The Boat is Waiting!

Mid Summer Pricing is here! Only $3000 with no fees till April!

2010-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Sorry for the lack of posts, but the season has been jamming! Great weather has been a big help. We are up to 11 boats and almost 90 members! We'll be adding boats this coming winter.

There is still plenty of boating season left, making now a great time to join our club. If you join now there are no monthly fees till next April, a huge savings. Plus we are only asking for $3000 entry fee now, with the remaining $1900 due next April.

Are you heading south this winter? Then why not join now, get trained up and use our boats all fall, then you have access to the southern clubs this winter!

Want to learn more, give me a call or shoot me an email!
-Matt
508.398.3221
wdennis@freedomboatclub.com

Power Squadron Seamanship Course

2010-05-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Starts Thursday June 3, 2010
Meets Thurs and Mon for 8 evenings from 7-9pm
C-O-MM Fire Station
1875 Falmouth Road, Rt 28 Centerville

Advance your recreational boating knowledge with:
Slow speed maneuvering
Handling at Sea
Rules of the Road
Knots and Lines
and more....

Contact Dave Atwood to register:
508-737-5374
www.ccsps.org

America's Boating Course for ages 12-17

2010-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just got wind of an upcoming youth boating course run by the Power Squadron.

Youth ages 12-17
July 6,2010 (4 weeks - Tuesday evenings)
6-8pm
Hyannis Yacht Club
Cost is $45 for student manual fee

Class size is limited to 15, so hurry up and register your kids!

Contact Dave Atwood at 508-737-5374 to register.

Open House this weekend!

2010-05-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Open House this weekend! More members means we'll be shopping for another boat! Come by either Dennis club 12-4 both days. All our boats are now in for viewing!

Can't make it, now worries, call Matt at 508.398.3221.

12 Months of Boating!

2010-04-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of member Penny Maddy, taking it easy on the intercoastal last week in Florida in one of FBC's boats!

Members of FBC Dennis get 4 trips at each club every year in addition to their unlimited use in Dennis!

Can you say 120 fish?!?!

2010-04-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Yup. One of our members caught 120 fish on Sunday out of Sesuit in East Dennis, our first member's trip out this season. Mostly cod, from what I hear.

Captain Harvey, Captain Bob and I have been busy sea trialing boats at our West Dennis club the past two days. Now we just need Dennis and Yarmouth to get the channel markers in the river so we can start boating on the south side this year!

Open House again this weekend! 12-4 both days!

Capt.Harvey at the helm!

2010-04-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

We often get asked, 'So what do you do all winter long?' Captain Harvey spent a good chunk of the winter down in the Keys, and even found some time to get out on the water in between cold spells. Here's Harvey doing a delivery last month.

As much fun as I'm sure the Keys were, we're happy to have Harvey back at our helm, leading our training team this Spring!

Hyannis Rotary Home Show at Barnstable High School!

2010-03-28T04:39:00.000-07:00

Jack Tompkins from the Falmouth FBC and I are at the Hyannis Rotary Home and Garden Show this weekend. Sat was very busy and we seemed to be creating a good buzz. The FBC bug is definitely spreading!

Aerial Pics of Bass River and the marina

2010-03-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

Check out these great winter pics that one of our members just took from the air! One more day of rain, then the rest of the week looks awesome. Think Spring!

Upcoming Intro to Boating Course put on by the Power Squadron - Great for novices!

2010-03-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

America’s Boating Course®
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
7:00 PM (Registration 6:30 PM)
Barnstable Intermediate (Middle) School Cafeteria
895 Falmouth Rd. (Rte. 28), Hyannis

Learn to skipper a boat with confidence
Anyone interested in recreational boating is encouraged to attend this public boating course.

We provide essential information for every kind of boater.
Learn about:
• Boat Handling & Seamanship
• Required Equipment
• Navigation Rules of the Road
• Knots, Lines & Docking
• Charts & Aids to Navigation
• Boat Trailering & More
Course materials:
• Study guide / Workbook
• Sample chart
• Course plotting tool
• Dividers
• CD

Power, sail, and personal watercraft are covered. The course exceeds educational
requirements in all states. With over 40,000 members in 450 squadrons nationwide,
United States Power Squadrons is the largest family recreational boating organization
dedicated to Boating Education, Civic Service, and Fun!

There is a nominal charge for course materials.
To register, call Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron today!
508-737-5374 or
on-line at www.ccsps.org

Recreational Saltwater Permit Comes to Massachusetts - Register federally in 2010, but purchase state permit in 2011.

2010-03-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Originally, the permit was going to cost $10 this year, now it's free for 2010. You still need to register though!

Here's a link to the full article:
Click Here

Come see us at the show!

2010-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Our booth came out great. Great spot too! The weekend was jamming with people. Signed up two already! If you are contemplating membership, you can save $1000 by joining in February.

