Introduction to the Plans

As a member of the Carefree Boat or Yacht Club and having been trained well enough to use the boats and to understand enough about boating to avoid calamities (and that’s a good thing), you have only had to make one decision – what you want to do to have fun.

All the rest is planned for you...

Your Charter Membership Plan entitles you to unlimited use of a fleet of boats from 18‟ to 28‟, boating in all the waters around you, and enjoying all the dreams you had when you decided to inquire.

There are seminars that will help you plan for cruises and learn about things to do and places to go on the River and the Bay. The seminars are included in your membership.

You have an ongoing support team to work with you in the future...So relax, enjoy, and remember, you don‟t have to worry about the things a boat owner does. You are a member of the Carefree Boat Club and the Carefree way of boating beats all others.

There are options.

You will choose your home port. You can select one club or many clubs. You have a limited privilege to boat out of all of the clubs. As we open new clubs, you are „grandfathered in.‟ Or, you may deem it worthwhile to add the option to have UNLIMITED use of the boats in several clubs.

Today, your choice to have unlimited use in the four clubs on the Potomac and Upper Bay is only $299.00 per year.

That’s a great deal!

Intro to Boating a 1-Year Plan

The “Intro to Boating” plan is a one year plan and has unlimited use of all the boats up to 22‟.

This plan is designed for new boaters who are unsure of their interest or their family‟s interest in boating, but they know they want to enjoy time on the water, now! It includes classroom training, a certificated class on Boating Safety, “on the water” skills development with an instructor and boat, practice sessions with a variety of boats, “ad hoc” training and support by the Dock Master, seminars on boating and “on-the-water” service and towing services. The whole club is in a support roll for the new boater.

A One-Year Plan for Experienced Boaters –
The Intro to Boating

This one-year plan is for those who want to try out the club. The Silver Plan assumes you are a boater, perhaps had your own boat at one time, and are accustomed to the fun, enjoyment and recreation of boating but are a little unsure about the club concept.

We estimate a usage pattern of 12 – 16 times per year, week- end usage (the most popular boating times), more aggressive use than a beginner, and water sports and activities.

One-year memberships are paid up front, do not have overnight cruising privileges and generally are limited to boats up to 22‟ in length.

The majority of those who sign for the one-year plan will have less experience and the cost of maintaining the boats is more difficult to estimate. The membership fees are priced accordingly.

A Short Term 3-Year Plan

The Short Term Plan is for those who know their ability to commit for a longer term and allows members who know they will not want to cruise overnight to have three years of Carefree boating and may extend their membership or upgrade to the Charter Membership Plan at any time.

The “Short Term Plan” includes unlimited use of all the boats up to 24‟ and has some fee incentives for other options. A member in the Short Term Plan may, as an option, choose to boat from all club locations.

Overnight usage of the boats is not an option in the Short Term membership plan.

The Charter 5-Year Plan

The “Charter Membership Plan is a full featured, full service membership plan with unlimited use of all the boats including the cruisers and overnight privileges. The Charter Membership plan is limited to a maximum of 5 years. (No exceptions, please.)

If you choose to cruise, you will be required to take the Navigation Class. It is a well organized and skills based class that will prepare you for filing a float plan for over-night trips. This class has a $99.00 fee for the instruments, which you keep.

Your children will grow up and be off to college sooner than you think and your daughter will be walking down the aisle sooner than you want.

Don’t you think boating will be a great way to enjoy their company for a little while longer?

How does it really work?

Joining Carefree Boat Club is a lot like joining a Country Club.

When you join, there is a membership initiation fee similar to health clubs or country clubs. In some health clubs it can be upwards of $2,000. And, can be $50,000 or more in a country club. Some smaller golf clubs may require as little as $8,000 to $10,000. Some Yacht Clubs are upwards of $50,000, too.

Are you a member of a Health Club or a Country Club?

Comparing Buying a Boat to Joining the Club: If you bought a boat, the initial expense would be a down payment and the sales tax. An equivalent down payment for any of the boats in the Boat Club will be between $7,200 and $14,000 with sales taxes included.

In the CBC, the initiation fee will be under $6,000 . Instead of monthly boat mortgage payments of $499 to $650 (or more) for years, the CBC dues is between under $499.00 and no ancillary costs.

Note: The ancillary costs that you will not have: the other costs of ownership like slip rental, High & Dry storage, winterization, maintenance, training, insurance, on the water (OTW) service and towing, or a trailer. And, about $7500 of extra costs in Year One.

Nor will you require a vehicle to get the boat to the water.