Freedom Boat Club, a membership-based boat-sharing service, said Friday that it opened a location in Baltimore, its third franchise in the state.
The new location in the city's Inner Harbor will have three boats from brands such as Wellcraft and Glastron, said Dan Somerville, manager of Freedom Boat Club. Those numbers could increase based on demand, he said.
Freedom, which started in Florida 27 years ago, has spread to 110 locations in the United States and one in Canada.
Boat clubs market themselves as a simple alternative to owning a boat. Rather than buying a boat and paying for its upkeep, boat enthusiasts can join the club, located in Harbor East Marina, and reserve boats as desired.
"It's no hassle boating," Somerville said. "You are not spending half an hour prepping the boat. If you come down to Freedom, the boat is ready to go. It's a huge money saver too."
The club requires a one-time registration fee, then a monthly fee to use its boats, which are generally 20-foot-or-more powerboats.
Members have access to free classes and on-water training taught by licensed U.S. Coast Guard captains.
Sailing into Baltimore, Freedom will brave competition. Carefree Boat Club has been around for about 14 years and has roughly 30 franchises, including one in Canton.