The true cost of boat ownership entails far more than just purchasing a watercraft and sailing into the sunset. Many hidden costs come with boat ownership, including maintenance, repairs and boat storage fees. As a result, the true cost of owning a boat often feels like an unpleasant surprise to many first-time boat buyers.
Some boating expenses are universal, no matter which boat you decide to purchase. These include your license, boaters insurance, boat registration, taxes, and any equipment or accessories. Other costs like fuel will depend on the size and style of your craft, but remain fairly consistent over the lifetime of your boat. And then, there’s the question of boat storage.
Racking Up the Storage Costs of Boat Ownership
You will need somewhere to store your brand-new toy. If it is small enough to fit onto a boat trailer, it may be possible to store on your property. The price will depend on the size, make and type of your ideal boat trailer. Typically, the price tag ranges from $600 to more than $8,000. That estimate does not include any additional special features, such as a trailer hitch, spare tire, sideview mirror, breakaway system or towing incidentals.
Additionally, don’t forget to consider the time, hassle and risk involved with transportation to a public boat launch. An accident while towing on the road could damage your trailer – or worse, its precious cargo. Or, if your boat will dock at your residential home, consider the toll on your knees from tying up to your pier.
Many larger boats cannot be accommodated by a small boat trailer. If this is the case, you will have to shell out for a dock slip or harbor space. These can range from around $3,000 per year for a small watercraft to more than $15,000 for large yachts. However, maintenance associated with keeping your boat in the water can quickly spiral beyond expectations. Depending on water conditions, your boat may develop hull blisters, salt corrosion or algae growth. Repairs may require expensive bottom cleaning, painting and more.
Avoid the Hidden Costs of Boat Ownership with IMM Quality Boat Lifts
That’s why marine professionals recommend building and using a boat lift to protect your investment. Sure, boat lifts make it easy to launch your boat. But high-quality, expertly engineered boats lifts can also save you substantial time, money and hassle.
Using a boat lift can extend the life of your watercraft by keeping it elevated above the water line. Not only does this safeguard your boat from seasonal elements, but it also controls maintenance costs. This will positively impact the resale value of your boat in the future.
Boat lifts offer fewer opportunities for damage during transportation while allowing you to store your boat year-round. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to be on the water in minutes, with nothing more than the press of a button? Your time is too valuable to be wasted sitting in traffic. And, you can choose from a wide variety of boat lift styles as well as custom-built boat lifts for the perfect fit.
Convinced and ready to explore your boat lift options? IMM Quality’s boat lifts are long-lasting, dependable and aesthetically pleasing. Located in Southwest Florida, IMM Quality Boat Lifts is the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum boat lifts. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art Fort Myers facilities, IMM Quality Boat Lifts’ product lines include personal watercraft (PWC) lifts, elevator boat lifts, boathouse lifts, vertical boatlifts, specialty boatlifts, Titan yacht boat lifts models and more.
If you would like to invest in the highest quality boat lift on the market, call IMM Quality Boat Lifts. Let our 40+ years of boat lift design and engineering experience help you design the perfect lift for your boat. Each boat lift comes complete with an industry-leading warranty.
Learn More About IMM Quality Boat Lifts
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