Super User flechero Posted July 3, 2008 Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Another thread prompted me to post about this. I think few people plan out the cost of ownership in boats (and other toys). The following is a list of my boat expenses... this does NOT include the purchase price of the boat (mine is paid for). It seems like a lot when you list it all out, but this is what my particular boat (19' Champion w/ 175hp) and situation actually costs on average since it was purchased new in 1994: $75/mo boat storage (12' x 30' with electricity, security and 24 hr access) $25/mo $300/yr insurance (I'm guessing new boats will be 2-4 times that) $2/mo $50 TPWD boat registration (every other year) $6/mo $65/yr trailer registration $50-$100/mo. boat gas/oil (double or triple it if you plan to ski) $4/mo $40/yr corps park/boat ramp pass $2/mo $25/yr trailer lights (get him at ramps) & grease for hubs $5/mo trailer tires (2) every 5 years $7/mo $250 batteries (avg.) every 3 years $17/mo $600 motor tune up and carb o'haul every 3 yrs. $7/mo misc. and truly unexpected ________ $200-$250/month on a receipt tracked, 5 year average. (obviously higher in summer and lower in winter) The first 7 years when it was "new" it was a $217.37 pmt. plus the carrying average above. (I remember the payments like they were yesterday ...lol) I put $100/month aside for this list, because I pay boat storage (rent) and fuel separately. In doing it this way, I've never had a financial "emergency" as a boat owner. (in fact, I have a cushion in that account) Older boats and unknown histories should also be taken into consideration. If you travel far to reach your lakes of choice you may even want to add some truck related maintenance expenses to the list, so it reflects all the true costs. These costs should not be unexpected... if you own a boat, you will incur expenses... if you plan for them, it's no problem. If you buy a new boat you will also have some required maintenance for the outboard to stay in warranty. I hope the "honest" numbers are helpful, and not discouraging to boat owners and prospective boat owners, alike. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted July 3, 2008 Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Excellent post! This should be very helpful to a lot of guys thinking about making the leap into boat ownership. The "Real" cost is probably more than many realize. 8-) Quote
Super User Team9nine Posted July 3, 2008 Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Kudos 8-) Love the post. I did the exact same thing a couple years ago (2003), except expanded, receipt tracking not only the "real" boat costs, but also the "real" costs for me to fish period for one year, including all gas/oil expenses (truck & boat), tourney expenses, food, lodging, licenses, tackle purchases, repairs/maint., etc. Bottom line was just shy of $10,000 or $830/mo. Was a real eye opener. Would hate to redo it with gas/oil prices at their current levels (LOL). -T9 Quote
Super User fishfordollars Posted July 3, 2008 Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Wish I could get five years on a set of tires. More like two for me and the hubs are repacked every six months, bearings and races replaced every eighteen months. Never, ever lost a hub on the road by the way. Good post Quote
Super User flechero Posted July 3, 2008 Author Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Kudos 8-) Love the post. I did the exact same thing a couple years ago (2003), except expanded, receipt tracking not only the "real" boat costs, but also the "real" costs for me to fish period for one year, including all gas/oil expenses (truck & boat), tourney expenses, food, lodging, licenses, tackle purchases, repairs/maint., etc. Bottom line was just shy of $10,000 or $830/mo. Was a real eye opener. Would hate to redo it with gas/oil prices at their current levels (LOL).-T9 You must be single! (or have been at the time) I know better than to make an all inclusive list of all fishing related expenses... The idea with this was purely to look at the cost of operating a boat as a local, recreational angler. Each person will have a block of costs and some will have a few more or few less, but I suspect the lists (items) would be fairly similar, even if the amounts were varied. Quote
Socalbassmaster Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Kudos 8-) Love the post. I did the exact same thing a couple years ago (2003), except expanded, receipt tracking not only the "real" boat costs, but also the "real" costs for me to fish period for one year, including all gas/oil expenses (truck & boat), tourney expenses, food, lodging, licenses, tackle purchases, repairs/maint., etc. Bottom line was just shy of $10,000 or $830/mo. Was a real eye opener. Would hate to redo it with gas/oil prices at their current levels (LOL).-T9 You must be single! (or have been at the time) I know better than to make an all inclusive list of all fishing related expenses... The idea with this was purely to look at the cost of operating a boat as a local, recreational angler. Each person will have a block of costs and some will have a few more or few less, but I suspect the lists (items) would be fairly similar, even if the amounts were varied. Yes I do the same I include my tackle and food and toys for the boat in the price of fuel and maintance . Because I'm married and I would not be aloud to fish if she new the real coast heheheheeh well maybe not fish!!! but would have to explain everytime I wanted a new lure or pole or something.. Her words would be did'nt you just buy a new pole last year lol!!!! Quote
SnowBass23 Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 It is certainly an eye opening experience to a first time boat owner as I am learning. I knew there would be additional costs beyond the payment for the actual boat. However, once you actually tow the boat home and start looking at everything you need to get it really wakes you up. It's not that anything is unreasonable, or completely unexpected, but it really does add up. Great job on the list! The only thing I HAVE to buy now is a spare trailer tire. Quote
heathen Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 Nice post and great list. This should really help people out. Quote
paangler3117 Posted July 3, 2008 Posted July 3, 2008 B.O.A.T. Break Out Another Thousand! Your registration fees are nuts in texas. In PA we only pay 36 for trailer and It's less than that for the boat i believe! (I can't remember at the moment.) Jim Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted July 3, 2008 Super User Posted July 3, 2008 Yep I have all that on my list plus I just had a new low pressure fuel pump installed---$412 and had a 10" $900 stress crack appear. When that is done I need a new powerhead gasket which will be around $300. TOYS AIN'T CHEAP. Quote
Super User burleytog Posted July 4, 2008 Super User Posted July 4, 2008 $27/3 years boat registration $50 permanent trailer registration $60/month gas to go fishing $5/ month boat gas (I rarely run the outboard) Approx. $150/year preventative maintenance on outboard/boat. I do need new tires, so that will be around $150. :-/ Quote
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