Here's some pics!

Come see FBC at tbe New England Boat Show | Feb 20-28!

2010-02-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Freedom Boat Club will have a booth at the upcoming Boston Boat Show at the new Boston Convention and Expo Center. It's a great opportunity to see what boating is all about.

See what boat ownership is all about and what a tremendous deal FBC really is! A no hassles FBC membership is ove 50% cheaper than the cost of owning just one boat, and you have unlimited access to a whole fleet!

Here's a link to the show's site: Boston Boat Show

Hope you can make it to the show!
-Matt

It's official! FBC Dennis has a mascot!

2010-01-22T07:14:00.001-08:00

That's right! My wife and I picked up an Old English Sheep Dog puppy last weekend! We named him Cooper. He'll be around this summer to greet you at the office and hopefully at the docks too! Here are a few pics.

This is what FBC is all about!

2009-12-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

RECIPROCITY! Just because it's cold here, your boating can continue down south! Check out this recent email from members Tim and Jeanne Nealon.

Hi Matt,

Tim and I just want to say thank you for arranging our reciprocals in Florida. We really enjoyed the boats. We had a deck boat in Naples and took out 8 of our friends. Great weather and great boating to Marco. We saw lots of dolphins on the way.

Our daughter and family joined us in Siesta Key and we enjoyed taking out their bowrider. Again, we had great weather and our grandson caught a pretty sizeable snook which he threw back but made for a lot of excitement.

We want to wish you a wonderful wedding and a happy holiday season and we'll look forward to seeing you in the spring.

Best Regards,
Jeanne and Tim

Come see FBC at the Cape Cod Mall!

2009-12-02T06:01:00.001-08:00

We've got an awesome display set up at the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis from Thanksgiving through New Years!

Come on by to say hi and learn more about FBC. An FBC membership makes a great holiday gift that the whole family will enjoy!

Check out the pics of Captain Harvey Wright in action this past weekend!

Gov. Patrick signs fishing registration law

2009-11-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 24, 2009

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a law requiring state licenses for saltwater fishing in Massachusetts.

The Department of Fish and Game will propose an individual permit fee of $10 to take effect in January. The revenue will be deposited in the state's Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund.

The federal government is requiring the registries as a means of measuring non-commercial fishing activity on the nation's coasts. If states don't create their own programs, the federal government will require anglers to register online or by telephone for a free from $15 to $25.

Some critics question the need for a permit to fish in the ocean and have also raised privacy concerns. And they say they suspect low initial fees will be raised once fishermen are registered.

Patrick signed the bill late Monday.

FBC member catches our biggest Tuna yet!

2009-11-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

One of our best fisherman hooked the largest fish on record with FBC Dennis. Check out the size of this tuna, over 60 inches! Joe and his son caught this fish mid day Saturday out at Stellie from our 26' Pro-Line Express, Chasin' The Blues!

Tuna Jumping Just Outside Barnstable Harbor!

2009-09-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this email from one of our members:

Thought I would let you know that the tuna were jumping all afternoon today just outside of Barnstable Harbor. Some of them jumped 30 feet from the boat, it was amazing. Thought you might want to pass it along to other members. Not sure how long they will be there, but it was really cool. Also, caught a couple of nice size blues...

Let's hope the next month brings some good fishing!
-Matt

Fishing still good!

2009-09-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

Cooler waters this month should make for some great fishing. Check out the size of this blue that Ryan Stratford caught with his dad, Steve, while out last week!

Nantucket Light Ship moored at the Mya in honor of Kennedy!

2009-08-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Members Ernie and Ann Jackson were up in Hyannisport yesterday along with Captain Harvey and snapped these photos of the Nantucket Lightship. The lightship is anchored next to Ted Kennedy's sloop, the Mya, in honor of his passing.

Fishing tips for Cape Cod Bay!

2009-07-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

One of our members has found an amazing Blues location at "The Path" down by Wellfleet and Truro and was getting hookups almost every other cast. Every other location hit that day was dead.

His advice is to get a leadcore trolling setup and use the 7" Yo-Zuri HydroSquirt in Red with a Gold bottom at a speed of between 3-6 knots and about 20-30 feet of water. He's also had luck with the same lure without leadcore when they are feeding near the top but the fish seem to be deeper lately. The only other lure that has worked for for him is casting a 5oz Wounded Herring but no where near the HydroSquirt's production. It tends to troll too close to the surface, so it is best to cast into them with it.

The Hydro Squirt is available at Goose Hummock in Orleans.

Have some advice? Shoot me an email at mcarrick@freedomboatclub.com and I will post it here.

Good Luck!
-Always Anglin'

50 Members and Counting!

2009-06-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

That's right, we just signed our 50th member and we aren't even into summer yet! Our 7th boat is just getting into the water and it's almost time to start shopping for our 8th!

