There are several factors that will affect the cost of a boat. Firstly you will need to determine what type of boat you are buying after which it will be a choice between buying used or new. Each will have its own benefits and drawbacks, both short and long term.
The boat price range will also depend on the time of year during which you buy. The same boat, priced at off-season and during full-swing boating season, may have a price that differs by 5%-15%. This can mean a difference of thousands, depending on what type of boat is being shopped.
Other factors that influence the pricing for boats will be the age, the features, the condition, and whether it is being bought from a dealer or a private party. All other things being equal, a boat will generally be cheaper when bought from a private party than from any sort of dealer or marina.
Many first-time boat buyers find themselves wondering if they should buy a new boat or a used boat. There are several benefits as well as drawbacks for both. Depending on your time and resources, there may be a clear-cut best choice for you, or you may still have to do some thinking.
While the used boat market will definitely save you money initially, which can be incredibly powerful when shopping, you may ultimately find that the boat maintenance cost that you experience is more than initially expected.
This will fluctuate in accordance with the level of care that the previous owner or owners maintained. If you are more budget-conscious, however, a used boat may be best since you can save later by doing your own repairs.
If you have more money than time or patience, the new boat cost may not be that offputting, since it may ultimately mean less repair cost and shop time during the term of ownership. Bear in mind, however, that buying a new boat will not relieve you of routine maintenance like oil changes.
Just like with other vehicles, boats come in different sizes and styles , which affects the boat price. If you are looking for a fishing boat, expect to spend more than a canoe. If you really like the 24’ model over the 22’ model, understand that your sticker price will likely be higher for a base model.
Before you make any final decisions about the size and style of boat you are going to start shopping for, make sure you think hard about how it will be used in the future.
If you plan to take a lot of guests out, make sure you have the capacity for that. If you will only ever take out a maximum of 3 or 4 people, there’s no need to spend a robust sum on something that has 8 seats, when a medium-sized boat will suffice.
Always remember not to buy beyond your experience level. If you are a new boat owner, ideal boats are most likely going to be 15’ to 18’ in length and have a modest engine.
If you get a boat that you aren’t ready to operate in the hopes that you’ll “grow into it” you can be putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Bigger boats also mean increased boat mooring costs.
One of the things that will have the biggest impact on the price of a boat is the feature set that it is equipped with. Boats can have a surprising amount of features, upgrades, and tech gadgets that can add significantly to the cost.
Some of the features that affect the average boat price include cutting-edge chartplotters, built-in media systems, specialty (often LED) lighting, battery chargers and maintainers, swim or diving platforms, hydraulic steering , autopilot functionality, and GPS position holding.
Higher-end boats may even feature additional comfort or even luxury features that greatly increase the boat cost.
This can include things like joystick steering controls, vacuum head systems, custom flooring, countertops, or finishes, satellite weather systems, and even climate-controlled cockpits and cabins.
In many areas, particularly those that incorporate leisure watersports or sport fishing, rental boats may be available. This can be very convenient for those who do not own a boat and can allow you to get out on the water with only the most minimal investment in boat costs.
Some of the upsides to renting a boat include never having to worry about the costs of owning a boat or the time investment of maintenance that the boat will require. This is the perfect option for those who may only get out on the water a couple of times per year, and it removes the burden of off-season storage.
There are some downsides to renting, however. With rentals, don’t have to pay for the cost of boat ownership, but you may not be guaranteed to get the boat that you want, even with reservations. You also generally rent very basic boats that are limited in range and ability. Some rental locations also do not allow nighttime navigation, which can be restrictive.
Boating costs $1,000 to $6,000 in expenses yearly, on average. The costs of owning a boat don’t end with the price of the boat and the first tank of gas. There are significant costs associated with owning a boat, some are costs like taxes and registration that you would have on any vehicle, and some are going to be unique to boating.
If you don’t plan ahead for a lot of the boat ownership costs it can end up costing you more in the long run. Some of the additional things that many beginners don’t think about include:
Boater education is incredibly important for the safety and enjoyment of your boating experience. Taking a formal boater education course ensures that you have the foundational knowledge needed to safely and effectively operate your boat. It can also save you a bit on your boat insurance.
Too many first-time boat owners assume that if they buy the boat and are exempt or not required to have a license, that they can just go out and boat.
Many states do not require boater education, but there are also many that do, and if you test and get certified by a NASBLA body, you can use the certificate anywhere.
Requirement : Essential for safe operation Frequency : One time Cost : <$100-$500
Just like your other vehicles, you’ll need to register or license your boat . The fees and process will vary greatly by state, but the fees range from around $20 up to over $200. They will often be determined by the type of vessel and its length, as well as the length of time that the boat is registered for.
Once registered, you will receive some type of registration proof to keep with your vessel. You will also be assigned a registration number that you will need to affix to the bow of your boat with reflective stickers.
Requirement : Required for all powered boats Frequency : Varies by location, from yearly up to lifetime Cost : $20 to $200
Just like everything else in life you will need to pay taxes on your boat. The severity of this tax obligation will depend heavily on where you live. The feds won’t take a cut, but you will need to pay the state as well as any local taxes owed.
The sales tax will only be paid once, and that will happen at the point of sale. The other types of tax that may apply are a use tax, if you somehow avoided paying sales tax, this will be paid to the jurisdiction where the boat is most often used. The personal property tax is the one that will hit you every year, just like any other vehicle.
Requirement : Mandatory for all boats Frequency : Yearly Cost : Varies by location
All boats will need maintenance , which should be expected as part of the cost of owning a boat, regardless of the size or type. However, maintenance costs are one of the costs that can be largely avoided by renting.
If you own your own boat, you will need to plan for maintenance items to be taken care of before and after each outing, some maintenance that will only need to be done a few times per year if you are really active boaters, and some maintenance that is only going to be needed on a seasonal basis.
You will need fresh water flushes, oil changes, steering system inspections and maintenance, deck and seat cleaning and maintenance, hull inspections, propeller inspection and replacement, potential anchor replacement, and more.
Good operation and preventative measures can minimize abnormal maintenance costs.
Requirement : Required on all boats Frequency : Routine and seasonal Cost : $1,000-$6,000
Fuel cost is something that can creep up on you if you don’t stay aware of your boat’s fuel situation. Operating a boat uses fuel, just like any other vehicle. The fuel cost for your boat will be measured in a similar fashion to your car or truck.
Some small, single-person boats can keep an angler on the water all day on just 1-2 gallons of gas or less. Small rental fishing boats may have a 5-gallon tank which is more than enough for them, while the same amount of gas in a boat meant for towing waterskiers or tubes will burn that gas much faster.
Estimate your fuel cost ahead of time by making sure that you are familiar with the consumption rate of your boat. You can also save gas by keeping the revs lower and learning how to properly adjust your trim. Fuel costs may be included in your monthly marina cost as well if you lease space with one.
Requirement : Required in all powered boats Frequency : As needed Cost : Current gasoline market value, plus oil depending on the engine
When you own a boat, unless it’s a relatively large boat that cannot be transported personally, you will need a vehicle to tow it and a trailer to put it on. These are essential for nearly all boat owners, though many will not buy a boat if they have to way to move it.
