A Sound Future Investment
Youll never hear anyone say this about a buying a boat, but investing in Carefree Boat Club is truly a sound investment. As the club grows, the more its value increases. When you join at your local lake, you will also enjoy membership privileges at any of the clubs 50+ other locations. So theres a big benefit in choosing a club that has branches at locations to which youd like to visit. One trend we are seeing more and more of is club members planning their vacations around other boat club locations. Simply click on one of the pricing guide download links, and we will send you our detailed guide to Carefree Boat Club Cost.
Are you a member of carefree boat club? Let us know what your experience has been like in the comments.
Boat Clubs In Fort Lauderdale You Should Know
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful destination city because of its clear waters and excellent sailing opportunities. For those that live there, getting out on the open water is a dream come true.
Boat clubs are great for trying out different watercraft. With membership in one of Fort Lauderdale Floridas amazing, top boat clubs, you wont have to worry about owning and maintaining a boat.
There are many excellent boat clubs in the Fort Lauderdale area. Depending on what you or your family need, you want to make sure that youve picked the right boat club.
Before you make a final decision, check out these top five clubs!
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Things Freedom Boat Club Membership Doesnt Include
Be aware that one thing is never a part of a Freedom boat club membership plan. It is the fuel you spend while sailing. It is tricky to calculate such an expense, but most boats in the club fleet burn 5 gallons of gas per hour.
So, you will probably pay $20 to $50 per outing, depending on desired distance traveled and current gas prices. However, you need to pay at least $550 to transfer to another location.
Most local clubs have fuel flow meters that initiate at check-out from the dock. As soon as you return, you need to have the device checked and pay for the fuel you used.
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Freedom Boat Club Vs Carefree Boat Club A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to signing up for a boat club membership, youll probably find that there are two clubs more popular than any others. These are Freedom Boat Club and Carefree Boat Club. These organizations are two of the oldest and most well-known boat clubs, with the largest network of locations. When I started researching boat clubs, I found that both Freedom and Carefree Boat Club had sites local to me, at a comparable cost with equal amenities.
Given how similar they were, I wanted to know which one was truly best for my circumstances. I researched these clubs extensively to see which was perfect for me. If youre wondering which is a better fit for you, keep reading to learn what sets each company apart and how I ultimately decided which one to sign up for.
How Much Is Carefree Boat Club
Kaylee Giacomini, Updated October 23, 2022
Disclosure: Town & Tourist may receive a commission for purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to you.
Boat clubs are an excellent way to get out on the water in your own boat without the cost and hassle of owning a watercraft. Carefree is one of the best in the nation, with over 110 locations throughout the United States. This boating club allows for the joy of boating with no docking, cleaning, or maintenance fees.
The cost of membership at Carefree Boat Club varies by location. Expenses include a one-time initiation fee as well as a monthly cost of membership. The benefits of being a member far outweigh the cost, labor, and upkeep that come with boat ownership.
Expenses for most members tend to be as little as of the cost of boat ownership and come with unlimited usage, excellent availability, and an outstanding range of locations. Boat options at Carefree Boat Club are extensive. They include watercrafts such as 18-27 cruisers, pontoons, sailboats, and even bowriders.
If you are new to boating, Carefree offers members free, on-the-water classes. These sessions are the perfect way for new boaters to get comfortable operating a wide range of boats, from sail to motor-powered crafts.
Carefree covers you in various locations beyond the United States if you are traveling internationally. They offer boat cubs in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, and the Philippines.
Contents
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How Do I Know There Will Be Boats Available For Me To Use
The Jacksonville Boat Club has a great reputation for always having boats available. We also have same day boating. While all of our members enjoy unlimited boating, there are two different levels of membership based on the size of the boats they want to use. To learn more about our membership levels call 904.477.9794.
Comparing Boatsetter Vs Boat Clubs
Instead of dealing with all this, you may start asking yourself, why would I not just rent a boat through Boatsetter instead? You have a huge range of unique boat brands and models to choose from, and you can opt to be your own captain or hire one of our professional captainslearn more about why you might want to hire a captain for your next rental.
In the meantime, lets take a closer look at the differences between a peer-to-peer boat sharing community like Boatsetter, compared to a few popular boat clubs in the US:
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Which Club Has More Locations
One of the major differences between the Freedom and Carefree Boat Clubs is their variety of locations. When you sign up for a membership with either of these boat clubs, you gain access to the fleets at every location.
This can be an excellent way to spend a vacation out on the water in a different locale.
Choosing the boat club with the most locations gives you the ultimate flexibility regarding where you can travel with access to the water.
Freedom Boat Club has been well established for many years and boasts more than 190 different locations. They cover more than thirty states and Canada.
More than 20,000 members have already signed up for their extensive offering.
However, they still manage to boast impressive success rates for the reservation of their ships.
Carefree Boat Club definitely comes in second when it comes to locations. Throughout the United States and Canada, they have just 77 unique locations.
