Freedom Boat Club Overview
The monthly fee will entitle a member to unlimited boating at their home port location and four outings a year at any of the 80+ locations throughout the world. A member may have up to four active reservations at a time and can book as far out as six months in advance.
Freedom Boat Club boats range from 16 to 24 feet, including flats, skiffs, deck boats, pontoons, bow rides, sailboats, and kayaks, with almost all boats younger than three years old. All options will vary from location to location.
The club will clean, maintain, store and do all of the prep work on its fleet so you dont have to.
The membership will also include a two-hour training class to learn how to operate the various boats in the fleet.
According to members, a two million dollar insurance policy along with a $2,500 deductible is included as well, but this may vary from location to location.
Aside from the boats, clubs will hold a dock party at least once a month, offering a member the opportunity to meet other members of the club.
How Many Boat Per Member
One of the many things that members want to look for in their boating club is exclusive usage. Some clubs do rent out their ships to non-members during slow seasons.
However, this can significantly impact how much boating you are able to do.
This is one area where you want to make sure you are getting what you pay for.
Fortunately, there arent too many differences between the two boat clubs in this regard. Neither of these companies rents their boats out to non-members. This allows you to rest easy knowing that the boat is more than likely available for you to use when you desire.
While both companies do maintain a private fleet, you should also know what the ratio is of members to boats. A higher ratio means that you may have to make reservations further in advance instead of making last-minute plans with friends and family.
Carefree Boat Club commits to limit its membership to ten members per boat in its fleet. While they do have fewer members and fewer boats, their boats are more accessible to members than those offered by Freedom Boat Club.
Freedom Boat Club has around 1,500 boats spread out across all of their locations. With more than 20,000 members, this makes the ratio of members per boat significantly higher.
It may require more advance planning to be able to use a boat through their service when compared to the ratios found at Carefree Boat Club.
Dont be afraid to ask questions of the staff at your local Freedom Boat Club location!
Boatsetter Vs 321 Boat Club
321 Boat Club is a Florida-based boat club with initiation costs ranging from $975 to $3,450 and monthly costs ranging from $149 to $249. 321 Boat Club membership levels largely depend on what day and time you would like to take out a boat. With 321 Boat Clubs fleet being limited to specific parts of Florida, this may not be the best option for everyone. With Boatsetter, you can rent boats across the country on any day of the week!
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What Is Not Include In The Freedom Boat Club Membership Fee
There are many perks for becoming a Freedom Boat Club member. However, there is one thing that is not covered by any Freedom Boat Club plan. It is the fuel.
Freedom Boat clubs make use of fuel flow meters. When you check out from the dock, a fuel flow meter is initiated. This will then be reviewed upon return to determine the amount of fuel consumed. This means that FBC only charges you for the fuel used during your outing.
Several Freedom Boat Club franchises also offer optional programs. These programs may include special insurance coverage. They can also include towing provisions.
At the dock, someone will assist you with boarding, check-in, dock departure, and returns. Freedom Boat Club has a dedicated professional dock staff for all members. They will also assist you when it comes to loading and unloading your gear.
Members can tip them for their service. While tipping is fully done at the members discretion, FBC nonetheless encourages members to tip them.
You’re Invited To Come Aboard
If youre passionate about boating, looking for an enjoyable lifestyle and are interested in owning a business with real growth potential, a Freedom Boat Club may just be the perfect fit.
We are seeking active owner-operators who have a real passion for the boating lifestyle and share our vision of making the boating life more accessible. With 285+ locations and growing, Freedom Boat Club is the oldest and largest boat club in the world, with a successful business model that works as well in San Diego as it does in Boston.
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Freedom Boat Club Comes To San Diego California
On Behalf of Bender & Gritz, APLC | Jul 23, 2014 | Boating Accidents |
Boating is a great way to get out and enjoy the waters of San Diego and surrounding areas. Although boating is a lot of fun, some hesitate to take on the extra responsibilities inherent to owning a boat. These can include the time and cost of maintaining a water vessel, storing and cleaning the boat as well as dealing with towing it to the water.
One enterprising entrepreneur has taken note of this hesitation in the San Diego area and decided to bring in a local branch of the Freedom Boat Club. The franchise will be located in Dana Landing Marina. Boating enthusiasts can purchase a membership to the club and, in exchange for a monthly fee, can have unlimited access to a variety of boats without having to worry about the responsibilities that go along with actually owning a boat.
