If you live close to a body of water, whether an ocean, sea, or lake, you’re aware of the boating opportunities it offers. While you can always rent a boat, you should consider purchasing one if you have the funds. It may seem like too much of a leap, but here are five reasons spending on a family boat is worth the cost.
1. Boating Can Be a Lot of Fun
Boat owners spend most of their days at sea because it can be thrilling. If you haven’t spent time on the open water, you’ll have plenty of adventures to embark on with friends and family once you get a boat. For example, fishing from a boat is way better than doing it on land because you can go right to the areas with the best fish.
You can also host parties for your family and friends on your boat, where they can join you in the fun of being out on the open seas. It’s no surprise that over 87 million U.S. adults engage in recreational boating! If you’re looking for something to brighten your days, consider investing in a boat.
2. Boating Is a Great Way to Exercise
Most people fail to exercise because it’s not the most enjoyable activity. That’s why 67% of those with gym memberships never put them to use — but the trick is to make things enjoyable.
You can engage in several activities for fun on a boat, which also provides a great workout. These include swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Not to forget the joys of fishing. Whether you’re hoping to catch the big one or simply having fun with your casting rod, it’ll help you unwind and concentrate, and it can even end with a delicious supper.
3. Having a Boat Can Strengthen Your Family Relationship
Owning a boat offers a unique opportunity for everyone in the family to participate. As you increase your skill set, challenge your kids to do the same. Together, attend classes at the Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary, or watch YouTube tutorials on navigation, weather forecasting, or knots. Give your children routine tasks so they can feel part of the boating experience.
The best part is you can carry your boat when visiting different local water bodies. 95% of boats on the water in the United States (sailboats, personal watercraft, and powerboats) are tiny, with a length of less than 26 feet, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. This makes them easy to trail to nearby waterways.
4. Potential for a Return on Investment
Nobody can deny that maintaining a boat can get expensive. However, by renting out your vessel for a few weeks or months each year, you can significantly lower the overall cost of ownership. It just takes a few weeks of chartering every year for most yachts to break even.
After that, you can use your yacht for the rest of the year while writing off the expense of upkeep, repairs, depreciation, and even upgrades. Boats retain their value over time, allowing you to enjoy them for years without forking out a lot of money.
5. You’ll Learn New Skills
You’ll need to master new skills to safely operate your new boat, and learning new skills will keep your mind sharp. From anchoring to socking at a marina, navigation to knots, to knowing your stern from your bow and your starboard from your port, the more you know, the more you’ll appreciate your experience. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary, road rules, the quirks of your gadgets, and the specifics of how to drive in all current, tidal, and wind conditions.
While it can be expensive, owning a boat will open you up to new opportunities and experiences. It’ll also be a great addition to the entire family. This read highlights why a boat is worth the investment.
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