Your trailer must be capable of carrying the weight of the boat and any other cargo on the boat at the time of loading. Trailers must also be frequently inspected to ensure safety and functionality, and in most states, your trailer must be registered just as any vehicle, which can be its own annual expense.
Requirement : Required for all powered boats Frequency : Once Cost : Varies, some boats include, otherwise avg. $3,000
Requirement : Requirement Frequency : Once Cost : N/A
When you own a boat you need to protect it, and that means taking out an insurance policy on it. This ensures that if something were to happen to the craft that it would be covered. It is generally illegal to operate a boat without current insurance on it.
Getting insurance on a boat can be a relatively cheap task, particularly if you’ve taken the time to finish a boater safety course and obtain your safety certificate. Most insurance policies for boats will only cost between $20 and $50 per month for average vessels.
Insurance is also vital protection in the event that someone else is injured on your boat. Without insurance, you could face personal liability in the event that something were to happen while passengers were aboard.
Requirement : Required Frequency : Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Cost : $20-$50 per month
In most areas, the boating season is only so long and when the weather starts to get cooler it’s often seen as the time to get the boat ready for storage. In many cases with smaller boats, they can be easily over-wintered in the owner’s garage if proper precautions are taken.
Boat owners can also rent an off-season storage space in a facility that will keep them secure and tended. Boats have batteries that must be maintained with charging, and unattended boats are the perfect place for pests and vermin to start to gather.
Having someone manage that for you can take a lot of stress and clutter out of your garage or storage unit. Indoor storage is often more than $50 per square foot of space needed, while outdoor storage can run about half of that.
Requirement : Required in all but equatorial regions Frequency : Yearly Cost : $525-$200 per square foot
This is essential for those who live in areas where you will be boating often and will not want to trailer your boat from storage to the launch each time. If there is a marina nearby, you can often rent or lease a boat slip to park your boat in during the season.
They frequently charge by the size of the boat and the amenities requested, like charging or freshwater supply. Not only do they allow you to keep your boat ready to go out at a moment’s notice, but they often are well-secured and safer than other storage locations.
Requirement : Optional Frequency : Monthly/Yearly Cost : $50-$1,000 per month
When planning to buy a boat, safety gear should always be considered part of the overall purchase cost.
Paddles, life jackets, signal flares, a horn, and many other things are important to have onboard before you hit the water in your boat for the first time.
In fact, there are some items that are required for you to have at all times.
Required safety equipment:
Additional accessories, like lighting, watersports equipment, and stereos are a fun addition to your boating experience, although they aren’t required. If your equipment budget is limited for now, you can always purchase the necessities and add exciting upgrades as you are able to.
Requirement : Some safety equipment is required Frequency : As needed Cost : $500
As you can see, there is a lot more to boat ownership than just buying a boat. The first-time boat buyer, buying a new boat with a trailer for a modest $15,000, and towing it with their existing vehicle, can still expect to spend more than an additional $5,400 the first year alone, expecting minimal maintenance on a new boat.
Buying a used boat may save you on the initial purchase price, but depending on how the last owner treated her you may be in for a lot of shop time.
If you are not a first-time boat owner and you’re looking to try and estimate your yearly ownership costs on a bigger, more expensive boat, there are a few ways you can ballpark that estimate. The most popular is a yearly cost of ten percent of the purchase price, before adding in seasonal storage, which can easily double that number.
Boat price: $15,000 Education: $100 Licenses: $100 Taxes: $30 Maintenance: $1,500 Fuel: $200 Trailer: $0 Towing vehicle: $0 Insurance: $300 Winter storage: $2,500 Mooring: $240 Equipment: $500
If your annual boat maintenance costs you $2,400, for example, that would make your monthly burden about $500.
You can frequently rent a simple fishing boat for around $400 per 8 hour day, while a pontoon boat may run twice as much, plus fuel.
If you rent a boat slip from a marina, you can expect to pay between $100 and $1,000 per month, depending on your boat.
Your maintenance costs will vary depending on boat use, but it will be a significant portion of the yearly cost of ownership.
The average cost of boat ownership for most fishing or pleasure crafts will be between $1,000 and $6,000 per year.
Plan on a yearly cost of around 10% of the value of the boat, so a $10 million dollar yacht will cost about one million per year.
Some used boats can be on your trailer heading home with you for a couple of hundred bucks, some others a couple of thousand.
Some of the biggest private boats, like large yachts, can cost more than $1,000,000 for every foot of total boat length.
Small boats, like jon boats or small bass boats, may only cost a few hundred if bought used on the private market.
This will depend greatly on what type of boat you want and what it’s going to be for, the basic boats start around $1,000.
Depending on what you’re looking for in your riverboat you may be able to pay as little as $12,000, though they do go for $40,000 or more in some cases.
A speedboat can frequently be found used for around $30,000 without a cabin. Larger or more powerful boats may have a cockpit.
A run-of-the-mill motorboat will cost you, on average, between $10,000 and $20,000 with more extravagant models going for much more.
The average mid-range cabin cruisers will cost about $250,000 and budget models at about half that amount.
Fishing boats can commonly be found for around $10,000, increasing significantly with features and options.
The average ski boat will set you back about $150,000, for a common and relatively basic model with average features.
Sailboats range quite a bit in their price, being found on the used market for $20,000 while new ones can cost $80,000 or more.
Some basic yachts can be found for $250,000, though most new luxury yachts will cost up to $1 million per foot in length.
Bass boats can range in cost greatly, from budget models starting around $10,000 to high-end tournament fishing boats for $70,000.
If you are looking for a bay boat, you can reasonably expect to pay at least $10,000 for a relatively capable craft.
Some of the more basic bowrider boats will cost $15,000 new, with longer boats or more feature-dense crafts reaching $50,000 or more.
Used center console boats are available on the private market for around $10,000, while premium models and features can cost tens of thousands more.
New convertible boats can be obtained for as little as $14,000-$15,000, while some models and options packages will push the price well over $50,000.
The market for power cruisers isn’t cheapest by any means, and a new power cruiser will often be around $100,000 for a relatively basic vessel.
Even the most basic cuddy cabin bought new will cost around $50,000, with options and features boosting the price from there.
Buying a new deck boat will cost you at least $20,000 for basic models, with more powerful or extravagant models pushing $60,000 and more.
Most flats boats can be found for around $25,000-$30,000 from major names, with some being under $10,000.
New performance powerboats have an average price of around $80,000, however, the average used boat prices are far lower and hover around $30,000.
The average cost of a houseboat is usually around $50,000, but you should double-check the marina policies to ensure houseboats don’t incur larger docking costs.
For more robust inflatable boats, the average cost is going to be about $1,000, with a range of a few hundred dollars to either side, usually.
If you like cheap boats, a jon boat is perfect and you can usually buy one used for around $500, with brand new boats going for around $1,000 or more.
If you are looking for brand new boats, the average boat cost for a pontoon boat will be between $18,000 and $50,000 in most cases.
If you’re looking for a catamaran the average cost of a boat that has been used is around $35,000, and upwards of a million for more serious crafts bought new.
Runabout boats are incredibly popular and they can start at around $12,000 for a basic starter and up to $80,000 for more opulent crafts.
Lots of people considering buying a new boat are looking into trawler-type boats and even used they can cost around $13,000.
