Many people who buy their very first boat do not take into account all the additional costs involved with boating. If you are not considering the following six added expenses from a recognized professional boat trader with owning a boat, you are going to discover very quickly that you need more money than you first anticipated.
1. Safety Equipment – Making certain that you and your passengers are safe is priority one, and many boat owners assume that some life vests will suffice on the high seas. In addition to flotation devices, the boat must be equipped with a radio that can be used to call for help as well as a satellite radio that can warn if storms are in the region. For more on boating safely visit: http://www.discoverboating.com/
2. The Boat Trailer – So you got a great deal on the boat and now all you need to do is to get it to the docks so you and your crew can go boating. Hopefully you set aside some money for a new trailer or you will be out on dry dock for longer than you thought. If you are negotiating a price with a seller, see if you can get the trailer included in the sale price.
3. Fishing Equipment – Make no mistake about it, fishing gear can be very expensive when starting from scratch. Not only do you need the fishing poles, lines, traps, and bait, you may need to invest in a depth finder or fish finder too.
4. Winterizing the Boat – When it is too cold to be out on the water, having the boat professionally winterized can be very costly. Wrapping the boat and treating the surface so it is ready for spring is vital, skimp on this service and you may not be able to enjoy the boat next summer.
5. Tags and Fees – Once you get the boat ready to hit the seas, you will want to make sure all your papers are in order. This means having the appropriate insurance, filing for a fishing license, and permits.
6. Storage – If you are not towing the boat home each trip, you will have to park it at the marina. Each marina has their own dock fees, and the further away from your home, the more you burn in fuel each trip.
Take into account all of these boating added expenses so that you can get more out of your next trip on the water. Incorporate these prices into your boat buying budget so you can stay on course and keep from breaking the bank.