About us

     Loosely founded by five men (Warren Pine, Frederick C. Filley, Alfred Judkins, George H. Rich, and Milford Baxter, all residents of Troy, NY) in 1898, the group existed alongside four or five other local clubs at the time, eventually surviving past its competitors to its official incorporation on Feb. 7, 1911. A club charter was drawn up at that time, stating the purpose of the group to be for "the development of aquatic sport, the advancement of motor boating and canoeing, and for the general recreation of its members."

    In 2008, the club modernized its current main building with a $150,000 renovation, expanding the clubhouse, construction of a new bar, a WI-FI computerized  POS system, large screen digital projection, and an enhanced HVAC system. 

    As the second-oldest boating club on the Hudson River and within the Hudson Boat Council, the Troy Motorboat and Canoe Club takes its history seriously, still using a circa-1918 motor to power its railroad-based system for launching and retrieving docks from the river. The old electronic powered motor, for powering the launch and retrieval of our rail-based system, is believed this electric motor came from a locomotive or automotive tow truck. It is a classic example of the ingenuity of the early members of the club. The tradition and mission continue over 100 years later.

    Though made up of a cross-section of individuals ranging from company CEOs to craftsmen and machinists to technology workers, the club has always been decidedly "blue collar," billing itself as a working club, where full members are expected to pitch in with cleaning, grounds maintenance, loading, and retrieving  docks, and other duties.

    Known as "A members," working members are required to work 61 hours for and at the club in exchange for boat and canoe docking privileges, while "B members," or social members, pay a small annual fee and attend social functions and recreational activities. There are currently 25 A members and 155 B  Social members. Typically, a prospective member owns a boat or canoe, enjoys the river, and wants to protect the environment that surrounds it.