If you are in the market for a walkaround boat, you can plan to spend about $8,000 for a used one on the open market.
Robert Owens is the Chief of Content of Quicknav. Robert has been boating for over ten years and loves to share his experience on the water. His first boat was a dirt-cheap moderately beat up 2003 Bayliner 175, where he learned a tremendous amount about trailering, launching, docking, operating, and maintaining. He currently owns a Cruiser Yacht and is eyeing a sailboat.
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1-15 of 110
South Portland, Maine
Make Pearson
Category Sailboats
Length 30.0
Posted Over 1 Month
Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a vessel with extensive upgrades for a fraction of cost. "Dancer" was purchased by the current owner in 2013, who replaced major systems and components with the intention of keeping her for many years. Over $30,000 was invested in the first year, however a sudden change of plans forces "Dancer" to go up for sale. All mechanical invoices are available for review. Upgrades include:New engine 2014New exhaust system 2013Cutlas bearing 2013Shaft and strut 2013Bilge pump 2013Propane system 2014New wheel 2014Sails---main and jib 2012 Please contact Eric Fortier at cell number 207-590-1360 (Toll-free 877-241-2594) where boat is locatedAt South Port Marine, 14 Ocean Street, South Portland, Maine 04106, USA (If you need additional information, call owner John Salo at 617-590-2244)
Miami Beach, Florida
Make Beneteau
ngine hours (total): 500 length overall (LOA): 39 make / manufacturer: Beneteau propulsion type: sail year manufactured: 1991 length overall (LOA): 39 make / manufacturer: 1991 Beneteau Oceanis 390 propulsion type: sail year manufactured: 1991 Beneteau oceanis 390 owners version building 1991 powered by Universal diesel very good and clean boatThe BENETEAU Oceanis 390 (39')Owner's Version (Special Layout Design) is the two cabin layout, two head arrangement with separate walk in shower, A large L-Shaped sofa and large folding teak table, galley is to starboard entering from the cockpit, there is also a starboard entrance to the aft cabin, there is a large double berth, a sit down navigation station then aft a head, the main salon is very light and features center line teak table drop-leaf with L-shaped convertible settee at starboard, going forward the head is also starboard with hanging locker to port. The spacious salon is large enough for everyone. Boats for Sale Search YachtWorld United States (change) 1991 Beneteau Oceanis 390 Owners Version Boat Name NOBLE AMBITIONS Specs Builder: Beneteau Dimensions LOA: 39 ft 0 in Beam: 13 ft 5 in LWL: 36 ft 8 in Maximum Draft: 4 ft 6 in Bridge Clearance: 54 ft 5 in Engines Engine 1: Engine Brand: Universal Year Built: 1991 Engine Model: 3m20 Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel Engine Hours: 568 Tanks Fresh Water Tanks: (40 Gallons) Fuel Tanks: (45 Gallons) Holding Tanks: (1 Gallons) Accommodations Number of twin berths: 2 Number of cabins: 2 Number of heads: 2 Layout & Accommodations Salon: Headroom: 6'5 Lockers under berths with rigid water tank (40 gal.) Table with fiddlers, bottle rack Anodized aluminum mast support Deck liner with wooden panels, access to mast wires, sliding shutters Opening deck hatch Opening port in coach house Fixed porthole Bar and shelf along the hull Fluorescent light above table Cushions and backrests with removable covers Grab rail Teak and holly floorboards Forward Cabin: Double bed Lockers on the hull Stowing space under berth Seat with stowing space Shelf, drawer & mirror Hanging locker Two fixed ports Ventilation through dorade Ceiling light Two reading lights Curtains Wooden paneling and vinyl lining Forward head: Formica laminated bulkhead Marine toilet with holding tank Stowage with mirror and door Wash basin with hot and cold pressurized water with shower Opening deck hatch Ventilation through dorade Fluorescent light Accessories: glass with holder, towel holders, toilet paper holder Aft cabin: Double bed Shelf along the hull Hanging locker with mirror Vanity Drawer Settee with stowage Two opening ports on coach roof and cockpit Ceiling lamps Reading lamps Ventilation through dorade Access to back of engine, stern gland, engine water intake and electrical bilge pump Aft marine head with separate stall water Aft head: White Formica laminated bulkhead USCG Marine head with holding tank Washbasin with hot and cold pressurized water Mirror & Shelves Stowing space under washbasin Opening port Fixed port in hull Ceiling light Ventilation through dorade box Accessories: glass with holder, towel holders, toilet paper holder Separate shower Galley The well ventilated functional galley will bring out the cook in everyone. Designed for extended cruising, this vessel offers a large refrigerator/icebox, 3 burner stove with oven and hot &cold pressurized water, stainless steel sinks and stowage space. Hot/Cold pressure water in showers and galley, Immersion Heater & Calorifier , 12v Refrigerator , Cooker/Oven/Grill, Radio (VHF), Cockpit cushions, Showers with self-activated pump-out Electronics & Navigation Chart table with stowing space for charts Shelves under chart table Bookshelf Panel for navigation instruments Electronic panel, 16 functions, hinged for easy access to wiring Fluorescent light Chart reading light Electrical, Power & Plumbing 12v / 120v including shore supply, Hot/Cold pressure water in showers and galley , Immersion Heater & Calorifier , 12v Refrigerator , Cooker/Oven/Grill , Radio CD-Player ,Speakers in saloon and cockpit (with fader), Showers with electric pump-out Deck & Equipment Bow stemhead fitting with anchor roller, fast track attachment, and 2 fairleads with built-in rollers (patented) Self bailing anchor well with mooring eye Mechanical windlass One opening hatch for lighting and ventilation of front cabin and head Pulpit with navigation lights Opening aft push pit with horseshoe buoy support and teak flag pole Anodized aluminum toe rail with 4 fair heads in-corporating built-in rollers (patented), 2 aft and 2 amidships Stainless steel profiled stanchions Double s/s lifelines with opening gates Four dorades with s/s guards Genoa tracks with adjustable car Two teak grabrails Mainsail traveler with adjustable car One winch Lewmar 30 S/T or equivalent for main sheet with cleat One winch Lewmar 30S/T or equivalent for main halyard and reefing lines Two Footblocks Two Lewmar 46 S/T (or equivalent) genoa sheet winches with cleat Four blocks for reefing lines with jammers Two genoa turning blocks Slatted teak seating in cockpit Cockpit table Teak cockpit grating Steering wheel (leather covered) with pedestal compass Two sail lockers with life raft storage in cockpit One gas bottle locks One bathing platform, teak laid, with 2 lockers Rubber protection at base of transom S/s chain plates for shroud, forestay, baby stay and backstay One winch handle holder One double action manual bilge pump One aft self-bailing anchor well One aft anchor roller Swim ladder Companionway step/locker Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Huntingtown, Maryland
dsl, roller furling, 410-245-4391
Ruskin, Florida
Very well maintained 1979 Catalina. Full bottom redone on Jan 2014, diver cleaned every month. 2012 Mercury 20 HP outboard engine with less than 500 hrs. Original wood interior in excellent condition, new stays and shrouds were installed, as well as a new custom made set of spreders made to factory standards were installed in order to maintain its original look and its antique vessel tax status. Perfect boat for day cruising. Included are original mainsail, jib and a genoa. Interior engine was removed by the previous owner, but its ready for install if wanted. Needs a new owner that has the time and ability to take her out as much as it should.
