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Business Profile

Boating Club

Freedom Boat Club, LLC

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Boating Club.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Freedom Boat Club, LLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Freedom Boat Club, LLC has 129 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 40 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 18 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/13/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am writing to formally address a series of issues Ive encountered with my membership, which I believe constitute a breach of contract and an overall poor customer experience.Ive been paying $425 per month for my membership, but Ive only been able to take a boat out twice this year, and perhaps half a dozen times since the hurricanes. While I understand that natural disasters can affect operations, the lack of available boats and inconsistent service is unacceptable, especially when Im fulfilling my financial ************** is concerning that after repeatedly encountering difficulty in booking or accessing boats, I was then met with poor communication. On several occasions, calls and messages went unanswered, or I was simply ignored. This lack of responsiveness is frustrating and not what I expected from a service Ive been paying for.What is most frustrating, however, is that those who had the power to address these issueswhether by providing boats, responding to calls, or ensuring a consistent level of servicedid nothing. Despite repeated attempts on my part to resolve the situation, I was left without any meaningful assistance or support. This lack of action especially with the waitlist has made it clear that my concerns have not been taken seriously. It is also deeply troubling that, after expressing my frustration regarding these ongoing issues, my membership was suspended. Suspending my membership was not only wrong but has caused a significant amount of stress and is negatively impacting my mental health. I was simply voicing dissatisfaction over a service that Ive been paying for but unable to use, and instead of working with me to resolve the issue, I was penalized. This situation has added unnecessary stress to an already frustrating experience. What have I been paying for? Enough is enough.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/08/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Boats are not well maintained. The last several boats we have taken out have been super sluggish. Took a 150xl HP out of ******, and it MAXs out at 15 mph. Sadly this is our experience almost every time we take a boat out. Monthly fees have not decreased despite fewer boats and locations and the boats do not work properly

      Business Response

      Date: 04/08/2025

      Hello,

      I do apologize for your experience with the boats. I have forwarded your complaint to the area director, ******* so that they can be made aware of your experiences and reach out to you to discuss with you further. 

      I do see that you have upcoming reservations and hope you have the kind of experience we want all of our members to have. If for some reason you have any problems, please call us at ************ so that we can address quickly.

      Thank you.

      Sincerely,

      Freedom Boat Club

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/18/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
       
      Better Business Bureau:

      The business has been in contact with me directly and resolved my concerns. The complaint can now be closed. 

      Sincerely,

      *** ********

      Business Response

      Date: 03/14/2025

      Hello,

      Our apologies for the delayed response. Freedom Boat Club has many locations and recently acquired this club (that the complaint came into) which was a franchise location previously. 

      The club that Mr. ******** was a member with is actually a franchise out of ******** who are independently owned and operated. Their local contact information is *********************************************************************** or ************

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/10/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Joined Club 4/22/2023 and paid $4,439 "one-time membership" fee. Maintained a $400+/monthly fee to access boats with 3 advance reservations. Had monthly fee on auto draft. Credit card expired in 06/24 (which they often do!) and I updated it though their system. Suspended my ability to use club. Sent 4 emails, 12 phone calls to correct issue and the company would not respond to collect money...insane. An employee working from home said private company was purchased by publicly traded company ********* and was having difficulty coordinating payments. Crazy!Kept calling and emailing with no response. 6 mos later get a bill for back monthly fees for over $6800. Well at least I had a contact person in accounting so I thought I could get it resolved. ***** Tampa Receivables Team Direct Line: ************** Freedom Boat Club Called and emailed multiple times with no response. In my business life, I have never experienced a company not wanting to accept payment. But when hurricane disaster hit FL the accounting **** tries to (audit) collect back monthly fees when I could not use the service. ******** acquisition *********. Take the write off when you file for BK.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/14/2025

      Hello,

      Our apologies for the delay in responding. This club was a franchise club and recently acquired by the corporate Freedom Boat Club and the person you were trying to reach is no longer with the company.

      I do apologize for the inconvenience and difficulties you experienced with your account. I sent your complaint to the accounts receivable manager, and he did send you an email on February 27th to the email we had on file, ******************** (email attached). Your balance was written off and if we can assist further, please reach out to us.

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/18/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am a member of the boat club. I damaged a propellor. The dockmaster said the cost would be between ****** and ******. That is the cost of the cheap props they buy. They also buy in bulk. I got a call from their *** confirming they are going to charge me for the damage. I told the *** ok but I am cancelling my membership. That was the end of the conversation. I checked my bank account and they charged ****** to my debit card. The *** got mad that I told him I was going to cancel the membership and decided to rob me by charging a gouging amount of money. I want a ****** refund to bring the charge in line with what a cheap prop costs/

      Business Response

      Date: 03/28/2025

      Good afternoon,

      I have reviewed your account and a refund was issued for the $690.00 prop charge.

      We have received your cancelation request which you submitted in December, per your contract there is a 60-day cancelation which makes your final payment this past January. Your account stands past due at $877.40.

      I have attached a copy of the email from our accounting department which was sent to you on January 14th stating your was cancelation received, and the balance owed. Also shows your cancelation that you submitted.

      Please reach out to us directly if you have further questions.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/05/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I joined freedom boat club. I was told I had to take lessons and make appointments. No one ever calls me back. When they do they tell me they booked my appointment and gives me dates obmvrr the phone. It never happens. When it does its the wrong location the service is the worse in the world. I would like this resolved our given my money back

      Business Response

      Date: 03/12/2025

      Hello, we do apologize for the inconvenience and delayed response. The ******* to Stuart **** was recently acquired by the corporate locations and we are working to resolve all open complaints. In searching Mr. ******** complaint and his membership, I do see that he was trained in December and has been using the ****.

      If there is any further assistance needed place call us at ************.

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/04/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
       
      Complaint: 22504172

      I am rejecting this response because:I first attempted to cancel four months before billing stopped, yet I never received any confirmation that my membership was actually canceled. During this time, I continued to be charged, despite reaching out to your accounting department and multiple service contacts over 10 times with no response.
      Given that my cancellation request was ignored and I was still billed, I am requesting a full refund for the four months of unauthorized charges. Additionally, I was also charged for insurance during this period, which I expect to be refunded as well.
      Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a resolution as soon as possible. I can provide documentation of my cancellation attempts if necessary. You may reach me at [your phone number] or [your email] to discuss this matter further.

      Sincerely,

      **** ******

      Business Response

      Date: 03/12/2025

      Good afternoon, we do apologize for the delayed response, the South Florida **** was recently acquired by the corporate locations, and we are working to resolve all complaints. I am unable to open the attachment, but I do show the account for Mr. ****** was on hold per request and the last hold payment was taken November 1, 2024. No other payments have been collected since then and the account is closed. 

      If anything further is needed from us to resolve this, please let us know so we can further research.

      Thank you.

    Freedom Boat Club, LLC is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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