There are as many different budgets for running a boat as there are owners, but the key strands of financial commitment that come with boat ownership remain broadly the same for all. more
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There are as many different budgets for running a boat as there are owners, but the key strands of financial commitment that come with boat ownership remain broadly the same for all. more
by Martin Gray, Pure Latitude Founder [links]
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When it comes to getting out on the water, whether you want to set sail or power up the engine, it can be hard to understand all the options and come up with something that suits your experience level, your ambitions, and the size of your wallet.
Sailing, on the other hand, is a much eco-friendlier option – virtually no gas used, and a tiny carbon footprint as a result.
Winner: If you have the time, sailing wins hands down. However, if you are pressed for time, the extra cost of motoring may be worth it. more
It should come as no surprise that, over a given distance, motoring is more expensive. Fuel prices add up, and more so if the conditions are less than favorable. The benefit is that travel times may be reduced.
Winner : No clear winner, as both yacht types require careful maintenance to operate. here
Some people see yachting as the most practical way to go from marina to marina, and from one mooring to the next. However most boaters prefer the journey itself.
Winner: If you’re that first type of person, whose real fun starts once their feet are back on dry land, there’s little beating the speed and functionality of a motor. But if you’re that second type of person, who loves nothing more than a salty breeze in your hair and the challenges of negotiating the elements, sailing yachts are a no-brainer.
But what does it actually cost to buy and maintain a mid-sized boat in the 28- to 40-foot range? There are as many answers as there are boats, but we’ve talked to several experts to give you the details on boat ownership.
A cursory glance at today’s busy marinas shows that more people than ever are getting out on the water.
Just as you would when buying a car, it’s best to shop around for the best financing deal. Some banks specialize in boat loans, and the boat dealer or broker can often direct you to banks that you might otherwise overlook. If you’re buying a new boat, expect the dealer to charge for “commissioning,” which covers everything from installing optional equipment or electronics to tuning the engine or raising the mast. more
You can finance a new boat just like a new car. As with car and home loans, boat loans have carried extremely appealing interest rates in recent years. Terms generally range from two to 20 years. Comparing rates on-line is a great starting point.
Similar to new cars, new boats are offered with different accessories and options. When you're pricing boats, factor in the cost of electronics, accessories and water toys and buy what's appropriate for your boat type and size and your home waters. Modern marine electronics are extremely reliable, are loaded with features unheard of just a decade ago and are more affordable than ever. Don't skimp on safety gear.
Most of the boats in use on the water today are less than 21' in length. These crafts do not require exorbitant amounts of gas, so any impact would be negligible. 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. more