Have you ever admired a beautiful boat in a harbour, sadly shaking your head and thinking to yourself ‘this costs way too much for me, I would never be able to afford such a luxurious vessel’. While having a boat can surely be quite expensive, you should not let a small thing such as money stop you from achieving your childhood hopes. If you really desire a boat, they are ways of ensuring your experience is an affordable one, so do not give up on your dreams just yet.
Buy a Used Boat
Boats lose value fairly quickly, which is why you may get a boat that has been used for a few seasons for a fraction of its original price. You do, however, need to make sure the boat is still in good condition because any extensive maintenance after the purchase will mean additional costs (that often get very high). Make sure the boat has been properly antifouled recently because the cost of antifouling a boat can get to thousands of dollars. Although the cost of antifouling a boat is probably not your boat’s highest expense, anything counts. Ask the previous owner to check the condition of the boat and antifoul the boat to save on maintenance costs and the cost of antifouling a boat.
Be Attentive to the Additional Gear
Additional gear can make your sea voyages more pleasant, but it can also lower your spending in the future. Be observant and check if there is a fuel scanner, a heater or a saltwater converter. Things like a fuel scanner or a saltwater converter you can lower your additional expenses, so make sure you keep a watchful eye when browsing for your new boat. There might be a fuel scanner or two hidden somewhere.