The boats are ready, are you?
-Matt
509.398.3221

7 boats in the Dennis fleet now!

2009-06-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

4 in West Dennis at Bass River Marina and 3 in East Dennis at Northside Marina in Sesuit Harbor. Here are pics of our 2 new boats at Sesuit:

Freedom Boat Club now up to 53 locations!

2009-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Recently we have added a club in Ohio on Lake Erie and now 6 clubs from New York have joined the FBC network! Remember, in addition to your unlimited use in Dennis, you also get 4 uses at EACH and EVERY other club EACH year!

Summer is almost here, give me a call today and be boating tomorrow!

Matt
508.398.3221

VHF Tutorial Seminar this Sat am plus Open House all weekend!

2009-05-07T05:19:00.001-07:00

This Sat from 10-12 the Cape Cod Power Squadron is doing a VHF tutorial at our West Dennis office! Come on by to learn proper calling techniques and other valubale information.

After the seminar, stick around for our Open House to learn more about the joys of no hassle boating as a member of Freedom Boat Club.

Open House runs both Sat and Sun from 12-4 at both our Bass River and Sesuit locations.

Matt
508-398-3221

Brewster in Bloom Parade!

2009-05-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

FBC along with the Cape Cod Sail & Power Squadron participated in the Brewster in Bloom Parade yesterday. The weather managed to hold off just long enough for FBC's Brett Peterson to strut her and FBC's stuff! Here's a few pics! - Matt

First Sesuit Boat is Ready!

2009-04-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Our brand new 23' Pro Line Sport Center Console is now in the water and active in the reservation system for members to enjoy! We just named it too - Always Anglin'!

The boat has a 250 Merc Verado 4 stroke engine and rod holders galore! Fishermen are sure to love her. Don't worry ladies, there's a head, gps, vhf radio, CD stereo and ample bow seating with cushions for you too!

What are you waiting for, the boats are ready!

Matt
508.398.3221

Open House This Weekend!

2009-04-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

Come by either our West Dennis or new East Dennis office this weekend April 25, 26 between 12-4 to see the boats, meet the staff and learn more about our no-hassle alternative to boat ownership!

It's your last chance to save $1,000 on the one-time entry fee if you sign up at the Open House!

The boats are waiting, why are you?
-Matt
508.398.3221

Boats are Ready!

2009-04-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We've got our Bass River boats in the water and I just opened up the reservation system! The Sesuit boats should be ready this coming week.

Can't wait for some nice weather!

Matt
508.398.3221

'09 off to a great start! Welcome new members!

2009-04-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we're off to a great start this year! People are really starting to catch on to our no-hassle alternative to boat ownership! Boat shows, early radio advertising, Open Houses and the Hyannis Home Show have all attributed to 10 new 2009 members! So much for the economy!

We're pushing 40 members now in Dennis, with more on the way. The more members we add, the more boats we'll buy!

Call now to learn more about Freedom Boat Club of Dennis!
-Matt
508.398.3221

FBC has taken the Facebook plunge!

2009-03-27T05:36:00.001-07:00

Check out our new Facebook Page and become a fan!

FBC Dennis on Facebook

Do you know someone that might be interested in FBC Dennis. Refer them to us and we'll pay you $300 when the join! They'll save $300 off membership too!

Matt
508.398.3221

FBC at the Hyannis HOME Show?!?!

2009-03-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right! We are exhibiting at the Hyannis Rotary Home Show this coming Sat and Sun at the Barnstable High School! The expected number of attendees makes it a worthwhile venture for us. We're even bringing a boat from the Falmouth fleet!

It will be the last chance to learn more about our pre-season March special! Hope you can make it.

The boats are waiting!
-Matt
508.398.3221
mcarrick@freedomboatclub.com

What a great Open House Weekend!

2009-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe the economy isn't that bad after all! Or perhaps it's true that people still need their outlets, and getting out on the water has got to be one of the best outlets available to just get out on the water and forget about what's happening back on land!

We had a lot of traffic both days and people seem really excited about our new Cape Cod Bay location at Sesuit Harbor. I hope to be signing a lot of contracts this week!

For those of you who couldn't make it, you have another week to get in on our $1,000 discount off of our one-time entry fee!

The boats are waiting, why are you?!?!
Matt
508.398.3221

Welcome Aboard - Brett Peterson!

2009-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Please join me in welcoming Brett Peterson to our staff! Brett will be leading our sales and operations at our new Sesuit Harbor club! Brett has been in the boating industry her whole life and she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to FBC! The Sesuit office phone is 508-385-8991.

Open House March 21, 22 Weekend!

2009-03-11T05:27:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! We will be hosting an Open House both Sat & Sun March 21 and 22 from 12-4 each day at our West Dennis office. Come by to learn more about unlimited boating at two Dennis locations - Bass River Marina and Northside Marina at Sesuit Harbor!

