With more than 150 locations across the United States and Canada, Freedom Boat Club opened its hatches on Mission Bay in August 2014. Since then, they have remained the only boat club of its kind in San Diego, with another location in Cabrillo Isle Marina of San Diego Bay.
“Our boat club is designed for people who want access to a versatile fleet of boats on a regular basis, at an affordable cost of entry. From there, members pay monthly dues for unlimited access. We do all of the maintenance,” said Dan Hasbrouck, president of Freedom Boat Club Mission Bay.
“We run on a 10:1 ratio with our boats. So for every 10 people who sign up, we add another boat to our fleet,” says Hasbrouck. The club’s fleet is all-inclusive, showcasing boats for every type of lifestyle and every member of the family. Their inventory consists of deckboats, pontoons, fishing boats, and even the ideal family affair boat, complete with a water slide and tanning deck on the top.
For members, the possibilities are endless. They reserve a boat of their choice via the club’s online, user-friendly reservations system. Recently, he says there has been an increase in popularity of the “dock and dine” experience with its members.
Recently, we headed out to scope out the best spots for docking and dining around Mission Bay. Hasbrouck first captained us to the port at the end of Santa Clara Place.
“This is the perfect spot. Not a lot of people realize this is a public dock they can park their boats at for free, which comes in handy especially over holiday weekends or during peak season (May to September),” says Hasbrouck.
Even with a two-hour limit for docking the boat, it gives boaters plenty of time to hop out, grab a sandwich at local favorite Olive Cafe or a kombucha cocktail at Miss B’s Coconut Club.
Hasbrouck then navigated us to the port at Paradise Point Resort and Spa. This port screamed “ultimate getaway.” We docked and entered a seriously dreamy vacation haven.
Families, couples, and even locals enjoyed burgers, beers, and the outdoors, with the bay on one side and the resort pool on the other. For a more formal occasion, Hasbrouck suggests opting for Tidal, which is located right next to Barefoot Bar and Grill, so boaters can dock at the same port.
Hasbrouck also recommends the dock at the Hilton, which has two restaurants, as well as the Hyatt. “The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay has a courtesy dock where you can park the boat, fuel up, and grab some fish tacos at Red Marlin Restaurant on the water. It’s also a good spot to watch the sea lions and get a different viewpoint of Mission Bay,” Hasbrouck says.
If you are interested in learning more about Freedom Boat Club, call to set up a sail around the bay and scope out the vast array of their fleet.
