There’s an old saying about boats: that “BOAT” really stands
for “Break Out Another Thousand.” But being a boat owner shouldn’t mean breaking
the bank. If you play your cards right and understand some of the best ways to
prevent the expenses of long-term boat ownership, you can keep your costs low
and your enjoyment high.
Before You Buy, Chart
the Financial Waters
Just as you wouldn’t sail your boat into an unknown bay,
knowing your way around boat financing before you make your decision is
essential. Here are a few tips:
- Boats can often be financed like new car
purchases. By turning your boat into a monthly payment rather than a single
lump sum, you can drastically reduce the financial burden of owning a boat. - It’s possible that a boat can provide a second
home for tax purposes. A boat with a galley, berth, and head can potentially
qualify as a second home, in which case interest payments can qualify for
relevant second home deductions. (Note: consult an accountant before taking any
deductions you’re unsure about). - Learn the best practices for regular boat
inspection and maintenance so you’re never caught off-guard by a sudden cost or
repair.
Cost-Efficient Boat Care
& Maintenance
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure. Nowhere is that more true than in the world of boating. When you
purchase a boat, your priority should be to establish a regular maintenance
schedule. In addition to washing your boat down with fresh water regularly, you
should inspect the engine and battery for damage.
Call some local boating experts in your area and ask them
what they recommend in terms of regular maintenance. Stick to this schedule,
even if it seems unnecessary sometimes. It’s hard to quantify the value of
prevention at first, but as your boat ages and continues to work reliably,
you’ll come to appreciate how important this step is.
Stock Up On Dedicated
Boat Cleaning & Maintenance Products
High quality, affordable boating products are an essential
buy for every conscientious boat owner. Here are a few you’ll want to have on
hand:
- Boat Caulk & Sealants:
Preventing leakage means preventing water damage. Even something as simple as
lake water can lead to odor, mildew and mold, upholstery damage, and other
long-term issues. By keeping your boat sealed, you can prevent these leaks and
keep your boat dry where it counts. - Boat Cleaners:
Properly cleaning your boat means knowing which cleaner goes with which
material. These dedicated boat cleaners can help prevent and remove rust in
some areas while promoting emulsification where it counts. Match the right boat
cleaner for each individual job, and you’ll keep your boat like new.
If owning a boat sounds expensive, remember that there are
ways to reduce the financial burden that go beyond loans and financing. By
incorporating the tips you see here, you can enjoy a quality, affordable boat
for years to come.
Browse our full
range of boat care products to keep your boat in excellent shape over the
years.
