A Guide To Maintaining Your Boat

Maintenance of a boat can be costly depending on how often you take it out for a good part of the year and what kind of maintenance you do. On average, the total cost of maintaining a boat over its lifetime is about £2,500 per year. But it varies greatly from as little as £700 or so per year to as much as £5,500 or more a year (depending on how often you DIY). The type and size of the boat also play a big role in this overall maintenance cost. For instance, if you have a large sailboat with elaborate sails then the costs for general maintenance will be much higher than if you own a smaller inflatable dinghy. Boats like these can easily double their costs over just a few years if you neglect maintenance.

Maintenance And Upkeep Based On Boat Type

How often you go boating also varies considerably by boat type. Sailboats tend to need much more maintenance than kayaks (which are more or less self-explanatory as far as boating goes). In general, you should plan on spending about an hour a day on maintenance, with a couple of hours dedicated to repairing your sailboat. A great way to make maintenance easier and more accessible is to keep your yacht at a marina. Keeping your yacht at a marina can help ensure that you can access your yacht with ease and take on routine maintenance tasks all year round.

As with most maintenance costs, you get what you pay for. You can expect your boat insurance costs to increase if you want to add-on extra coverage for your boat. Extra protection means more money spent in premiums. So remember to budget for additional costs. It’s easy to forget about safety equipment while on a boating adventure. Accidents can happen and when they do, you will have to deal with those costs on top of paying for your insurance. Therefore outfitting your boat with relevant safety equipment is essential and also often a legal requirement. Some typical safety equipment often found onboard can include: safety blankets, fire extinguishers, life jackets, thermal blankets, first aid kits etc.

Other Costs And Upkeep

Maintenance costs are not the only thing that increases with the size of boats. The tools you use to operate your boat also increase in price. Sailing gear alone can cost thousands. In many cases, you can buy a used sailboat with everything you need installed and ready to go; but for the professional boat builder/sailor, buying new can be a better option.

Some boats require much more upkeep than others. A big, flat boat that can be steered back and forth quite easily may not require much attention at all. But if you have a bow up boat with lots of curvature and manoeuvres, keeping the boat upright and clean at all times is a must. A good method of maintaining a boat involves painting the bottom of it with a waterproof paint designed specifically for boats that will help to keep it clean at all times.

Boat Repair And Insurance Costs

Boat insurance prices vary greatly depending on model, year of purchase, location, and even brand. A lot of this has to do with the brand you choose. Even within a brand, specific boats cost more or less because of different maintenance costs. In the end, it can be worth the extra costs to find a reliable, well-made boat insurance provider to protect you against any unforeseen accidents or other risks. You’ll be paying much less for the peace of mind provided, and you can get the most out of owning one of the greatest hobbies around – boating.