Before you decide to spend your stimulus check on your boat fund, there are some costs that you will need to be aware of. So, what are the costs associated with owning a boat? While they vary from month to month—and year to year—there are fees you will want to keep in mind. Here are some monthly costs you will need to pay in order to keep your boat in its best condition.
Docking Fees
In order to have your boat, and unless you have a private dock, you will need to pay docking fees. Fees vary depending on where you live and where you want to dock your new boat, but you will most likely need to pay docking fees to keep your boat in a safe harbor. Winter storage is also an important cost to keep in mind when budgeting for your new boat. Docking fees are usually in the hundreds range, but can vary.
Insurance
In addition to docking fees, you will need to pay for boat insurance. Some insurance companies will have plans you can get, but you will most likely need to get a special boat insurance plan. You may be asking yourself: “why do I need boat insurance at all?” and here’s why: over time, your boat will start to need more and more repairs as you use it. Boats in storage tend to wear down, which can lead to costly repairs. This is where your boat insurance comes into play. They’ll help you to cover the costs of your prized possession so you can keep going sailing as long as you want while saving you money on costly repairs.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Painting the hull, replacing sails, and cleaning the deck are just some things you’ll have to do to keep your boat looking brand new. Maintenance and upkeep costs can range from a few dollars to a few thousand depending on what needs to be done. If you have boat insurance, your costs will likely be lower, but you will still need to be aware of your maintenance costs.
If you’re wanting to purchase a boat, or you’ve newly inherited a boat, you’ll want to be sure to stay up to date on your monthly costs that go along with your boat. Things like maintenance and docking fees, while they may vary from month to month, are going to be important things to keep in mind with your boat’s overall costs.
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