Analyze the Costs Before You Buy a Boat

Owning a boat costs much more over time than the actual purchase and the fuel to run the boat. There are two types of costs associated with owning a boat: one-time costs like the actual purchase, titling and outfitting of the boat and ongoing costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance and docking.

When you purchase a boat, the first decision is to buy new or used. Used boats obviously cost less but may have fewer features and more wear than a new boat. Additionally, new boats often come with warranties. Buying a boat is similar to buying a car and shopping around for the best deal and the best financing can save you a lot of money up front. If you're buying a new boat, dealers often charge a "commissioning" fee to cover the installation of any special equipment, tuning the engine and other post-purchase items. You will also have to pay sales tax and some states have a personal property tax that must be paid on boats over a certain size.

Most boat owners a responsible about budgeting for the initial purchase and outfitting of their boats, but underestimate the ongoing costs, which are the bulk of the costs of owning a boat. Insurance is the most important of these costs and the most complex. Getting quotes from several companies will ensure you get the best rate. Also, agents that specialize in boat insurance will be able to help you understand any language specific to boats that you may not be familiar with.

Dockage is another ongoing cost, unless you are lucky enough to own waterfront property. Slip fees vary by size and amenities offered. For example, in San Diego a slip with water and electricity for a 32-foot boat costs around $300 per month. Many boat owners also do not realize that if they want to tie up at a different marina or dock than their own that there may be a docking fee.

Maintenance is such a persistent ongoing cost that it has become almost a joke among boat owners. Before you purchase your boat, you should study the owner's manual and the manufacturer's website to get an accurate idea of yearly maintenance costs. Maintenance costs include more than just engine maintenance. Consider the costs of replacing sun-faded fabric, hull painting and sail replacement as well.

Finally, you need to estimate gas costs. Many a novice boat owner has been tripped up by assuming that gasoline costs the same at a marina as it does at the gas station. However, gas costs are marinas are significantly higher than at the gas pump. Visit a few marinas to get a sense of what boat gas actually costs. by j_hardcastle89

Caribbean Sailing Charters - Not Just For The Experienced Sailor

Caribbean sailing charters are not all designed for those with sailing experience. If you want to charter the sailboat or yacht on your own, you will need to provide proof that you can handle the boat. You don't necessarily need to have a license, because many companies regard years of experience in sailing as better than having a certificate. You can book a sailing charter just for the relaxation of sailing. There are also Caribbean sailing charters that will teach you everything you need to know about sailing.

When you decide to take sailing lessons through one of the Caribbean sailboat charters, you will have an experience captain as your instructor. These lessons are designed for the whole family so that the next time you want to enjoy Caribbean sailing charters you can take the sailboat on your own. When you use this opportunity to learn about sailing, it will take you only one week to complete the basic course. If you wish to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean for sailing lessons you have to do on a single hulled sailboat. These lessons are not available here for catamarans.

When you book one of the Caribbean sailing charters you will want to know what is and what is not included with your booking. All of the bed linens, towels and kitchen equipment is standard fare on the bareboat sailboats. You will also have a VHF, boat phone, a cruising guide of the Caribbean and all the charts you need for sailing these waters. The basic navigation equipment, such as binoculars, safety equipment and first aid kit, is also included in Caribbean sailboat charters. You will get a full tank of fuel and water and you are expected to return the sailboat with the tanks refilled.

Some of the Caribbean sailing charters include snorkelling and diving gear with the charter. Others require you to rent this equipment if you need it. You should check out the different sailboat charter companies that offer charters to the Caribbean to see which one has all the equipment that you need for your vacation. If you choose a bareboat charter, you will have to supply your own food and if you want a captain, you also have to supply the captain's meals. On the luxury Caribbean sailboat charters, all the food and drink is included in the price as well as the cost of hiring the crew.

Caribbean sailing charters offer you the opportunity to see the Caribbean at your own pace. You set the itinerary and spend as long as you like in one place. Go ashore to shop at the markets and take in the unique culture of each of the Caribbean islands. Once you book one Caribbean sailing charter, you will be so enchanted that you will dream of the day when you can take another.Source: Free Articles Peter1