Marine Waterline

As the winter ends and the weather starts to warm, it’s time to start thinking about getting your boat ready for some fun-in-the-sun. If you have never de-winterized a boat before, or maybe you need a refresher to make sure you take all the right steps, then keep reading to learn how to de-winterize a boat, step-by-step.

Just as it’s important to winterize your boat before the winter months hit, it’s just as important to de-winterize it before you even put it in the water for the first time of the summer.

Take The Boat Cover off

Remove the cover of your boat to start. During the winter, a variety of little critters may found their way under your cover and have been hibernating in your boat for warmth.

Give your boat a good looking over to make sure you don’t have any type of animals hiding out, like rodents or birds. A good, well-made canvas cover that fits snugly around your boat is the best boat cover. Even-so, there are some little critters that can still find their way in.

Check The Engine and The Propeller

Check your engine and propeller for any visible damage, corrosion or black suit from bad belts. Be sure to check all the belts for cracks and over-dryness, which can easily happen in cold, dry temps. Test your belts for a loss in slack by putting a little pressure on them. If they appear dry, cracked, or non-pliable; replace them. De-winterizing a boat engine is to check everything and don’t forget to do a trial run.

Make sure your propeller is free of corrosion, dents and loose parts. It’s a good time to give in a good inspection while it’s out of the water.

Refill The Cooling System

You should have drained your cooling system before the winter and flushed it out. If so, now you’ll want to refill it using a 50/50 coolant mixture – 50% water and 50% antifreeze.

Be sure to check all the hoses and lines to be sure they’re in good condition; not brittle and no cracks that can mean, leaks. Replace any hoses or lines that are not in good condition.

Check The Water Pumps and Thermostats

An important part of keeping your engine cool is a rubber part on the impeller. It is said that at approximately every 200 hours of use, this part should be replaced.

If you know how many hours you have racked up, it may be time to replace that part. This part helps water flow down to cool your engine. Make sure your thermostat is operating so you can tell if your engine were to ever become too hot or cold.

Check Cables and Hoses

Bad cables or hoses can cause big problems if they happen to break or leak while out in the middle of the lake. Be sure to carefully inspect all the cables and hoses for cracks, leaks, breaks or disconnects.

If you have any questionable cables or hoses, replace them and make sure they are installed correctly to avoid inconvenient issues.

Inspect The Boat Battery

Batteries don’t do well when sitting unused too long, especially in cold weather. Your battery should have been disconnected for the winter, and now you need to make sure it survived the winter and is still good.

Start by filling with water and hook it up to a battery tester to make sure it tests positive for a charge. If it does, clean the battery by removing any corrosion you may see around the terminals. If your battery fails the battery test, obviously you’ll need to replace it.

Clean The Distributor

The proper way to check your distributor is to remove the cap and check for corrosion. Like the battery, cold weather can cause corrosion to build-up and it will need to be cleaned if you find any.

Make sure the spark plugs are in place and tightened, and remove the plastic bag or covering you may have put over the carburetor for the winterizing process, as well.

Check The Fuel System

Hoses and fuel lines are another part of your boat’s components that can take a real hit during the winter months. Give your fuel lines a good looking-over to make sure there are no cracks in the lines and all the connections are still intact and tight.

Be sure to look over the hoses in the cooling system and the connection clamps, as well. You should have left your fuel tank full when you winterized the boat, and a marine fuel stabilizer should have been added to keep moisture from building in the tank – something that can cause a lot of problems.

Don’t forget to check your fuel filter to be sure it’s clean and in good condition. If not, replace it with a new one. Any lines or hoses in the fuel system that have cracks or appear in poor condition should be replaced, too. All that’s left is to top-off your tank with fresh fuel to fill it up.

Check for Stiff Steering

Check your boat’s steering and power steering fluid level. If your boat is displaying stiff steering, it could be directly related to a low level of steering fluid.

