Freedom Boat Club, the membership boating business owned by Brunswick Corporation, has signed a new franchise agreement for Central Melbourne, extending its network in Australia. The club is expected to begin operating before December 1, 2026, under a three-person local ownership group.
The Central Melbourne franchise will be owned and operated by Scott Page, Nic Armstrong and Rich Skilton, described in the announcement as boating enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Page is named as the primary operator. Final marina arrangements are still being completed, so the exact berth location had not been confirmed at the time of the announcement.
The initial fleet is expected to include Sea Ray, Bayliner and Trophy models. Four boats were named: the Sea Ray SPX 230, the Bayliner 705 Weekender, the Trophy 24 and the Bayliner C21. Together they cover cruising, entertaining, watersports and fishing.
Freedom Boat Club sells access rather than ownership. Members pay into a program that covers boat access, training, maintenance, storage and support, and Melbourne members will also be able to use other club locations around the world.
David Kurczewski, Vice President and General Manager of Boating Services Asia-Pacific at Brunswick, said the signing marks another milestone in the brand’s expansion across Australia.
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most dedicated and passionate boating communities.
Freedom Boat Club is a useful case of a corporate-owned brand using local franchisees to open one city at a time. The model pairs an established parent with owner-operators who bring local boating networks, which is the same logic behind many Asia Pacific master and unit franchise structures. Investors comparing structures can read our explainer on master franchise, area development and joint venture and our guide to how international franchisors choose a master franchisee.
Australia also continues to generate franchise activity across sectors, from fast casual growth at Soul Origin to Concept Eight’s multi-brand deals and hotel franchising in Parramatta. For operators weighing a new market, our checklist on franchise due diligence in Asia Pacific and MENA covers what to verify before signing.
The announcement does not disclose deal terms, investment levels or the number of Freedom Boat Club locations in Australia, so those points are not covered here.
Source: Marine Business News — Freedom Boat Club expands to Melbourne with new franchise location
