Whether you’re seeking glitz and glamour or you want to enjoy the freedom that being out on the open water brings, there are many reasons why people look to buy a boat.
The UK boating industry is believed to be worth around £3.4 billion, made up of yachters, water sports enthusiasts, and those who take to the water for commercial purposes. An estimated 3.9 million Brits partake in recreational boating activities according to the most recent data.
‘Do I want a boat?’ is probably a pretty easy question to answer (yes!). But we’ve picked out five more questions that you should also consider as you ponder whether boat ownership is right for you.
Do I have somewhere to store it?
Whether you’re between trips during the summer months or you need to put your boat somewhere during the winter, storing your boat is an important detail to have in place.
Storage can be costly if you don’t have space around your property. Be sure to do your research before buying yours, so you can be confident it’s kept in a safe place.
Options include hiring space in a marina, although this may require extra maintenance when the UK winter takes hold. Dry boat storage may also be an option, depending on whether a ‘boatel’ facility is accessible to you.
Have I considered the costs if the boat breaks?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, repairs to a boat can be extremely costly. This is a specialist area, and the materials used can be expensive, which are just a couple of reasons for these high repair prices.
Finding a repair centre that you can trust is key. This way, you can be more confident that you’re getting value for money and a good service.
Do I have the right insurance for it?
Regularly checking that you have appropriate levels of motorboat insurance can help you avoid any surprises in the future.
Just as you may want to take your time and find the right boat for you, being similarly watchful with your cover gives you opportunity to pick a policy with the right benefits for you and your sailing style.
Am I aware of ongoing costs?
There are plenty of ongoing costs for boat owners to consider ahead of any purchase. Some of the most common include:
• Mooring
• Maintenance
• Fuel
• Licensing
• Equipment and accessories such as lifejackets, water sports equipment and safety features
Do I know where I’ll take it?
Consider how often you’ll use the boat and where you’d like to take it to see if it’s worth the substantial investment.
If you don’t think you’ll be using it too much in the future, there are other options you can try. Chartering a boat gives you the opportunity to get out on the water without worrying about the ongoing considerations of ownership.
Are all your answers to our five questions ‘yes’? If so, all that’s left for us to do is wish you happy sailing on your future vessel!
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