Here are a few more statistics that you might want to consider before deciding to sign up with Carefree:
- 39,000 boat trips
While they may not have the same breadth as Freedom Boat Club, they still have many members across the country who are successfully sailing on their fleet.
Because of their low numbers, they can offer more personalized services, as you can see in the section below.
History Of Freedom And Carefree Boat Clubs
When it comes to boat clubs, both Freedom and Carefree have decades of experience when it comes to serving boaters worldwide. When you sign with one of these companies, you can feel comfortable that youre working with some of the most established clubs in the business.
Freedom Boat Club is the oldest company in the business. Starting in 1989 in Sarasota, Florida, Freedom Boat Club has provided boating services to customers in the US and worldwide for over 30 years.
While Freedom had humble beginnings as a small, local company located in a single marina, its now one of the biggest boating brands out there.
Carefree Boat Club is a bit younger. Its founders started the company in 2002 in Virginia. At this point, companies like Freedom Boat Club had been around for ten years or more, providing a great model to build on. Now, Carefree Boat Club is one of Freedoms closest competitors.
Carefree Boat Club gives you unlimited access to any vessel at any location. If you rent a boat at a specific marina, you also can use that sites amenities, which often include laundry services, picnic areas, and even a fitness center. All of these features make these locations a great place to spend a vacation.
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Boat Club Memberships Can Bypass Hassles Of Ownership
Some days this summer, you could find Doug Heding and his family on a 27-foot sailboat on Lake Michigan. Other times, if it suits them, they might take a powerboat to Port Washington or a pontoon up the Milwaukee River.
And while they love the water, the Hedings dont own a boat. Instead they belong to the Carefree Boat Club at Milwaukees Harborfront Marina, where they have access to seven vessels.
With their annual club membership, they spend time boating without tedious tasks such as trailering a boat and cleaning it. They dont have maintenance and repair costs, since they dont own the boats theyre using, or winter storage fees.
To me, it was more cost effective to be part of the club than to actually own a boat. If we use it more than twice a month in the summer, which we do, we are coming out ahead, said Heding, an executive with U.S. Bank in Milwaukee.
Boat clubs vary widely in costs and offerings. Carefree is more expensive than some, with memberships costing thousands of dollars, but the club has more than 50 locations across the country that members can use at no additional charge. It also has powerboats suitable for group outings.
We are the best value for people who want to sail, said Karen Hunt, the sailing centers executive director.
At Carefree, members are met at their car to help carry any gear and load it onto the boat. The staff also takes care of any boat cleaning and other routine tasks.
That member clocked 109.5 hours on the water last summer.
So How Much Does Carefree Boat Club Cost
Well break down an easy way to guesstimate this cost, as well as compare it to the cost of ownership. Here are the kinds of upfront and monthly prices / fees to expect. While we cant answer that in exact terms , we can give you the information you need to get a good idea of cost, and how it differs from area to area. Carefree Boat Club Cost can be calculated as twice the fee of dockage. Or stated another way, about half of the cost of a boat club is just the dockage fee you would have on a boat that you own. Another way to estimate the cost is to figure 1/3 the cost of owning a boat.
We cant answer in exact numbers because each boat club and location have differing rates. Some clubs are located in up-scale, high-profile marinas and some are tucked away in less expensive locations. The costs associated with boating in those areas will follow the local cost of living, just as other expenses would. Your best bet is to check with a local carefree boat club representative for a tour and a detailed quote.
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Making The Final Decision
When it comes to signing up for a boat club membership, you may be compelled to overthink every part of the decision. You might start measuring locations and amenities against monthly costs and eventually find yourself overwhelmed. You should know that its not a decision to lose sleep over. While boat clubs are an expensive investment, theyre often much cheaper than the cost of privately owning a boat. That means youre getting the freedom and enjoyment of the open sea at a discount.
Most boat clubs will offer extensive new-member onboarding processes, so you know exactly what to expect when you sign up. Take advantage of all of these amenities, from location and marina visits to boat ride-alongs and meetings with club representatives. Having more information is always best. Visiting the marina can also let you know if your nearest boat club location is in a convenient location for you.
When I was choosing which boat club to sign up with, I thought Id pick Carefree Boat Club. The membership plan was slightly more affordable, and I loved the nearest clubs on-site amenities. However, it was over an hour away, which was too far for me to get regular use out of my membership.
In the end, I picked a Freedom Boat Club location only 15 minutes from my home. I use my membership almost every weekend and often on weekdays too!
Biscayne Bay Yacht Club
Founded in 1887, Biscayne Yacht Club is a private yacht club, located in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. That makes it one of the oldest clubs in the United States. Biscayne Bay Yacht Club promotes the art and sport of sailing on Biscayne Bay. Since its founding, the club has played host to both local and internal events, including the Volvo Ocean Race, Block Island Race Week, and Key West Race Week.