Boating is a great way to get out and enjoy the waters of San Diego and surrounding areas. Although boating is a lot of fun, some hesitate to take on the extra responsibilities inherent to owning a boat. These can include the time and cost of maintaining a water vessel, storing and cleaning the boat as well as dealing with towing it to the water.
What Isnt Covered In The Monthly Membership Fee
The answer to this question is the same for every Freedom Boat Club location: fuel.
Many of our clubs use fuel flow meters that are initiated at check-out from the dock, and then reviewed in full upon return. In all cases, you are only charged for the fuel that you use during your outing.
Some Freedom Boat Clubs offer optional programs that include special insurance coverage and towing provisions. Your local membership executive can provide full details.
Finally, every Freedom Boat Club has a professional dock staff, whose total focus is to assist members with boarding, check-in, dock departure and returns. They are happy to help load and unload your gear. Many of our satisfied members choose to tip for outstanding service, and the dock staff appreciates the consideration, this is fully at the members discretion.
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San Diego Cabrillo Isle
San Diego Bay is a natural harbor and deepwater port located in San Diego County. San Diego Bay is considered one of the best natural harbors on the west coast, and spans 34 miles of waterfront. The bay, which is 12 miles long and 1to 3 miles wide, is the third largest of the three large, protected natural bays on Californias entire 840 miles long coastline. In the northern part of the bay, there are two commercial islands called harbor Island and Shelter Island.
Membership Executives
Cabrillo Isle Marine San Diego Bay
We Take Care of It All…Including the Boats
Pay a 1x Entry Fee and Monthly Dues
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
- Worlds oldest and largest membership boat club with over 30 years of experience
- Reciprocal access to 300+ 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
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Freedom Boat Club Adds San Diego Location
Freedom Boat Club said it will become a coast-to-coast network when it opens July 26 in San Diego.
The newest club franchise, at Dana Landing Marina, will be the 80th location across the nation and the first one west of Texas.
This is a huge milestone for us,club president and CEO John Giglio said in a statement. Up until now our members have had access to waterways all across the Eastern Seaboard, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes. But this adds a whole new dimension to our club and opportunities for the future.
The club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
We have proven that there is significant demand for a well-run boating club,Giglio said in a separate statement. We are helping to support the marine industry in a big way. As we continue to expand into new locations we are buying numerous boats, leasing additional dock space and turning more people into avid boaters.
The club said it has experienced steady growth in franchises and membership based on its model of offering affordable, hassle-free boating for a simple monthly fee. Members not only have a choice of multiple boats at each location, but also avoid the typical frustrations associated with boat ownership, such as maintenance, repair, storage, cleaning and towing trailers.
And although recreational boating, and particularly boat sales, has been hard-hit by the recent economic downturn, the club has been a rare exception.
Freedom Boat Club Vs Carefree Boat Club
If you have any familiarity with boat clubs, chances are that you have already encountered the two most-popular boat clubs.
In this article, we compare the Freedom boat club and the Carefree boat club to see how they stack up!
Here are some numbers and facts to consider:
| Carefree Boat Club |
Heres what you need to know!
Before you decide which boat club is the right fit for you, make sure you understand what each one has to offer.
You might just find that one is a far better fit for your individual needs and desires.
These two companies feature locations at marinas across the United States and Canada. They each boast a unique set of attributes that sets them apart from one another, but they also share some important similarities.
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Are Boat Club Memberships Worth It
If you do not have a boat, yet you want to enjoy the fun that comes with sailing, you can either rent a boat or join a boat club. When you rent a boat, the cost will depend on the hours you are out with the boat. When you join a boat club, you pay a month fee and then pick a boat whenever you are available.
If you do not want to rent or join a boat club, you can buy a boat which comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Is a boat club membership worth it?
How Much Do Boat Club Memberships Cost
Boat club memberships can come with quite a few perks. You gain access to an entire fleet of boats without the headache of maintaining them yourself. Of course, the benefits of joining a boat club inevitably come with a cost.
How much do boat club memberships cost?
Here are price examples from a few of the bigger boating clubs.
| Boat Club |
Prices vary based on your location.
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What Are The Extra Costs
Fuel isnt included in the costs. Depending on the distance traveled and the current gas prices, most members pay $15 to $45 per outing. As a rule of thumb, most boats in the fleet will burn three to five gallons of gasoline per hour.
