Hitting the water is a great way to stay cool this summer, but if you’re dealing with boating fees you may find your budget simply isn’t ready for such adventures. Whether you already own a boat or plan on buying one soon, there’s quite a few ways to work around the high prices of owning, buying or operating a boat. It doesn’t matter what kind of boat you have or plan to buy, these tips will help make your summer on the water a blast, without forcing you to count out pennies for the rest of your summer days. So, grab a life vest and let the fun begin!
1. Buy Used
If you’re just getting started with your boating hobby, or you’re looking for the best possible deal then buying used can be the most frugal way to go. There’s lots of great boats on the market now that are gently used for a price that won’t leave you in shock. Of course, if you’re looking to put a little elbow grease into your new hobby then you can probably find a boat that needs a little work at a considerably low price. No matter what you’re looking for though, if you keep browsing on and offline, you should be able to find the perfect match for you. However, you may want to keep in a mind a few things when buying a used boat. For instance, you’ll want to make sure you get the title signed over to you. This is obviously for legal reasons and will make it a lot easier to get your boat on your insurance so you can take it out on the water. Also, if you don’t want to put in a lot of work then you may want to have someone inspect the boat before you put your money down. It would be a shame to pay too much for a boat that won’t go anywhere.
2. Know Your Needs
There’s a whole lot of boats to choose from on the market, so make sure you do a little research before you make a decision. When you consider your needs, you may find that you don’t need the type of boat you originally thought you did. For starters, you should consider what you plan on doing with the boat. If it’s purely for fishing then you won’t need to spend a lot. However, if you plan on touring the world then it may need a few bells and whistles to keep your comfortable. You should also take into consideration the size and material you’d like your boat to be made of. This can greatly affect the price, so do some research to figure out what will save you money. Finally, keep in mind your storage capabilities as well as how much you can spend on the boat annually. If you’re still not sure which route to go then talk it over with a boating expert or check out some online guides to help make the decision easier.
3. Store at Home
Storing your boat can be one of the priciest factors. You have a few options, but most of them involve shelling out more cash to ensure you boat is safe when you’re away from it. Most storage areas involve a pretty hefty rental fee, which could make your boat cost more than it’s worth within a year. You can also store it at a marina, which, apart from the cost, also raises several more concerns that will leave you feeling the pressure of your boat. Of course, storing at home may not be the most convenient for your space but it will help keep finances in order. If you have a garage that’s large enough then you may want to simply keep it there. Sure, you may have to expose your vehicle to the elements, but it will be well worth it to avoid all of the huge fees each year. If your garage isn’t an option then buy a tarp and store in your driveway. You may also be able to store it on the street in front of your home, but make sure you know your local laws, so there won’t be any fees coming your way. Plus, having your boat close by makes it much easier to keep up with routine maintenance.
4. Pick the Right Trailer
Believe it or not, but choosing the appropriate trailer can help you out big out. If you plan on going anywhere with your boat then you’re going to have to invest in a trailer, but being smart about it can help out immensely. Some trailers are bulky which add on even more weight to your vehicle, thus causing you to burn through more fuel then you should. One thing you should consider is a single axle trailer, if your boat is less than 20 feet. This will keep the initial price of the trailer down, plus single axles are a lot easier to maintain. Also, you may want to choose a trailer with a swing away tongue closure. This makes them easier to store in your garage, car port or any other storage area. They’re also easier to maintain than many other closures. Plus, if you do end up renting a storage space, this type of closure will allow you to choose a space that isn’t as lengthy, which will cut down on the price.
5. Anchor Out
A lot of people bring their boat back into the marina each night, even when they choose to sleep on their boat. If you’re going to be out on the boat and don’t plan on doing anything on land, then it may be best just as easy to anchor out. Of course, you can even do this is you have a paddle boat to get back to land, but make sure the waters are calm if you do choose to leave your boat for a little while. By anchoring out, you save yourself a lot of fees each day. Often marinas will charge an arm and a leg, especially during the tourist season. So, if you plan on staying for a while then just drop your anchor and enjoy the peace of the water without having to have neighbors for the night. You may even find it makes your time away from the rush of everyday life even more relaxing.
6. Aftermarket Parts
When it comes to maintenance and repairs, a lot of people believe they have to buy brand name and new parts for their boat. Sometimes, a lot of repair shops will even try to steer you in the direction of buying the pricier parts. However, if you know what you’re doing, you’ll know you can buy aftermarket parts at a price that will suit your budget and keep your boat running perfectly fine. There’s a lot of reputable sources for aftermarket parts online, so do a little research to see which shops you can use to suit your needs. You should also check reviews to make sure other customers received good quality products. If you don’t trust the reviews on the company’s website then place the company name and reviews into a search engine and see what other websites have to say. Aftermarket parts will also allow you to skip repair shops altogether as you should be able to install them using tutorials or by asking a knowledgeable friend for help.
7. DIY Maintenance
Yes, it is possible to maintain your boat without stepping foot into a repair shop. This is the best method to take if you’re wanting to save some money on your boat. Although it may feel intimidating, DIY maintenance is actually nothing to fear. There’s only a few things you have to do each year to keep your boat looking good and running well. However, if you do run into some problems then there’s an abundance of online tutorials that will help you figure out your problems and how to fix them. If you’re not sure where to start then take to a message board to see if anyone has any tips for you. Afterward, look around for online tutorial videos. Make sure to watch a couple though, so you can compare techniques and choose what’s best for you.
8. Insurance
One of the best things you can do to save money on your boat is to add it to your insurance plan the moment the title is in your name. Sure, this adds a monthly fee to your life, but it will be a fee you’ll be happy you paid when something unforeseen happens to your boat. No one wants to believe their property can be destroyed, but in reality things change fast. Your boat could end up in a fire. If you park it outside then the weather can do a number on it, or a passerby or passing car could cause it serious harm. Not to mention, when you’re out in the water or even traveling to the water, a long list of things could go wrong. So, by adding the boat to your insurance, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding some major repair costs.
9. Join a Yacht Club
Although becoming a member of a yacht club may sound pretty ritzy, you’d be surprised as to how much this club can actually save you. For starters, being a member of a club makes you privy to a lot of things. For instance, the club often organizes outings on the water which won’t cost you thing. Also, a lot of the clubs can offer you a discounted rate at their private marina or can find you a great deal at a marina that is secure. Apart from that, you can easily meet others that love to sail, which could help you find even more great savings. Also, you may even be able to find discounted lessons on boating, diving, fishing and anything else that suits the activity.
10. Shop Around
A big problem with buying a boat is people often go for the first deal that catches their eye. Often, the first deal isn’t even close to the best deal, so make sure you don’t fall into a trap when shopping. Some sales people are brilliant at their job, but don’t be hooked right away. Before you visit any shop make sure to do some research online. This will allow you to have a general idea of what you want and how much is should cost you. So, when you head into the store, any insincere sales pitch won’t fool you. Even when you shop around online first, you should still stop by a few different stores and talk to different people. You never know when someone will be able to cut you a deal you won’t want to pass up. Even if you’re shopping used boats, make sure to exercise caution when buying. Always know the value of a boat before you consider the price and take a look at damage when you meet the seller in person. Often a deal that seems too good to be true actually is.
Boating is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family, but the cost frightens many people away. With these tips you should be able to step away from your initial reaction to the price tag and find ways to reduce the amount your boat will cost you each year. With a little frugal planning, this summer will be filled with fun memories on the boat.
