Freedom Boat Club: Is Membership Worth The Cost?

Freedom Boat Club is a membership-based organisation that provides individuals with access to a fleet of boats without the burdens of ownership. The club has a one-time entry fee and monthly membership plans that vary by location. Members get unlimited access to the boats in their local club and reciprocal access to boats at any of their 400+ global locations. However, there are some drawbacks to joining a boat club, including limited boat selection, pressure to use the membership, limited locations, overcrowding, and unreasonable costs. Reviews of Freedom Boat Club are mixed, with some members praising the convenience and benefits of the club, while others complain about issues with boat availability, customer service, and unexpected costs.

Pros and cons of Freedom Boat Club

Pros

• Unlimited access to boats in your local club and reciprocal access to boats at any of the 400+ global locations across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Common boat models available include pontoons, center consoles, deck boats, bowriders, skiffs, offshore, pilothouse, and sailboats.
• Free, unlimited one-on-one training with certified captains.
• No need to worry about boat maintenance, upkeep, and storage.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including liability, hull, and machinery.
• Special events and social gatherings with other members.
• Option to choose from different membership tiers, including year-round unlimited boating options, weekday-only, or weekend-only plans.
• Ability to split the membership with family or friends, allowing for shared costs.

Cons

• High costs, including a one-time entry fee and monthly membership fees, which can be several hundred or even several thousand dollars.
• Limited selection of boats, with most clubs offering a narrow range of vessels.
• Limited locations, with most clubs chained to one location, typically a touristy spot.
• Overcrowding and competition for reservations, especially on weekends and holidays, leading to difficulties in getting a boat when desired.
• Blackout days for boating and restricted access during certain times.
• Fuel costs are not included in the membership fee.
• Issues with boat availability and maintenance at certain locations.
• Poor customer service and lack of responsiveness to member concerns.
• Difficulty in obtaining refunds or reimbursements for unsatisfactory experiences.

Cost of membership

The cost of membership for the Freedom Boat Club includes two pricing components: a one-time entry fee and a recurring monthly membership fee. The amount of these fees varies depending on the location of the club. The one-time entry fee tends to be higher in larger metropolitan markets, and the monthly membership fee varies depending on whether the club is located in a warm climate or a seasonal market.

For example, in Chicago, the one-time membership fee is $2200, and the annual membership fee is $1200. In Tampa, the one-time fee is said to be $3500 or less, and the monthly fee is $250. In Atlanta, the one-time fee is $4400, and the monthly fee is not specified.

The Freedom Boat Club offers different membership tiers, including year-round unlimited boating options, and weekday-only or weekend-only plans. The cost of membership also includes unlimited access to the boat club's fleet, free training with certified captains, boat maintenance and upkeep, special events and social gatherings, and insurance coverage. Fuel costs are not included in the membership fee and must be paid for separately.

Boat availability

Location plays a significant role in boat availability. Clubs in congested areas tend to have more limited boat availability, especially during peak seasons. For example, one reviewer from Chicago reported no issues with boat availability, while another from Tampa noted that weekends were challenging to secure a boat.

The season and day of the week also impact boat availability. During the high season and on weekends and holidays, it can be more challenging to secure a reservation. Some clubs offer different membership plans to cater to these variations in demand, such as weekday-only or weekend-only plans. However, even with these plans, there is no guarantee of boat availability during the desired times.

The type of boat also affects availability. For example, centre console boats tend to be in higher demand and are often booked well in advance, while deck boats or pontoons may be more readily available.

While Freedom Boat Club offers a range of boats, including pontoons, centre consoles, deck boats, bowriders, skiffs, offshore, pilothouse, and sailboats, the selection may vary by location. It is important to note that some members have reported issues with the availability of specific boat types, such as bass boats, which were removed from certain locations.

Overall, boat availability at Freedom Boat Club varies, and it is essential to consider the location, season, day of the week, and type of boat when planning to ensure the best chance of securing a reservation.

Boat maintenance

Freedom Boat Club is a boat club that offers its members access to a diverse fleet of boats without the responsibility of ownership. Members pay a one-time entry fee and select one of the club's membership plans, which vary depending on location and seasonality. The club takes care of all boat-related tasks, including maintenance, cleaning, repairs, insurance, and storage.

As a Freedom Boat Club member, you won't have to worry about the challenges of boat ownership. The club's professional staff takes care of everything, from engine repairs to routine cleaning. They ensure that the boats are fuelled up, maintained, and ready for you to enjoy your time on the water. This comprehensive maintenance service is included in the membership, saving you both time and money.

The club's maintenance team is dedicated to keeping the boats in top condition. They perform regular checks and services to ensure that the boats are safe and reliable for members' use. This includes everything from basic maintenance tasks like cleaning and fuelling to more technical repairs and engine work. By taking care of these tasks, the club ensures that members can focus on enjoying their boating experience rather than worrying about maintenance and repairs.

In addition to maintenance, Freedom Boat Club also provides unlimited training with certified captains. This training covers a range of topics, from basic rules of the waterways to advanced navigation. Members can also take advantage of concierge-level dockside support, ensuring that they feel confident and safe whenever they set out on the water. The club's comprehensive approach to maintenance and training enhances the overall boating experience for its members.

Customer service

Freedom Boat Club offers a range of membership plans, with varying costs depending on the location. The club provides access to boats, free training, insurance coverage, and special events. Fuel costs are not included and need to be paid for by the user.

The customer service at Freedom Boat Club has received mixed reviews. While some members have praised the helpfulness and expertise of the dock staff, others have complained about persistent and pushy sales pitches, difficulty in obtaining reservations, especially during peak times and holidays, and a lack of response from management.

The company's customer service phone line is available Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm ET, with the longest wait times on Mondays and the shortest on Saturdays. The average call time is 1 minute, and the primary method of contact is by phone. The company's customer service email address is [email protected].

Some members have expressed concerns about the value for money, feeling pressured to make the most of their membership, and the limited selection of boats available. There have also been reports of issues with boat quality and maintenance, with some members noting that the club prioritises sales over customer satisfaction.

Overall, the customer service experience at Freedom Boat Club appears to vary depending on the location and individual circumstances. While some members have reported positive experiences, others have encountered challenges and frustrations with the company's offerings and support.

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