We'll be registering attendees to win a free one month trial membership!

Can't come to the open house, call Matt anytime at 508.398.3221.

Boat Show Success!

2009-02-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Contrary to pre-show expectations, the boat show was surprisingly busy this year! The weekend days were jammed and we were still pretty busy mid week too. Being Feb vacation week also definitely hepled foot traffic. Most boat dealers I talked to thought the show was a success and many boats were sold!

At the FBC booth, we had a tremendous amount of traffic and interest in our pricing model. The all-inclusive low monthly payments that we offer are very attractive in this economy. Each FBC club was excited with the interest we generated and we expect to close many memberships by month end.

For those that missed the show, you can still get in on our discounted Feb pricing. Call or email for details, as this deal does expire Feb 28!

The boats are waiting, why are you?!?!?!?!?
-Matt
508.398.3221

Reminder -- Boston Boat Show Feb 14-22

2009-02-11T06:24:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post to remind you all to come find the Freedom Boat Club booth at the New England Boat Show Sat Feb 14 thru Sun Feb 22. We'll have a few of our boats there for you to check out too!

Matt
508.398.3221
mcarrick@freedomboatclub.com

Come see us at the New England Boat Show! Feb 14-22

2009-01-20T05:26:00.001-08:00

Freedom Boat Club of East and West Dennis will be exhibiting at the New England Boat Show Feb 14-22 at the new South Boston Expo Center. This is by far the largest boat show in the region. Come by and sign up at the show and take advantage of our 20/20 deal!

Hope to see you there!
-Matt

Matthew Carrick
Freedom Boat Club - East & West Dennis
The Boat is Waiting!
Office: (508) 398-FBC1 (3221)
Mobile: (617) 320-3489
Fax: (508) 632-1055
mcarrick@freedomboatclub.com
www.freedomboatclub.com

Celebrating 20 years of providing hassle-free boating!

Freedom Boat Club celebrates 20 years in business!

2009-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

“How do we make boating simple and hassle free?” was a question posed by the founders of Freedom Boat Club (FBC) twenty years ago. With this question a unique idea was born. A membership club for boating enthusiasts that reduces their cost of boating, provides expert training, eliminates the physical strains such as maintenance or cleaning, allows access to a fleet of boats for any excursion, and ultimately creates more opportunities for time on the water. Since its inception, FBC has grown to forty-five locations throughout the United States due to the concept’s popularity. East Dennis is the 45th club!

This simple idea has proven to have timeless benefits as well. Amidst the credit crunch, environmental concerns, and fuel consumption awareness, FBC has been able to expand and increase its membership base. Since FBC is a membership club based on monthly dues, no long-term financing or credit is required. This has proven useful as home equity and the stock market has declined. The idea is also an inherently “green” or environmentally friendly form of boating. By members sharing a fleet of boats, they are using less shoreline for dockage and putting fewer hulls into landfills long-term. Lastly, by scaling the size of a boat to their needs for the day, members ultimately use less fuel. Imagine being able to adjust the size of your car each trip based on the number of passengers!

Staying true to its roots after twenty years, FBC wants to make the joy of boating available to all who are interested. If you are new to boating and lack training, an avid fisherman looking for more time on the water, a busy young professional or family trying to fit it all in, or a retiree tired of the strains of boating, FBC welcomes you to learn more about what the club can do for you. Visit www.freedomboatclub.com or call 508-398-3221.

Rookie of the Year!

2008-12-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

I just returned from the annual franchise owner conference in Naples, and we were named new club of the year! The conference was fun and educational and we are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming boat show season and then boats in the water at two clubs in April.

I also managed to take a boat out of the Naples club one day and had a blast cruising around Marco Island! As a member you have free reciprocity to over 40 clubs from NH to FL!

The boat is waiting, why are you?

-Matt
508.398.3221

Sesuit Harbor location opening this Spring!

2008-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. That’s right! We are opening a second club at Northside Marina at Sesuit Harbor Spring 2009! As a member you will have unlimited use at both of our clubs, plus your reciprocity to the other 44 clubs nationwide.

The boats will be in the water at wet slips, and we plan to have at least 2, if not 3 to start, and then we will keep adding to both clubs as we add members.

Members remember to talk up the club this holiday season and all winter and spring. If you refer someone that joins the club, I’ll waive two months dues for you!

Interested in joining, call now to learn about our incredible holiday deal!

Happy holidays,
Matt
508.398.3221
mcarrick@freedomboatclub.com

Thanks for a great season!

2008-11-19T06:39:00.001-08:00

Well, season one is finally in the books! The boats are now all just about out of the water. Thanks to all of our members that joined this year and special thanks to all of our dock masters!

Just becuase our season is done, doesn't mean that as a member you can't go boating. All of our clubs in Florida are just now ramping up for their busy season.

If you are planning on heading south this winter, don't forget to give me a call so I can get you a few reservations down south!

