If you live in Florida and haven’t boated yet, you’re missing out. It’s one of the best things about living here. In Northeast Florida, we’re lucky to have access to the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway with great fishing, and a inlet that leads offshore.
Upfront Costs: Boat Club vs Buying a Boat
Let’s start with what most people want to know: how much does it actually cost?
| Expense | Boat Club (e.g., Freedom Boat Club) | Owning a Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Fee | $2,500–$6,000 (one-time) | $60,000–$100,000+ |
| Monthly Dues | $300–$500 | $350–$750 per month |
| Insurance | Included | $300–$1,500 per month |
| Maintenance | Included | $1,000–$5,000+ per year |
| Storage | Included | $200–$800 per month |
| Gas | Pay as you go | Pay as you go |
| Tipping | Around $20 per trip | N/A |
This breakdown assumes you’re using a Key West 239 DFS or FS, which is the most popular boat option at Freedom Boat Club in Northeast Florida.
Monthly costs like insurance and storage will vary depending on the boat you choose, whether you can park it at your house, and which insurance company you go with. If you want marina storage, expect to pay a premium for that convenience.
Convenience and Maintenance
One of the biggest perks of boat clubs like Freedom Boat Club is convenience. You show up, go boating, and leave. That’s it.
To be completely honest, I’m lazy. I don’t want a laundry list of chores before and after boating. If you own a boat, you’ll need to do a full check before each trip, fuel up, inspect the engine, check safety gear, and load your supplies. After boating, you’re responsible for rinsing the boat, flushing the engine, unloading gear, refueling, and storing it properly.
Access and Variety
With most boat clubs, you get the ability to try out different types of boats:
- Pontoon for a family day on the water
- Center console for fishing
- Deck boat for cruising with friends
When you own a boat, you’re tied to whatever model you bought. If your needs change, you’re either selling or making do.
Freedom and Availability
This is where owning your own boat shines—you can take it wherever you want, whenever you want. That’s one drawback of boat clubs: you’re subject to hours of operation and travel limits.
At Freedom Boat Club, for example, you can only take the boat 25 miles from the marina. Popular holidays fill up fast, so you’ll need to plan ahead to lock in a reservation.
Long-Term Value
Ownership gives you full control and the potential to have no monthly payments due. Reselling your boat at a later date can return some of that value. Long-term, owning your boat often takes the win—especially for experienced boaters.
Who Should Join a Boat Club?
- You’re new to boating or unsure if it’s a long-term fit
- You want to avoid maintenance and hidden costs
- You like variety and want to try different boats before buying
- You live near a good boat club with plenty of options
Who Should Buy a Boat?
- You boat frequently and know exactly what you want
- You enjoy taking care of your gear and being more independent
- You want full control over your schedule and destinations
- You’re a seasoned boater who doesn’t make rash decisions
My Experience: Why I Chose Freedom Boat Club
As someone who’s made a few questionable purchases before (looking at you, brand new RV), the boat club was a smart move for us. We quickly figured out which type of boat worked best for our family, and we’ll probably end up buying one down the line.
Final Thoughts: Boat Club or Boat Ownership?
Both options offer great ways to get on the water, which helps a ton during those long Florida summers. If you’re considering a boat club, visit in person and talk to members. We’ve seen some locations in Florida that are small or have limited boats, and in those cases, joining might not be worth it.