About

Our History: 160 Years on the Kentucky River

The Frankfort Boat Club traces its roots back to the mid-1860s, founded by J. Stoddard Johnston. Originally established to serve the recreational craft traveling between Louisville, Cincinnati, and Boonesborough, the club has been a fixture of the downtown Frankfort waterfront for over a century and a half.

Incorporated in its modern form on May 27, 1935, the club was created with a singular mission: to develop river sports, foster community enthusiasm for the Kentucky River, and maintain a private harbor in the heart of the Commonwealth. From its earliest days, our membership has been a diverse cross-section of Frankfort—including governors, professionals, and local families—all united by a love for the water.

A True Member-Run Cooperative

The Frankfort Boat Club is a private, non-profit organization that is owned, operated, and maintained entirely by its members. Unlike a commercial marina, we do not have a paid maintenance staff.

The "Fair Share" Philosophy: Our club thrives because every member contributes. To keep our dues affordable and our docks in top condition, we rely on a cooperative model of "sweat equity." Being a member of FBC means:

• Volunteer Leadership: Our Board of Directors and Officers are all volunteers who donate their time to manage the club’s business and regulatory requirements.

• Dock Work & Maintenance: Members participate in seasonal "Work Days"—from power washing and staining the docks to clearing river debris and maintaining our shore-side facilities at 101 Riverboat Landing.

• Mutual Respect & Safety: Because we all "own" the club, there is a high standard of care for our shared equipment and a focus on safety and river stewardship.

Enjoying the River Together

While we take our work seriously, the reward is the community we’ve built. Whether it’s a spontaneous gathering on the docks, watching the sunset over the St. Clair Street bridge, or heading out for a day on the "Bourbon Trail" of the Kentucky River, FBC is about building lasting relationships on the water.