ROCHESTER, N.Y. — There's no better time to get out and enjoy the water. If you don't own a boat or have a buddy that does, a boat membership may just be the right fit for your lifestyle.

What You Need To Know

  • Freedom Boat Club is a hassle-free alternative to boat ownership

  • There are some 285 Freedom Boat Club locations around the world

  • Membership gives you access to a wide range of new, well-maintained boats in a range of styles

Freedom Boat Club has 285 locations. It offers a hassle-free alternative to boat ownership. Members have access to boats worldwide. Locally that includes Canandaigua Lake and at the Port of Rochester.

Peter Coons wants to get as many people as possible out and enjoying the water.

“It's a beautiful day. I mean what is better than this," said Coons while driving an $80,000 center console fishing boat on the Freedom Boat Club fleet.

He sells and rents boats at his marina, Seager Marine in Canandaigua. He also owns two Freedom Boat Club franchise locations, one in Canandaigua and a new second location at the Port of Rochester.

“Freedom BC is not just in Canandaigua and the Port of Rochester, there are locations in Lake George, Buffalo, Toronto and in France and in the UK," said Coons. "Once you become a member of the club you can go to any of those clubs. You have reciprocal rights to those clubs."

There are bowriders, wake boats, pontoon boats and fishing boats in the fleet. You don’t need to worry about the slip fee, winter storage or maintenance because Freedom Boat Club takes care of it. All you need to do is pack your cooler.

“We handle the insurance. We have people here to help you slip the boat in, get the boat in and out of the slip, cover it and uncover it, clean it and gas it up," Coons said. "We do everything for you. It is almost like renting a car, you get to enjoy yourself and then get off and get in your car and we do all the dirty work.”

Freedom Boat Club has a one-time joining fee and costs $349 a month for 12 months a year that will give you access to boats at 285 locations around the world.

If motor boats aren't your thing, rent a kayak instead. Freedom Boat Club now has daily kayak rentals available at the Port of Rochester near the marina gift shop.