Before you try to secure a boat loan, you may want to be aware of the costs associated with boat ownership, as this can help you create a financial plan and make the process of finding and obtaining a boat loan smoother.
1. Upfront Costs
The total cost of a boat depends on many factors, including the type of boat, its size and its age. Typically, the range is between $20,000 and $50,000. A brand new boat that is 22 feet long, for example, comes at an average cost of a minimum of $35,000.
Even if you plan to finance your boat, there may be out-of-pocket costs to consider, such as a down payment and application fees. At My Financing USA, our typical down payment is between 10% and 15%, though we consider the option of 100% financing case by case.
2. Costs of Additional Equipment and Accessories
You may decide to add equipment and accessories to your boat. A trailer is usually a boat's main accessory and can range in price from $2,000 to $5,000. A trailer can often be a more affordable way to haul your boat back and forth from the marina. Additionally, you may choose to add equipment like cosmetic add-ons and entertainment gadgets, all of which can vary in price.
3. Boat Insurance
Before a water vessel can be operated in a public water spot, you need licensing. On average, a boat insurance plan can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000. The cost of boat insurance depends on your accident history, the type of boat and what else is insured on your policy.
4. Marina Fees
If your vessel is not on the water, it must be docked, meaning harbor space is another boat ownership cost to consider. Marina fees vary by type of boat and can range between $3,000 and $15,000 per year.
5. Maintenance Costs
For a boat, the maintenance costs are estimated to be at least 10% of the boat price per year. Maintenance may include hull painting, sail replacement and deck cleaning. For a $30,000 boat, maintenance can cost up to $3,000 per year.
6. Storage Costs
For each square foot of space on a boat, storage costs $8.25 on average. If a boat has an attached trailer, the average cost is $7.25 per square foot. For each linear foot that covers a trailer, outdoor storage space costs about $7.50.