Discover Boating Guide: Boating is Affordable
It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long ways towards improving your quality of life. The minute you take to the water, you’ll notice how easy it is to leave troubles behind on land. Life is better with a boat, and boating is more affordable now than ever. There is a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget.
Most don’t realize how affordable boating can be: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around $250 a month. Boats provide tax deductible and cost effective second homes, and interest on a boat loan can be deducted if the boat has a galley, berth and head.
Boat insurance costs vary by boat length and type, cost of boat and level of coverage, and some smaller boats can be insured for a nominal sum as a rider on a homeowner’s policy. Reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking a boater’s education course.
Boat, trailer and motor maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use. Keeping them covered between adventures helps keep maintenance costs at bay. Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, the cost will be similar to what you would pay for your car on an hourly basis. Keep in mind pre-owned boats may have more maintenance concerns than a new boat.
When it comes to storing your boat, there are several options depending on the size. You won’t find a less-expensive way to keep a boat than storing it on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. Another alternative for smaller boats is rack storage. A typical rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed with trailer-like cradles. For owners of larger boats, and owners of small boats who desire convenience, a marina slip is the best option.
Fuel costs are top of mind for today’s consumer, but are not as great a concern for boaters as one might imagine. The typical boater only operates his or her vessel about 75 hours a season. Nearly 95 percent of boats on the water today are under 26 feet in length and these crafts do not require exorbitant amounts of gas.
In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season—roughly two trips to the gas station to fill up your SUV or minivan. Boating isn’t an activity like driving where you are using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. If you own a sailboat the motor is used even less, and manufacturers are developing more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly boats, including solar-powered vessels.
Once you have outlined your budget – enjoy the boat buying process. Boating provides a positive experience the entire family can enjoy and time spent on the water connects family and friends. Ninety percent of Americans live within an hour of a body of water. It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long ways towards improving your quality of life.
For more information on how to get started in boating, visit DiscoverBoating.com.
Article courtesy of DiscoverBoating. Discover Boating is a public awareness effort managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry. Discover Boating programs focus on increasing participation and creating interest in recreational boating by demonstrating the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle while helping to educate potential boaters and offering opportunities to experience the fun and togetherness of being on the water on a boat. Each year nearly 70 million people in the U.S. enjoy boating, the recreational activity that "connects like no other.” DiscoverBoating.com is your source for complete boating instructions and resources! www.DiscoverBoating.com