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Reality CheckDec 09 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Think before you jump! Owning a boat can be a lot of fun but there are many hidden costs as well as functional obstacles to think about before you make that commitment. Boat ownership IS a commitment. If what you are looking for is a fishing or ski boat, your decision is a simpler one. However, there is still the storage, hauling in and out and maintenance factors not to mention roominess and creature comforts while on board. Outboard motors can be tricky to maintain and if repairs become necessary, well, getting the motor in for repair may require a sumo wrestler to get to and from the shop! Think also very carefully about safety if you intend on bringing the family or pets on board. They tend to move around a lot and get bored easily. Small boats don't take wave action very smoothly and often may get in the way of larger boats that could have a harder time seeing you. If something bigger is in your dreams, think about this. A big boat, whether power or sail really requires two people. One has to "steer" while the other handles things like lines (ropes) and fenders as well as to help with docking. Assuming you have a full time boat mate, next you need to know where or if you will keep it. If in a slip. That means a marina. The alternative is hauling it in and out each time you use it. A marina is the most fun but be prepared to spend the dough! If that is not a problem, be prepared to alter your whole lifestyle! Owning a boat large enough to keep in a marina means (most likely) you will want to be on it every week end in boating season. Forget other activities or social engagements! There is the potential to make friends that will last a lifetime in a marina and enjoy many social events. However, wholesomeness is usually not high on the list of most marina life. Be prepared for heavy drinking and often, marriages/relationships break up over boating excesses. On the other hand, it is easy to "catch" a new mate when they learn you own a boat! Marinas can cost you anything from about $2,000 to probably $8,000. per year! Aside from the social aspects, there are monetary aspects. New or old, expect repairs! This can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars any given season. Winter storage can run from $500 to $2,000. Winterization includes engine maintenance, water and holding tank draining and anti-freeze, shrink wrapping for outdoor storage or separate fee indoor storage. Then again in the spring, there will be a fee to "unwrap", drain anti-freeze and re-float the boat! Don't forget the insurance. You cannot avoid it! That can cost between $300 & 500. per year or even more depending on the boat. Now to boat use. There are state license fees, or you may choose to document in which case you pay a higher initial cost but don't need to license. How long you will you keep your boat and where you intend to use it will help determine which is best. Fuel. Most big boats hold 100 or 200+ gallons of gas. Ready to pull up to the pump? How often? Most big boats average 1.5 to 2.5 MPG. Plan on using you boat to travel to other marinas? Plan on paying a transient slip fee comparative to an RV campground or lower range motel. New or used? With new, be prepared for a second mortgage payment. The good news though is in many states, the interest is still deductible if it is an E.S.S. boat (Eat, Sleep & Sxxx boat). That makes it the equivalent of a second home or cabin. Used? That can be a great way to get into big boating but be careful. You still may need a boat loan, slip, trailer, storage, and maintenance money but the initial investment is less and there are some great deals out there. Best to have your potential purchase checked out thoroughly by a good mechanic first. Hoses dry out and crack, gaskets can't be seen but could cause major problems. What are the maintenance records like? Interior and exterior should be closely scrutinized for signs of water, mold, cracks, and over-all upholstery condition. Do all pumps and electrical systems work properly? Is there shore power? Power inverter? How about a shore power cord? Is the head in good working condition with no signs of leaking? What are the extras such as antennas, marine radios (a must), navigation instruments, canvas, sound system. Especially check speakers! These are just some of the things to consider carefully before you commit. If you are still ready, go for it and enjoy. Boating can be a wonderful way of life for TWO people or a family.  |
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