A lot of new boat owners overlook the maintenance costs of sailboats - and maintenance can get pricey quickly. To save you from surprises, here's a full overview of costs you can expect when owning a sailboat.
What is the average sailboat maintenance cost? The average annual maintenance cost of sailboats is between $2,000 - $3,000. However, larger boats of 30 feet and up will cost considerably more. The actual total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000, due to other recurring costs like docking and insurance fees.
However, what you'll actually pay really depends on the type of boat you have and what you do with it. Not all maintenance is as important. If you're on a budget, you can maintain your boat reasonably well for just $1,000 / year. I'll explain how below.
Breakdown of yearly maintenance cost, different costs for four situations, seasonal maintenance, recurring longterm maintenance, incidental maintenance costs, other costs to keep in mind.
Let's start by getting a good overview of the different maintenance costs. Here's a full overview of all the recurring maintenance from most to least frequent. I'll explain each line item in detail later on.
The average maintenance cost will be roughly $255 dollars per month for boats under 30' or just under $3,000 per year.
Maintenance item | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Winterizing | each fall | $500 |
Dewinterizing | each spring | $100 |
Bottom paint | 2 years | $500 |
Batteries | 4-6 years | $600 |
Running rigging | 5-10 years | $5,000 |
Sails | 5-10 years | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Standing rigging | 10 years | $4,000 |
Safety equipment | 10 years | $500 |
Engine | 20 years | $5,000 |
Deck hardware | 20-30 years | $1,500 |
As you can see, most of these costs are longterm recurring maintenance costs. Some of these might not apply to your situation. Also, there are a lot of costs you can save on substantially if you do simple maintenance yourself or have a simple boat. Let me explain.
The total maintenance cost varies a lot, depending on the following factors:
Still, we want a general feel of what to expect. That's why I've calculated the average maintenance costs for four different types of boat below:
Situation | What do you do? | Average cost |
---|---|---|
40 ft bluewater cruiser | everything except winterizing | $3,225 |
24 ft daytripper | seasonal maintenance, hull, engine, rigging | $1,600 |
34 ft liveaboard | batteries, hull | $1,550 |
30 ft budget | only bare essentials | $275 |
Your specific maintenance cost will vary depending on what type of boat you have and how you'll use it. Below, I'll go over four different situations and explain what type of maintenance you'll most likely will and won't do, and what the price tag is for each situation.
Most people starting out will get a smaller size boat and use it for day trips and weekend trips. These boats have less moving parts and less critical parts. It will be important to maintain a couple of parts, though:
With a first boat, you most likely won't invest in new sails or the standing rigging if you don't have to.
The total maintenance cost for a small daytripper will average around $1,600 per year or $133 per month.
Maintenance item | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Winterizing | each fall | $50 |
Dewinterizing | each spring | $50 |
Bottom paint | 2 years | $500 |
Batteries | 4-6 years | $600 |
Running rigging | 10 years | $5,000 |
Sails | 10 years | $4,000 |
Standing rigging | 20 years | $4,000 |
Safety equipment | 10 years | $500 |
What would be the maintenance cost if you were on a tight budget? Well, for starters, I'd recommend doing most small maintenance yourself and ignore all non-essential. On sailboats, however, there aren't a lot of non-essential parts. But here are some things we could do out to save some big bucks:
Winterizing your boat yourself can cost you as little as $50 for antifreeze and an oil change afterward.
The total maintenance cost on a tight budget can get as low as $275 per year, or $23 per month.
Maintenance item | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Winterizing | each fall | $50 |
Dewinterizing | each spring | $50 |
Bottom paint | 4 years | $500 |
Safety equipment | 10 years | $500 |
Liveaboards that don't really sail that much have less maintenance to do in one way, and more in another. The sails, rigging, and engine will be less critical if you won't take her out very often. Also, you'll have plenty of time doing odd jobs yourself, since you'll be living on the boat. On the other hand, it will be very important to maintain hull health, as even small leaks will lead to condensation and mold, which is horrible for your health and living standard.
Replacing electronics won't be very important - however, your batteries will need to be replaced more often.
Important maintenance:
If you live on a boat in a location where it falls below freezing temperature (good luck!).
Maintenance item | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Winterizing | each fall | $500 |
Dewinterizing | each spring | $100 |
Bottom paint | 2 years | $500 |
Batteries | 4-6 years | $600 |
Safety equipment | 10 years | $500 |
Engine | 20 years | $5,000 |
The total maintenance cost for a liveaboard will average around $1,550 per year or $129 per month.
If you own a bluewater cruiser, your maintenance cost will go up a lot. Saltwater is a lot more corrosive, and the stress on your rigging and sails will be higher. Sun wear and constant use will wear down the sails and rigging even more. Your engine will wear out faster, and you'll need more incidental repairs as well.
The interval of longterm maintenance will increase dramatically in these conditions.
On top of that, maintaining your boat properly is critical. In marine environments, everything can go wrong exactly one time for it to be critical.
You want a reliable boat, which means you'll fix anything that needs fixing immediately.
Your sail area will most likely also be larger, which means your sail replacement will be more expensive.
One advantage is that you might not need to winterize if you're a fulltime cruiser since you'll probably spend your winters in Bermuda.
Maintenance item | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Bottom paint | 2 years | $500 |
Batteries | 4 years | $600 |
Running rigging | 5 years | $5,000 |
Sails | 5 years | $4,000 |
Standing rigging | 10 years | $4,000 |
Safety equipment | 10 years | $500 |
Engine | 10 years | $5,000 |
Deck hardware | 20 years | $1,500 |
The total maintenance cost for a bluewater cruiser will average around $3,225 per year or $269 per month.
Let's go over each type and break down which costs to expect exactly.
Winterization is an often-overlooked cost, but it can be one of the largest expenses each year. If you're like me, and not so lucky to live in Florida, you need to winterize your boat.
Failing to winterize it will increase your maintenance cost over time, as the engine wears out more quickly, and your plumbing and equipment will fall apart. Winter storms and ice can damage the hull and mast as well. Learn all about the dangers of failing to winterize here .
It's the best way to protect your boat in wintertime, period.
It consists of two parts:
Here's the full winterizing checklist
For dry storage, part of the process can be to shrink wrap your boat. Now, this is expensive, and it is hard on the environment. Some boaters don't shrink wrap in the winter because of it.
Here's the average cost to shrink wrap a boat
Your boat will need bottom paint roughly every 2 years (could be longer, but to be safe, let's keep it at two). It's also called antifouling paint because it helps to protect your hull from weeds, barnacles, and so on. Barnacles can slice through your boat's bellow! So you don't want them on there.
On average, it costs about $15 to $20 per foot to get your sailboat hull painted professionally.
For a 26' sailboat, that's just 500 bucks. Money well spent.
Read more on the cost of antifouling your boat
Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. Deep cycle batteries (which are best for household functionality) need replacing every 4-6 years and will cost roughly $600. If you use your batteries extensively, they will most likely need replacing after 3-4 years, for example, for liveaboards or full-time cruisers.
Good quality cruising sails will need to be replaced every 10 years or so.
