Are Boat Clubs Worth It?

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Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Paul Clayton

Are Boat Clubs Worth It?

Boat clubs are often seen as an attractive option for boating enthusiasts who desire regular access to various boats without the full responsibility of ownership. They promise a hassle-free boating experience, covering maintenance, docking, and insurance.

Key Takeaways:

• • Convenience & Variety: Boat clubs offer access to a wide range of well-maintained boats without the hassle of ownership, including maintenance, storage, and insurance.

  • Training and Community: Many clubs offer training for beginners and provide social opportunities for members through events and gatherings.

  • Flexibility: Members can switch between different types of boats based on their needs — from fishing to partying to cruising.

  • Limitations: Customization isn’t allowed, availability may be limited during peak times, and members still pay even if they don’t use the boats.

  • Cost Factor: Membership fees (enrollment + monthly) can add up, especially for infrequent boaters.

  • Comparison to Rentals: Rentals are less versatile and may offer older, less-maintained boats. Boat clubs provide better quality and additional perks, such as training and social benefits.

  • Largest Network: Freedom Boat Club is the most expansive globally, with 400+ locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Are boat clubs worth it? Or is buying a boat better? These are some of the common queries of a newbie in the boating world. 

Some experienced boaters claim there is nothing better than holding a boat club membership. While others think it is just a waste of money. So, which group is right? 

If you are a confused rookie, too, worry not. In this article, you will discover some details on boat clubs, along with the pros and cons of joining them. Read on!

How Do Boat Clubs Work?

Boat clubs are sports clubs that offer their members access to various boats. 

It’s much like how renting a car works, except that at boat clubs, you must become a member by paying enrollment fees and then a monthly fee for continued participation. 

They let you select any boat from their fleet to take into the water daily or whenever you like, with no extra charges for bigger boats. 

You can opt for a big boat one day for entertaining and row a smaller fishing boat the next for solo fishing. Every boat club is different and offers various benefits to its members, which largely depend on the boat club’s location. 

Boat Club Membership: Pros and Cons

Here are a few positives and negatives of becoming a boat club member, which will help you decide whether boat clubs are worth it.

Advantages of Joining A Boat Club

Becoming a boat club member has its unique perks. Here are a few of them:

1. Hassle-free Boating

Do you despise the fact that you need to clean your vessel yourself after the party is over? Or does seasonal boat maintenance sound bothersome? 

You must also wash, wax, and oil your watercraft regularly to keep it in working order. Moreover, you must place it on a trailer and tow it whenever you want to take it into the water. However, that’s not the case if you become a boat club member. 

Boat clubs clean, maintain, store, and fuel their vessels properly for you, so your job is only to ride the boat and enjoy your time on the water. They even care about insurance and liability, so you don’t have to worry about that. 

2. Variation

Pontoon party on the weekend, bass fishing on Monday, kayak racing on Thursday, and cruising on Friday. That’s how your schedule may sound if you join a boat club. 

Experiencing the waters from various vessels is the leading advantage that boat clubs offer. 

Therefore, with time, you will become a boat expert who can handle and fish from almost any watercraft.

3. Boat Training

Many boat clubs require new members to take boat training lessons before accessing the boats. They also let you choose between individual or group training for this purpose. 

So, people new to boating can learn everything about ships through these lessons. They train you in the areas of safety, captaining, repairing, and troubleshooting of different boats. 

Also, you get to know a few fishing tips along with the know-how of boat mechanics.

4. Healthy Socializing

Boating is a healthy hobby, but joining a boat club lets you socialize healthily, too. You will meet all the fishing enthusiasts, expert anglers, and boating fans at this club. 

So, you will make many new friends who think similarly to you and learn many new things about the water world. 

Some boat clubs hold members-only gatherings, cruises, and parties, which can be a lot of fun. There, you can meet many like-minded people of different age groups. I also enjoy listening to stories from experienced boaters.

Disadvantages of Joining a Boat Club

Since nothing is perfect, boat clubs have some negative points, too. Some of these are:

1. No Customization

Did you want teak decks instead of rubber mats in the pontoon you are riding? You can’t do anything about it because you don’t own the boat; it belongs to the boat club. 

One of the most significant pitfalls of joining a boat club is being restricted from using what they give you. You can’t modify the boats according to your needs. 

So, forget about adding comfy seats and sound systems when you hold a boat club membership.

2. Lack of Availability

You know the feeling when you want to make a reservation at a restaurant, and they tell you they are all booked. Then, be prepared to hear that when making a reservation at your boat club.

Sometimes, you don’t get the boat you wanted for that day because someone else has already reserved it. 

It can be a complete mood wrecker if you try to book a bass boat for the weekend and they tell you they can only give you a pontoon. 

3. Cost

Whether you use the boats or not, a few hundred dollars going away from your pocket every month may be a waste of money. Busy schedules might not allow you to take time out for hitting the water. 

But you still need to pay the boat club to retain your membership. You can always leave a boat club if you want to stop letting your money go down the drain. 

However, if you have free time again in the future and want to go boating, you would have to pay a hefty registration fee (usually thousands of dollars) to become a member again. 

4. Time Limitations

Busy clubs usually give you a time limit for boat use, which isn’t attractive for serious fishing. 

So, at your club, you can only use a ship with time limits for pleasure, but not for bringing home a good catch, which requires long hours on the water.

Boat Clubs Member or Renting?

Whether to become a boat club member or rent is often a point of deliberation.

Although functioning in the same industry, boat clubs and rental services have significant differences that can dramatically alter one’s boating experience.

Rental services typically offer a limited range of boats, often located in popular tourist destinations.

This may seem convenient, but it could also mean that the boats available for rent are heavily used and may not be in the best condition. Consequently, the user’s safety and overall experience could be compromised.

On the other hand, becoming a boat club member offers an entirely different experience. Boat clubs typically own a large and diverse fleet of boats, allowing members to access a variety of boat types and styles.

Moreover, these boats are often newer models and are rigorously maintained, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Additionally, boat clubs usually offer a range of extra services not available with rental services, such as training sessions, social events, and more personalized customer service.

Which Boat Club has the Most Locations?

When determining which boat club has the most locations, the answer is Freedom Boat Club.

Established as a business entity of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Freedom Boat Club has its corporate headquarters in Venice, Florida.

It holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest and largest boat club, with an impressive reach spanning across multiple continents.

Freedom Boat Club boasts a network of 400 locations, including Freedom and Fanautic locations.

This expansive network spans 34 U.S. states and extends internationally to Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.

This extensive reach allows Freedom Boat Club to offer its members unparalleled access to boating experiences around the world.

Final Thoughts

If you are new to boating, I highly recommend joining a boat club.

Boat clubs provide many advantages, making them a worthwhile investment for boating enthusiasts. The question, “Are Boat Clubs Worth It?” can be addressed by considering the variety of boats they offer.

From pontoons and sailboats to fishing boats, membership in these clubs grants you access to a diverse fleet. The convenience of maintenance-free boating is another compelling reason.

The clubs handle all upkeep, which saves members both time and money. Affordability is another crucial aspect. The cost-effectiveness of a boat club membership is evident when compared to the expenses of owning and maintaining a private boat.

Moreover, some boat clubs provide safety courses for novice boaters, which is an invaluable resource for beginners. The sense of community that these clubs foster can also be a significant draw.

They present an opportunity to make new friends with similar interests and might even open doors for networking.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the costs involved. Memberships usually require an initiation fee and monthly dues, with additional expenses also possible.

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