If your steering fluid is low, fill the reservoir with the correct type of power steering fluid and to the manufacturers’ recommended level.

Inspect The Boat’s Exterior

Take a good look at the exterior of your boat. Look for any obvious cracks, dents or damage that you think could lead to further issues or even a leak.

One way to keep track of any dents or damage from year-to-year is by keep a diagram of your boat and notating any damage in the area you see it. You can write out how the damage happened, too, so you don’t forget year-to-year.

Check for Worn Belts

Belts can go bad during the winter; getting stiff, cracked, and they lose their flexibility if they sit too long. Make sure all the belts are in condition and replace any that aren’t. You can look for soot on the engine as a sign that a belt might not be working properly.

Inspect The Bilge Pump

There are three important parts of the bilge pump and they all need to be checked for proper function before venturing out. They include; the pump, the automatic switch, and the circuit. They work together, so one non-working part and it could cause you a lot of problems.

Once the water gets into the bilge, it automatically triggers the pump, which is why you don’t want any parts of the bilge to be on-functioning.

Do a Trailer Check

If your trailer isn’t working properly, you could risk big problems hauling your boat. Check it to be sure all the wires and and attachments are up-to-code. It’s illegal to drive a trailer without proper turn signals and non-working parts, so be sure to test your signals are working right and replace bulbs if needed.

Don’t forget the tires and tire pressure. Add air or change bad tires, if you need to before you venture out with your boat.

Check That The Safety Gear is Working Or Not

Safety gear can get overlooked when de-winterizing a boat, but it’s important to be sure you have all your safety gear on-board, and it’s all operating properly. Life jackets, other flotation devices, flares, radios and other gear you have, won’t do you any good if they’re not in good shape or not working.

Clean Up Your Boat

No matter how well your canvas cover is made and fits, your boat will still need a good cleaning after sitting all winter, starting with the canvas cover itself. You should also do a thorough cleaning on all the vinyl seats, as well as the carpeting. If your boat has teak wood, you may want to spruce it up as well, with teak oil.

Paint The Bottom of The Boat

Now is a good time to get the bottom of your boat sparkly clean, free of gunk, mold or other things that take away from the visual appearance and maybe even the aerodynamics of the boat. After a good paint job, give your boat a good wash and wax to really make it shine for this year’s boating season.

There is a lot to know and do to make sure your boat is safe and operating at its optimum. You’re sure to have several questions about de-winterizing your boat, and here are a couple common questions you may have regarding de-winterizing a boat:

How Much Does It Cost to De-winterize A Boat?

The cost to de-winterize really depends on a few different things; mostly, the size of the vessel. The average cost is about $300, however, if you had a single, outboard motor, it may run about $100 to de-winterize the boat. On the other end of the spectrum, a large cabin cruiser could run in the upwards of $500-$600, and possibly more.

When Should I De-winterize My Boat?

There are some things you can get a little bit of an early start with, like removing your canvas and letting the boat air out, inspecting the outside of the boat and interior, and the such. This can be done in the early days of spring.

But when it comes to cranking the engine and activating the fluid systems onboard, you’ll want to be sure you’re past the point of a surprise freeze happening that can be damaging to the boat’s parts.

Can You Start A Boat That Has Been Winterized?

If you have taken all the recommended steps to winterize your boat, then you probably drained fluids and there may be some parts that are no longer in good condition if it’s been sitting a while, in the cold.

If you plan to start your boat after it’s been winterized, you will want to take the steps to ensure proper fluids are in place, as well as other de-winterizing steps that could risk harming the engine and other parts, if you don’t.

Is It Ok To Start A Boat Out Of The Water?

Boat engines require a source of water, so although you can start it and run it for a couple minutes for a quick test, you really need to have it connected to a water source, like a hose connected to the water intake vent, to safely run it while out of the water.

That being said, it is still very important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge to make sure the engine isn’t overheating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in order to have a worry-free summer on your boat, make sure you follow all the recommended steps to de-winterize your boat before going out for the first time this season.

