The pandemic sent boat sales soaring to new heights in the US. Americans bought more than 300,000 powerboats in 2021, only the second time in 15 years this has happened!
Are you one of these new boat owners? Then besides having the best summers ever, you’re also adjusting to how much is involved in owning a boat.
Boats aren’t cheap, especially when you factor things like storage and insurance into the mix. But when done right, these necessary expenses can save you money in the long run.
Here are four things to remember when owning a boat and how they help keep your summers as fun as possible!
1. Storage
Boat storage ensures that your boat stays in good condition when not in use. This small investment protects your boat from the elements or from sitting in the water year-round.
There are several storage options available, including covered and uncovered.
Covered storage ensures that the boat is entirely shielded from the weather. This keeps materials like fabric seats from deteriorating. Uncovered storage is a more affordable option for boats without these materials or that are a little tougher.
2. Maintenance
The cost of owning a boat heavily comes down to your boat maintenance and repairs. These expenses start to add up quickly if things go wrong. So the best boat maintenance principle is preventative maintenance.
Preventative maintenance means taking your boat for regular services. This lets you catch any issues early before they become expensive fixes.
Over time, this saves on unexpected costly repairs. And it means your boat should never break down out of the blue, as you’ve kept it in tip-top condition. This buys you peace of mind and a better overall experience.
3. Insurance
Whether or not your state legally requires boat insurance, it still acts much like preventative maintenance.
Boat insurance protects you from unexpected costs if your boat is damaged. Depending on the policy, it may cover damage by yourself, others, or other external causes. Again, this provides peace of mind, both when you’re using it and storing it.
4. Legal Requirements
Every boat owner should investigate the legal requirements for boating in their state. These may include:
- Obtaining a boating license
- Boat registration
- Boat safety laws once on board
Without doing your research, you could unintentionally break local laws. This could lead to a fine or worse. Investigate local laws before buying a boat to know you’re compliant from the start.
Is it Worth Owning a Boat?
The answer is a resounding yes. Even though owning a boat involves financial and legal responsibilities, it buys you the best summers possible! Depending on where you live, you can even enjoy your boat all year round.
Want to learn more about boat ownership, like how to find the best deals or what the best boat gadgets are? Then stay up to date with our articles! Simply search “boat” on our site to find all the latest tips and tricks for getting the most out of your vessel.
Featured Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
