| Owning a boat costs much more over time than | | | | will be able to help you understand any language |
| the actual purchase and the fuel to run the boat. | | | | specific to boats that you may not be familiar |
| There are two types of costs associated with | | | | with. |
| owning a boat: one-time costs like the actual | | | | Dockage is another ongoing cost, unless you are |
| purchase, titling and outfitting of the boat and | | | | lucky enough to own waterfront property. Slip |
| ongoing costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance and | | | | fees vary by size and amenities offered. For |
| docking. | | | | example, in San Diego a slip with water and |
| When you purchase a boat, the first decision is to | | | | electricity for a 32-foot boat costs around $300 |
| buy new or used. Used boats obviously cost less | | | | per month. Many boat owners also do not realize |
| but may have fewer features and more wear | | | | that if they want to tie up at a different marina |
| than a new boat. Additionally, new boats often | | | | or dock than their own that there may be a |
| come with warranties. Buying a boat is similar to | | | | docking fee. |
| buying a car and shopping around for the best | | | | Maintenance is such a persistent ongoing cost that |
| deal and the best financing can save you a lot of | | | | it has become almost a joke among boat owners. |
| money up front. If you're buying a new boat, | | | | Before you purchase your boat, you should study |
| dealers often charge a "commissioning" fee to | | | | the owner's manual and the manufacturer's |
| cover the installation of any special equipment, | | | | website to get an accurate idea of yearly |
| tuning the engine and other post-purchase items. | | | | maintenance costs. Maintenance costs include |
| You will also have to pay sales tax and some | | | | more than just engine maintenance. Consider the |
| states have a personal property tax that must | | | | costs of replacing sun-faded fabric, hull painting |
| be paid on boats over a certain size. | | | | and sail replacement as well. |
| Most boat owners a responsible about budgeting | | | | Finally, you need to estimate gas costs. Many a |
| for the initial purchase and outfitting of their | | | | novice boat owner has been tripped up by |
| boats, but underestimate the ongoing costs, which | | | | assuming that gasoline costs the same at a |
| are the bulk of the costs of owning a boat. | | | | marina as it does at the gas station. However, |
| Insurance is the most important of these costs | | | | gas costs are marinas are significantly higher than |
| and the most complex. Getting quotes from | | | | at the gas pump. Visit a few marinas to get a |
| several companies will ensure you get the best | | | | sense of what boat gas actually costs. |
| rate. Also, agents that specialize in boat insurance | | | | |