The cost of new sails is on average:
I won't go into detail, but I have written an in-depth article about the cost of new sails (opens in new tab). It's a really helpful post (with a formula) if you want to know what to expect.
Most people that own a sailboat will have to replace the sails and rigging at least once in their lifetime. Replacing the mast is uncommon, but if you're unlucky and get demasted, it will need to be fixed. So I've added it to the "be aware this might happen" list - but won't add it to the monthly recurring costs.
Standing rigging are the cables that support the mast. Click here for a full walkthrough with diagrams.
If you need to replace the mast and boom, prepare to spend anywhere between $15,000 - $25,000.
The cost of replacing the standing rigging is, on average, $4,000 every 10 years.
The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. It wears with time due to UV exposure, flogging, strain from the wind, and regular use. In most cases, you'll only have to replace your running rigging every 5-10 years, but it will cost you $5,000 on average.
Deck hardware consists of the bullseyes, tiller , eye straps, cleats , and so on. All this small hardware needs to be replaced every 20-30 years and will amount to about $1,500.
Gas engines run for about 1,500 hours, diesel engines run for 5,000. After that, you'll need to change them out.
Most engines will last you about 20 years, depending on the amount of use and whether you use it properly. Gas engine will last a lot less long than diesels.
A standard 15HP or 20HP outboard gas engine will cost you about $5,000 - $6,000 and needs replacing every 20 years or so. If you do the work yourself, it's more something like $1,000 - $1,500.
Read more on the lifetime expectancy of marine diesels here
The installation of the engine will cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. With inboard engines, this is not something you can easily do yourself - it isn't just unscrewing a motor and screwing a new one in.
The deciding factor of how much will this cost exactly is whether you can simply bolt the new engine in or whether you have to adjust all other parts, including shaft logs, exhausts, electrics, and so on.
Of course, if you have an outboard engine the installation price will be nothing more than a few drops of sweat, swearing, and back pain for a day or two.
Read more on boat engine replacement costs here.
Most people need 2 risers + 2 exhaust manifolds. Parts total: $600 on average That's just what it is. Where you can really save some money, is on the labor. Labor total: $1,000 on average It's about a days worth of work. A professional needs roughly 8 hours to get the job done.
Read more about the cost of replacing risers and manifolds here.
Inboard engine (and generator) starters cost from $40 - over $1,000 depending on the engine. Outboard starters run from about $100 - $500. Skilled marine technicians charge from $75 - $150 per hour. Your costs will range from a couple of hundred dollars for a small outboard up to over a thousand for a large or difficult to reach inboard.
That's a broad range, but if you know what you need for your boat, then you can get a better idea of the cost. The final price depends on two things - what type of engine you have, and how hard it is to get to the starter.
Read more on the average cost to replace a boat starter here.
USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly.
Adhering to the minimum safety requirements shouldn't cost you more than 150 - 250 dollars every 5 years. But if you want the good stuff, need more fire extinguishers, plan on spending more like $600. If you want a life raft, that's another $1,500.
To avoid you have to go cheap on your safety gear, I've put it in the budget for $500.
If you want to know exactly what the USCG safety requirements are, including checklists , definitely check out my article here.
Dear improvesailing.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
To the improvesailing.com admin, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
You may also like, how much sailboats cost on average (380+ prices compared).
Turns out that owning a sailboat is pretty affordable. OK, it isn't cheap, but it can absolutely be done on a budget. In this article, I'll show you exactly what to …
Table of Contents
Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
Interested in buying a boat, but need to do some research about what exactly you’re getting into? Good thinking. The costs of owning a boat go far beyond just the initial purchase price and financing. Similar to many other items we purchase—like a car or a home, for example—learning how much it costs to buy and properly maintain this investment is an important first steps towards becoming a great boat owner.
Many boat ownership costs and expenses will be obvious to a first-time boat owner, while others might come as a surprise. Some, such as insurance and registration, are almost universal while others are more specific to the boat size, type and location. Expenses vary depending on your unique situation, but this guide will help you understand the basic costs of boat ownership .
Learn How to Offset the Cost of Boat Ownership by Listing Your Boat with Boatsetter.
Every boat must be equipped with gear required by the U.S. Coast Guard and your state regulations. This is sometimes called a “safety kit,” and some new boat dealers can supply many of these items and may include them with a boat, but most do not. A basic boat safety equipment checklist includes:
Eventually you’ll want to tie up to a dock. Or, you’ll get your boat out of the water for longterm or short-term storage. In either scenario, you’ll need:
The cost of annual maintenance depends on the size and type of boat, whether it’s used in fresh or saltwater (and may need bottom paint, for example). Boat maintenance costs also depend on whether or not your boat needs to be prepared for off-season storage and winterized.
You can assume $500 to $2,000 or more per year. Owners of smaller boats can often perform basic maintenance themselves and only pay for parts and supplies like engine oil.
And of course, accidents happen. Even if you like to do-it-yourself, repair costs vary depending on the issue at hand, and if replacement parts are necessary. Opting for professional service or maintenance work will also include various service fees or costs of labor.
Boats consume a lot of fuel—figure 8 to 12 gallons per hour of operation for single-engine runabout. If you purchase fuel at a marina, you’ll pay a premium over the cost at a filling station. When possible try to purchase fuel that does not contain ethanol, and use a fuel stabilizing additive with each fill-up.
Liability and damage insurance premiums vary a lot by boat size, type and location. If you boat in a hurricane zone the premium will reflect that fact, for example.
A basic rule of thumb is 1 to 3 percent of the boat’s value . A carrier that specializes in marine insurance will understand the hazards and issues specific to boat coverage.
If you decide to list your boat on Boatsetter , our team offers extra peace-of-mind through our BoatUS Peer-to-Peer Rental Policy , specially designed to protect the boat owner and renter during a rental. This also includes on-water assistance through TowBoatUS, online boater safety certifications through the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, and our world-class 24/7 support.
Like AAA service on the water, a towing assistance program can bring you gas if you run out or tow you to shore if your boat breaks down. This service is available on most larger bodies of water. Annual coverage from SeaTow (starting at $179 per year) is really affordable, while BoatUS often bundles its towing coverage with its insurance plans.
Again, Boatsetter owners receive the additional benefit of on-water assistance through TowBoatUS when enrolls within our BoatUS Peer-to-Peer Rental Policy .
If you’re an avid angler ready to reel in the ‘big one,’ you’ll need all the appropriate gear to do so. That includes rods, reels, bait, fish finders, nets, rod holders, lures, you name it. The same concept applies if you’re interested in water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing or tubing. Count on purchasing the boards, inflatable tubes, and tow lines.
Other popular boating accessories that you might want to have onboard include:
Not every boat comes with a trailer, and a pre-owned boat may be on a trailer you’ll want to replace for safety reasons. Figure $1,500 to $5,000 for a trailer, depending on boat size.
Likewise, it’s not unusual for a family to buy a new trailerable boat, only to discover it’s too heavy to tow with the vehicle they already own. If a new truck or SUV is not in your budget, compare the combined weight of the boat, trailer and gear you are considered with the towing capacity as listed in your vehicle owners manual.
List Your Boat Today to Start Earning $20,000 or More Annually – Find Out How.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2017 and updated in January 2022.
