Boating on a Budget
2/5/2006 11:54:43 PM by SANDY LINDSEY
Costs are constantly rising, but we dont want to let that effect participation in our favorite sport boating. With just a few minor tweaks to our boating habits, we can get out on the water, comfortable knowing that were getting the most out of every dollar in our boating budget.
FRUGAL FUEL
The first thing a boat owner can do, one that will save a significant amount of $$ over the boating season, is, if possible, buy the boat gas at a regular gas station instead of a fuel dock. If the boats on a trailer, this is simple. If the boat is in the water the idea of an SUV full of five gallon gas cans can be a tedious one. Popular boater options include large tanks with pumping mechanisms similar to those at a gas station, such as the 28 gallon Toddy Gas or Diesel Caddy or their smaller sibling, the 16 gallon Gas Buddy.
Speaking of fuel, get the most mileage out of your tank by paring boating gear down to safety items and what you actually will use that day. Simply put, an overloaded boat uses more fuel. To boost the fuel burn and reduce wear and tear on the engine another cost savings add one of the new-millennium fuel treatments such as Starbrite Startron, which uses bioenzymes to get the most performance out of a tank, while keeping the fuel system cleaner.
Once in the water, save fuel by running in the boats sweet spot where it is on a plane and vibration and resistance are reduced. This is normally found around 3,000 to 3,500 rpm with a gas engine and at about three-quarters throttle on a diesel.
SMART PROVISIONING
When stocking a boat, whether for a days outing or a weeklong vacation, there are several tricks to cut down on costs without cutting down on quality or quantity. Plan your provisioning around weekly loss leaders, those low-priced items that tempt you into the grocery store; and while youre at it, stock up: buy on sale and store until needed, whether on board or in your home pantry. Next, if the item is something your family loves and is non-perishable, buy it in bulk cases are always cheaper per unit than individual cans.
Put a microwave in the galley not just for quick meals but for using leftovers that you might otherwise be tempted to just toss out. Pre-assembling meals at home and refrigerating or freezing them is often much cheaper than the tempting alternative of pre-packaged prepared foods.
Dont forget that the rod and reel onboard have a practical purpose too. Fishermen can save refrigerator or cooler space by catching what theyre going to eat that day, and have probably enough to take home for several additional meals. And, there is no supermarket substitute for the taste of fresh caught fish.
When provisioning drinks, the easiest option is to buy a case of water bottles, but those individual bottles can add up quickly. Instead, invest in a water cooler and fill it up with tap water before each outing. Think the bottled water tastes better? A tap mounted water-filter will give you the same result for pennies on the gallon.
On smaller boats, save money by cooking with cheap propane instead of the more expensive electricity be it a propane stove or a marinized propane grill, such as those from Magma. Reusable storage containers are cheaper than Ziploc bags. Likewise reusable Igloo or Rubbermaid blue ice packs can save money over bags of ice over time; and they dont leave your sandwiches floating in water at the bottom of the cooler as they melt.
BOAT STORAGE SAVINGS
If your boat is stored in your driveway or on the water behind your house, youve got the best storage deal going. However, for many boaters these are not options. In that case you can reduce your storage expenses by:
Asking if the marina offers a discount for pre-payment of six months or a year at a time.
Switching from in-water storage to dry rack-and-stack storage, which is usually cheaper, and can often be had at the same facility.
Moving your boat behind someones house. Personal dockage is normally less expensive than fully staffed marina facilities.
Trailer boaters should consider investing in a parking pass for the lot nearest the ramp, and see if season passes are offered on ramps with fees.
Lastly, taking a Safe Boater course can help reduce your boat insurance premium in most cases and its something every boater should do anyway. Another way to reduce your insurance costs is to ask your agent if his company offers a multi-policy discount if you place your auto and home insurance with him as well.
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BUDGET-SAVING IDEAS Yard sales are a great source of gently-used boat accessories, such as fishing gear, waterskis, and dive equipment. Some waterfront cities even have marine flea markets, where the selection is expanded to include parts, electronics, and more. Some marine stores, such as West Marine, offer a buyers advantage program for savings on just about every purchase. When choosing an electronics package, go for a multi-function unit. It costs less than the individual components combined, and the single unit will be cheaper to install. Fishermen who like to troll might find the investment in a small kicker motor pays for itself in the end in gas savings. Plus, the engine can function as a back-up in a pinch to get you back to the dock. A dipstick pump makes oil changes simple for the do-it-yourselfer to save on mechanics fees. |