I’m excited to share a project I’ve been working on that begins in just a few days! My family and I are joining Carefree Boat Club, an exclusive membership providing unlimited access to an entire fleet of boats! In Seattle there are are four local marinas, Fisherman’s Terminal (Lake Union), Shilshole Bay (Puget Sound), Bellevue (Lake Washington) and Anacortes (San Juan Islands) with 17 boats in total…plus we’ll have access to 55+ clubs nationwide.
So here’s how it works – There are 3 memberships options – Standard, Leisure and Weekday. You pay an initiation fee, along with monthly dues and you have access to boats 23′ to 29′, including water sport boats, fishing boats, pontoons and sailboats. All boats are less than 3 years old – and in immaculate condition (trust me – I checked).
Depending on your membership, you are allowed either 2 or 4 advanced reservations, however you do have unlimited access – it’s just a first come, first serve philosophy (which works for the planner in me!).
Of course I’m going to be sharing our experience along the way – but first I wanted to provide the perks of joining a boat club, especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest…
Cost
Carefree Boat Club covers the cost of boat purchase, slip fees, insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, towing coverage, winterization and depreciation. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy boating life, especially if you live in the city where boat storage could be an issue (or even towing!). Plus, you get to enjoy the best side of boating…the fun stuff…the experience without the hassle (or maintenance!).
Training
Carefree Boat Club members receive free, unlimited “On the Water” training with their USCG certified captains. Training covers navigation, docking, anchoring, and safety. They specialize in helping members with no experience to become comfortable and confident boaters, and they even train on going through the locks if desired. Each training session lasts about 2-5 hours, schedule as many as you’d like.
Options
As I mentioned, Carefree Boat Club in Seattle has 17 boats in their fleet, for a variety of boating adventures. Whether you’re interested in a fresh catch for dinner, or an afternoon lounging in the sun, there’s a boat that fits your needs. Plus they’re family and dog friendly. You can view the entire fleet HERE.
Weather
If you live in the Pacific Northwest then you know we have the most fantastic summers – and everything is better on the water! But once fall comes around, you may wonder if you’d use the membership – fortunately they have several boats with heated cabins so you can still enjoy boating – with the perks of less crowds on the water. We’re a year-round boating family so I can attest to the plus-side of off-season boating.
Fun
This is an easy one – people with boats have more fun #sorrynotsorry. Whether you want to enjoy fresh or salt water the four marinas in the Seattle area offer one of a kind experiences that you can actually share with your friends and family! Plus you can roll out the red carpet for your VIP’s – Carefree Boat Club has a full time valet dock staff that will help load you and your gear onto the boats and answer any questions. When you return, they’ll help you unload and they’ll clean it!
Carefree Boat Club also provides demo wakeboards, skis, and tubes, along with kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and a sail dinghy. Just request them when making your reservation!
Staycation
Once you are certified, Carefree Boat Club allows overnight privileges on their cruisers and sailboats – making it the perfect staycation! You can make reservations online up to 6 months in advance (don’t worry – their system is super easy to use!).
If you’re interested in joining Carefree Boat Club – now is the time! They’re having a 4th of July Promotion which includes 30% off joining fees + 1 month free!
You can find out more HERE or call 206-567-BOAT to schedule a tour of the fleet!
Stay tuned and follow along on Insta Stories!
#ItsAboutTime
XoXo Portia
*Photos provided by Carefree Boat Club
Disclosure: We received a complimentary membership in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!