Charles Plueddeman is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to Boating Magazine since 1986, he is the author of its “Off My Dock” column. In the marine realm he specializes in engine technology and trailerable boats. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World, and Harley-Davidson Enthuisast .
I am currently looking around at 30 foot sailboats, ODay, Catalina, Pearson and S2, and am not finding anything in my area. But am finding a nice selection in Florida, California, Missouri, Rhode Island...You get the idea. Anyway we have a budget of $25,000 I am wondering how much of that is going to be consumed by transportation? Has anyone had a sailboat transported lately? What kind if "ballpark" costs am I looking at?
I spent a little over $3200 to move a 31 foot boat 700 miles. I also had to pay for all tolls and permits.
That is what I was guessing. How recent was that?
That was in 2006.
Not sure if this will help, but there is a website uShip - The Online Shipping Marketplace - Ship Freight, Furniture, Vehicles or Moves that you could get bids on. I have hauled a couple of 30 footers in the last year @ 3.75 per mile but with fuel prices being what it is now, would probably cost atleast 5.50 a mile. The rates did not include permits and tolls.
What sort of permits are required?
Most states require permits for loads over 102" Most states require an oversized/overwidth permit to move a boat that exceeds 102" in width. A permit is required even if the boat is only 1 inch wider. I just had to purchase permits from Texas and Louisiana to tow a 27 footer with a beam of 106". The Texas permit cost $60 and required a $10,000 bond. The Louisiana permit cost $10. With budgets getting tighter by the hour, most states have increased inspections on towed equipment and are ticketing very heavily when a permit isn't on hand or filed incorrectly.
Many truckers move the boats on weekend, avoiding getting permits as most weight stations are closed on weekends. Some will still charge for the "permits".
I just moved a boat in Wisconsin. Five bucks a mile.
can anyone tell me how much it would cost to ship a pearson 28 ft from NJ to lake lanier georgia, would that include taking down mast, rigging etc.
at least as much as the boat! unless it's newer boat. why aren't you looking in your area? Georgia sailboats for sale by owner.
Call NJ Boat Hauler, All Aboard Marine Transport, Home Page . They are excellent (moved my Catalina 25 for me). They came highly recommended from 2 different marinas, and they were among the lowest cost people I found. They moved my C25 from Toms River to Ocean City for $500. Some places wanted as much as $1200-1500. I have photos of the boat's location at the marina when the truck came; I'm still not sure how he got in there, and got the boat out, without touching anything else. Anyway...they'll give you an estimate over the phone (take the info, do the research, call you back in a few days) and they should honor that estimate (they did in my case). I have no affiliation with them, I was just very pleased with them. They are based in Toms River, so they are in almost the ideal location for you. Hope this helps!
I transported a 28 foot boat with trailer from Boston down to deerfieldbeach Florida . The company gave me a fair price of $1800 which I thought was a steal . Check them out here they are out of Florida http://alldayautotransport.com/faq-info/how-much-does-it-cost-to-transport-a-boat/
Where are you that it's so difficult to find a production model 30' for sale? Your boatyard should tell you what it costs to haul and de-rig and get on a trailer and vice-verse. Any number of companies will give you quotes to truck the boat. But buying a boat that is far away requires going there at least once if not twice..you are simply adding a lot of costs and hassles. In many cases sailing it back on your own via paid crew is economical and wise. In some cases trucking is better. It depends on many factors. If it is an old boat and you truck here, use that opportunity to rewire and re-rig perhaps...
Did youy ever gfet your boat moved? We are looking to move one from Lanier to TN, who did you use?cost?
How Much Do New Sails Cost?
Last Updated by
Daniel Wade
June 15, 2022
Sails are one of the most important parts of your sailboats. They're your engine or essentially, what propels your sailboat. Buying a new one is, without a doubt, a hefty if not expensive investment. You should, therefore, learn all about different types of sails, how much they cost, and how to buy them.
Sails are one of the most important parts of a sailboat. In addition to propelling the boat, sails play an integral role in efficiency and safety when sailing. Having high-quality sails not only makes your boat heel less but can also prevent your sailboat from rounding up into the wind in gusts. It can also reduce weather helm, make steering a lot easier, make you go faster, and make sailing more enjoyable even when short handed. In short, proper sails will improve reliability, increase speed, and improve your boat's handling characteristics.
Unfortunately, sails do not last forever. They'll, at one point, wear out and you'll need to buy new ones. To make it even worse, new sails are a huge investment; one that you hope to never make any time soon. But how much do new sails cost? Well, let's find out in this guide.
The prices of buying new sails vary greatly depending on several factors such as your boat's length, sail material, quality of the fabric, and many others. For instance, a 24-feet Bermuda sloop can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 while sails on mid-sized boats can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. The price of a new sail will, of course, depend on how long the piece is.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of buying sails, their prices, and making sure that you do not make a costly mistake when buying new sails.
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Although sails are quite expensive, they seem to last forever especially on cruising sailboats . Without the stresses of competition or a yardstick of measuring whether your sails are appropriate or inappropriate for racing, it can be a lot harder to tell if your sails have worn out and need to be replaced.
This can give you a false sense of security that your sails are still in a working condition. So how do you know that your sails have had their day and what's the best time to upgrade to new sails? Well, you can know that your sails are worn out if they become saggy and dangerously long in the tooth or if they can no longer drive you upwind off a lee shore. If anything, you shouldn't wait until a self-destruct moment to buy new sails.
In essence, you should know that it's the right time to change the sails if it doesn't make economic sense to service or repair them. You should also change the sails if they absolutely refuse to work when you're trying to trim. This is because the sailcloth will break down or become extremely elastic to the point that you can no longer apply enough force to the corners or on the edges even when sailing in light winds.
When assessing the structural strength and damage of your existing sails, it's essential to know areas that are prone to tear and wear. While you should inspect every area of the sails you should put a lot of emphasis on the inboard batten pocket, the leech, and spreader patches.
You should also remember that stitching on your sails will get damaged by the sun and chafe long before the material itself. And because buying new sails is a huge investment, you should consider re-stitching the damaged parts if it means extending the sail's life. So how can you know that the stitches are damaged? Well, just rub your thumbnail along with the stitches. If you can pull them out easily, then they're weak and should be re-stitched. It would be appropriate to do it at an early stage to prevent it from becoming worse.
You can also assess the leech and see if it's in a working condition. You can do this by trying to poke your thumbnail into the weave fabric. If it's possible to poke the weave fabric, then it's in a bad state. That's not all; you should as well assess batten pockets for any form of damage or any worn-out patches on the sail.
As we noted earlier, you should know that your existing sails have seen their best day if they don't make any financial sense to repair or service them.
When buying new sails, it's important to have even the slightest idea of the mainsail types. There are four main types of sails.
Mainsails - These include mizzen on yawls and ketches. They're the main driving force and should be fitted with anything ranging between one and four reefs.
Foresails - These include genoas, jibs, and can be used on cutter-rigged boats. Most boats have a single roller curling foresail. However, some have single-standing sails that are designed in different shapes and sizes but optimized for varying wind strengths. For example, you can use larger foresails when the winds are stronger and smaller foresails when the winds are somehow calmer.
Downwind Sails - These are symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers, as well as code zeros, and cruising chutes.
