Owning a boat isn’t smooth sailing. However, there are clear benefits to splashing out on your own boat. It’s these benefits that have tempted 14.5 million households into becoming boat owners. Below are just some of the pros and cons of boat ownership compared so that you can work out whether it’s the right move for you.
The Pros
A fun hobby
Sailing is a fun hobby that can be a great form of stress relief, as well as a chance to explore local waters. However, it can also help you to pursue other hobbies more freely. Having your own boat could allow you to practise fishing, snorkelling, diving and water skiing without having to hire a boat. It could even provide a peaceful retreat for hobbies like painting, reading or writing.
An alternative form of transport
A boat can be an alternative form of transport for getting around if you live near a river, canal, lake or sea. And there may be places you can only access from the water – having a boat could give you the freedom to explore these places.
A place for friends and family to gather
A boat could be a great place to congregate with family and friends for days out. You can enjoy picnics and even barbecues on the deck. A boat could even serve as a second home for vacations if it has a cabin for sleeping in.
A surprising source of exercise
From walking around on deck to cleaning your boat, there is a surprising amount of physical work involved when owning a boat. You can find unique places to go for a swim.
The Cons
A lot of work to maintain
Boats require a lot of maintenance to keep them clean and in working order. Keeping on top of repairs is essential and you’ll need to regularly check oil levels and battery health. There are professionals you can hire to service and repair your boat – this could reduce the level of DIY maintenance required, but will come at an added cost.
A big expense to consider
Speaking of the cost, boat ownership is very expensive. From fuel costs to mooring costs, there are a lot of running costs to budget for. The actual purchase price of the boat can vary depending on the type of boat you opt for. Companies like Premier Boating sell pre-owned boats that could save you money. Boat finance is also available on many boats to help spread out the cost.
A potential safety risk
Boating can come with its dangers. Poor maintenance, bad weather and lack of sailing skills can lead to many accidents out on the water. Although a boating licence and test isn’t required in all states, it’s important to do your homework before you buy a boat if you’ve never operated one before. This guide at BoatUS offers some great boat safety tips.
A depreciating asset
Like cars, most boats lose their value over time. They are not an investment, and so you need to make sure that you get plenty of personal use out of them to make them worthwhile.
Conclusion
The pros and cons of owning a boat are very similar to owning a car. Overall, whether a boat is worthwhile is likely to come down to how often you use them. Only by using them regularly will you really take advantage of the benefits and make up for the downsides.