Matt
508.398.3221

October Update - we are still open!

2008-10-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! I realize that many of you are back off cape, or heavily involved in kids' soccer and other fall activities, BUT there is still some great boating and fishing to be had this month! In fact, our cruiser 'Fire Escape' spent this past weekend on Nantucket!

All of our boats are still in the water, and I plan on keeping them in until the marina tells us that we finally have to get them out which shouldn't be until early November!

Most of our boats have full bimini enclosures for getting out of the weather too!

With our incredible fall pricing, now is a great time to join. You can join now locking in 2008 prices, get trained here this month, then enjoy our southern clubs all winter long for FREE!

The boats are waiting, why are you?!?!

-Matt
508.398.3221

Heading to Florida this Winter?

2008-09-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Are you heading to Florida for several months this winter?

Have you been considering joining all summer but now that you think the season is over, you are going to wait until next spring to join?

Join NOW and then you can boat for free while you are in Florida this winter! FBC has 18 clubs in Florida alone; 6 in the Naples area!

Our boats in West Dennis will be in the water until early November, so there is still plenty of time for you to join and get trained before you head south this winter!

If you would like to learn more about our free reciprocity with the Florida clubs, give me a call.

-Matt
508.398.3221

Great Freedom Boat Club Article in Last Week's Boston Globe

2008-08-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Somehow I missed this last week! Enjoy!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/08/21/boating_on_a_budget/

Home / News / Local

Boating on a budget
Club members find savings, convenience

By David Rattigan
Globe Correspondent / August 21, 2008
For Dean Rubin, there's nothing better than taking off on a pleasure cruise from Beverly Harbor on a boat he doesn't own.

"You go down, and the boat is waiting for you," Rubin said. "You enjoy the harbor, come back, get your stuff, and walk away. There are no hassles at the dock. You just get out of the boat and go home."

He and his wife, Tracy, of Beverly, are part of a new trend: Membership clubs that let people get out on the water without the expense and responsibilities of boat ownership.

Mike Saunders brought the trend to Massachusetts in 2005 when he opened a Freedom Boat Club franchise at Marina Bay in Quincy. He now owns similar franchises in Plymouth and Beverly, and there also are locations in Newburyport, West Dennis, Falmouth, and Rhode Island. The Navigator Club in Charlestown, owned by Edward Mancini, offers similar memberships.

Saunders compares it with a country club membership. Just as golf club members call to reserve tee times, boat club members call to request any of the seven boats the club keeps on the Beverly dock. The boats include bow riders, cruisers, fish ing boats, and a sailboat.

The Navigator Club at Constitution Marina in Charlestown is the newest among the on-demand boating clubs, opening this year.

"I was in boat sales and yacht brokering, and saw that a lot of people just didn't have the time to maintain a boat or to deal with some of the traditional boat ownership tasks," said Mancini, who considered opening in Newburyport, where he once docked his boat, before deciding on his current location. "I didn't want to be a franchise guy, and felt I could do a better job. I also have a passion for water, so if I can show prospective members that, it brings new people into boating."

Membership in the clubs provides the same privileges that come with docking a boat at the marina - which can include use of clubhouses, pools, restaurants, or whatever other facilities are available at the marina.

There are different fee structures, including a onetime joining fee of $4,500 for a weekday membership and $5,900 for a seven-day membership, plus fees that come to $2,500/$3,500 annually for the Freedom Boat Clubs in Beverly, Quincy, and Plymouth. Navigator Club fees run from $5,595 for a weekday membership to $7,495 for a seven-day membership.

That's less than the cost of boat ownership, which beyond the purchase price can include insurance, slip rental, harbor fees, maintenance, and winter storage.

"It costs substantially less" than boat ownership on average, "less than half," Saunders said. "Many of our members are previous boat owners who choose this because it's a no-hassle alternative. They don't have to worry about maintaining the boat."

Both clubs offer training programs, but the majority of members are people with some experience on the water.

"I just make a reservation, come here, and jump in the boat," said Joe Sharron of Windham, N.H., a Navigator Club member who used to dock his boat in Newburyport. "It's clean, the facilities are clean, I don't have to worry about maintenance. Somebody else does all that. I just go out, come back, park the boat, and I'm done. It's a great concept."

Donna Wadden of Andover decided to take up boating to celebrate her fifth cancer-free year, but found that the $10,000 she'd set aside "doesn't buy much boat . . . maybe a rowboat." Through word of mouth, she found the Freedom club's Beverly location, and has been a member for nearly three years.

"It's like my dream is back in my hands again," she said. "And in the fall, when my friends complain to me about taking their boats out of the water and putting them into storage, I can say, 'Not me. My crew is putting my boat away.' "

For the Rubins, who formerly owned Yamaha Waverunner jet skis and a Hobie Cat sailboat, the club has allowed them to get back onto the water, which the first-time power boaters hadn't done since moving to Beverly 13 years ago.

