Freedom Boat Club

Membership boat clubs
FREE Franchise Guide!
2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#211 Ranked #218 last year
See the Full List
Initial investment
$223K - $501K
Units as of 2024
406 Increase 39.0% over 3 years

Freedom Boat Club is a premier boat club that offers a simpler alternative to owning a boat. The company, currently one of the largest and the oldest boat clubs in America, was founded in 1989. Without the confines of having to own a boat, members get to choose the type of boat they want to go out with for the day. Since beginning to franchise in 2000, Freedom Boat Club has grown to over 215 locations in the U.S. It also has an international presence, with a few franchises in Canada and across Europe.

Many times in the past decade, this boat membership club has been recognized as one of the world's most exceptional franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine. In multiple recent years, Freedom Boat Club was ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

Why You May Want to Start a Freedom Boat Club Franchise

If you are passionate about boating and interested in a fun business opportunity, then you may be at the right place. Freedom Boat Club is no ordinary boat club. By starting this franchise, you join a business with a solid track record, established guidelines, hands-on support, and enough freedom to chart your course. The company has, over the years, built a cult-like following among its customers. This saves you the time and resources necessary to build a customer base from the bottom up.

The company's hassle-free shared asset model makes it a unique franchising opportunity and a top choice among the boating community. To qualify as a franchisee, you will need to have access to a reasonably large body of fresh or saltwater and a population of boating enthusiasts. So, if you live by the lakeside or near the sea, you may be prepared to set sails. 

What Might Make a Freedom Boat Club Franchise A Good Choice?

To be part of the Freedom Boat Club team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment that will include a franchise fee and other startup fees. Ongoing fees will include advertising, royalty, or renewal fees. If your net worth and available liquid capital match the brand’s requirements, you may qualify to open a Freedom Boat Club franchise, and you can get started with the initial investment. 

How To Start a Freedom Boat Club Franchise

To begin the process of opening a Freedom Boat Club franchise, fill out and submit a pre-qualification application. The franchisor will carefully review your application, and if you meet the minimum operational and financial requirements, Freedom Boat Club may provide you with a full franchise application. 

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, it is crucial that you perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and direct any questions to the Freedom Boat Club team. 

If you are satisfied that this is the right fit for you, sign the franchise agreement and fulfill the financial requirements. After this, the company will award you with a franchise, after which you can begin your journey as a franchisee with Freedom Boat Club.

Find Your Perfect Franchise

Company Overview

About Freedom Boat Club

Industry Recreation
Related Categories Boat Clubs, Miscellaneous Recreation Businesses, Sports
Founded 1989
Parent Company Brunswick Corp.
Leadership Cecil Cohn, President
Corporate Address 897 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34285
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube

Business Overview

Franchising Since 2000 (24 years)
# of employees at HQ 64
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Australia/New Zealand, Middle East, Europe (Western), Central America, Canada, South America

# of Units 406 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Freedom Boat Club franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$50,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$222,500 - $500,500
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
10% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
0.5%-1%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
5 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
Take Our Free Franchise Quiz!

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Freedom Boat Club has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 12 hours
Classroom Training 28 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 2
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
Take our quick quiz to find your ideal franchise

Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Freedom Boat Club landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Freedom Boat Club ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchises

Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Freedom Boat Club.

Big Blue Swim School

description
Swimming lessons for ages 3 months to 12 years

Destination Athlete

description
Equipment, apparel, fundraising, and performance solutions for youth, high school, and college athletic teams

XP League

description
Youth esports leagues

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

Having Trouble Sleeping? Listen to Some 'Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain' ASMR.

This collaboration introduces soundscapes on Hatch devices that feature gentle "fried chicken rain sounds" meant to evoke the soothing sound of fried chicken sizzling in oil.

Franchise

The McRib Is Back, But Only at Select McDonald's — Here's Where to Find It

This scarcity is nothing new. In 2022, McDonald's announced a "Farewell Tour" for the McRib, suggesting that it might be the last time customers could get their hands on it.

Franchise

ComForCare Franchises Make a Profound Difference in the Lives of Older Adults

With the demand for senior care rapidly expanding, a ComForCare franchise offers a rewarding opportunity to enhance the quality of life of seniors in your community.

Franchise

'We Are Not Red or Blue — We Are Golden': McDonald's Tells Employees It's Non-Political After Trump Visit

In a message to employees, McDonald's clarified that company leadership approved the visit, but the fast-food giant is not political.

Franchise

Jake Paul Partners with Dog Haus for 25-Store Franchise Deal and Board Seat Ahead of Mike Tyson Fight

Dog Haus is already a growing player in the fast-casual dining space, and Paul's involvement could propel the brand to new heights.

Franchise

Hi-Five Sports Has been the Pioneer in Youth Sports Entertainment Since 1990

Hi-Five Sports is the first franchise system to focus on "Youth Sports Entertainment" and offers both brick and mortar, and home based business models.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022