Storm and Heavy Weather Sails - These are storm jibs and trysails that are essential for safety, especially if you're often sailing offshore and may encounter challenging conditions. Given that reefing genoas have incompetent shapes especially when extremely reefed in heavy winds, it's recommended to have a smaller but heavier weather jib. This can be set as part of a removable inner forestay. In essence, this can be a crucial addition to your sail suit.
The type of sail material that you choose when buying a new sail is another crucial thing to consider. Nearly two decades ago, the only viable option for sail material was woven Dacron. As such, the only thing to consider in terms of sail material was the grade of the woven Dacron. Sailors could choose between more durable but stiffer woven Dacron meant for cruising and a stiff, highly-resinated material used for racing.
Things, however, have changed recently thanks to technological advances. There is a wide range of sail materials with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the available sail materials.
Woven Dacron - This is not only one of the most durable sail materials but remains the least expensive option. The only downside is that it tends to lose shape quickly and may not retain the appropriate shape even when there's still more life left in the material.
Keep in mind that Dacron materials aren't made the same. There are Dacron materials meant for cruising sailboats . They generally use materials with the permeated finish. This is done by soaking the material in glue to bind the yarns together. Although this ensures that the material is softer and more long-lasting, the material will stretch more in strong winds, especially when it's still new.
On the other hand, there are Dacron materials used in racing sailboats. They're usually coated with a hard melamine finish to reduce stretch.
Hydrant Woven - These materials incorporate Dyneema fibers on the sails. This is fundamental in increasing resistance to substances such as ultraviolet degradation and chafe while also increasing durability and endurance. That's not all; the Dyneema fibers are known to help the sails maintain their original shape.
Laminate Sails - These are designed with load-bearing structural fibers that are crammed between two sheets of Mylar film. Several types of fibers such as carbon, polyester, Kevlar, and Twaron can be used.
However, the cost of fibers such as polyester and carbon tend to be expensive, which means that these sails might be a little costly. These materials can retain their original shape longer than other materials but have the shortest lifespan. But to increase durability, sailmakers do add taffeta layers on both sides but you may have to deal with a heavier and costly material.
String/Membrane Sails - These are molded in one piece using fibers that are aligned by following the exact load paths in the sail. These fabrics are effectively custom made and reinforced in the right places not just to maintain their original shapes but also to ensure that they remain durable.
Keep in mind that these materials are high-end products that can be costly and are mostly used in racing sailboats. This doesn't, however, mean you can't use them on your cruising sailboat . In fact, these sails are very appropriate for long voyages.
To this end, an appropriate sail material should be able to offer extraordinary durability and desirable shape retention. These are two important features to look for when buying new sails for your boat. So when buying new sails, make sure that you ask about the above-mentioned features as well as the weight of the material. Although woven Dacron is the standard material for sails, you can choose from other materials too as long as they suit your specific needs. More importantly, make sure that the prices and quality are within your specific and reasonable budget.
The weight of material used in making your sails may seem like a minute factor but it's of great importance. The idea here is that heavier material will generally be stronger and last longer. This should, therefore, depend on what you actually need but a heavier material will make the sail heavier.
In terms of additional extras, you should make sure that you ask what comes with the sails. For example, do they come with bags that can be of any use to you when out there on the water? This can be of great importance if you want to buy headsails that must be carried to the deck and hooked up. If this is the case, the bag should be bigger and longer to make carrying and transporting the headsail a lot easier.
You can also ask for boom covers. These are essential in protecting mainsails from various substances, especially when not in use. In essence, these extras are important in preserving and maintaining the life and conditions of your new sails. You should, thus, take advantage when negotiating for the new sails as it is these extras that sailmakers are willing to give out if it means making a sale.
Here is how to buy new sails.
One of the most important factors that when buying new sails is your boat length. This is because the sail area is mostly determined by the boat length. If your sailboat is of popular design, the sailmaker may have enough information to make the right sail size. But if your boat is not that popular, you can take a few measurements to make it a lot easier for the sailmaker when giving you a quote. In most cases, you'll be given a form to fill in the information that the sailmaker needs in terms of measurements or anything else that might be of importance when choosing the right sails for your boat.
It's very important to consider the type of sailing you're planning to do with your new sails. In most cases, there should be a fine balance between conflicting elements. For instance, the sails should be easy to handle, durable, and cost-effective. But to maintain this balance, you should always have an idea of what you want to use the boat for or how you'll be using the boat. For example, how often will you be sailing? Are you planning for long voyages? How many people do you usually sail with? Do you pick your sailing days or go out on the water irrespective of the weather?
Do you want asymmetrical sails, symmetrical sails, or storm jibs? Are you planning to upgrade to roller reefing or will you go for a cruising chute? You should make the right choices in terms of design and the type of sail that you want. Keep in mind that more sophisticated designs such as tri-radial and bi-radial designs may be a little expensive. All in all, make sure that you put a lot of emphasis on buying sails that optimize the performance of your boat.
In addition to choosing the right fabric for the sails, you should make sure that the new mainsails have the right number of reefs. Ensure that each of the reefs is deep enough. You should as well decide whether to go with long or short battens.
If you're planning to use your sailboat for racing, mainsails with short battens could be the best option. This is because short battens offer more control in terms of speed, maneuverability, and acceleration. On the other hand, long battens are the best option for cruising sailboats as they are more durable even though they may come at an extra cost.
Generally, sails are often sold with standard two reefs but three reefs would be ideal for offshore sailing. This is to make it easier for you to reduce the sails to appropriate sizes in heavy weather or stormy conditions. The third reef will be essential in reducing the luff length by at least 40%. Again, you can choose sails with four reefs if you're planning to go for long voyages as this will eradicate the need to have trysails.
It's important to talk to a number of sailmakers to compare different designs and prices. The designs should be similar but prices will vary from design to design. You should, therefore, compare the prices of similar designs. You should also ask the sailmakers for detailed info on their designs and how much each design would cost you.
As we noted earlier, the costs of new sails will not only depend on the type of material and designs of the sails but also on the length of your sailboat. Let's highlight the estimated costs.
The Estimated Costs of Replacing a Jibs and Genoas
The Estimated Costs of Replacing Mainsails on Bermuda Sloop Rigs
It's important to note that these are estimated costs that should give you an idea of what to expect when buying new sails. It would, however, be appropriate to get a quote from a professional sailmaker, and most of them are willing to help.
Whether you've just bought new sails or still using the old ones, the aging process of sails may depend on several factors such as the materials used, the type of use you subject them to, and the level of care you give them. That being said, it's almost impossible to accurately determine the lifespan of your sails based on the number of miles you've covered on the water or the number of years you've used the sails.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shapes of the sails will change gradually without you realizing it. You should, therefore, check regularly to see if there are changes in the shapes of your sails. You can also take photos occasionally to determine the changes in shape over time.
This can be a great way of assessing not just the shapes of your sails but also in monitoring both the performance and the type of handling that new sails will provide. The idea is that new sails cannot instantly move from good to bad. They'll stretch as they age and this can lead to change in shapes. When your sails lose shape, they will not point well and steering will become difficult. This will, in turn, make your boat to drag, increase heel, and ultimately reduce speed.
Although sails can last a long time, they'll not last forever. Replacing your older sails with new ones will instantly increase the speed and handling capabilities of your boat. Here's how you can prolong the lifespan of your new sails and protect your sail investment.