"To be near the water and not on it is a crying shame," Rubin said. "We finally said, 'Enough is enough; let's get into it.' "

© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.

Ever see a boat split in two?

2008-08-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, our boat "Fishin' Cruise" recently ran into some rocks off Hyannis and damaged the hull. In order to fix the hull damage, we had to remove the top half of the boat to fix the damage from the inside.

Anyways, I thought you would enjoy the pics!

Did you know that training is included for FREE with your membership!

2008-08-22T06:29:00.001-07:00

That's right! Be it a one hour refresher, or 20 hours! We have a licensed captain on staff who will teach you all you need to know to be comfortable and confident out there in each of our boats.

Captain Harvey Wright not only will teach you navagational aids and boat handling out on the water, but also will cover chart reading, GPS and other classroom materials -- FOR FREE AS PART OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Here's a few pics of Harvey and one of our newest members heading out for a training session.

Few Pics of Tartar Sauce heading out to find the big one!

2008-07-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

Member Sam Gourley and his crew headed towards Monomoy this past weekend in search of the elusive big striper!

Sam knows Tartar Sauce well as it used to be his boat! Sam sold the boat to the club and then joined. Now he still gets to use his boat plus the rest of the fleet all for less than what it cost him to own Tartar Sauce!

New order of FBC hats just in!

2008-07-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

There's no better way to show of your membership than with a sweet new FBC hat! Perhaps match it with one of our quality FBC golf polos. Give a call or stop in next time you are heading for the docks!

Matt
508.398.3221

What a turnout!

2008-07-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

What a turnout for our Power Squadron Boat Handling Under Power class! Thanks to all my members that attended! Hopefully we all learned a thing or two that we can apply out on the water! I am trying to set up another Power Squadron class here at the office and will be posting here in the near future!

Keep reading,

Matt
508.398.3221

First Member Overnight to Martha's Vineyard a Success!

2008-07-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Member Ed Jette recently became the first of hopefully many to take the cruiser 'Fire Escape' overnight to one of the islands. As a member, you can take any of the boats for up to 4 days in a row. Ed chose Monday and Tuesday of this week to spend an night in Oak Bluffs on MV with his family. Ed's been one of our most active members, having used all of our boats several times. In fact, he is due back out in 'Fishin Cruise' this Friday!

'Fire Escape' is headed right back out as we speak for another overnight with member/dockmaster, Steve Bodak. Steve and his family plan to follow Ed's path to Oak Bluffs!

If you want to learn how you and your family can enjoy a no-hassle overnight to the islands, give me a call!

-Matt
The Boats are Ready, Are You?!?!
508-398-FBC1 (3221)

Check out one of our Cable TV ads!

2008-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Pics from the Member Social & Open House

2008-06-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Thanks to all the members that made it out for our first Social! We had a decent turn out of prospects too! The weather sure did cooperate for us! Here are some pics:

Charter Members Bill and Debbi Stakos, and Member Eric Garceau with friend, Denise.

Member Alex Nader and Members Catherine and Pat Vacca. Pat works the docks for Freedom too!

Member Kim Robinson, right, with a couple of FBC wannabees!

Me and member Mike Robinson fresh off his fishing trip on Tartar Sauce to Monomoy!

Brand new members Jack Harrington, and Kathleen and George Humphrey along with me again.

Thanks to everyone who made it! See you at the
next Social!

Keep reading!

-Matt
FBC West Dennis
508-398-FBC1 (3221)

Power Squadron "Boat Handling Under Power" Seminar to be held at FBC office July 17th 7-9 pm

2008-06-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. The US Power Squadron has volunteered to host a 2 hour Boat Handling Classroom Seminar at the office Thursday, July 17th, 7-9 pm. The class is free, but there is a $20 fee for the waterproof take-aboard Boat Handling Under Power Quick Guide. It should be a fun class, plus another chance to meet members, and maybe find that fishing buddy you’ve been looking for! I’ll supply some tasty beverages!

This is open to the public, so please invite anyone that you think may be interested.

I need RSVPs so we know how many attendees there will be and how many Guides to order.

Call 508-398-3221 to register.

FBC High Quality Golf Polos are now in stock!

2008-06-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have some very nice, high-quality golf polos available at the office. There are both men’s and women’s styles in all sizes.

The shirts cost me $33 per shirt. I am not trying to make money here, just cover some costs. They are for sale at $30 for one of $40 for two!

Be proud and show off you membership! Who knows it could end up getting you a free month’s dues if someone notices the shirt and strikes up a conversation with you, and then joins!

Please stop into the office next time you are heading to the dock!

-Matt

P.S. Hats are on order!

First Member Social/Open House June 21st

2008-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! The summer season is nearly upon us! What better way to kick it off than with our first Member Social!

