One of the most affordable ways to be on the water is by joining a Carefree Boat Club. Take it from me. I am a member of the club in Georgia and a former boat owner and captain. Boat clubs allow recreational boaters to get on the water without dealing with the hassle of everyday maintenance. Eliminating maintenance and storage is a significant factor when evaluating the cost of joining Carefree. So, how much does Carefree Boat Club cost? Here is why it is a good deal.
What Is The Cost To Join Carefree Boat Club
It is important to understand that two costs are associated with joining Carefree Boat Club. The first is the initiation fee, and the second is the monthly fee. Here is a breakdown of the two fees.
Initiation Fee
Without question, you can compare the initiation fee to the initial investment of purchasing a boat. Comparatively, the initiation fee is significantly less than buying a watercraft.
The initiation fee is required to get your foot in the door with Carefree Boat Club. Fees vary based on the location and the number of boats in the fleet. I met with two different Carefree boat clubs local to me. One was just getting started and was far less expensive to join than another in my neighborhood. However, the number of boats in the fleet was significantly less than where I live. As a result of the number of vessels, I paid more but knew I wouldn’t have an issue getting a boat when I needed one.
When joining a boat club, expect to pay between $1,500 and $8,000 as an upfront initiation fee. However, don’t offer up full asking price. The fee is negotiable. The sticker price was $7,500 when I joined, but I paid $5,000 by negotiating.
Monthly Fee
Comparatively to the initiation fee, monthly fees also vary by location. The monthly fee for being a member of the Carefree Boat Club ranges between $200 and $400.
It should be noted that locations with boating seasons often cost more compared to locations with year round boating.
I have an interesting situation as a Carefree Boat Club member. My mother in law and father in law, who are avid boaters, moved into the neighborhood after I joined the club. I asked the owner of the club if we could combine our membership, thus eliminating my family from paying an additional initiation fee. To my surprise, he agreed.
Initially, my monthly fee was $200 per month but doubled to $400 per month by adding on my father in law. Notably, we both have complete access to booking boats and reciprocal benefits. With that being said, we split the monthly fee.
Comparing Owning A Boat To Joining Carefree Boat Club
A Carefree Boat Club membership makes sense when compared to owning a vessel. Without a doubt, the combination of the initiation fee and monthly dues is less when compared to ownership.
Storage
On top of making the initial investment to purchase a boat is storing the vessel. While yes, some may have the option to keep the boat at home, others are forced to use dry racks, wet slips, or storage yards. Factor in between $100 and $400 a month to stow a boat.
Insurance
Comparing insurance fees to other expenses associated with owning a boat is small. However, it is still part of the overall equation.
Every year expect to pay between $300 and $600. You won’t be required to carry boat insurance as a Carefree member.
Maintenance
Without question, maintenance is two fold because you have to consider time and money.
Annual maintenance costs are high due to routine engine work unless, of course, you’re performing the tasks.
In addition to the cost of maintaining a boat is the time involved. Boats require repetitive cleaning, waxing, and detailing on top of repairs from everyday use.
The Care Free Boat Club Costs Less Than Boat Ownership
Knowing how much does a Carefree Boat Club cost makes the decision to join clean when compared to boat ownership. Buying and maintaining a watercraft is far more expensive much like paying for boat rentals. Importantly, as a Carefree member, simply step off the boat at the end of your day on the water. You will not be responsible for cleaning or maintenance. When deciding if I should buy another boat or join the club, I considered time as a factor. Repairs and maintenance keep you off the water compared to stepping on vessels maintained by the club. With all things considered, membership is the right decision.
