Freedom Boat Club
A membership club rather than a rental desk, running since 1989 in Florida and now owned by Brunswick, with several hundred locations in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. Members pay a one off entry fee plus monthly dues, then take out club boats at no per day charge, paying only for fuel, and reciprocal access lets them use other clubs while travelling.
The arithmetic favours people who go out several times a month and would otherwise buy a boat: no slip fees, no winter storage, no engine bills, and free training for beginners. It punishes occasional users, because the monthly dues run whether the weather cooperates or not. Boats are shared, so weekends and holidays need reserving early, choice is limited to what the local base keeps, and the joining fee is rarely refundable.
Pros
- No slip, storage or maintenance costs
- Unlimited outings, pay only for fuel
- Hundreds of reciprocal club locations
- Free training for new boaters
- Boats maintained and fuelled by staff
Cons
- Joining fee plus monthly dues
- Poor value for occasional users
- Weekend slots need early reservation
- Boat choice limited to the local fleet
Featured in rankings (1)
Reviews (0)
No reviews yet — be the first!