The True Costs of Owning Your Very Own Boat

When most people think of buying their own boat, they do not figure in all the costs which are associated with true boat ownership. Everyone knows that different size and makes of boats will vary in price range. The initial cost of a boat can be negotiated with the dealer, which usually results in a nice boat with a monthly payment which is comparable to the payments made on a car. As with purchasing a car, you should always do your research and visit several dealers before committing to the deal.

If you are like most individuals, you will need financing for your new boat. Luckily, boat loans have become much easier to qualify for within the last few months. Boat loans have also become more flexible in their terms as well, which is also good for the consumer. If you have ever financed a car, then you will most likely be comfortable with the process of purchasing your new boat. One of the best ways to get a good rate on your boat loan is to research boat loan rates online.

One of the hidden costs of purchasing your new boat is the addition of accessories. You must know ahead of time what type of equipment is standard equipment on the make and model of boat that you are buying. With this knowledge in hand, you will be certain not to spend your hard earned cash on something that you should not have to pay for in the first place.

By making sure you get the right accessories at the initial point of purchase, you will be able to enjoy your new boat right away without having to have extras fitted later. By doing this you will get out on the water enjoying yourself sooner, and also get the proper marine electronics right from the onset.

Although the process of buying a boat is similar to that of buying a car, the operating cost of a boat differs greatly from that of a car. This is because of the method in which a boat is used. Unlike cars, boats do not have their engines running the entire time it is being used. The engine on a boat is only used when the boat is in motion. Boaters that like to fish will not use the boat engine very much at all, as they cut the engine once they get to the place where they would like to fish. This is true for those who like to use boats when they go swimming. As a matter of fact, most recreational boats will not use fifty gallons of gas in one boating season.

You must also factor the cost of boat insurance with your operating costs. By doing your homework before choosing a policy, you will be able to save money on your boat insurance.

Spree Expeditions Makes Booking Your Live Aboard SCUBA Vacation Easy!

HOUSTON, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Spree Expeditions' unique Online Booking program makes it easy to book Live Aboard SCUBA vacations in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to the implementation of the Spree's first Online Booking Program, booking a dive trip to the fabulous Texas Flower Gardens or the

Publication: PR Newswire

Tank corps: we install a tank that keeps bait alive and easy to access aboard our project boat.(TBM How-To)

From Florida to California, Maine to Mississippi, saltwater boating anglers seem to be using live bait more than ever. This is because live bait is one of the most effective enticements to game fish, be it striped bass, tuna, tarpon, redfish, snook, cobia, yellowtail or even marlin. [ILLUSTRATION

Publication: Trailer Boats

Live-aboard boaters in Delray Beach enjoy dream rents at city marina - for now.

Byline: Erika Slife May 15--DELRAY BEACH -- For a few lucky folks, home comes with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a landscaped garden tended to weekly, all for less than $500 a month, utilities included. Welcome to the Delray Beach city marina. In the heart of the Marina

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Love boat on troubled waters: cruise lines promise fun and romance and encourage partying aboard ship. When negligence or crime results in injury to passengers, what remedies does the law provide?

In 2004, the North American cruise industry carried an estimated 10.8 million passengers on cruises worldwide, 8.1 million of them embarking through U.S. ports. (1) Cruises are popular vacation options, but when passengers are injured or killed on cruise ships, the legal options for recovering

Publication: Trial

THE CAPTAIN FINDS HIS MATE: Somewhere along Brion Kerlin's 2-month boat journey from Florida to St. Paul, he got engaged.

Byline: David Hawley Oct. 2--When he set out from St. Petersburg, Fla., two months ago to cruise his slow-moving boat through a maze of canals and rivers to St. Paul, Brion Kerlin had one goal in mind -- to attend a performance of Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion radio show. Along the

Publication: Saint Paul Pioneer Press (St. Paul, MN)

Stingray jumps aboard boat and stabs Lighthouse Point man in chest: Victim, 81, in critical condition after barb pierces chest in freak attack.

Byline: Sofia Santana and Brian Haas Oct. 19--A Lighthouse Point man underwent open-heart surgery late Wednesday after he was stabbed in the chest by a spotted eagle ray that leapt onto his boat, his family said. The accident occurred while retired developer James Bertakis, 81, was with two of his

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)