sailing academy.
A Lifelong Boater Bringing luxury boating to North Carolina
Schmeissing brings decades of boating experience to the venture. He began sailing at a young age and later developed his skills on Lake Michigan, where he participated in racing and extensive cruising. His experience includes voyages throughout the Great Lakes, offshore passages including a Gulf Stream crossing to the Bahamas, and multiple bareboat charters in the British Virgin Islands.
The new franchise introduces a membership-based boat club model designed to provide access to boating without the financial and operational demands of traditional ownership. Members pay a monthly fee for guaranteed access to a new, professionally maintained vessel, with dockage, insurance, maintenance, and scheduling included.
“This model removes many of the barriers that prevent people from getting on the water,” Schmeissing said. “It allows members to focus on the experience of boating rather than the responsibilities that come with owning a boat.”
Founded in 2001, SailTime has grown into the world’s largest sailing membership company, with locations across North America and internationally. PowerTime extends the same model to premium powerboats, offering a similar structure for powerboating enthusiasts.
Company leadership said the expansion into Eastern North Carolina reflects a broader national trend toward flexible, experience-based recreation.
“Eastern North Carolina represents an ideal market for our continued growth,” said Todd Hess, CEO of SailTime and PowerTime. “The region offers protected waters, a strong boating culture, and access to some of the most desirable cruising grounds on the East Coast.”
Introducing the Aquador 300 HT
The Coastal North Carolina location will launch with a flagship vessel, the Aquador 300 HT, a Scandinavian-built cruiser designed for both day use and extended outings. The boat is powered by twin Suzuki 200 engines and features accommodations including a forward berth, secondary sleeping area, galley, and enclosed head with shower. Additional onboard systems include automatic trim control, bow thrusters, and a fully enclosed cockpit for year-round use.
The vessel will be available for tours during the Oriental In-Water Boat Show, where prospective members can learn more about the boat club program and its offerings.
Carolina’s endless cruising grounds
Eastern North Carolina’s geography is expected to support the program’s growth. The region includes more than 3,000 miles of coastline, as well as access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Pamlico Sound, and the Crystal Coast: areas known for a combination of protected waters and coastal cruising opportunities.
Expanding to Sailing and Boating Education
Schmeissing plans to expand the operation to include sailing within its first year, with the addition of a 35-foot sailboat and the development of a regional sailing academy.
As part of the membership program, new members will complete required training with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved captain. Training includes PowerTime’s AB 101 certification or the American Sailing ASA 101 and ASA 103 courses, providing a foundation for safe vessel operation and continued advancement.
The training component is designed to support both new and experienced boaters, with an emphasis on safety, skill development, and confidence on the water.
PowerTime Coastal NC’s launch comes at a time when participation in recreational boating remains strong nationwide, while rising costs and maintenance requirements continue to present challenges for individual ownership. The membership model addresses those challenges directly by offering predictable costs and simplified access.
Schmeissing said the goal of the new location is to expand access to boating while contributing to the local coastal community.
“We’re looking forward to becoming part of the boating community here and helping more people experience the water in a way that’s simple and accessible,” he said.
PowerTime Coastal NC will officially debut at the Oriental In-Water Boat Show, April 10–12, 2026. Additional information about memberships, vessel availability, and future expansion plans will be available onsite.