Photo source: Freedom Boat Club
Christchurch businessman Scott Williamson has secured the rights to bring the global boat hire company Freedom Boat Club to New Zealand.
Williamson, who is also the director and shareholder of Sports Marine, a family-owned boat business in Christchurch, will oversee the New Zealand operations.
He mentioned his intention to expand the club in New Zealand, starting with locations in Auckland, Lyttelton, and Queenstown in 2025, before extending into other regions in 2026.
Freedom Boat Club’s first location in New Zealand will be at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina. This new site will feature a fleet of four boats, comprising two Sea Rays and two Rayglass vessels.
Freedom Boat Club plans to hire approximately 15 employees once the initial three locations are fully operational.
A premium membership tier would be priced at just under $1,000 per month, while an entry-level tier would range from $400 to $500 per month. Williamson expressed optimism that this model would attract a new generation of boating enthusiasts.
Freedom Boat Club, established in 1989 in Florida and owned by Brunswick Corporation, claims to be the largest boat club globally, with over 100,000 members. To join, individuals pay a one-time initiation fee and ongoing monthly dues.
Members can access boats from any of the over 400 Freedom Boat Club locations worldwide.
“Freedom’s subscription-based model enables us to connect with a new generation of boating enthusiasts and reach a broader range of boat users,” Brunswick Corporation general manager, boating services Asia-Pacific David Kurczewski said.
The club manages various aspects of boating, including storage, maintenance, insurance, repairs, cleaning, and fuelling prior to each outing. Members also benefit from unlimited training provided by certified captains to enhance their boating skills and confidence.
Meanwhile, Sports Marine, founded in 1978, operated dealerships in Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney. The company maintained a long-standing partnership with Sea Ray, a brand that also runs under the ownership of Brunswick Corporation.