IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY TIMES I CAN BOAT PER YEAR?

No limit! Members have unlimited access to boats. Boat as much as you like.

WILL I GET ANY TRAINING?

YES! Members receive free, unlimited “On the Water” training with our USCG certified captains. Training covers navigation, docking, anchoring, and safety. We specialize in helping members with no experience to become comfortable and confident boaters, and we even train on going through the locks if desired.

DO YOU HAVE FULL-TIME DOCK STAFF?

YES! Our valet dock staff rolls out the red carpet for our members, helping you load yourselves and your gear onto the boats, going through safety items, and answering any questions while giving you local boating tips. Upon return, we help you off the boats and back out to your car, leave the cleaning for us! Boating doesn’t get any easier than this.

CAN I USE THE BOATS FOR AN OVERNIGHT OUTING?

YES! Boats with cabins are allowed overnight on a case by case basis once you are certified for overnight privileges.

HOW DO I RESERVE A BOAT?

Reservations can be made online up to 6 months in advance by logging in to Resnet, our proprietary online reservation system, from any computer or mobile device. Members can also call in and instantly book any boat still available that day or the next day.

HOW MANY RESERVATIONS CAN I HAVE AT ONE TIME?

To maintain availability for all members, members may have a maximum of four advance reservations on the calendar at any given time. Once a reservation is used, a new one may be made - also known as rolling reservations. Up to two reservations can be weekends or holidays.

CAN I CALL ON THE SAME DAY TO GET A BOAT?

Yes. Simply call the dock of your choice to find what’s available for “Spur of the Moment” use. Spur of the Moment use does not count against your four advance reservation maximum.

CAN NON MEMBERS RENT YOUR BOATS?

No. We have a private fleet of new or like-new boats for the exclusive use of our members, and our boats are never for rent. Unlike fractional boat ownership, our members have no obligation or liability for maintenance or upkeep. Carefree Boat Club has the best boat share fleet in Illinois and prides itself on both the quality and excellent condition of the boats, as well as maximizing availability for our members.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Shoot us an email at [email protected] to find out current membership options or fill out the form below!

DO I HAVE TO PAY THE MEMBERSHIP INITIATION FEE EVERY YEAR?

No! The initiation fee is a one-time fee that is paid when joining the club, to help cover the costs of adding brand new boats to the Carefree Illinois boat fleet. As long as you remain a member, you never pay this joining fee again.

WHAT DO I PAY FOR WHEN I BOAT EACH TIME?

Only the fuel you use. Not having to pay any dock or usage fees allows for brief after work or lunch outings. The boats are pristine and ready for you to hop on. You don't even have to fuel yourself, dock staff can fuel for you and simply charge you for fuel used at the dock.

WILL MY DUES INCREASE YEAR TO YEAR?

The dues amount is locked in for the term of membership. Dues are billed monthly or annually.

IS INSURANCE INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP?

YES! Insurance is included. CBC maintains insurance that covers vessels, members, and guests.

I’M IN! HOW DO I JOIN?
Use the schedule a tour form below to schedule a tour of the fleet, see the reservation system, and answer any questions you may have about the club.