NATIONAL HARBOR
LANI GERING
Le � F� �ed� � R�n � � � �� � H� �b ��… Boat� Tha� I�!
M� e� K� �!
It has been one hot tamale of a summer so far. The day I met Ken Kearney, owner of Freedom Ring Boats in the Harbor, it was too hot to even think about taking a spin on one of his “Donut Boats”. However, I am looking forward to taking friends out for an evening cruise when the weather cools down!
and two vessels – Independence and Justice - that are propelled with electric motors guided with a wheel that has a top speed of around 3 mph. Keep in mind that your trek on the water is limited to the bay (formerly known as Smoots Bay) so you won’t be encountering any heavy waves as long as you stay on course.
I have spent a lot of time on the water in the DMV over the years and have to confess most of it has been spent on “sailing” vessels on the lower Potomac, Chesapeake and Patuxent rivers – all of which required an hour or more drive to the marina(s) and a bit of boat prep before being able to hit the water. This isn’t the case with Freedom Rings. You are on the water after a brief orientation and quick boarding, captaining and docking lesson. No need to have any extensive experience to Captain one of these vessels, just a bit of common sense.
W� � � c� � y� � �i� �� � wa� � �?
Ab�u� F��ed�� R�n� Boat� Proprietor, Ken Kearney spent the majority of his career in the marketing and advertising world but decided that he needed a change. Ken moved to the Harbor in 2022 and has his own boat docked at the Marina here as well. He has spent over 20 years boating so his love of the water comes naturally. In his search for a new “career” he noticed that there weren’t that many outlets in the Harbor that catered to kids and family activities other than the Carousel, the Capital Wheel, The Awakening sculpture that kids climb all over and family night movies on Sundays. He was looking for something that tied the water into an activity but didn’t want to go the “charter” route since that involves planning ahead, etc. He wanted something that visitors could just walk up to and be on the water but wasn’t a paddle boat or board. This is when Ken’s partner discovered “Donut” boats while on a vacation and sent Ken a few pics and the mission was immediately underway. Ken purchased his “Fleet of Four” and launched Freedom Ring Boats this spring. Let’s talk about the “Donut” boats. The boat is round, resembling a donut, with a central area that can accommodate a table, grill, or other features. The Freedom Ring fleet vessels include a central table and a cooler for food and drinks and an umbrella for shade. The boats seat up to 10 passengers that are typically seated around the perimeter of the donut, facing each other, which encourages conversation and socializing. Wha� p�� �r� �� � � �e�? Freedom has two vessels – Freedom and Liberty - that operate with a small outboard gas motor that is guided with a tiller and has a top speed of 5 mph 46 August 2025
Our typical sailing schedule sets us adrift Wednesday thru Sunday and holidays, from the noon tide (12:00 PM) until the evening watch ends at eight bells (8:00 PM). Starting October evening watch ends at six bells (6:00 PM). If you're looking to weigh anchor on a Monday or Tuesday, or if the tides don't seem to align with your desired day on our regular schedule, simply hoist your signal by using the "Sign up for the wait list" link found beneath your preferred vessel. We'll do our best to navigate the waters and accommodate your request for a special voyage! Wha� �b�u� f�o� & � �� �k�? If, after reading this piece, you decide to take to the water, you can pack your own eats and drinks and bring them with you. Beer and wine are allowed on the boats but hard liquor is not. If you end up at the Harbor and want to take a spontaneous spin, there are several restaurants in the Harbor that have takeout available. I am soooo looking forward to having some big fun on one of these donuts with friends very soon! W� � �� d� y� � bo�r�? Freedom Ring Boats is located on C Dock just before you get to the entrance to the Capital Wheel. Look for the sign in tent on the left.
Freedom Ring Boats 168 Waterfront Street 240.273.1824 info@freedomringboats.com Freedomringboats.com Old Town Crier