Saturday June 21st at 4pm, I am hosting our first of hopefully many member gatherings. Come on down to the back deck of the Compass Rose Summer Shanty, located right at the marina, at 4 pm on Saturday. Mark your calendars!

This is open to everyone, so please do bring all of your family, friends and neighbors. Whether they may be interested in joining, or just want to enjoy a nice afternoon at the docks!

If you are one of our newer members, this will be a great opportunity to meet others and pick their brains on places to go by boat, and maybe even find a fishing buddy!

As always, any member that you bring to me, I will give you a free month’s membership! Plus, if the member joins they will get $500 off of their entry fee! A true win-win for both parties!

This event will also serve as an Open House, so there will be plenty of prospects for you to share your thoughts on the club and help us grow! Remember, as we grow, we will all get to enjoy new boats!

Hope you can attend.

-Matt

Speaking of our boats....

2008-05-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Thought I would put up some pics! Can't wait for warmer days so we can get the biminis off and really let loose!

Here's our smallest boat - a 22' Wellcraft Sportsman Bowrider:

Next up is a 23' Wellcraft Coastal Cuddy Cabin:

Third, is our 25' Wellcraft Fisherman Tournament Edition Center Console.

Fourth, is the 26' Larson Cabrio Cruiser!

She'll sleep 4 and is equipped with everything!

Join the club now and help us choose our next boat!

-Matt
The Boat is Waiting.

Another Great Open House Turnout

2008-05-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

What a great turnout for the Memorial Day Weekend Open House! Thanks to all that attended, and if you couldn't make it, don't worry we are planning a couple for June now!

We signed up some new members and should have several more in the near future! Pretty soon, it will hopefully be time to start talking about what our 5th boat should be!

If you haven't seen our office or our fleet, come on down and see what we're all about!

-Matt
The Boat is Waiting.

Summer is here - Memorial Day Weekend Open House!

2008-05-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

The unofficial start of summer is nearly upon us! What better time to have our third Open House!

Many summer residents should be down opening up their houses and looking to catch the buzz of what's new on the Cape for this summer.

Half of our members are summer residents, and so I am sure that there will be more joining in the next couple of months!

Come on by and see the boats, meet the staff and learn more about no-hassle, unlimited boating at Freedom Boat Club of West Dennis!

On to the details:
Open House runs all three days - Sat, Sun & Mon from 12-4 each day.
Bass River Marina, RT 28, 150 Main St, West Dennis, MA
508-398-FBC1 (3221)
Call or just stop by!
Food and beverages will be provided.

Don't miss another summer on the water!

Cable TV ads now running!

2008-05-13T11:20:00.001-07:00

That's right! We're running commercials now through Aug 3rd on ESPN, ESPN2, NESN, Travel, Discovery, History and Weather channel. Keep an eye out for 'em and spread the word.

Thanks for reading!

-Matt
4 Boats and counting.....

Sat May 17th - Figawi Charity Ball Sponsorship!

2008-05-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you have heard of the annual Figawi Race from Hyannis to Nanctucket every Memorial Day Weekend. It's quite a spectacle! You all know the red Mount Gay Rum Figawi Hats!

Well, there is also a Figawi Chrarity Ball that falls the Saturday before the race. This year it is Sat May 17th at 6pm. Tickets are only $65. It's the premier black tie event on the Cape and last year had about 1,000 attendees! Here is the link for info on the ball: http://www.figawi.com/page/ball

Freedom Boat Club of West Dennis has sponsored the ball and will be there to explain the club to anyone interested. To see our sponsorship, click here: http://www.figawi.com/page/sponsors/charity_ball

Spread the word!

Keep reading...

Bass River Buoys are In! The season is officially here!

2008-05-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well, this past week's weather was just awful, especially when compared to the last week of April! The boats pretty much sat at the docks, but we did have a chance to finish cleaning and prepping our 3 boats that are already in the water.

The entire Bass River channel is now marked. We took a cruise up river yesterday to the speed zone and gave the 220 Sportsman a true test. The beauty of a bowrider handled like a dream. She seats up to 10 and will surely be the boat to book for tubing or skiing! It also has all the fishing gear from rod holders to a live well.

The weather looks quite gloomy again today, and the forecast for Sunday looks worse. We have a few on the water trainings scheduled for Sunday, so hopefully we can get them in.

Also, we just purchased our 4th boat, a 26' Larson Cabrio Cruiser! She can sleep 4 and has a full head with shower, a galley kitchen with stove and fridge, and even a flat screen tv and DVD!

As always, check back soon for updates!

The Boat is Waiting!
Matt Carrick
Freedom Boat Club - West Dennis
508.398.FBC1 (3221)
wdennis@freedomboatclub.com
http://www.freedomboatclub.com/

Spring is here!

