Tom Armon isn’t waiting around for zebra mussels or anything else to grow on his hulls…he’s already planning ahead for the 2018 boating season on Michigan’s West Coast, and he’s doing it through an expanding network for boat lovers in the region of Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Armon is owner and operator of Freedom Boat Club of Michiana which is anchored with executive offices in downtown St. Joseph and with local boating operations at the Marina at Harbor Shores alongside the Inn at Harbor Shores as well as in Michigan City. Now, his watery footprint is growing larger.
Tom tells me they have executed an agreement for slips and space up the coastline in Holland on beautiful Lake Macatawa. Additionally, Freedom Boat Club of West Michigan has secured slips and space in Grand Haven on Spring Lake.
Armon says his crew will be working with Freedom Boat Club of West Michigan to open both premiere Michigan harbors simultaneously in the Spring of 2018 with privileged access to all current members and prospective members who join before July 1st of 2018.
Tom says, “Ultimately, Freedom Boat Club plans to have the entire Great Lakes region populated with Freedom Boat Club outlets, similar to Florida,” reminding members, “More members equals more boats and more locations.”
The rapidly growing system, which brings every day boating to people who prefer not to own their own boat in any particular port, but would rather use the boats in multiple harbors to expand their personal horizons, now features 148 locations nationwide with more than 16,000 individual members, over 1,600 boats across 27 states and portions of Canada.
Armon says that after an “above average and beautiful fall, seasonal temperatures have finally taken hold” locally, noting that while many boat owners quickly put their equipment to bed after Labor Day, September and October historically provide some of the best boating conditions of the season, and this year was no exception for local Freedom members.
Now, however, “It’s time to ‘Chase the Sun’ to Freedom’s warm weather harbors,” says Armon as he reminds members that reciprocal reservations require at least 72 hours notice, “especially in Southwest Florida.”
For the unanointed, Freedom Boat Club members get full membership for both you and a partner, unlimited boating in St. Joseph and Michigan City including decks, tri-toons, center consoles, sailboats and more. Members also get reciprocal use of more than 1,500 boats at over 130 Freedom Boat Clubs nationwide, and four guaranteed rolling reservations, liability, hull and mechanical insurance. Additionally, all members forego vessel cleaning and maintenance issues, as well as free unlimited training with U.S. Coast Guard licensed instructors.
Another benefit members enjoy is area social events with other club members, Veterans and First Responder discounts and interest free 12-month financing on club fees.
Interested parties can reach the local Freedom Boat Club at 855-426-2863.