The more time you take and careful attention you pay to the details of de-winterizing your boat the right way, the more relaxed you’ll be, knowing your boat is in top condition for all the summer-fun you and your family plan to have out on the water.

If you are planning a weekend in the water on a boat then definitely the question of what type of shoes you will wear will always come to your mind. Buying guide boat shoes will show you that it is not a difficult task. Obviously, you know that you can not go for some sandals or flip-flops to join the trip. The solution is, you need to pack useful and comfortable boat shoes.

Always remember a good pair of boat shoes are not only comfortable but they also help you to stay safe from slips and falls. If you have ever bought a pair of boat shoes for you just based on attractiveness, you will know how comfortable and adequate they are for such adventures.

In this article, you will find why boat shoes are important, and five things not to ignore while buying boat shoes.

For reading more specific shoe reviews and how-to guides, Shoefitpro will be helpful.

Why are Boat Shoes Important?

Boat shoes were invented by Paul Sperry in 1930. Most of his time was spent on the boat and kept on sliding on the wet boat deck thus he designed these shoes after getting tired of slipping again and again. From that day the shoes have become shoe brands for all the boaters around the world. These shoes offer traction cut into the leather shoe while you move around the rocking boat.

Just like you want your board to be geared up properly on the water for a day, similarly, your apparel has to be to the point as well. Boat shoes are going to be an important part of your adventurous day because from boarding the boat to walking on the wet deck, you are going to do everything.

Not only for the adventurous trip but you should always have a solid pair of shoes like boat shoes to protect yourself from any type of injury or pain, and helps you in moving around when needed. Not only do you need boat shoes but you also need a rain jacket, a good pair of sunglasses, and a high-quality hat to protect yourself from the sun.

See Our Buying Guide Before Selecting Boat Shoes

Many things should not be ignored while you buy boat shoes for yourself. Boat shoes play a very important role in the water trip plan. The wet floor will keep on making you get slipped again and again that’s why a strong pair of shoes views in moving comfortably.

Obviously, you can not risk sleeping and getting injured on your trip when you might not get a doctor’s attention nearby. That is why you need to get a pair of boat shoes for a safe journey. It will ensure boating safety and comfort as well.

Following are five things not to ignore while buying boat shoes.

The Flexibility of The Shoe

The very first thing you need to check is the flexibility of the boat shoes. You can check the flexibility by squeezing the sides of the shoes. If you are looking for shoes to be used in tough trails, then stiff boat shoes will be the best choice for you. 

You can also test the stiffness of the show by flexing the outsole with your hands. The shoes that are best for wet conditions always have an outsole that is quite resistant and helps you in walking comfortably. 

Shoelaces

Tightening of the footwear is a very important thing. That is why you should always look for boat shoes that have rings or hooks so that they can tighten your foot and you can walk appropriately.

The most common design of the laces is the leather lace that goes round to the back of the shoes and fastens your feet. For avoiding any kind of slipping or strain, your feet should always be firm while you walk. 

Shoe Upper

For carrying out the boat activities comfortably your shoes upper should be flexible enough. For easy movement, your shoe should protect your ankle and toes. For supporting the ankle the sides of the shoes should be high. 

For avoiding any kind of strain, please choose the shoe with a medium Heel cuff. For adequate support in the trip, always make sure that your boat shoes are stiff.

Shoe Sole

Always make sure that you choose a shoe with both outsole and insole made of good material. For rigid support of the outsole, it should be strengthened with stitching and Welts. Full movie from one end to the while you are in the boat your shoe should have additional rubber sole because the rubber sole provides necessary friction on the wet floor.

For good grip, the outsole should carry big treads. Always remember that if you know that you are going to spend more time near the water always go for the boat shoes that contain adequate cushioning.

