Why Buy When You Can Rent
By David Rolland
South Florida has a lot of options for things to do, but with our expansive coastline, opportunities for fun increase exponentially with a boat. But like all possessions there are a ton of responsibilities with having your own cherished aquatic vessel. That’s where boat clubs come into play. For a membership fee you can access a boat club’s wide array of boats. Here’s Atlantic Current’s guide to boat clubs in Palm Beach County.
Jupiter Pointe Club & Marina
This Tequesta marina has a wide array of options from an annual unlimited membership, to a limited plan where you can have a boat for half a day twelve times in a year. All new members are required to take a boating class so you know what you’re doing out there. Jupiter Pointe is also home to the well-known Blue Pointe Bar and Grill open seven days a week from 11 am to midnight, so you can grab a bite to eat when you come back from the water.
18701 SE Federal Hwy, Tequesta
jupiterpointe.com
Jupiter Inlet Boat Rentals and Boat Club
Jupiter Inlet offers a slightly different pricing option to their boat club. They offer rental programs that do not require a large investment up front. You can rent as a member or non-member, though over time, a membership plan will save you money depending how often you use it. They offer fishing boats, deluxe cruising boats and plush deck boats, all powered by 4-stroke outboard engines.
1095 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter
jupiterinletboatrentals.com
JetRide Boat & Jet Ski Club Jupiter
Jetride offers a ton of different plans. There’s a seasonal option for just the summer that grants use of their entire fleet of boats and jet skis. There are also annual memberships that are quoted for as low as $399/month with access to 20 different models of boats and jet skis. Their Jupiter location is in Harbourside Place and includes complimentary garage parking.
114 N Coastal Way, Jupiter
jetride.com/jupiter
Your Boat Club North Palm Beach
Your Boat Club has over 400 boats at 35 different locations. They offer runarounds, pontoons, and fishing boats. They also advertise a full service marina. The North Palm Beach location was their first Florida spot, but unfortunately does have limited parameters where you can take the boat. They are only permitted in the Intracoastal Waterway, not into the ocean, and you can’t go behind Munyon Island.
139 Shore Ct, North Palm Beach
yourboatclub.com
Gulfstream Boat Club (multiple locations)
Gulfstream has locations in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Hypoluxo, and Delray Beach (if you want to take a road trip you can also use their multiple Tampa locations). Their plans offer a varied fleet, along with complimentary usage of snorkeling and fishing gear. Boats in Palm Beach County range in length from 21’ to 35’ and they offer membership packages that vary from 25 hours of boating to two years of unlimited boating.
Freedom Boat Club (multiple locations)
Advertised as the world’s largest and oldest boat club, Freedom has over 370 locations including ones in West Palm and Lantana. They have a one-time membership fee, followed by monthly dues. They offer unlimited training from licensed captains and state that if you want to boat in a new location, they’ll personally show you the waterways.
