Freedom Boat Club - Deerfield Beach - The Cove / Sullivan Park - Deerfield Beach, Florida

Wise Sea Nautical Captain

*1/5 Stars - Disappointing Experience at Deerfield Location*

Attention: Owner of the Deerfield location

As a membership owner who has paid $8,000 in initial fees and $602 monthly, I expect a certain level of service and amenities. Unfortunately, the lack of carts for members is unacceptable. Today, in the August heat, there were zero carts available for boaters, fishermen, divers, and snorkelers.

This is not the first time I've experienced this issue. It's poor business practice to not have sufficient carts or a system in place to prevent theft or misplacement. I suggest:

- Increasing the number of carts available
- Implementing a cart checkout or reservation system
- Locking carts when not in use to prevent theft
- Regularly monitoring and replacing missing or damaged carts

I will update this review once the owner takes necessary steps to address this issue and provide members with the amenities they've paid for. Until then, I caution others to consider the limitations of this membership.

*UPDATE:* I look forward to revising this review once the owner takes action to resolve this issue. Members deserve better.

Veronica Popescu

We signed up for Freedom Boat Club in May 2024, excited by the promise from the salesperson that we'd be on the water within a week. However, we quickly discovered that wasn't the case. It took two months for us to get our first training session, and we had to drive two hours away because the local club was fully booked far in advance.

Since then, we've had ongoing frustrations with boat availability. The club rarely has cruising boats available at convenient times. The only open slots are usually from 7:00-11:00 AM or 4:30-6:40 PM, which are either too early or too late to really enjoy the day – and you don’t even get to see the sunset.

To make matters worse, service at the dock has been consistently slow. The staff is often 30 minutes behind schedule, and we’ve experienced delays both when picking up and dropping off boats. Despite this, we were charged a $30 late fee for returning a boat 17 minutes late – even though we got the boat 30 minutes late because the staff was behind!

In my experience, Freedom Boat Club has not delivered on its promises. The boats and service fall short, and the limited availability makes it hard to enjoy the membership. I would not recommend this club to anyone. Make sure to thoroughly research other boat clubs – there are options with better boats, better service, and fewer hassles.

Ognjen Sehovic

Recently became a member. This was my first reciprocal ride. Everything was absolutely perfect. Dock staff was super helpful, overall fantastic day on the water.

Bob Esser

Kate worked with me the day before to adjust our reservation and ensure we had the boat that would meet our needs. All the staff are super attentive and courteous. The facility is always clean and easy to get in and out of. The scenery in the area is beautiful.

Eamon Brennan

(5/14/23) - Dock was a bit short handed for a busy Mothers Day at probably the busiest docks in the nations franchise. - Its weeks for a reservation in season (Admit it Freedom) The dock crew, as usual, were splendid and helpful.
Boat Squawk Gripe - Should a boat be taken out of service if the Garmin is inoperative? What if I run aground and damage a prop because I have no way of knowing what how deep the water is?
Other users - Don't forget to tip the guys on the Dock, they work hard for you and me!
(08-06-220 Excellent - Attentive and polite dock hands.
I took a pontoon boat out from Deerfield yesterday (12/12/21) and found the dock support excellent. They assisted my guests and I board and they also assisted with my bags and ice chest. A new dock crew but like old times. There seemed to be a turnover in crew over the past few months when sadly for my guests, it was every man for himself! Yesterday it was like old times again thank goodness. For other boat club members - Please don't forget to TIP the dockhands, I feel embarrassed when I see people leave $3 and loose change - These kids deserve better!
________________________________________________________________________I had a boat from The Cove yesterday (10/17/21) and again received excellent service. I have not used the club for a while due to out of state travel. I am sorry to see what appears to be changes in staffing just when you get comfortable with one dock crew they are replaced. No issues with the new guys - They are getting there!
________________________________________________________________________I again had a boat from the Cove yesterday (8/26/21) where the employees are outstanding, Connor in particular. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He always assists my guests in boarding and disembarking. In these days when employer's are continuing to complain about finding staff - Freedom, hang on to this guy he makes your name look great.
Freedom - I would be curious to find the ratio of boats to subscribers for LHP Marina and the Cove Take a look at availability and how many weeks I have to wait. Not as the sales people promised for sure.
_______________________________________________________________
I frequently take boats from The Cove.
Without exception this has always been a pleasurable experience enhanced by the dock staff. There is no point in naming names as they are all fantastic. They call in advance to confirm - The boat is always clean and ready to go - They meet you at the dock with a smile - They help with loading passengers and coolers - They assist with casting off - They advise and assist in docking, no matter what the wind/tide conditions are - They assist in disembarking and even taking a cooler off the property.

Freedom Management, if you are reading this - You have some great Ambassadors at this and the LHP location, but do me a favor please? - Supply them with a microwave oven.
My frustrations are few and not the excellent dock staff but its the long lead time in getting a boat at the weekend. Is it too many members and too few boats

Max Everett

Phenomenal dock staff and location right next to The Cove.

Scott Hanslip

Have to call out Collin and Kate who made our experience boating that much more fun! Checked us out and received us without a hitch.
Always a great experience with Freedom

Thank you guys!!

Jeffrey Scialabba

Freedom Boat club is the best thing I have joined. From reservation to getting the boat going out for the day and the return process.
The guys at the Deerfield location are outstanding.