If you are thinking about buying a boat, you have to think about the real cost of owning a boat. Most people only consider the purchase price. The truth is in addition to spending money on a surveyor near me, you will also need to spend money on a number of things. In this post, we will be looking at the true cost of boat ownership.
Before we get started on the real costs, it is good to note that the cost of owning a boat will vary depending on the size and type of boat you buy. For example, if you are buying a larger boat, you can expect to pay more to the surveyor near me during an inspection. This is because boat surveyors charge per foot. Let’s take a look at the factors that impact the cost of boat ownership.
Boat registration
Every state has its own unique registration costs and fees. The cost of registration will depend on the length of the boat. The boat registration costs are usually paid to the state fish and wildlife agency or to the department of motor vehicles. An experienced marine surveyor or a boat dealer will be happy to educate you on boat registration and let you know where you should pay the registration fees.
Boat Insurance
While it is not mandatory, it is always good to get insurance coverage for your boat. Insurance protects your boat against damages caused by an accident. The cost of boat insurance will depend on the age of your boat, your boater safety training, boat type, your boating history, the location where you will be using the boat and the level of coverage you select. Keep in mind that an insurance survey may be required. To get a good offer, use your own insurance surveyor. The surveyor sent by the insurance company may be biased.
Boater education
Studies have shown that educated boaters are less likely to get in an accident. You should consider completing a boating safety course after buying your boat. The course will not only help you be a safer boater but also help you qualify for better rates when applying for boat insurance.
Storage costs
Unless you will be keeping the boat in your own dock, you will have to think about the storage costs. it is more expensive to store your boat at the marina due to the convenience the option offers you.
Other costs you should prepare for include the cost of boat equipment, the cost of fuel and the cost of maintenance and repairs. As you set your budget, make sure you capture all these costs. The last thing you want is to buy a boat that you cannot maintain.