A transfer fee, if you were to want to transfer to another location, can be done for about $500.
What Exactly Is A Boat Club
Boat clubs work by offering members access to a fleet of boats for a monthly fee. Members can reserve a boat to use without having to worry about the costs associated with maintenance, insurance, and boating education.
Boat clubs allow members access to a wide variety of boats for a much lower cost than purchasing a boat. This can make joining a boat club a good way to see if boating is the right hobby for you without having to commit to a large purchase.
In addition to providing members with boat training and well-maintained boats, boat clubs offer members many perks. Many boat clubs offer complimentary access to water toys such as skis and slides. Other clubs offer training for each specific vessel in their fleet to ensure your comfort and safety.
Boat clubs also act as social clubs that bring together people with similar interests. Many clubs offer member-only social gatherings, parties, and cruises.
These gatherings can be a great place to make new friends and connections in the boating scene.
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Freedom Boat Club Opens At The Port Of Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. â Thereâs no better time to get out and enjoy the water. If you donât own a boat or have a buddy that does, a boat membership may just be the right fit for your lifestyle.
What You Need To Know
- Freedom Boat Club is a hassle-free alternative to boat ownership
- There are some 285 Freedom Boat Club locations around the world
- Membership gives you access to a wide range of new, well-maintained boats in a range of styles
Freedom Boat Club has 285 locations. It offers a hassle-free alternative to boat ownership. Members have access to boats worldwide. Locally that includes Canandaigua Lake and at the Port of Rochester.
Peter Coons wants to get as many people as possible out and enjoying the water.
âItâs a beautiful day. I mean what is better than this,â said Coons while driving an $80,000 center console fishing boat on the Freedom Boat Club fleet.
He sells and rents boats at his marina, Seager Marine in Canandaigua. He also owns two Freedom Boat Club franchise locations, one in Canandaiguaand a new second location at the Port of Rochester.
âFreedom BC is not just in Canandaigua and the Port of Rochester, there are locations in Lake George, Buffalo, Toronto and in France and in the UK,â said Coons. âOnce you become a member of the club you can go to any of those clubs. You have reciprocal rights to those clubs.â
Can You Split A Boat Club Membership
Maybe you like the idea of boating, but you know that you dont have very much time to dedicate to this hobby right now. Sometimes, people find that they simply arent going to maximize the full usage of their membership.
This is why many begin to wonder if they should just split the membership costs with a friend or family member who also enjoys boating! Some clubs do not allow this, but some do.
Carefree Boat Club, one of the largest in the country, allows you to share a membership with someone else.
In this type of situation, you can split the fee fifty-fifty with your friend or family member!
This includes the initiation fee, monthly membership fee, and the online reservation system fee.
Each person included in the membership has equal access to make reservations throughout the year. They will have their unique log-in credentials that grant access to four rotating shared reservations.
However, all members can manage these reservations. You should make sure to keep the lines of communication open when it comes to making reservations for a weekend on the water.
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In A Pandemic Pinch Tampa Bay Boat Club Changes How Members Get Vessels
Membership has its privileges. In the case of Freedom Boat Club of Tampa Bay, its salty, nautical, Gulf breezy privileges.
Paying a few thousand dollars to join and a few hundred more in monthly dues, club members can use pontoon, deck, ski and fishing boats to island-hop Tarpon Springs, scallop Crystal River and fish Tierra Verde. With reciprocal privileges at clubs across the country, its a sort of seafaring timeshare.
They give me the keys, I take a boat out, I hand the keys back, said Carmen DeFelice, an Apollo Beach retiree who can cruise the Hillsborough River or go for a nice dock-and-dine lunch with his wife.
Freedom Boat Club, with more than 30,000 members across the country, boasts a ratio of one boat for every ten members, according to its website. The Tampa Bay chapter has 7,000 memberships and nearly 700 vessels.
But with the coronavirus came complications, followed by business decisions that did not make all its local members happy.
In January, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported that U.S. boat sales hit a 13-year high in 2020, with people wanting to get outside, socially distance and beat back pandemic stress. Historically high sales are expected to continue this year with manufacturers filling a backlog of orders, the report said.
Under the old system, a member was allotted four boat reservations at a time up to six months in advance.
While some were philosophical about the change, others were less so.
