What is the Shared Ownership Program?
Our Shared Ownership Program brings together a small group of owners to jointly purchase a boat and share the costs of ownership. Carefree Boat Club of Southern CT manages all operations — scheduling, maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep — so every owner enjoys equal access to the boat throughout the boating season.
This program offers the freedom and flexibility of traditional ownership at a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of professional management and worry-free maintenance handled entirely by the Carefree team.
This program offers the freedom and flexibility of traditional ownership at a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of professional management and worry-free maintenance handled entirely by the Carefree team.
Availability & Access
Each Shared Boat is owned by a maximum of four owners and is reserved exclusively for their use. With only four members sharing the boat, availability is exceptionally high compared to standard Boat Club usage. Based on typical demand, each owner can expect access to at least 24 weekends and countless weekdays throughout the season.
Shared Owners will reserve their time through ResNet, with the ability to hold up to four active reservations at once (two weekend and two weekday). Owners can also contact the dock directly for spur-of-the-moment outings when the boat is available.
In addition, Shared Owners enjoy Carefree’s Reciprocity Program, providing access to boats at other Carefree Boat Club locations worldwide — all at no additional cost.
Shared Owners will reserve their time through ResNet, with the ability to hold up to four active reservations at once (two weekend and two weekday). Owners can also contact the dock directly for spur-of-the-moment outings when the boat is available.
In addition, Shared Owners enjoy Carefree’s Reciprocity Program, providing access to boats at other Carefree Boat Club locations worldwide — all at no additional cost.
Boat Purchasing
The Shared Ownership Program offers two convenient options for acquiring your boat. Shared Owners can choose to purchase a lightly used Carefree Club boat directly from Carefree, or for the greatest savings and customization, purchase a brand-new boat directly from the manufacturer.
When buying new, owners benefit from Carefree’s collective buying power, securing discounts of up to 32% off MSRP. This immediate savings makes boat ownership more attainable than ever. The reduced purchase price is then divided evenly among all owners, creating the most cost-effective path to enjoying your own boat.
When buying new, owners benefit from Carefree’s collective buying power, securing discounts of up to 32% off MSRP. This immediate savings makes boat ownership more attainable than ever. The reduced purchase price is then divided evenly among all owners, creating the most cost-effective path to enjoying your own boat.
Ownership & Program Cost
Boat |
Individual Upfront Cost (Assuming 4 Owners) |
Monthly Operating Fee (Per Owner) |
NEW Sea Fox 328 Commander (32' Center Console) MSRP: $420,000 |
$71,000 32% MSRP Savings |
$625 |
NEW Sea Fox 268 Commander (26' Center Console) MSRP: $200,000 |
$40,000 20% MSRP Savings |
$625 |
NEW Sea Fox 268 Traveler (26' Dual Console) MSRP: $235,000 |
$45,000 23% MSRP Savings |
$625 |
NEW Regal LX6 (26' Bow Rider) MSRP: $190,000 |
$38,000 20% MSRP Savings |
$625 |
2021 NauticStar 243 DC (24' Bow Rider) Used Price: $49,000 |
$12,000 |
$625 |
What Is the Monthly Operating Fee?
The monthly operating fee covers all the essential costs of running and managing your boat — including engine servicing, slip fees, cleaning, maintenance, and winter storage. As your boat’s dedicated manager, Carefree handles every detail, reducing the stress, cost, and time commitment of traditional ownership.
To put the value in perspective, a slip for a boat of this size alone typically costs around $5,500 per year, not including maintenance, storage, or service expenses. With the Shared Ownership Program, all of that is covered in one predictable monthly fee — so you can simply enjoy the water without the work.
What’s Not Included:
The monthly operating fee covers all the essential costs of running and managing your boat — including engine servicing, slip fees, cleaning, maintenance, and winter storage. As your boat’s dedicated manager, Carefree handles every detail, reducing the stress, cost, and time commitment of traditional ownership.
To put the value in perspective, a slip for a boat of this size alone typically costs around $5,500 per year, not including maintenance, storage, or service expenses. With the Shared Ownership Program, all of that is covered in one predictable monthly fee — so you can simply enjoy the water without the work.
What’s Not Included:
- Boat Sales Tax (2.99%)
- Fuel
- Insurance
- ResNet fee
- Owner-caused damage
Resale Options
The Shared Ownership Program requires a two-year commitment from each owner. During that time, Carefree manages the boat and maintains a consistent monthly fee structure with no surprises.
At the end of the two-year term, if the owners decide to sell, Carefree will assist with the resale process. Leveraging our experience selling 10–15 Club boats each year, we’ll market your boat effectively to achieve a fast sale at or above market value.
This process allows each Shared Owner to recover a meaningful portion of their initial investment, helping offset the cost of ownership while enjoying two full seasons on the water.
At the end of the two-year term, if the owners decide to sell, Carefree will assist with the resale process. Leveraging our experience selling 10–15 Club boats each year, we’ll market your boat effectively to achieve a fast sale at or above market value.
This process allows each Shared Owner to recover a meaningful portion of their initial investment, helping offset the cost of ownership while enjoying two full seasons on the water.