Freedom Boat Club celebrates 35th-anniversary milestone
Freedom Boat Club has reached its 35th anniversary. Founded in 1989, the Brunswick Corporation-owned firm has grown to operate over 400 locations across the United States and internationally, and now has a membership of more than 100,000.
The boat membership club provides members with access to a range of boats without requiring ownership. Members can use a fleet of vessels at various locations, offering an alternative to traditional boat ownership. Reciprocal access to locations worldwide and training programmes are also included in membership benefits.
“As we celebrate this incredible 35-year milestone, we are reminded of the power of community and the shared passion for boating that has brought us here,” says Will Sangster, president of Brunswick Corporation’s business acceleration division, which includes Freedom Boat Club.
“This achievement is not only a reflection of our dedication to providing unmatched access to boating but also a testament to the loyalty and enthusiasm of our members around the world. As we continue to grow and innovate, we are committed to making boating more accessible and seamless for future generations.”
The club continues to expand its international presence. Recent developments include operations in Australia, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom, with New Zealand now part of the network.
“This 35-year milestone is a true testament to the vision and dedication of our team, the passion of our members, and the strength of the boating community we’ve built,” says Cecil Cohn, president of Freedom Boat Club. “We are incredibly proud to be the largest and most trusted boat club operator in the world. Our growth reflects the growing demand for accessible boating, and we look forward to providing future boaters with the opportunity to experience the joy of boating with the Freedom Boat Club family.”
The ‘sharing / having-a-go’ trend can be seen reflected across all industries where people are looking at the amount they use a high-value asset (like a car or a boat) and wondering whether ownership is the right pathway. It’s been widely reported that Millennials and Gen-Z-ers are breaking away from being possession junkies. They’re more likely to pay money to get an experience rather than own items.
And while the market is shifting towards catering for boat membership models, the opportunities for club sites are being snapped up. Freedom Boat Club recently announced its acquisition of South Florida franchise operations and territory, adding 13 corporate locations from Pompano Beach to Stuart, Florida, with the right to expand throughout the southeast Florida coastline.
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