Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A BOAT CLUB?
Carefree Boat Club is a private club. This means that our boats are only available to Members. We do not rent or charter our boats. Our members are the only ones with access to the fleet and they never pay a fee to use the boats.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Like most clubs we charge a one time Initiation Fee and an annual (you may choose to pay monthly) membership fee. Because the prices of boat ownership vary from location to location, the best way to get more pricing information is to call your nearest Carefree Boat Club.
ARE THERE ANY LIMITS ON BOATING?
No. Members have Unlimited access to boats. Boat as much as you like.
WILL I GET ANY TRAINING?
Yes. All members get a training manual upon joining. Members attend one classroom session followed by “On the Water” training with the dock master. Training covers CBC processes, general navigation, docking, and safety.
HOW SOON CAN I GET ON THE WATER?
After joining, new members can normally be boating within 5 to 14 days of joining.
HOW DO I RESERVE A BOAT?
We have an online reservation system, ResNet, that you can reserve a boat 24 hours / day up to 6 months in advance of when you want to go out. Members may also boat “Spur of the Moment” by speaking with our dock staff directly and reserving a boat.
HOW MANY RESERVATIONS CAN I HAVE?
Members may have a maximum of four advanced reservations on the books(ResNet) at any given time. Once a reservation is used, a new one may be made.
CAN I GET A BOAT ON SHORT NOTICE?
Yes. Simply call the dock master at the marina you wish to boat. The dock master will tell you what’s available and you reserve it for “Spur of the Moment” use. Spur of the Moment use does not count as reservations. It is similar to a “walk on” round of golf.
WILL I GET A BOAT WHEN I CALL?
CBC tracks members vs. boats to ensure we do not have too few boats for our members. CBC adds boats as members are welcomed in to the club. By tracking the usage of the boats by type and by location, CBC can determine the boats that are most popular and add more.
WHAT SIZE BOATS WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO?
All boats ranging from 18’ to 27’ are available to CBC members. Variety includes Deck boats, Fishing boats, Pontoons, Cruisers, Sail boats, and water sports boats. Members choose the boat they need when making reservations.
ARE THE BOATS WELL MAINTAINED?
Absolutely, in fact, all boats are inspected weekly by the CBC dock staff using a 50 point checklist of safety equipment, hull condition, electronics, and general mechanical items.
CAN I GET A BOAT EARLY / AFTER HOURS?
Yes, as long as your schedule does not impact another reservation. Taking the boat out early simply requires picking up the keys the evening before. Both early and after hours boating will require some additional training.
CAN I USE THE BOATS OVERNIGHT?
Yes. Some restrictions and additional training may apply, but our qualified members routinely enjoy overnight excursions.
IS INSURANCE INCLUDED?
CBC maintains insurance that covers all of our vessels as well as third party liability. Members generally are only responsible for paying any deductible that may apply if they damage a boat.
WHAT IF THE BOAT BREAKS DOWN?
In some clubs, towing is provided during normal business hours, while other clubs require you to purchase separate towing coverage through Sea Tow, Boat US, or other providers. Check with your local club to get specific details.
WHAT IF I LEAVE FOR MILITARY DUTY?
CBC understands the unpredictable life of our military. If the military orders you for out of town duty for more than 60 days, CBC will place membership on hold until return.