Last Updated on November 1, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popinker
If you love boating and being on the water, then this is your new go-to club. The Carefree Boat Club allows members to use their fleet of boats at any time. With clubs across the United States, there’s a boat for every type of occasion: whether it be fast or slow-paced; day or night; they’ve got everything covered.
How much does a Carefree Boat Club membership cost?
To become a member of Carefree Boat Club, you’ll need to pay a one-time initiation fee ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Some sources suggest a slightly narrower range for the entry fee, from $3,500 to $5,500.
The Carefree Boat Club costs can vary significantly based on the location, the specific membership plan chosen, and the type of boat you wish to access.
Monthly membership costs can vary significantly, spanning from approximately $140 to $700. However, a common range frequently mentioned is between $250 and $350 per month. Depending on the location, you may find monthly costs as low as $175 or as high as $550.
For a more affordable option, there are some lower-tiered memberships for which you can pay a monthly fee of as little as$175. These memberships are the perfect solution for those who only want to use their boat on weekdays and don’t need full membership Boat Club’s privileges like unlimited boating days or access to all boats in inventory.
For those seeking an annual membership, various plans are available. Annual membership fees typically begin at $4,150 per year, with a popular plan often priced at $5,950 annually.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a boat dock, an airboat, or to repair a fiberglass boat.
The company says that costs will depend on location, local cost of living, and boat availability. They also say that the type of membership and availability will also influence the final cost of the entry fee and monthly membership fees.
A boating magazine once featured a couple from Maryland. The article said the two people paid $315 per month for boat storage, plus fuel costs at one of four different waterways they had access to in that area.
According to someone on RipoffReport, membership to the club costs $3,500 and another monthly fee of $350. One Yelp review from a Washington D.C.-based member claimed that their final cost was just under $2,000 for joining fees plus an additional expenditure of around $385 per month in order to stay active within the club.
Details on the Carefree Boat Club membership
Membership allows you to use all the boats, which can range from 23-29 feet long. The club offers include water sports boats, fishing boats, boat trips, boat maintenance, and pontoons with most being less than three years old but this will depend on where your location is so it’s best for you to go see what they have available before joining.
The Club claims there is no limit as to how many times one could go boating; it’s truly limitless depending only on the availability and boat options. They also offer boats year-round, only depending on geographical location.
The club provides USCG-certified captains who are available for free, unlimited training sessions. The average session lasts up to five hours and includes navigating, docking, anchoring, and safety strategies.
The company will cover all of the costs associated with boat ownership – from insurance to winterization, and everything in between. This also includes boat purchases, slip fees, taxes, maintenance, orrepairs and damage to the boat.
When comparing the expenses associated with owning a boat, it’s important to consider a range of factors that can influence the overall cost. These factors include the boat’s type and size, its location, and the maintenance requirements it demands.
Buying a boat typically ranges in price from$15,000 to $75,000, and high-end models can surpass $100,000 in cost. Conversely, the market for used boats is highly variable, with an average price of around $10,000. Beyond the initial purchase price, boat owners should anticipate annual maintenance expenses of boat ownership of approximately $5,000 to $8,000 for recreational boats, while smaller vessels may be around $2,000.
Joining Carefree Boat Club and Freedom Boat Club, for example, can present a more cost-effective alternative for individuals seeking the pleasures of boating without the burdens of maintenance, storage, and other cost of boat ownership. However, purchasing a boat may prove more advantageous for those who intend to use their boat frequently and desire greater control over their boating experiences.
The Carefree Boat Club currently has the following locations: Watauga Lake, TN, South Holston Lake, TN/VA, Chattanooga, TN, Boone Lake, TN, Lake Wylie, SC, Charleston, SC, Lake Norman, NC, Red Bank, NJ, Danvers, MA, Middle River, MD, Deep Creek, MD, Baltimore, MD, Annapolis, MD, Chicago, IL, Tierra Verde, FL, Tarpon Springs, FL, Tampa / St Pete, FL, St. Augustine, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Fort Pierce, FL, Fort Myers, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Englewood, FL, Crystal River, FL, Coconut Grove, FL, Clermont, FL, Cape Coral, FL, Aventura, FL, The Landings, GA, Lake Lanier, GA, Allatoona Lake, GA, Westport, CT, Stamford, CT, Milford, CT, Clinton, CT, Black Rock, CT, Sacramento, CA, San Francisco Bay, CA, Marina Del Rey, CA, Clear Lake, TX, Lake Conroe, TX, Belmont Bay, VA, Hampton, VA, Occoquan, VA, Richmond, VA, Stafford, VA, Lake Anna, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Williamsburg, VA, Anacortes, Bellevue, WA, Seattle, WA (Fishermen’s Terminal), Seattle, WA (Shilshole Bay Marina), Delavan, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Lake Geneva, WI, Washington, D.C., Lake Simcoe, Canada and Montréal, Canada.
It should only take you somewhere between five and 14 days to join a boat club and become an active member after applying, on average.
The entire process of reserving a boat is simple and straightforward, allowing you to make the reservation up to six months in advance or on sight. You can only reserve four boats at any given time due to company policy; however, there are no limits for spur-of-the-moment reservations when speaking with dock staff.
As a member, you may be able to keep a boat overnight, but usually, there are some restrictions around this.
Any way to spend less?
Groupon-like deals are great for first-time customers. You should check to see if there is a membership price deal near you before applying so that you won’t miss out on savings.
If you’re looking for a bargain, don’t be scared to negotiate. Many people have been able to get lower rates on initiation fees and monthly dues by simply asking before joining.
Members who join Carefreee Boat Club and commit for more than one year are rewarded by the club. For example, if you know that you want to stay as a member of this club for longer than 12 months then it can be wise to sign up and commit to them long-term; such as five years.
