If you’re considering joining a boat club, particularly Freedom Boat Club, this guide will show you exactly how the pricing works. From the one-time initiation fee to monthly dues, fuel costs, and tipping etiquette, we’ll cover all the details you need to make an informed decision.
What Is Freedom Boat Club and How Does It Work?
Before we jump into costs, let’s explain what Freedom Boat Club is for anyone unfamiliar.
Freedom Boat Club is a membership-based boat club that gives you access to a fleet of boats without the hassles of ownership. Here’s how it works:
- You book a boat for a specific day.
- Show up at the dock, load your things, and enjoy the day on the water.
- When you’re done, return the boat, and the staff takes care of cleaning and maintenance.
It’s that simple.
Of course, there are trade-offs. Boat clubs are like leasing a car, you don’t own the boat, so you don’t have it at your disposal 24/7. For example, you can’t take it out for overnight stays or a weekend trip like you could with a boat you own. However, if you want hassle-free boating, the trade-offs are often worth it.
The big question is: “How much does Freedom Boat Club cost?” The answer depends on your location and membership type, but here’s a general breakdown.
1. One-Time Initiation Fee
When you first join Freedom Boat Club, you pay an upfront initiation fee, which is non-refundable. This is your largest cost upfront.
- On average, the initiation fee ranges between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on your location.
- In Northeast Florida, we paid $3,000 at the end of winter, which was $1500 off.
Pro Tip: Look for deals at the beginning of the year or during open house events when clubs offer discounts. Open house events are also a great opportunity to see how everything works, watch the interactions between boaters and staff, and if this could be something you are interested in.
2. Monthly Membership Dues
After the initiation fee, you’ll pay monthly dues to maintain your membership. These fees will cover boat maintenance, dock fees, cleaning, and insurance.
In Northeast Florida, our monthly membership costs $389 per month.
One thing to keep in mind: Monthly fees are due year-round, even during winter when you may not be boating as much. Some clubs may allow you to pause your membership for a limited time, but if you cancel entirely, you’ll need to pay the initiation fee again if you want to rejoin.
3. Tips for Dock Staff
The dock staff works hard to make sure all the boats are ready, cleaned, and fueled up. They will help you with docking, loading your boat, and answering any questions you have. You can have them run through how the systems work and hook up your phone to Bluetooth.
While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s standard practice. The most common tip is around $20, though that is probably the minimum. They only accept cash so make your you always have some for boat day.
4. Fuel Costs
Fuel is one of the biggest surprises new boaters have. Do not expect the same as a car, powerboats with big outboards are getting around 2 MPG, all depending on how fast you run it.
- For example, a short inshore fishing trip near Camachee Cove might cost you as little as $7.
- On the other hand, a full day of watersports or cruising with family can run up to $80 or more.
After you return the boat, they will fuel it up and send you the fuel cost through email. They will automatically bill you.
Is Freedom Boat Club Worth the Cost?
This is a personal decision, and the answer will vary depending on your boating needs or location. For us, Freedom Boat Club has been absolutely worth it. Here’s why:
- We don’t have to worry about maintenance, cleaning, or dock fees.
- There’s always a variety of boats available for different activities—fishing, cruising, or watersports.
- Booking boats has been smooth, and we can usually find a last-minute option when we decide to head out.
- The staff at our Northeast Florida location is friendly, professional, and helpful.
Our Advice: Spend some time at your local club. Talk to members and see how they feel about the boats, the booking process, and the overall experience. Every location is different, so it is highly recommended to spend some time at the Mariana for your location. We have four different locations in Northeast Florida.
Conclusion
Joining Freedom Boat Club can be a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy boating without the hassle of ownership. There will be an initial cost, but breaking down a boat club versus owning a boat might be a lot closer than you think.