Best Boat Clubs: Where To Sail And Party

Boat clubs are a great alternative to buying a boat, offering a range of vessels at a lower cost than owning one. They have soared in popularity since they first appeared a few decades ago. Boat clubs provide a convenient and cost-effective way to gain access to a fleet of boats without the need for hefty financial investments or the labour of maintenance. However, it's important to consider the drawbacks, such as limited locations and boat options, overcrowding, and hidden costs. So, which is the best boat club? There are several to choose from, including Carefree Boat Club, Freedom Boat Club, Premier Boat Club, South Florida Boat Club, Gulf Stream Boat Club, and more. Each offers its own unique benefits, such as unlimited use, training, and a wide variety of boats.

Boat club membership costs

Examples of Boat Club Membership Costs:

• Freedom Boat Club: Freedom Boat Club, the world's largest boat club, charges a one-time entry fee and monthly membership dues. The entry fee and dues vary by location, and fuel costs are the responsibility of the member. Freedom Boat Club offers a variety of membership options to suit different needs and budgets.
• Carefree Boat Club: Carefree Boat Club also operates on a membership-based model, with initiation fees ranging from $1,950 to $4,450 and monthly dues from $150 to $375, depending on the location. Members have access to a fleet of boats and can use them as often as they like without additional costs.
• Nautical Boat Club: Nautical Boat Club has an initial one-time membership cost and ongoing monthly costs. The total cost for the first year can range from $4,535 to $14,355.
• 321 Boat Club: 321 Boat Club, a Florida-based club, has initiation costs ranging from $975 to $3,450 and monthly costs from $149 to $249. Membership levels depend on the day and time of boat usage.
• Best Boat Club: Best Boat Club offers flexible membership programs with low down payments and easy monthly payments. They have various membership levels, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Seasonal, each with different benefits and restrictions.

When considering joining a boat club, it's essential to research the specific costs and benefits of the club and choose one that aligns with your budget and boating needs.

Boat selection

For example, the Freedom Boat Club provides access to a diverse fleet of boats, including pontoons, deck boats, centre consoles, and wake boats. Similarly, the Carefree Boat Club offers a large variety of boats, such as cruiser, deck, bowrider, pontoon, fishing, ski, and sailboat options.

When considering boat selection, it's worth noting that some clubs may have limitations. For instance, while the idea of taking out a different boat each time you visit the club is appealing, some clubs may only offer a narrow selection, which can be disappointing if you have specific boats in mind that you're eager to try out.

Additionally, boat availability can be a factor. Clubs with a high member-to-boat ratio may result in you not getting your preferred boat choice, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays. Therefore, it's essential to consider clubs with a good balance of members to boats, like the Carefree Boat Club, which strives for a 10:1 ratio.

Furthermore, some clubs offer different membership tiers that provide access to specific boats. For example, the Premier Boat Club in Stuart offers unlimited, weekend-only, or weekday access options.

When choosing a boat club, it's beneficial to inquire about the range of boats available, the member-to-boat ratio, and any membership tiers that may impact your boat selection.

Boat availability

In terms of availability, some clubs offer unlimited use, allowing members to boat whenever they want. For example, Carefree Boat Club offers unlimited use of their fleet, with no blackout dates or rental rates, providing true freedom and flexibility for members. On the other hand, some clubs have blackout dates and restricted access, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays. This can lead to disappointment if you are unable to secure a boat when you want to go out on the water.

Additionally, the number of members in a club can impact boat availability. Overcrowding can make it difficult to get a reservation, especially during high-demand periods. It is worth considering clubs that maintain a balanced ratio of members to boats, like Carefree Boat Club, which strives for a 10:1 ratio, ensuring that members have a better chance of accessing a boat when they want to.

When assessing boat availability, it is essential to understand the reservation system. Some clubs allow reservations up to a year in advance, while others offer more spontaneous, walk-on access. Consider your boating habits and preferences to determine which reservation system aligns best with your needs.

In summary, when evaluating boat clubs, pay attention to the selection and variety of boats, the number of members, the reservation system, and the availability across different locations. These factors will ultimately impact your ability to access a boat when you want to and ensure a seamless and enjoyable boating experience.

Boat training

Boatsetter, for example, offers a comprehensive guide for prospective boat owners, covering the costs and benefits of ownership. They also offer USCG-certified captains for hire, who can provide training and instruction.

Many boat clubs offer training as part of their membership package. Freedom Boat Club, the world's first and largest boat club, provides unlimited training from licensed captains, including instruction on new waterways. Carefree Boat Club also provides safety training and handling skills instruction, with a focus on attention to detail.

Premier Boat Club, a smaller club in Stuart, Florida, offers unlimited training for members. Their orientation covers local waterways, safe anchoring, and docking procedures. They also offer a more relaxed reservation policy, allowing members to reserve boats for overnight trips or early morning excursions.

Boat clubs are a great way to gain access to a fleet of boats without the financial burden and maintenance requirements of ownership. Training is an important part of the boat club experience, ensuring members can safely enjoy their time on the water.

Boat club locations

Boat clubs are a great alternative to buying a boat, offering a range of vessels at a lower cost than individual ownership. They are most popular along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, but can be found across the nation and even worldwide. Here are some of the top boat club locations to consider:

Freedom Boat Club

With over 35 years of experience, Freedom Boat Club claims to be the world's first and largest boat club. They offer a diverse fleet of boats, including pontoons, deck boats, centre consoles, and wake boats. Freedom Boat Club has more than a dozen locations across Florida, as well as destinations in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Carefree Boat Club

Carefree Boat Club is one of the largest boat clubs, with destinations across the United States and Canada. They have multiple locations in Florida, making them a great choice for those looking to travel within the state. Carefree Boat Club provides a large variety of boats, such as cruiser, deck, bowrider, pontoon, fishing, ski, and sailboat options.

Premier Boat Club

Premier Boat Club is a smaller club located in Stuart, Florida. They offer a good selection of ships, including a 21' Hydra-Sports Dual Console, a 23' Century Centre Console, and more. Premier Boat Club provides unlimited training, making it a favourite for beginners.

South Florida Boat Club

This club has two significant locations, one in Fort Lauderdale and another in Key Biscayne, serving the greater Miami area. South Florida Boat Club maintains a large fleet of boats, including centre-console boats, bowriders, deck boats, and cruiser models. They allow reservations up to six months in advance, with no limit on the number of reservations for full members.

Gulf Stream Boat Club

Gulf Stream Boat Club offers a full-service experience with three convenient locations. They provide a range of activities, from sunset cruises to waterskiing lessons and fishing excursions. They also offer chartered boats with licensed captains for those who want a more relaxed experience.

Jacksonville Boat Club

Jacksonville Boat Club has been in business since 2008 and is located in its namesake city, Jacksonville. They offer almost 20 different vessels, including options for fishing, watersports, and cruising. Jacksonville Boat Club provides hands-on training for members, covering topics such as local waterway familiarity and boat operation.

Destination Boat Club

Destination Boat Club is a growing company with locations in Cape Coral, Naples, and Key West, Florida. They plan to expand to Miami Beach and Tampa soon. Destination Boat Club offers access to luxury marina resort locations and provides on-water training for its members.

These are just a few examples of the many boat clubs available. When choosing a boat club, consider your location, budget, and specific boating interests to find the best fit for your needs.

Frequently asked questions