Boating on a Budget
Discover Boating
You only live once—you can certainly afford to make a few waves! If you're trying to figure out how to fit boating into your budget, we have figures that can help. You can finance a boat just like a car, and there are a number of entry-level boats available for about $250 per month!
Affordable Boating
Boating is affordable and there’s a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget.
- Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around $250.00 a month, like a car.
- Visit a boat show to see what boating products are available and line up the best deals.
Insurance:
- Boat insurance costs vary by boat length and type, cost of the boat and level of coverage.
- Consult your insurance agent for quotes or compare rates online.
- You can reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking a boater’s education course.
Maintenance:
- Boat, trailer, and engine maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use and keeping them covered between adventures, helping to keep maintenance costs at bay.
- Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, expect to pay what you would for your car on an hourly basis. Pre-owned boats can require significantly more maintenance.
Storage:
- You have several options depending on the size of your boat. 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 crave convenience, a marina slip is the best way to go. Costs vary by province/region as well as by the size of your boat.
COST COMPARISON TOOL: Compare the cost of boating to other leisure activities: Cost Comparison Tool.
BOATING ON A BUDGET: Tips for buying a boat on a budget: Boating on a Budget.
Originally published here