Extra cost when buying a boat?

[bassin_man]

What are the extra cost someone might incur when buying a boat?  This boat is not from a dealer but from a private party so I would think there wouldn't be taxes.  All I can think of off the top of my head is trailer licensing.  How much does this usually cost?  Let me know what else I'm missing.

[Starcraft01]

Title, tax, tags and registration. And then there is all the accessories that you need.....bigger TM, rod holders, cushy seats and a cup holder.  The tax you pay based on the sale price of the boat.

The tag fee is about 36

The reg fee is about 40

I don't recall the title fee/notary fee. I would guess about 50

[Land Surveyor13]

What state are you in?  In Georgia you don't have to pay sales tax on a private party sale.  You will have to pay boat registration fees and trailer tag fees.  Other items:

-transom bracket

-flotation devices

-2 cycle oil

and the list can go on and on.

Jerrod

[Hot Rod]

I sold a small aluminum boat last year here in PA for $600.

When I signed it over to the new owner at the notary all his fees came out to be about $150 (trailer license, boat registration, title transfer, tax, notary fees).  Ouch!    I felt bad for the fellow having to spend that much just to purchase/use an "inexpensive" boat.

Oh yes, don't forget insurance in case of an accident.  If you are going to use it in a tournament most of them require proof of insurance.

Another expense of course is fuel and oil.  Not only the fuel for the boat but also the fuel to tow it to the lake.  With gas above $3 it adds up if you are making a couple trips a week to the lake.  Also the 2 stroke oil can cost over $30 per gallon depending on the manufacture recommendations.   Thankfully most of today's outboards use oil very efficiently.

Launch fees are another cost if you boat somewhere that requres a permit/fee to launch.

[backpain...]

The costs add up FAST, so make sure you do the  legwork before you commit. I bought my boat last spring for $1200. In PA you have to pay sales tax on both the boat and trailer, as well as register both, fees came to 225$ if I recall. If you are buyiing used you also have to consider the mandatory equipment for your state, again I had to buy life jackets, anchor/rode, dock lines, fire extinguisher, nav lights, and a whistle or horn. All told that racked up another 200$ or so.

Not to mention I had to get a hitch for my vehicle to pull the thing, and wire it for the lights, another 200$. So in MY case, I ended up needing about $600-$700 more than the purchase price. Every case is different, some people sell the boats with the coast guard package of gear etc. But be sure to plan according to the laws of your state or you might have the coolest yard ornament!

[senile1]

In addition to all of the above, I would recommend spending the money to have the compression and the lower end checked out before purchasing a used boat.  Depending on how extensively they check out the lower end, we're talking about maybe $100.  That's nothing compared to buying a boat, and then, discovering it needs a new powerhead, etc.

[jhoffman]

I just dished out $160 last week. Add to that the $1000 for the boat and trailer, the new decking, transom, carpet, seats, fish finder, bilge pump, livewell pump, lights, extinguisher, horn, battery, oil, lower unit oil(never trust it was changed), rod holders.... then of course, you gotta have line counter reels with dipsy/planer rods for when you just feel like being lazy. Life vests, capacity plate(worn out), wiring, conduit, paint, primer, new trailer tires and fenders, new trailer wires and lights....

Put it like this, ill have this little 14ft aluminum boat till i DIE, ill never get what I put into it money or time wise back out of it.

[jhoffman]

Oh and since you bought the dipsys, you need about another $800 worth of spoons, crankbaits, crawler harnesess and everything else under the sun that catches fish.

DO NOT tell your wife/girlfriend how much money you spend on the boat unless she tries to sell it, then shock her and you can keep it.

[bassdocktor]

Another thing I didn't see mentioned was a spare tire. Definitely worth its weight in gold on the highway. Some people might not have one when they sell you the boat. Also you should check that the tire iron fits your trailer tires because that would be an extra cost. Depending where you live and park lug locks might be good. Plus a grease gun with marine grease for the trailer hubs.

[jhoffman]

Yeah, good catch, definately need that. Plan to pull the hubs and repack or replace the bearings too.

[bassdocktor]

Also depending on your situation and extra prop for the big engine is always good. Having an spare or 2 for the trolling motor can really save a day on the water. Make sure you have the hardware for the trolling prop like pins and nuts.

[MemphisFisherman]

Chances are you will have to pay taxes, make sure you get a clean bill of sale, insurance, registration and life jackets are all needed before thinking about going fishing.  You may also want a depth finder or two, maybe a couple new seat's.  New straps, maybe an onboard charger, gawd all sort's of stuff....once you get a boat you are so happy and feel like everything is working out then you find yourself just constantly spending more money on it, even tho it's perfectly fishable as it is.