We understand that the cost of membership is one of the most important considerations when researching boat clubs. Consumers must keep in mind that boat club pricing is not a standardized “one-size-fits-all” from coast to coast. And while some believe that unrivaled boat access and ultimate convenience is priceless, we explain the factors that influence the cost of a Freedom Boat Club membership and outline exactly what you can expect upon joining in this article.

Two Pricing Components of a Freedom Boat Club Membership

All Freedom Boat Club membership plans feature two distinct pricing components:

1.      One-Time Entry Fee: Paid upfront and once at the start of your membership

2.      Recurring Monthly Membership: Select from different membership tiers designed to suite your unique needs

Freedom Boat Club’s membership plans cater to individual preferences and lifestyles. From year-round unlimited boating options to weekday-only or weekend-only plans, members can choose the option that best suits their needs and the needs of their family and friends.

Factors that Impact Membership Costs
 

Are you wondering why the one-time entry fee and/or recurring membership fee at the club near you is higher or lower than a different location? Our costs are based upon local market conditions, and those can vary widely. Just as a 2000-square foot house in San Francisco, CA would cost significantly more than the same house in Clemson, SC – marina costs will differ from market to market.

Our locations in popular boating destinations with limited slip spaces and high gas prices are going to come with a higher cost. The more a marina charges for slip fees, dock and office space, etc., the more costly it is to operate the business. This means that the one-time entry fee is generally higher in larger metropolitan markets.

For the same reasons, monthly membership options and plan pricing depend on location. Clubs located in warm climates offer year-round, unlimited boating. This entails year-round staffing, operations, and ongoing maintenance of the fleet – all of which can affect membership fees.

Other clubs operate in seasonal markets due to inclement weather conditions. Off-season, however, business and operational costs are still incurred, as the club’s fleet must be properly winterized, serviced, and put into storage.

Our clubs will offer a few different membership plans designed to meet your unique needs and priced accordingly. In some markets, there are special membership provisions for retired or active-duty military and first responders. With hundreds of locations and many different types of membership plans available, the answer will vary when someone asks what it costs to join Freedom Boat Club.

What Does the One-time Fee and Monthly Membership Plan Include?

Your local membership executive can review this in detail, but, in a nutshell, when you join Freedom Boat Club, you receive the following benefits:

Unlimited Access to the Boat Club's Fleet

All members get unlimited access to the boats in their local club as well as reciprocal access to boats at any of our 400+ global locations across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Common boat models available in our fleets consist of pontoons, center consoles, deck boats, bowriders, skiffs, offshore, pilothouse and sailboats. Whether you want to go fishing, tubing or simply cruise along the coastline, we have the right vessel for you.

Free, Unlimited 1:1 Training with Certified Captains

We’re committed to instilling a deep knowledge of boating safety among our members. Before you’re able to leave the docks, members attend a new member orientation with our certified captains. We offer a combination of on-water and classroom style training including one-on-one instruction. This is not a crash course – it’s a comprehensive training program designed make members feel comfortable and confident at the helm while ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the water. The best part? Training is unlimited, so you can to fine tune your skills over the course of your membership.

Boat Maintenance and Upkeep

Unlike boat owners, Freedom Boat Club members do not have to worry about ongoing and maintenance, upkeep, and storage of the vessels. We regularly rotate the boats in our fleet, ensuring that you always have access to the newest boat models on the market. Simply make a booking in our reservation system and head to the docks – we'll have the boat fueled up and ready to go!

Insurance Coverage

We offer the most comprehensive coverage in the industry, including liability, hull and machinery. It’s the same level of coverage that you would obtain if you had purchased a boat instead of joining the club. You can also talk to the Membership Executive at your club to learn more about our optional “FBC Plus” program.

Special Events and Social Gatherings

 We’re more than a boat club, we’re a community. We host member socials providing the opportunity to meet other locals that share your passion for boating. Some locations host monthly events, while others have events seasonally during their prime boating months. Check with your local membership representative to learn more about member socials in your area. 

Fuel and Additional Costs

Not included in the cost of your monthly membership is fuel. Many Freedom Boat Club locations use fuel flow meters that are initiated at check-out from the dock, and then reviewed in full upon return. In all cases, you only pay for the fuel that you use during your outing.

Some Freedom Boat Clubs offer optional programs at an additional cost that include special insurance coverage and towing provisions. Your local Membership Executive can provide full details.

Unlike other companies offering shared boating access, all Freedom Boat Club locations are equipped with a professional dock staff. They are committed to assisting members with boarding, check-in, dock departure and returns. They are even 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 ­– however, this is fully at the member’s discretion.

Come Aboard

Deciding to join Freedom Boat Club involves understanding the associated costs and benefits. By speaking with a local membership executive and exploring the available options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your boating preferences and budget.

You may be reluctant to speak with a “sales professional”, but Freedom Boat Club’s membership executives are here to help you decide if a boat club is right for you or not. They can guide you through all the options and explain the costs and benefits of each.

As the world’s oldest and largest boat club, we’ve been in business since 1989 with 90,000+ members, 400+ locations and 5,000+ boats. We’re the ultimate boat club that gives you more. More convenience, more training, more support, more locations, more boats, more adventure, and more freedom. Thank you for considering Freedom Boat Club. More awaits!