Buy or Rent a Boat
Owning a boat is a dearly held dream for many people who envision idyllic days on the water. What doesn’t enter into those aquatic-based fantasies is the actual reality. For many people, it may be more cost effective and expeditious for an outing to simply rent a watercraft. Before making that purchase, there are some things to consider.
Those that purchase a boat typically buy the largest craft they can possibly afford. In addition to the initial cost, there’s depreciation, insurance, maintenance, safety equipment, the need for a boat slip depending upon the size of the vessel, and passage of a boating safety course. For individuals that won’t be able to spend a significant amount of time on the water, a rental is a more cost effective solution.
A rental is a far better option for novice boating enthusiasts. It enables individuals to get a feel for the type of craft they want and if their dream of boating lives up to the reality. Owning a boat can require a lot of time and effort in terms of maintenance. With a rental, individuals don’t have to worry about mundane chores such as washing down the deck or hull or emptying the head.
If speed is a factor, buying a boat outweighs a rental. The speed of many rental vessels is deliberately reduced to minimize the potential for accidents and other mishaps. They’re not a good fit for those that want to water ski and stringent maintenance schedules may not be a priority for rental agencies.
Owning a boat means fishing equipment and other items are typically already onboard and there’s little need to transport anything to the craft other than the desired drinks and snacks for the day. With a rental, individuals will need to remember every conceivable item to take with them for an enjoyable day on the water.
Storage is another concern, particularly for smaller craft or if no appropriate docking facilities are available for larger vessels. Owners may not be able to park their boats at home or have enough room, which will require renting storage.
Purchasing a boat offers pride of ownership and a convenient means of escaping from life’s every day cares. It also comes with a number of expenses and time consuming maintenance duties. For those that aren’t able to spend a lot of time on the water, are inexperienced, or have financial constraints, renting a vessel is a far more cost effective solution.
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