Friday, March 15, 2024

Is The Freedom Boat Club Worth It

Why Does Monthly Membership Plans Vary

Freedom Boat Club Review- How it Works

The reasons are the same to vary the monthly membershipplans with pricing and options. Thats why some clubs are located in some warmclimate zones offer unlimited year-long boating.

Also, they entail operations, staffing, maintenance, andongoing service for the whole year. These all require extra money and all ofthese make your boating experience more expensive.

But, there is some seasonal boat business operating clubsdue to the rough weather conditions out there. When it comes to the off-seasonmonths of the business, you should pay the monthly fee to store, maintain, andwinterizing the boat.

You might be worried to pay for the offseason. No worry, youcan choose membership with pre-selected months. Many boat clubs come with theoffer of 3 and 6-month based seasonal membership. It could be a great optionfor you if youre looking for reducing the monthly cost.

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!

Freedom Boat Club Overview

  • Freedom Boat Club was first mentioned on PissedConsumer on May 22, 2013 and since then this brand received 76 reviews.

  • Freedom Boat Club ranks 7 of 226 in Water Transport category. The overall rating of the company is 3.4 and consumers are mostly neutral.

  • Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: “waste of money, they are not honest or reputable.”, “Join and go to Galveston location”, “Verify everything the sales person says to you – Very dishonest”, “Purchase the boat US or tow boat policy ,make sure you know the waters and have a chart ,chart plotter on boat or your phone to show shallows or under water dangers”, “watch the details also, if you are limited to mostly weekends, be cautious”.

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What Is The Difference In Pricing

Both Carefree and Freedom Boat Clubs will have pricing that varies based on location.

They can agree that larger metropolitan areas will have more expensive one-time initial fees and monthly membership fees. This is because dock slips are at a premium in these busy marinas, and companies can command top dollar for this precious space.

Many cities are not forthcoming with the rates you can expect for membership.

This is in part due to the fact that both companies offer multiple types of membership.

For example, Freedom Boat Club offers five different membership levels:

  • Three-month seasonal membership
  • Weekend-only membership
  • Friends and family programs

At Freedom Boat Clubs West Palm Beach location in Florida, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,750 to $5,500 for a one-time fee. Their monthly rates are a little more affordable with prices ranging from $149 to $299.

You can see some price examples on membership costs from various boat clubs in our article here.

Carefree Boat Club also has an initial fee that can vary.

However, they do offer an affordable solution for members who want to enjoy boating without the commitment of owning their own ship. You can join for as low as $300 per month at their Clinton, Connecticut location.

One of the benefits of the Carefree Boat Club is that you arent locked into lengthy contracts.

You can sign up for as little as a single year instead of being stuck long-term contracts.

The same policy applies to the Freedom Boat Club.

Freedom Boat Club Membership Cost

Freedom Boat Club Take the Helm Series

Membership cost of Freedom Boat Club is an essential issue to consider when you want to join them. But, dont forget one thing that the boat club membership cost may vary from one coast to another.

Despite having the variations, well try to give the bestpossible and the most accurate information about the pricing. We already haveknown about the pricing of the club membership which is in total $ 5,349.

In this amount, there is the inclusion of a one-time joiningfee along with a monthly fee. That means, when youll pay the amount, you justneed to pay a $349 for every other month.

You might be thinking that this is a large amount to becomea member of the club. But, this is indeed 60 to 70% cheaper than being an ownerof an individual boat. Its because youd need nothing to deal with a boatregarding wrapping, storing, or towing it.

Most of their members are have enough money to theirpersonal boat, but they dont do it. The reasons are that we have mentionedearlier and they simply like to avoid the mess.

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How Much Does A Freedom Boat Club Membership Cost

Freedom Boat Club

Thanks for your inquiry!

We will be sending you all the details about local plans, discounts & local partnerships. In the meantime, check out the local reviews, events and frequently asked questions for your local club.

Where would you like to boat?

