Boating on a budget
The sun is shining, the skies are clear, and there’s no better way to celebrate summer than by being on the water. Some boat owners like to joke that “boat” is an acronym for “bring on another thousand.” Boating can be an expensive hobby but also a rewarding one. You can go boating on a budget. Let’s look at a few ways to save money while keeping your dream boat from becoming a nightmare.
Avoid Stuff Labeled ‘Marine’
Retailers know that people who own boats tend to have a little more disposable income and expect to spend a lot to maintain their watercraft. This assumption leads them to inflate prices on boating rope or boat window cleaner. In many cases, conventional products for the land craft will do the same job just as well for quite a few dollars less.
Find A ‘Boat Buddy’
If you’ve got friends heading to the same lake, see if you can split trips. You can take them around on your boat; then, they can do the same for you. Not only will this let you both experience being captain and first mate, but you’ll also spend half as much on fuel. Boating on a budget can be easy with a buddy.
Get Gas Beforehand
This gas isn’t about a baked bean dinner the night before an excursion. Instead, think about the marina prices for fuel. They’re likely considerably higher because marina operators know they have a captive audience. With a 15-gallon spare tank, you can make the trip to a land-locked gas station and save a few bucks on fuel (one of the most significant expenses of the weekend). However, if the gas station sells gasoline with ethanol, pay attention to what you are buying. Boat manufacturers did not build many gasoline-powered engines (especially older models) for E15, which could damage the motor.
Do Your Cooking On The Water
Sandwiches can get boring, and bait shop hot dogs are expensive, not to mention unhealthy. Instead of those options, look to step up your cooking game on the boat. A single-burner electric hot plate is all you need for stir-fries, taco fillings, and other simple dishes. A little bit of planning can help you be more sophisticated. Bring wings and buffalo sauce, cook them up in the skillet, and have your favorite bar food on the water! Make sure you do the chopping beforehand and keep the ingredients in plastic containers in the cooler. Also, only do your cooking at anchor in calm waters.
Cut Down On The Alcohol
Beer and boating seem like such a natural fit, but the cost of all those cans adds up. Worse yet, you could end up with a severe criminal matter. Boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement is usually higher on holiday weekends like Memorial Day. Getting a ticket could cost you hundreds of dollars or even your freedom! If you’re out in the sun, drink plenty of water, and designate at least one sober boat driver. Driving a boat under the influence is just as dangerous as driving a car under the influence.
Now that you know how to go boating on a budget, what stops you? Does your boat need some repairs or are you ready for a new or used boat? We can help. Our Adventure loans will get you on the water for a beautiful day on the water!