Shoe Material

Boat shoes are made up of different types of materials, for example, leather, rubber, and plastic. The shoes are made up of leather material that is one of the highest qualities. These boot shoes are completely resistant to moisture and water. The leather material helps your feet breathe and remains dry all day long. 

The thickness of the leather used determines the durability of the boat shoes. Always remember if thick leather is used in the boat shoes they will always last longer. As well as for sailing and boating they provide durability and support to the feet. These Shoes use a leather lining that helps your feet to remain warm and you can enjoy your adventure.

Conclusion

Excellent boat shoes are always comfortable and fit well. Shoes should fit well because tight shoes shall make your feet feel uncomfortable all day long and shall put pressure on your feet. You can always find the best design and comfortable boat shoes.

The mentioned factors in the buying guide boat shoes should always be considered while you go for buying shoes for your trip. Shoelaces, soles, materials, etc. play a vital role for a strong and firm grip in areas around water and wet floors of the water. Thus always make a choice that is supportive and long-lasting.

Do you want your boat always to look stunning as though as it’s new? If that’s the case, then you need not overlook the significance of applying fresh paint. Here’s an exhaustive guide on everything you need to know about how to paint a boat. And while applying paint might seem like a tedious task, it’s relatively easy.

All you need are some simple guidelines on the steps to follow while painting your boat, and in no time, it will be looking as good as new. If you’re prepared to undertake this process but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. With this, you’ll be in a great position to restore your boat to an excellent condition in no time.

10 Steps To Follow When Painting Your Boat

Painting your boat is a step-by-step process. You must follow all these steps correctly to ensure your boat’s look doesn’t get ruined altogether.

Here are the 10 steps to follow for painting a boat:

1. Gather the tools and materials
2. Prep your boat
3. Clean your boat
4. Remove all the hardware
5. Remove the wax coating
6. Mark the area you intend to paint
7. Scrape off the peeling paint
8. Sand your boat 
9. Paint the boat
10. Remove the painter’s tape

Gather The Tools And Materials

Before you can start painting your boat, make sure you have some useful tools and materials, including;

• Putty knife
• Mask
• Paintbrush
• Primer
• Tape
• Protective glasses
• Paint roller
• Epoxy filler
• Dewaxing solvent
• Rag or tack cloth
• 80 to 120 grit sandpaper
• Finishing sander or random orbital sander
• Boat bottom paint
• Topside boat paint

Once all these items are assembled, you can now embark on your boat painting journey, and here’s an overview of the steps to follow.

Prep Your Boat

This is undoubtedly the most vital part of the cleaning of your boat. Because of this, you need to take your time, and here are some of the activities that will be involved when doing all this.

Clean Your Boat

The first thing to do is thoroughly cleaning your boat. It’s best to do this immediately once you’ve taken your boat out of water because, at this point, it’s a lot easier to clean. And when doing the cleaning, make sure to use a high-pressure hose or wash together with rags and a scraper.

Once you’re almost done cleaning your boat, make sure to rinse it thoroughly and ensure no soap is left on your boat. And after a thorough cleaning job, you can be sure that sand, dirt, or hard growth won’t interfere with you achieving a clean paint job. How to clean a boat hull is a cleaning related article that could be helpful for you.

Remove All the Hardware

You must take out as much as possible to achieve a clean and smooth paint job. And although this might be time-consuming, it’s the only way to guarantee that your paint job efforts don’t go to waste. This step entails removing all the aluminum siding on your boat, but if there are hardware pieces that completely don’t come off, place a painter’s tape over them.

It’s essential to make sure that all the hardware has been removed because the paint will be on the boat’s hardware piece. As a result, this paint is more likely to allow debris and water to penetrate, which makes it start cracking over time.

Due to this peeling off paint and flaking, another paint job will be necessary, which is expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, you should avoid such possible issues in the future by thoroughly removing all the hardware from your boat’s surface.

