Cost Of Owning A Boat

If you are interested in buying a boat and setting sail on the open water, you have a lot of costs to consider. While the cost varies significantly depending on the type of boat you want, the average cost of a new boat can be anywhere from $40,000 to $75,000. The average cost of a used boat is between $10,000 and $20,000. However, there is more to the cost of a boat than the initial price tag. You also have to consider the maintenance costs, boat insurance, fuel costs and potential taxes.

Yearly boat maintenance typically costs about 10 percent of the cost of the boat, though that can vary depending on the type of boat and how often you do maintenance. You should be diligent about preventative maintenance if you intend to boat in saltwater because the salt can damage the boat over time. Average boat insurance rates are around 1.5 percent of the boat’s insured value, but exact rates depend on the insurance company and the area you live in. You should also consider the cost of getting a trailer, safety items, winter storage and other miscellaneous costs.

The best boat for you will depend on how you intend to use it, the area where you intend to go boating and your budget. For example, if you want something you can use for water sports, a speed boat would be a good choice; but if you’re looking for something to take out into the ocean and go fishing, a fishing boat or cabin cruiser could be your best bet.

If you want to buy a boat but are unsure about the costs involved, the information below will help you make the best decision for your finances.

Financing a boat 

The best time to buy a boat is typically in the fall, right after summer. Most manufacturers start advertising discounts in September or October and continue to do so into the winter months. Purchasing your boat during the off-season could help you cut costs significantly and could even help you avoid taking on any debt.

However, buying and maintaining a boat is expensive no matter when you buy it, and you may need help financing it. If you need to borrow money to cover the cost of your boat, there are several options. The most popular ways to finance your boat are through a boat loan, a personal loan or financing through a dealership.

Boat loan

A boat loan is a type of personal loan used to purchase a boat. Boat loans are fixed-rate installment loans, meaning that you will make the same monthly payments throughout the life of your loan. You typically need a credit score of 680 or higher to qualify for a lender’s best rates. You may be required to pay a downpayment of 10 to 20 percent of the boat’s purchase price, but many lenders do not require you to do this.

There are secured and unsecured boat loans. If you take out a secured boat loan, the boat itself is used as collateral. You could lose your boat if you do not make your monthly payments. Unsecured boat loans do not require collateral, meaning you will not lose your boat if you default on your payments. However, unsecured loans usually have higher interest rates than secured loans, and getting behind on payments will cause damage to your credit score.

If you are considering a boat loan to finance your new boat, you should compare lenders, get quotes from your top choices, and calculate your monthly payments before making a final decision.

Personal loan

Similar to a boat loan, personal loans are fixed-rate installment loans. A personal loan is a good financing option if you have a high credit score and a steady income stream. They can be used for virtually any purpose, and some have low interest rates for good to excellent credit borrowers.

Because personal loans tend to be unsecured, you do not have to worry about losing your boat if you don’t pay it off. However, you should calculate your monthly payments and make sure you can comfortably afford them before making a final decision.

Dealership loan

Marine financing through a dealership is the most convenient boat financing option. Dealerships sometimes offer perks like manufacturer deals and rebates, and you don’t have to search for loans from alternative lenders. However, this option tends to be a lot more expensive. Loans from dealerships have higher interest rates and longer repayment periods than other loans.

Boat maintenance 

When you buy a boat, you have to consider maintenance costs, potential repair costs, and the cost of fueling and operating a boat.

Maintenance and repair costs

Typically, annual boat maintenance costs about 10 percent of the cost of the boat itself. For example, a boat that cost $20,000 to purchase would cost roughly $2,000 a year to maintain. Some examples of typical boat maintenance include painting the hull, cleaning the deck, replacing broken or worn down parts and winterizing the boat to protect it from the elements during the off-season. Like a car, boats require regular maintenance to reduce wear and tear.

Fuel and operating costs

You must also consider fuel costs, especially if you have a larger boat. Smaller boats typically just take regular or premium gasoline, while larger vessels may require diesel, which is more expensive. You can avoid fuel costs if you get a sailboat, which is entirely wind-powered, but most other boats require fuel. You should research the fuel needs of the boat you want to buy before making a purchase.

Additional operating costs for a boat include oil changes, batteries, a pump and lights. Just like a vehicle, these elements should be checked and replaced regularly.

Boat insurance, taxes, certifications and registrations

When you buy a boat, you also have to get boat insurance, get your boat registered and potentially get certified to drive it, depending on the state you live in. Some states also charge boat taxes, so research your local requirements before buying a boat.

Here is a breakdown of these costs:

• Boat insurance costs between $200 and $500 a year on average. Insurance for bigger boats typically costs around 1 to 5 percent of the boat’s value. The cost of boat insurance varies and can depend on several factors impacting how safe the boat is. These include the type of boat, the condition of the motor, whether the boat meets safety standards, the age of the boat, your location, your driving record and the boat’s intended purpose. For example, it would be more expensive to insure a deep ocean fishing boat that is in poor condition than it would be to insure a brand new cabin cruiser that you intend to take out on the lake.
• Boat taxes are required in some states. If your state charges a boat tax, you will have to pay this tax once a year. There may also be a one-time sales tax at the point of purchase.
• Certifications and registration. The exact cost of boat registration varies by state and the type and size of your boat. There is also typically a small yearly charge to renew your registration. Registering your boat allows you to drive it legally through public waterways. You must keep your registration documents on the boat with you, and they should be placed according to the laws of your state. Some states require you to take a boater certification course to operate a boat. However, each state has its regulations, so whether you have to do this and how much it will cost depends on the state you live in.

Other cost considerations 

Additional costs associated with boat ownership include the cost of storing your boat, the cost of a trailer, safety necessities and miscellaneous items such as water sports equipment.

Storage

An important but often overlooked element of owning a boat is properly storing it. Most people do not use their boat year-round, and you have to have somewhere to store your boat during the winter months.

There are a variety of boat storage options. Generally speaking, unless you choose home storage, you will likely spend between $50 and $200 per foot for indoor storage and $20 to $50 per foot for outdoor storage. Indoor storage is more expensive because it offers tighter security and you do not have to worry about winterizing the boat to protect it from the elements.

Storing your boat in your garage or driveway is likely the cheapest option. However, you will likely have to buy a trailer and winterize the boat. Note that Homeowners Associations sometimes have rules about parking boats in driveways, so make sure you are allowed to do so before settling on this option.

Here is a breakdown of the most common boat storage options: