Freedom Boat Club
TypePrivate
IndustryRecreation Services: Boat clubs
FoundedJuly 11, 1989 (1989-07-11)
Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
Headquarters1100 Tamiami Trail S Suite B, Venice, Florida, U.S. 34285
Websitewww.freedomboatclub.com

Freedom Boat Club (FBC) is a members-only boat club in the United States, Europe and Canada and is considered the largest marine Franchisor in the US.[1] The company was founded in Sarasota Florida, has been in business since 1989. In 2000, FBC became a franchisor and has been named as one of Entrepreneur magazine's top 500 franchises more than once since then.[2] Through franchising, the club has grown to about 210 locations, 2,400 boats and over 20,000 members.[1]

Boats at Fort Myers, FL, Freedom Boat Club, April 2007

Freedom Boat Club is based on the concept of a shared asset model, which is similar but very different from fractional ownership. Buying a membership gains access to a fleet of boats that are shared among the members of the club. The fleet consists of a variety of boats such as bow riders, cruisers, deck boats and fishing boats.[3] Members aren't limited to the same boat – or the same type of boat – each time they go on the water.

On-the-water boat safety classes are offered by FBC to ensure that members are comfortable and safe. Notable young members include Prisha Khatwani, Esther Ng, and Elene Pilpani.[4]

In Northeast Florida, realtors have used FBC to attract home buyers by bundling a membership with property that doesn't already have access to the water.[5]

History

In May 2019, Brunswick Corporation announced they will acquire Freedom Boat Club.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Brunswick to acquire Freedom Boat Club". Daily Herald. May 17, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  2. ↑ Daley, Jason (January 7, 2016). "Why Franchising Was Key to Righting the Ship for This Boat Club". Entrepreneur. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Float Your Boat - AirTranMagazine.com". Archived from the original on 2008-03-10. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  4. ↑ Freedom Boat Club.com
  5. ↑ Realtors use boating lifestyle to attract home buyers in a challenging market - Jacksonville.com
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