Joining Freedom Boat Club really is one of the best investments I ever made! Im a five-time former boat-owner. Ownership was right for our family at the time, but, at this stage in our lives, club membership is an easy, cost-effective way to enjoy the boating lifestyle. Theres nothing like spending a day on the water, returning to the dock, and then just turning in the keys. Kenneth Smith, Venice, FL

How Much Does A Freedom Boat Membership Cost

According to trustedinformer.com, a Freedom Boat Club membership has an entry fee around $5,349 and monthly dues of around $349 per month. Again, this may vary by location and fleet.

The draw to boat clubs like Freedom Boat Club is its low cost of entry in comparison to purchasing a similar boat which can cost $35,000 to well over $100,000+.

Interested in learning more about memberships and current specials? Call Karen from Freedom Boat Club today at 843-882-4233.

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Do I Need To Carry Insurance

Do you have to pay additional fees for insurance with a membership through Carefree Boat Club or Freedom Boat Club? You may be worried about the potential cost of adding insurance to an already pricey membership fee.

Fortunately, you do not have to worry about adding this security policy to your monthly fee.

Carefree Boat Club maintains insurance that will cover all of the boats in their fleet, as well as third-party liability. However, you will be responsible for covering the deductible on this insurance policy if you cause damage to the boat.

Freedom Boat Club also boasts an impressive insurance policy that would be equal to the coverage you would have if you had purchased a boat.

You are listed as a permissive operator under the physical damage policy and protected by a $1,000,000 watercraft liability policy.

This additional protection offers you some security from third-party claims made while you are operating one of the boats from the fleet. Participating in watersports like tubing or wakeboarding may increase your chances of third-party claims, so this can help to put your mind at ease.

You can rest easy knowing that you have some protection from major damages and accidents when you sign up under either of these major boat clubs.

Why Does The Cost Of The One

Freedom Boat Club Member Stories

The cost of the one-time membership fee is based upon local market conditions, and those can vary widely.

Just as a 2000-square foot house in Seattle, WA or San Francisco, CA would cost significantly more than the same house in Sarasota, FL or Clemson, SC, marina costs can differ vastly from market to market.

If an FBC franchise is operating in a popular boating destination, the marina operator can command top dollar. The franchise owner is competing for limited slip space against other entities, including boat owners or other commercial interests. The more a marina charges for slip fees, dock and office space, etc., the more costly it is for the FBC franchise owner to operate the business. This means that the one-time entry fee is generally higher in larger metropolitan markets.

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Boats Available For Freedom Boat Club Members

The FBC owns more than 2,000 boats of different kinds. One of the perks of becoming a Freedom Boat Club member is your opportunity to use and enjoy all kinds of boats available. That way, you also get to enjoy different types of boating activities.

Freedom Boat Club has tied up with several boat manufacturers. However, this does not mean that all clubs have similar types of boats. Franchisees, club owners, and operators are free to choose boat models that they think are ideal for their local market and waterways.

Most boat types available in Florida are fishing boats, bowriders, deck boats, and pontoons to give you an idea. Whereas kayaks, sailboats, and wakeboard boats are more popular in southern areas.

Free Or Unlimited : 1 Training

Freedom Boat Club offers free or unlimited training for its members. This training is conducted by the licensed captains of the U.S. Coast Guard. Through this training, FBC exhibits its commitment to the boating safety of its members.

As a Freedom Boat Club member, you will not be able to go boating unless you have attended the training. Before the one-on-one training, a captain will orient you about your states boating regulations in a classroom setup. The captain will also discuss FBC guidelines, rules, and regulations.

Then, they will provide you with hands-on training and orientation. The coverage includes the following:

  • Open-water navigation strategies,
  • Close-quarter navigation techniques, and
  • Docking maneuvers when it comes to on-water training.

Dont expect the training and orientation to be a short one. It is an extensive and comprehensive training session. Freedom Boat Club designed it in such a way that members will not only learn about how to be safe while boating. But members will also learn how to be confident boaters.

Freedom Boat Club Training is unlimited. In case you need a refresher session, it is possible. If you are looking for advanced boating sessions, FBC conducts these too. You can inquire through FBC membership executives about this.

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Get Local Market Information From Freedom Boat Club Membership Executives

Each Freedom Boat Club has membership executives who are highly familiar with all available membership plans and other costs. They know the features and amenities of each plan, so its best to get information from them.

Membership executives will also help you decide which is the right plan for you. They may ask you a series of questions that will help in your decision-making.

