When budgeting for a boat, many purchasers do considerable research on the costs associated with the actual purchase of the boat but don’t consider the cost of maintenance. Any boat owner will attest that the time and cost of boat maintenance should be considered at the very beginning of every new boat purchase.
Maintenance is a variable cost that depends on the type of boat, how it’s used, and where it’s stored. Bloomberg.com has estimated the cost of maintaining a boat per year at approximately 10% of the boat’s value. You may have a boat that is small enough to do the regular maintenance yourself, however most boat owners need the services of professionals for many of the maintenance needs of their boats.
Cleaning
Your boat needs to be cleaned regularly and thoroughly, not only from an aesthetic perspective, but from a body maintenance one. Salt water can be highly corrosive for any part of your boat. Each time your boat is used in saltwater, a thorough rinse is necessary with a more extensive cleaning on a regular basis. Keeping your gelcoat clean will prevent oxidation and reduce the chances of a chalky appearance. Be aware that the wrong soaps and brushes can harm your boat’s finish. When cleaning your boat, always make sure to use the right equipment and soap so the finish isn’t damaged in the process.
Maintenance of Components, Canvas, and Vinyl
Marine canvas and clear vinyl products can deteriorate without regular protectants and treatments. Upholstery should be cleaned several times a season. Twice a season waxing, metal and wood protectant application, and teak varnishing should also be considered when keeping the body of the boat clean and maintained. .
Mechanical Maintenance
Just like any other mechanical vehicle with moving parts, a boat requires regular tune ups and oil changes. Your boat’s oil should be changed every hundred hours of operation, or at the very least, once a year. Propellers should be checked periodically as well to keep them free from tangled line and vegetation. Find a good, trustworthy boat mechanic and keep on a consistent maintenance schedule. Good mechanical maintenance ensures the longevity and the long term reliability of your boat.
Hull Maintenance
Any boat that is kept in the water full time will require a regular application of paint on the bottom of the hull. This antifouling paint helps to keep marine life such as barnacles from growing on the hull’s exterior. Before application, the boat will need to be hauled from the water and temporarily stored. Some boat owners also hire divers to clean and polish the bottom of their boat.
Winterizing and Seasonal Maintenance
If you are in an area that experiences seasonal weather and won’t be storing your boat in a climate controlled building when the weather turns cold, covering, flushing and winterizing it will be necessary. In the spring, this step will need to be done in reverse. Remember that many components on your boat will require removal and storage during these winter months.
Boat ownership is a large investment. Don’t sell yourself short by not considering the whole financial picture when budgeting for your purchase. Maintenance is an important component to boat ownership. The more you can do yourself, the less expensive boat maintenance will be. Do yourself a favor and consider the cost of maintenance when budgeting for your next boat. This will keep your investment looking and operating at its peak for years to come.
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