Freedom Boat Club wins accolade as global demand for shared boating rises

Freedom Boat Club’s international expansion strategy has been recognised with its inclusion in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2025 Top Global Franchises list — a ranking that highlights US brand’s building a strong presence overseas. President Cecil Cohn says the recognition “is a testament to the dedication, passion, and professionalism of our franchise partners,” adding that the franchises continue to “deliver exceptional member experiences and drive the growth of the Freedom brand around the world.”

The Sarasota-founded company, now part of Brunswick Corporation, has grown from a local membership venture into what it describes as the world’s largest boat club, operating more than 400 locations, including 50 international sites across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Its business model gives members access to a fleet of boats without the costs or responsibilities of ownership — an approach that has gained traction as consumers increasingly seek shared-use leisure options. Details of how to become a franchisee are available online.

Freedom Boat Club first launched in 1989, pioneering the ‘boat club’ concept to make recreational boating more accessible. Since joining Brunswick in 2019, it has accelerated its overseas rollout, with new franchise operations opening in the UK, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. The company’s inclusion in Entrepreneur’s global ranking reflects both its international scale and the continued appeal of its membership-based access model.

According to Entrepreneur, the Top Global Franchises list is derived from the annual Franchise 500, with additional emphasis on brands showing sustained overseas expansion. Recognition is based on business performance, franchise growth and global scalability rather than marketing claims — an important signal of operational strength in a competitive leisure market.

Cohn says Freedom’s ongoing success “underscores the global appeal of our shared-access model and the exciting growth potential for our franchise partners worldwide.”