Whether or not you will join Freedom Boat Club, the membership executives are always there to answer your inquiries. So, dont hesitate to contact them.

What Are The Extra Costs

How Much Does a Freedom Boat Club Membership Cost?

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.

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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!

How Do You Join A Boat Club

To join a boat club you must pay an initial membership fee and fill out your clubs paperwork. Today, most boat clubs use an online registration and reservation system. Your boat clubs administration will be able to walk you through the steps required to join their club.

Be sure to carefully read the terms of your agreement with the boat club, as these terms often contain important information about how the clubs reservation system works and any restrictions on the use of club boats

Many boat clubs require that new members go through training before taking boats out on the water.

Often, you are given the option between individual and group training. Group training can serve as a way to introduce yourself to fellow boat club members.

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Freedom Boat Club Review

View Full ProfileLocations and use: Reservations:Boats:Boat to Member ratio:Costs:Boat restrictions:Member Socials:Sales “pitch”:Insurance:Gas:Maintenance:Premium boat options:Overall Impression:PaulswagelockGreat write up. So there is a rolling 4 reservations, correct? If I have 4 reservations on the books, but decide I want to go out for a few hours tomorrow, can I just call and if there is a boat available I can take it?jbdba01Looked at this many moons ago…my main issue with it was that you couldn’t stay out past dusk nor leave before dawn.Works for some, but not for me. I ended up buying a small skiff, and then graduated to a bigger boat.That said I have a buddy that this is perfect for – he just wants to get in and go he gets up about 9AM, just chills on the water…we’re on different wave lengths when it comes to boating/fishing.captpepinThis is short money for anyone considering buying a boat or getting into boating, great way to figure out what to buy and if it’s right for you. Way too many boats in every marina I have ever been to that sit there all season, I use my boat about 50 times or more and there are numerous boats I have never seen move.30ConceptOutboard Fishmystery

Boat Club Vs Boat Ownership: Which Is Better

Freedom Boat Club Member Stories 2

If youre like most boat owners, then this time of year youre thinking about getting your boat ready for the season. And as much as you look forward to getting out on the water again, you arent looking forward to the process.

Youll have a good bit of cleaning to do and youre hoping the critters havent made a mess. Youll have to check the battery and check for mechanical issues, which are often found when youre de-winterizing.

And timing can be an issue. Do you de-winterize early, and risk not being past the last freeze? Or do you play it safe and wait until mid-April at which point you can get in line everyone else has the same idea, and youll be lucky to get your boat in the water by Memorial Day.

Of course, theres also another option for people who like to get out and enjoy the lake: boat clubs. A boat club operates in a similar fashion to a country club: for a monthly fee, members have reserved access to a fleet of boats on local lakes and some other destinations as well.

So what are the differences between boat ownership and boat club membership, and how do you decide which option is better for you?

Pros and ConsThe biggest pro for boat clubs by far is convenience. When you want to go boating, you simply go to the marina at your reserved time and head out on the water. Another benefit is that the boats youre using will likely be new and nice.

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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.

Freedom Boat Club Vs Renting Vs Owning

BostonWhalerSeaHuntWhere do you live in NC?fdadGKThanks all. That makes sense, I bet FBC has some sort of formula with members to boats to help maximize the profits. Seems like they’re more straight forward with the pricing now, but still have high initial fee.View Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full ProfileLI32I have several friends on Long island that belong to FBC. All of them really like it, but there use fits the model well: typically 4-6 hours at a time on either a Saturday or Sunday plus maybe 1 afternoon during the week, on a 21-26′ boat . They say they really don’t have too many issues getting a boat, but the way the reservation system is set up, you get either 7 am to 1 pm or 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Sat or Sun in advance and then if a boat is available the day before, you can have another weekend slot. During the week Mon-Fri, there are no restrictions on getting a boat, and they have no problem getting one. I have no idea what the ratio of members to boats are, but it seems pretty good.The biggest downsides that I see are: you must make a reservation, no taking boats out before sunrise or after dark, the boats are all single engine 21-26′ boats, and whatever equipment they have is what they have.I prefer having my own boat, but the FBC is priced well , and they do all the work.

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