Freedom Boat Club Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Freedom Boat Club, established in 1989 in Sarasota, Florida, is the world’s largest and oldest members-only boat club. Founded with the vision of providing a hassle-free boating experience, the club pioneered the boat-sharing model, allowing members to enjoy boating without the complexities of ownership.
In May 2019, Freedom Boat Club was acquired by Brunswick Corporation, aligning it with renowned marine brands like Mercury Marine engines and Bayliner Boats. This strategic acquisition bolstered the club’s offerings and expanded its global footprint.
By handling all aspects of boat maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance, and storage, Freedom Boat Club offers a seamless, concierge-level boating experience, distinguishing itself from traditional boat ownership and rental services.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Freedom Boat Club franchise? It costs on average between $223,000 – $501,000 to start a Freedom Boat Club franchised facility.
This includes costs for fleet acquisition, docking fees, insurance, and initial operational expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the size and type of boats, the location of the marina, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase docking space.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Training Expenses | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Real Estate | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| Improvements (including Signage) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Furniture, Equipment | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Boat Inventory | $120,000 – $300,000 |
| Professional Fees | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Insurance | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Start-up Advertising | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Deposits, Licenses/Permits | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Sales and Marketing Support Fee | $0 – $15,000 |
| Additional Funds – Three Months | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $222,500 – $500,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Freedom Boat Club franchise? A Freedom Boat Club franchised business makes on average $559,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
This compares to $468,000 yearly revenue for similar cruise franchises. Below are a few Freedom Boat Club competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Freedom Boat Club Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Freedom Boat Club locations are there?
As of the latest data, Freedom Boat Club operates over 400 locations globally, with approximately one-third of these being corporate-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Freedom Boat Club franchise?
The total investment required to open a Freedom Boat Club franchise ranges from $223,000 to $501,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Freedom Boat Club franchise?
Freedom Boat Club franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales and an advertising fee of 0.5% to 1% of gross sales. These fees support brand operations, franchisee support, and marketing efforts to attract new members.
What are the financial requirements to become a Freedom Boat Club franchisee?
To qualify as a Freedom Boat Club franchisee, candidates are typically required to have a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and at least $250,000 in liquid capital.
How much can a Freedom Boat Club franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Freedom Boat Club franchise are approximately $0.56 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.56 million yearly revenue can result in $84,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Freedom Boat Club?
Freedom Boat Club is owned by Brunswick Corporation, a leading marine industry company that acquired the franchise in May 2019.
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