Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A BOAT CLUB? 
A boat club is an alternative to boat ownership, that allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of boating, with none of the responsibilities, at a fraction of the cost. Carefree Boat Club is a private club. This means that our boats are only available to our members. We do not rent or charter our boats. Our members have unlimited access to our fleet.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Like most clubs we charge a one-time initiation and a monthly membership fee. Prices vary by membership plan chosen. In most cases, maintaining a membership at our club is about 1/3 the cost of owning your own boat. We do not require long commitments from our members; you can join for as little as one year. 

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 will complete an online boating safety course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard and the State of Florida. You will receive a certificate of completion as well as a permanent Florida Safe Boater ID Card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Once this course is completed “on-the-water” training will begin. This will include our going over our club procedures, general navigation, and docking. “On-the-water” training is unlimited. We want you to feel completely comfortable so that you can concentrate on enjoying your time on the water!

HOW SOON CAN I GET ON THE WATER? 
After joining, new members can normally be boating within 48-72 hours.

HOW DO I RESERVE A BOAT? 
Boats are reserved through our online reservation system which allows you to reserve a boat up to 6 months in advance. Members will be issued a user name and password to access this system 24/7. Simply click on the “member sign in” button from our home page or go directly to the registration system URL.

WHAT IF THE BOAT BREAKS DOWN? 
CBC provides Tow coverage on all vessels during normal business hours.

CAN I GET A BOAT ON SHORT NOTICE? 
Yes. In addition to our online reservation system, members can reserve a boat at anytime by calling the office or dock master. We will tell you what is available, and then you decide the time of departure. “Spur of the moment” boating is unlimited for our members. 

WILL 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 26’ 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 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.