The club has one of the most US-recognized windsurfing and fouling academies. Biscayne Bay Yacht Clubs youth sailing program provides an opportunity for young people to experience sailing and other watersports to the maximum. The clubs instructors help their students with understanding the values of the safe and fun environment of sailing and their love for the environment.
Cost: Contact the club for an offer
Location: 2540 South Bayshore Drive. Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Website: https://www.biscaynebayyachtclub.com/
- No information regarding pricing, online booking, membership
- No boat rentals
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Making Boating Memories Has Never Been Easier
We Take Care of It Allâ¦Including the Boats
Weve taken care to select a variety of quality boats. And we always keep them clean and maintained. We also take care of the storage, insurance and repairs. So you can just focus on the fun!
Pay a 1x Entry Fee and Monthly Dues
Just pay a one-time entry fee and select one of our membership plans. Your local Club will have a variety of plans to match your recreational boating needs.
Get Unlimited Training from Licensed Captains
Your safety is our No. 1 concern. So we give all our members unlimited training with certified captains. And if you wish to boat in a new location, theyll show you the waterways.
Take Any Boat Out as Often as You Wish
Reserve a boat by phone or online. Then go fishing, tubing or head to a restaurant with friends. When youre done, just bring the boat back and pay for the fuel. We take care of everything else!
- Worlds oldest and largest membership boat club with over 30 years of experience
- Reciprocal access to 360+ Locations in the US, Canada and Europe
- We take care of the maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance and storage
- Fleet includes bowriders, pontoons, offshore/inshore fishing boats , deck boats and wake boats
- Insurance coverage of liability, hull and machinery
- 1-on-1 training by licensed captains
Key Biscayne Yacht Club
Founded on January 14, 1955, Key Biscayne Yacht Club is one of the older in Florida. The club has preserved many of its original traditions and values through the years, creating a friendly, cooperative, and constructive community for its members to enjoy.
Famous for their waterfront chowder parties, fishing tournaments, amazing pool, tennis courts, sailing, and many youth activities, makes Key Biscayne Yacht Club the place to be at!
To acquire membership in Key Biscayne Yacht Club, you need to be invited by a regular member of the club. Applicants must be sponsored by at least three Club Members, two of which must be Regular Members.
Key Biscayne Yacht Club membership cost:
There are four different levels of membership. You need to contact the club in order to receive pricing regarding the membership.
Location: 180 Harbor Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, United States
- Restaurants and Dining
Cons
- You need to be invited by a Regular Member of the Club in order to join
- No information regarding the pricing
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Sunset Harbour Yacht Club
Being the best boat club in Miami Beach, The Sunset Harbour Yacht Club offers a full-service luxury yacht club with a friendly and experienced staff that offers quality events for all members of the family. The marina is Miami’s premiere yachting community with 125 slips and a state-of-the-art clubhouse.
The pool at Sunset Harbour Yacht Club is Olympic-size and is heated, making it pleasant to use. The Sundeck at the Clubhouse is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Deck and Lounge chairs are perfect for sunbathing and taking in the sights of the surrounding South Beach skyline. This boat club in Miami Beach is dedicated to providing its members with top-notch equipment, classes, facilities, and services.
Sunset Harbour Yacht Club is an ActiveCaptain 1st Choice Marina and the only marina in Miami with a 5-star rating.
The unique equity Membership program of Sunset Harbour Yacht Club gives its shareholders the opportunity to own a share of the key, waterfront property in Miami Beach.
Cost: You need to contact the SHYC for a personal membership offer in order to acquire a 125 share of Sunset Harbour Yacht Club, a not-for-profit corporation.
Location: 1928 Sunset Harbour Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
- No available information regarding the membership cost
- No boat rental available compared to other boat clubs
Carefree Boat Club Expands To Ocean City
Supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising fuel costs and the growing expense to own a boat are making it more complicated for people who want to get out on the water.
But there is an affordable alternative to boat ownership boating without owning.
Now entering its fourth season at the shore, Carefree Boat Club of South Jersey gives its members all of the pleasures of being out on the water without the hassles and expense of actually owning a boat.
Carefree Boat Club is expanding at the shore this summer by opening up in the Ocean City market at the All Seasons Marina at the base of the 34th Street Bridge on the Marmora side.
The company will officially open the Ocean City location on May 15, but will host a grand opening and open house at All Seasons Marina on May 8. More details will be announced later.
A fleet of six new boats and two jet skis will be available for Ocean City members looking to enjoy all that the shore has to offer on the water. All six boats are equipped with tow bars for tubing and water skiing.
The variety of boats will allow members to take fishing trips, enjoy a recreational outing or simply have a relaxing, lazy day out on the bay or ocean.
When you join, you dont have to worry about the hassles of boat ownership. The boat is always ready for you, said Sean McNulty, Carefree Boat Clubs membership director.
The Ocean City location will be capped at 50 members to ensure everyone will have access to the boats.
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