It's a known fact that sails don't last forever. While it's difficult to exactly determine how long the sails will last, it's a good idea to replace your sails before they become severely stretched and out of shape. Using old or worn-out sails can make a huge difference in the way your boat sails and handles. Just like you'd replace worn-out tires or an old engine on your car, replacing worn out sails with new ones will improve how your boat sails. This will give you a greater sense of control and going out on the water will be more fun.
Unfortunately, buying new sails can be a costly endeavor. That's why you should be well prepared and armed with lots of information when buying new sails. In addition to having in mind what new sails would cost you, you should know how to choose the right material for the sails and the type of sails that can be perfect for your sailing.
Don't wait until you experience serious structural failure with older sails to buy new ones.
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The average price of used sailboats under 30 ft on Craigslist has gone up 30% (from $8,500 to $11,000). Sailboat prices research archive ... $20 per feet. For example, a 25-foot sailboat will cost roughly $500. A 35-foot sailboat will cost $800 to repaint. You can get premium paints and services, which can quadruple the cost. Typically, a boat ...
What Does it Cost to Buy a Sailboat? The average price of a new sailboat per foot in USD: under 30 ft: $2,400 per ft. 30 - 50 ft: $5,700 - $8,500 per ft. over 50 ft: $11,900 - $65,400 per ft. On average, second-hand sailboats go at 1/3 - 1/4 of the cost of a new boat: under 30 ft: $815 per ft. 30 - 50 ft: $3,020 per ft.
A true, versatile cruiser/racer, the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was named the year's Best Performance Cruiser. Jon Whittle . Sailed as part of the 2020 Boat of the Year sea trials, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec'd out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020.
The price of owning a sailboat may vary depending on several factors such as the size of the sailboat, its model, whether it's new or used, and how often you use the sailboat. For example, a new Islander 36' can cost nearly $150,000 while a used one can cost you around $40,000. Again, the price of a new 26' Catalina can cost you around $80,000 ...
Preowned sailboats for sale over 30 feet preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... Sailboat Added 30-Oct-2019 More Details: Bristol 29.9: Length: 29.9' Beam: 10.2' Draft: 4.4' Year: 1977: Type: cruiser: Hull: fiberglass monohull:
On average, the price of a 20 to 30-year-old cruising sailboat in excellent, voyage-ready condition is between $30,000. The price of used cruising sailboats ranges from $5,000 for older vessels and $150,000 for late-model cruisers. The cost occasionally soars past $200,000 for special models, especially high-tech luxury yachts.
The average price of used sailboats is around $21,000, but new boats cost $60,000 on average and upwards. Some used boats can be purchased for less than $10,000, depending on their age, size, and condition. This is because pre-owned sailboats have about 80 percent of the market share. You will find models from the early 1960s still racing ...
30-34ft: $183,000: $66,000: 35-39ft: $251,000: $111,000: 40-44ft: $326,000: $150,000: 45-49ft: ... Docking at $25/ft $ 0. Insurance at 1.5% $ 0. Taxes varies ... If you want to read a more in-depth exploration of sailboat ownership costs, I recommend you read our guide. Also read: How Much Sailboats Cost On Average (380+ Prices Compared) We ...
The average cost of a sailboat for sale will vary all over the board, given the many sizes, complexities, and types of sailboats out there. ... (Seen below: The Hanse 315 is an approximately 30-foot sailboat that costs between $100,000 and $150,000 when purchased new.)
For example, a 22-foot sailboat may be close to $30,000 brand new, yet an older model of the same boat built in the late 1970s might be purchased for $5,500 source. Similarly, ... For larger boats of 30 feet and up, these costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching $7,000 or more when considering additional expenses like docking and ...
1977 Catalina 30. US$19,900. Sound Yacht Sales | Kingston, Washington. Request Info. <. 1. 2. >. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price.
On average, a new cruising sailboat can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million. Some popular brands, such as Beneteau and Jeanneau, offer models in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. Luxury cruising sailboats from well-known brands like Hanse or any catamarans can easily exceed $500,000. Of course, the cost will also depend on the size and ...
The first cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the marina fees/slip fees. The marina costs for a sailboat are approximately $10 to $20 per foot per month. For example, a sailboat owner with a boat size of 30 feet will typically pay between $300 and $600 per month in slip fees to stay at a marina. A marina will charge a boat owner on a ...
TRAILERABLE. With an overall size of under 30 X 10 ft and a weight of 8,000 lbs, the Oceanis 30.1 can be trailered by road, without the issues of an extra-wide load. With the lifting keel and rotating tabernacle mast version, the cruiser can sail along canals and rivers to its sailing grounds.
The Aloha 28 is under 30 feet in length, making it relatively inexpensive to dock at most liveaboard-friendly marinas. You can find this affordable liveaboard sailboat for a fraction of the cost of a new boat, as most models sell for around $10,000 to $15,000 in clean and usable condition.
An average 20' boat used can often be found for between $10,000 and $20,000. The same boat bought new would likely be $40,000 to $60,000. One of the biggest factors that will impact the price is the style of the boat, with the length of the boat figuring heavily as well. Buying used boats will always save you money getting the boat into your ...
The cockpit is huge for a 30 foot boat. The 12 ft beam is incredible inside. It has the room of most 35ft boats. ... The trailer has only 3500 miles and would cost 12,500 if you buy it as a new trailer.Shipping will be the responsibility of the buyer.Please see my 500+ all positive feedback, bid with confidence. Catalina 30Tall Rig Sailboat ...
The average annual maintenance cost of sailboats is between $2,000 - $3,000. However, larger boats of 30 feet and up will cost considerably more. The actual total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000, due to other recurring costs like docking and insurance fees. However, what you'll actually pay really depends on the type of boat you have and what ...
Dock lines ($30 to $100 each) - Sized to your boat, four to six lines required. Fenders (also called bumpers) - To protect the boat from the dock ($20 to $60 each) sized to your boat, two to four required. Launch fees - Usually charged at most public ramps, and varies at about $5 to $15 per launch.
In Connecticut, our 30-foot fiberglass sailboat would cost $135.00 per year, whereas a wooden sailboat of a similar age would only cost $33.75. Registration costs typically increase with length, and some states require bi-annual renewal. ... For our 30-foot sailboat, we'll assume the yearly cost of maintenance is $2,000, plus a dry storage ...
Most states require an oversized/overwidth permit to move a boat that exceeds 102" in width. A permit is required even if the boat is only 1 inch wider. I just had to purchase permits from Texas and Louisiana to tow a 27 footer with a beam of 106". The Texas permit cost $60 and required a $10,000 bond. The Louisiana permit cost $10.
Larger sailboats, in the 20-foot range and longer, usually need to be towed by a pickup truck or SUV. ... Cost to Ship a Sailboat on a Cargo Ship. Shipping costs for ocean-going boat transport are lower than many people expect. A lot of factors are involved, including the size of the boat, its height (from keel to mast top), its displacement ...
The prices of buying new sails vary greatly depending on several factors such as your boat's length, sail material, quality of the fabric, and many others. For instance, a 24-feet Bermuda sloop can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 while sails on mid-sized boats can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. The price of a new sail will, of course, depend on ...