You're Invited to Come Aboard
If you’re passionate about boating, looking for an enjoyable lifestyle and are interested in owning a business with real growth potential, a Freedom Boat Club may just be the perfect fit.
We are seeking active owner-operators who have a real passion for the boating lifestyle and share our vision of making the boating life more accessible. With 250+ locations and growing, Freedom Boat Club is the oldest and largest boat club in the world, with a successful business model that works as well in San Diego as it does in Boston.
260+ Locations
We have clubs throughout 31 U.S. states, Canada and France, plus upcoming expansion in the United Kingdom.
55K+ Members
Our members are diverse, ranging from lifelong boaters to beginners. We offer a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to get on the water.
410K+ Trips in 2020
In spite of nationwide lockdowns, Freedom Boat Club had a record year of boat trips – and new memberships – in 2020.
Why Should You Join the Freedom Family?
Our recurring revenue model, minimal franchise investment requirements and wholesale boat financing options make Freedom Boat Club an ideal marine business. We have been named to the Entrepreneur Magazine “Top 500” Franchise List and the Inc. Magazine “Top 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies,” and have received many marine industry distinctions. Plus, you’ll take pride in helping more and more families and friends get on the water and make memories that last a lifetime.
Proven Franchise Model Since 1989
Since we’ve been making boating simple since 1989, we can share best practices for ensuring success and avoiding common pitfalls.
High Gross Profit Potential
Some of our franchisees started a Freedom Boat Club business as a way to future-proof their marine dealership. However, they found the profit of their club is stronger than their dealership.
Unique Reciprocal Usage Program
Full-time members enjoy reciprocity throughout all our clubs, which provides free boat usage when traveling, avoiding the need to trailer a boat and opening boating possibilities throughout the USA, Canada and within the UK and France!
Wholesale Volume Boat Purchasing
Because of long-established relationships with key boat builders and suppliers in the marine industry, including being a part of the Brunswick family, we are able to provide exclusive purchasing and financing programs.
Competitive Group Insurance Program
Because of our size and scope, we are able to provide attractive and competitive group insurance programs, certainly an important consideration when accurately comparing options.
Minimal Employment Requirements
Our boat club model allows you to operate your business with minimal employees. Essentially, your franchise is a turnkey business; it is up to you just how large you would like it to grow.
WHAT OUR FRANCHISEES SAY
“What I like best about owning a Freedom Boat Club franchise is that it allows me to share my passion for boating and fulfill my mission of getting more individuals and families out on the water in a way that is accessible, affordable, simple and fun.”
JOANNA GOLDBERG
Freedom Boat Club of Maryland & Washington D.C.
“If you are considering a Freedom Boat Club franchise opportunity, consider it a lifestyle choice. If you live, breath, eat by the water – and are considering entrepreneurship – this could be a fantastic opportunity for you.”
DAN HASBROUCK
Freedom Boat Club of San Diego
“If you have a passion for boating, and you love people, and you want to own a business that brings happiness to people every single day, then this is the franchise opportunity for you.”
LISA ALMEIDA
Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville & St. Augustine
“The franchise cares about us and wants us to be successful. It’s a lot work – but it’s rewarding work.”
BILL MARQUARDT
Freedom Boat Club of Austin
Here's How We've Made Boating Simple
Our mission has always been to make boating safer, simpler and more economical than ever. We carry this commitment to a turnkey experience across every facet of our business to minimize the most common obstacles to joining and enjoying the boating life.
Franchise Buys and
Maintain Boats
Members Join
the Club
Franchise Provides
FREE Training
Members Hit the
Water and Enjoy!
We've Made Starting a Franchise Simple as Well
Our proven “business-in-a-box” approach makes it very easy to launch, own and operate your own club. Plus, our corporate team stands by to help you throughout the onboarding process…and beyond. With our experience and support, we are confident you’ll cherish being able to pilot a business in an industry close to your heart.
1. Submit Application
Getting started is as easy as filling in an interest form here on this page (link)… We will need some background and financial information from you, as well as a non-disclosure agreement. After an initial call to ensure a good fit, we will send you our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This will have all the details and information you need to understand our business model.
2. Create Business Plan
Our comprehensive FDD and a pro-forma business plan will enable you to do your local research in order to determine your expected profit levels from a Freedom Boat Club operation in your area. Our team is available to discuss our business details as well as point you to some of our existing franchisees who can help you with specifics based on starting and running similar operations.
3. Discovery Day
We ask you to come to our Venice, FL headquarters for at least one full day of getting to know each other. During that time we will introduce you to a variety of our team and support structure, as well as show a few of our Corporate locations in action. This mutual vetting is a great opportunity to ensure you are making the right decision with an FBC franchise.
4. Select Site and Fleet
We assist with marina site selection, office options, demographic analysis and help analyze boating quality and conditions. We help you choose the boat that will fit your market and have pre-negotiated exclusive purchasing and financing programs.
5. Franchise Training and Support
All new franchisees come to our Home Office in Venice, Florida for intense multi-day introductions to all FBC programs, systems and protocols, given by corporate experts in sales, marketing, operations, accounting and technology.
6. Launch and Membership Sales
Franchisees are taught sales strategies and tactics, plus provided instruction for the SalesOptima CRM to accommodate automated e-mail campaigns, paperless membership agreements and sales analytics.
We’re Proud to Be Part of the Brunswick Family
As part of the Brunswick Family, Freedom Boat Club franchisees have access to an extensive portfolio of brands and services offered through Brunswick Boat Group, Mercury Propulsion, Mercury Parts & Accessories, and Brunswick Boating Services. Partnering with Brunswick is partnering with the World’s Largest Marine Parts & Accessories Portfolio, World Leader in Marine Propulsion Systems and World’s Largest Manufacturer of Recreational Boats with the Most Recognized Boat Brands.
