Boat clubs sell memberships because they offer a maintenance-free approach to boating. I am a former captain who worked aboard yachts for an eight year career. Additionally, I have owned multiple boats. Without question, I prefer a boat club membership in comparison to boat ownership because I can step off the vessel and walk away. No need to wash, repair, or wax the vessel. However, in addition to eliminating maintenance is the opportunity to use vessels in clubs across and out of the country. Here is what you need to know about understanding the Carefree Boat Club reciprocal benefits. 

Pick A Location And Avoid Towing A Boat 

No question about it: I have taken advantage of multiple Carefree Boat clubs located in the United States. 

The Carefree Boat Club’s reciprocal benefit allows two reservations per location in a calendar year. With that being said, if you’re an avid boater, you have the option to head out on the water in over 140 locations. 

Buying a boat is foolish if you’re a recreational boater. No sense in towing the vessel from location to location when you can take advantage of reciprocity. 

Trailering a boat a long distance not only burns a significant amount of fuel but puts you at risk of mechanical issues. The mechanical issues include flat tires, seized wheel bearings, and damage from road debris. Reciprocal benefits do not cost additional money. All you’re responsible for is the fuel burned while boating. 

Explore New Destinations By Boat

Don’t assume you’re stuck departing from your home port and visiting the same destination trip after trip. 

The Carefree Boat Clubs reciprocal benefits allow you to explore new destinations while departing from any marina under the Carefree umbrella. 

Dine At Waterfront Restaurants

One of my biggest reasons for joining the club was to enjoy waterfront restaurants. While I’m used to the options in my area, I enjoy reserving a reciprocal vessel and stopping in for a bite in restaurants elsewhere. 

Without a doubt, nothing much is better than sitting on the banks of the water. Not only are you able to enjoy the amazing views but also indulge in new cuisine options. 

I highly recommend taking advantage of dining options by boat when close to a Carefree Boat Club.  

Swim At Private Beaches

First, I’ll start by saying I have swam at some of the most private beaches across the Bahamas and Caribbean as a captain. 

However, with that said, the same can be found by boat in alternative boat club locations beyond your own. 

I personally don’t enjoy crowded beaches. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for a secluded beach only accessible by boat. The crew will load up the route on the GPS and have you on your way. 

Drop A Line On New Fishing Grounds

As an avid angler, I take the opportunity to fish whenever possible. In Savannah, Georgia, where I am based, I fish consistently. 

However, I enjoy traveling with gear and exploring new fishing grounds aboard a Carefree Boat Club vessel. 

One of the best experiences was taking the kids to swim on a shallow coral reef. Rather than catching fish, we jumped in the water and watched them meander about below the surface. 

Reserving A Reciprocal Carefree Boat Is Easy

You won’t be challenged when booking a reciprocal Carefree Boat Club reservation. Everything can be done by phone. 

Carefree Boat Club bookings are made easy with a mobile app. The app allows you two options for booking a vessel. 

Booking At Your Home Port

First, make a reservation at your home port by selecting the date, vessel, and departure time. The number of boats in the fleet is highly dependent on the number of members. The club I belong to has nine boats in the pool to select from. 

Reciprocal Booking

Similarly, reciprocal benefits are booked in the same fashing. Rather than selecting you’re home port in the app, choose reciprocal instead. 

To book the reciprocal, choose the location, the date, and the vessel, the same as booking at home. 

One of the biggest differences between booking at the home port versus a reciprocal club is paying for fuel. The fuel is billed directly to you as a customer to be paid by credit card. Comparatively, the fuel bull is often added to a marina tab and billed independently. Carefree Boat Clubs do not own fuel docks. 

Take Advantage Of Carefree Boat Club Reciprocal Benefits

Again, I highly recommend joining the club versus purchasing a vessel. The benefits go beyond reciprocity, but the most important is avoiding the hassle of maintenance. Look, why load a boat up and drag it down the road when you can step on and off a boat in ports across the country? Take it from me: I know how much effort goes into boat maintenance and ownership.