2008-04-25T08:41:00.001-07:00

Well, Spring is definitely here! The weather this week has been unbelievable. Let's hope that May is just as nice! Some of the best boating and fishing occurs this time of year.

The Bass River bouys are in south of the bridge, not sure whether it's Dennis or Yarmouth dragging their heels on the ones north of the bridge!

We spent a good 2 hours out last night just as the wind, which had been blowing hard out of the east all day, decided to take a break.

We were just going to hit the end of the river and back, but it was such a nice late afternoon, that we made a run up to Hyannis Harbor and back. Capt. Hurricane Bob and I took some members on their initial training and they sure did seem to enjoy it. More trips are already planned!

Check back often to see what's new at Bass River Marina and Freedom Boat Club!

Though Boating was too expensive, think again!

Matt Carrick, Freedom Boat Club - West Dennis
508-398-3221
The Boat is Waiting!

Out on the Water... Finally!

2008-04-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well, as the title says, we finally got out on the water today! The weather was beautiful - bright sky, very little wind, with the temp pushing 60.

The marina channel markers were put in earlier this week, however the rest of the river which are done by the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth are still not in. There are a bunch stacked up at the Yarmouth town slips just south of the Bass River Bridge, so I would expect them to be going in soon.

Regardless, Bud and I decided to take the 232 Coastal out for a quick spin around 2 pm. She handled like a beauty, and we managed to stay in the deep water, even without the markers! Thanks Bud for the lesson! Hopefully we can get out again this week!

More and more boats continue to hit the slips each day, and the boating season is fast upon us!

Check back soon.

April Open House April 19, 20 Sat & Sun 12-4

2008-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Our second Open House is set this Sat and Sun from 12-4 both days. A couple of our boats are now in the water. Come on down and check out the boats, meet our staff and learn more about the 'Alternative to Boat Ownership'!

Check out this link to learn more about the club: http://freedomboatclub.com/how_it_works

All attendees will be registered to win a one month free trial membership!

Food and beverages will be provided.

Contact: Matthew Carrick
150 Main Street, Route 28, West Dennis, MA 02670
Need more info or directions, call 508-398-FBC1 (3221) or email wdennis@freedomboatclub.com

Dock Staff set for the season!

2008-04-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I am happy to say that the Dock Masters for the upcoming season are already in place! We have a great crew of 4 avid boaters.

Let's give a warm welcome to Steve Bodak, Pat Vacca, Bud Bearse and Bob Markowski! These gents will be the welcoming face of Freedom Boat Club, helping you and your guests on and off the boats and helping you plot your course for the day. All are avid boaters, and either own or used to own a boat.

You all will surely get to know them well this summer!

Stay tuned....

An Open House Success! Plus 3rd Boat Purchased!

2008-04-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended our first Open House this past weekend! Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day, although a bit chilly, but attendance was still tremendous! We're already at 9 members closed and should hit 10 or 12 by the end of the week!

For those who missed it, we had our 2 boats out for all to see and climb aboard. We plan to do our second Open House the weekend of April 19th and 20th, hopefully with the boats in the water.

The plan is to splash two of our boats this week, maybe even tomorrow!

Also, we just purchased our third boat - a 25 foot center console. It's a 252 Wellcraft Fisherman Tournament Edition with a 225 Yamaha! This boat will be a real workhorse that will satisfy the fishing members.

I know I has said that we were going to get a cruiser next, but this boat was too good to pass up! The cruiser will be in the next couple of weeks!

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned...

March Madness Open House Mar 29, 30

2008-03-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Open House – Freedom Boat Club of West Dennis
Sat and Sun March 29th, 30th 12-4 PM

March Madness Open House!
Last chance to lock in our Winter discounted rates!
Come by this weekend, see our boats, learn more about this affordable alternative to boat ownership and enjoy food and beverages. Plus, register to win a ONE MONTH trial membership!

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 PM. All are welcome to stop by and say Hi!

Contact: Matthew Carrick
150 Main Street, Route 28, West Dennis, MA 02670
Need more info or directions, call 508-398-FBC1 (3221) or email wdennis@freedomboatclub.com

Our Fleet is Expanding!

2008-03-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we just purchased our 2nd boat. Along with the 2008 232 Wellcraft Coastal, we have just purchased a 2007 Wellcraft 220 Sportsman – a great dual purpose boat for fishing, cruising, tubing, etc.

We'll be adding our 3rd boat - a 26' Cruiser in the coming weeks!

We'll have 4 new and late model boats in the water by mid April to support our growing membership!

If you have owned a boat, but are tired of the headaches and hassles of boat ownership, or you always wanted to get into boating, but didn't think you had the time or money, Freedom Boat Club is the perfect solution.

Our members have unlimited use of our fleet of boats at Bass River Marina plus access to all other 40+ Freedom clubs from here to Florida, all for half of the cost of owning a boat!

Check us out at www.fbcwestdennis.com!