BOATING COSTS

CONGRATULATIONS! So you want to become a boater with your own boat! Not to bring a downer to your day, but there are several reasons the following statements exist, "A boat is just a hole in the water you pour money into", "The two best days in a boater's life, the day you buy the boat and the day you sell the boat" and finally "No cash, no splash." This is because boating is a hobby that is an ongoing expense. It's worth it, but just be prepare what you are getting into, because buying the boat is the cheapest part of your expenses.

There are two different types of expenses when it comes to boating. First are your fixed expenses, such as buying the boat or outfitting it with something like life jackets. Then there is the ongoing costs, like gas, dockage and maintanence.

Most people budget correctly for the purchase and buying the necessary "toys" to go with the boat. Where the underbudget is on the actual costs of owing a boat. Shop around for insurance and become familar with the language specific to boats so you are comparing apples to apples.

Dockage is one of the expenses people neglect. Sure, they may buy a boat small enough to trailer, but the hassles soon outweigh the cost and then they're looking for a dock. Docks vary in cost based on overall length and ammenities. You can also try dry stack storage for an alternative to inwater dockage.

Costs associated with maintenance are more than simply gas. You'll have engine tune-ups, prop repair, sun-faded fabric and that knocking noise in your engine that turns out to be an $1,200.00 repair. It's a very good idea to have a used boat surveyed prior to buying it and make sure the engine parts can be replaced and are not obslete!

Finally, fuel. Gas costs more on the water than it does on land. Call or take a trip to a few marinas to see how much the fuel costs. However, from experience this will be your smallest cost.

Happy Boating

Right Propeller?

Boating Costs

Use the Launch Ramp

Boating Safety