Photo/Todd Bissonette Photography
For people who have considered becoming a boat owner but struggled with the cost and issues regarding maintenance, the Freedom Boat Club in Diamond Point may be an option.
Matt O’Hara owns the boat club on Lake George, which is a franchise. He said it is the world’s oldest and largest membership boat club, with over 10,000 members.
O’Hara said boat clubs are a good fit for people who want to have access to a variety of fleets of boats on a regular basis, and all at an affordable cost.
The club is different from a business that rent boats. According to Freedom Boat Club, those business just rent the vessel. Freedom Boat Club provides its members with access to a versatile fleet of boats on a regular basis. There is a one-time entry fee and locked-in monthly dues.
Members have unlimited access to the club fleet, but do not own them and never incur any service or storage fees. Reservations are made through a proprietary online system.
Freedom Boat Club employs a member-to-boat ratio formula to ensure there are always plenty of boats in the fleet to service the demand of members. It rotates new boats into the system regularly, while moving them out of inventory after three years of usage.
Freedom Boat Club has 850 boats from coast to coast, with 86 franchise and corporate club locations in 19 states. Members who join Freedom Boat Club on a year-round basis can get reciprocal access with other franchises, allowing them to boat anywhere Freedom Boat Clubs are located.
All members go through a safety training conducted by qualified personnel.
“Safety, of course, is a priority and our training is a curriculum that allows our members to feel capable, have fun and not be nervous. We have ongoing unlimited training, if needed, for our members,” said O’Hara.
O’Hara said he and his wife, Rebecca, left their corporate jobs in Boston in order to make a lifestyle change and be able to make a career out of doing what they loved. He said Rebecca, originally from Rochester, spent summers at Lake George and they knew it was the perfect place to open the business.
“I was married here, and I am just so excited to make a living in such a special place,” said O’Hara.
The boat club opened in late April. O’Hara said there has been a steady stream of inquiries. Warmer weather will help.
“We are hoping for the weather to turn around, we are looking forward to the sun returning,” said O’Hara.
The club is located at 3950 lake Shore Drive, Diamond Point. Its phone number is 845-642-0201. The company website is freedomboatclub.com.