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28-09-2022

Buying a boat: fixed costs and maintenance

Thinking about buying a boat? A yacht, motorboat, sailboat, catamaran.... Whichever type of boat you choose, it is vital to take the fixed costs and expenses involved in this purchase into account. Although these may vary depending on where you live, it is still useful to get a general idea of what they are. Read more about them below!

Mooring and docking

It is worth comparing different ports to get a general idea of the potential price difference between one port and another. Also, don't forget to take into account the costs involved in taking the boat out of the water in winter and its stay in the dry dock, which is also usually a fixed annual cost.

Insurance

There are different types of insurance depending on their coverage and also on the type of boat you are buying. Ideally, when you have a clear idea of the boat you are interested in, you should consult with an insurance agent specialized in recreational boating.

Operating Expenses

Fuel will be one of the main expenses you will have to bear when it comes to owning your own boat. Of course, fuel costs will be much lower if you decide to buy a sailboat. This expense is variable, as fuel prices are constantly changing, and will also depend, of course, on the distance you travel.
The best way to calculate it is to estimate the average distance you intend to travel per trip and the number of trips you plan to make each month and multiply it by the boat's fuel consumption at cruising speed.A good way to minimize fuel consumption is to be aware of your boat's most efficient cruising speed and stick to it. There are other operational expenses that you will have to consider, such as docking at a marina at night, for example.

Maintenance

Maintenance costs vary depending on the type of boat, usage, how carefully you sail it, whether you are willing to do some of the maintenance tasks yourself and, of course, luck. As a general rule of thumb, for proper maintenance of your boat, plan to spend 10% of the boat's value on maintenance each year.

Bureaucracy

If the boat you are going to buy is more than 6 meters long, you will have to take into account the cost of the mandatory periodic inspections (ITB). The period between mandatory inspections is five years, but most vessels have to undergo an intermediate survey between the second and third year following the initial survey. Now that you have a better understanding of the main costs involved in buying a boat, it's time to do the math, compare and choose the boat that best suits your budget and needs. Take a look at our catalog of boats for sale!

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