Remove the Wax Coating

Paint or primer doesn’t stick to the wax. And because almost every boat comes applied with a wax finish, it’s essential to make sure it’s removed before applying the paint to avoid possible issues. If unsure whether your boat has a wax finishing, run your finger along the boat’s surface for a definitive answer.

When removing the wax coating, you need to use boat solvents. And as you do this, make sure to apply some pressure when using the coarse sponges to ensure all the boat’s wax has been removed. This might take your time, but you should only proceed once you feel no boat wax is left on the boat.

Mark the Area You Intend to Paint

It’s critical to identify the area that needs painting. This means inspecting dings, dents, and any other area where the paint is peeling or flaking. Once you’ve identified these spots, go ahead and mark each of them using a tiny piece of tape to make it easier for you to pick out the areas which you should address.

Scrape off the Peeling Paint

Once water and air find their way between the boat’s surface and paint, it causes the paint to start peeling. And this will continue happening even after you’ve applied a fresh coat of paint or primer. If you don’t want to waste your time and efforts, start by scraping off the boat’s paint. By removing all the peeling paint, you’ll be able to make sure it’s spread uniformly and well-adhered.

When the paint you’re applying differs from that of your boat, you need to scrub and sand off the entire pre-existing paint. You should do this using a sharp-putty knife and, while doing this, confirm the knife’s edge is parallel to your boat’s surface. By doing this, you avoid cutting the boat’s surface and making new dents, which is more work.

Sand Your Boat

Get 80-grit sandpaper and start sanding the whole boat surface. Doing this is essential since it improves the paint’s grip on the surface and facilitates the uniform coat of paint. When sanding your boat, there are crucial things you need to observe, including;

• Never use a belt sander on the boat.
• Completely stripping off the old damaged or flaky paint entirely.
• Wearing eye protection and a respirator while sanding due to safeguard yourself from the toxic paint chops.

Paint Your Boat

The next to do after prepping and priming your boat is the paint job. Here’s an outline of the steps you should follow when painting your boat.

• Use a rag to wipe your boat: You need to wipe away any loose dirt or dust that’s accumulated on the boat’s surface using a tack cloth after the primer dries.
• Tape your boat’s edges: After wiping down the whole area, go ahead and tape along the boat’s edge of the topside and the waterline. And as you do this, always make sure to be using a long-mask tape. It’s advisable also to consider antifouling or to cover the region underneath your boat.
• Go through the manufacturer’s paint guidelines: There are different kinds of topside boat paints. Therefore, it’s essential to review the manufacturer’s paint instructions before you can start to paint. Doing this is crucial since certain paints have specific mixing instructions while others need thinner. Thus, it’s evident that you need to always adhere to the manufacture’s guidelines before you can begin applying the fresh coat of paint.
• Apply the first paint coat: Feel free to start applying the fresh paint after mixing the paints as advised by the manufacturer’s manual. You can choose to either apply the paint by brushing or rolling the topside coat, but first read the manufacturer’s manual to see if they recommend it.

When brushing or rolling vertically to the waterline, first ensure to start with a small area and take shorter strokes. And while rolling or brushing the paint, make sure to do this parallel to the finish’s waterline. Once you’re done, give the paint time to dry and then go ahead to other needed coats as advised in the manufacturer manual.

Remove the Tape

You should start taking out the tapes before drying the last coat of paint. Doing this is essential because leaving the final coat of paint to dry increases the chances of the paint to peel together with tape. Due to this, you’ll need to start the prepping and painting of your boat again.

Do You Have To Sand A Boat Before Painting?

Yes, sanding your boat before you start painting is a must. Doing this necessary to remove all the old coat of paint that might have flakes or loose material after water or air found its way underneath. 

If you don’t sand this surface before applying the fresh coat of paint, this loose material will remain on the boat’s surface. And over time, this will result in it starting to peel off slightly, meaning your hard-earned money and efforts painting the boat all go to waste.

Therefore, you must never skip this step if you’re committed to ensuring your boat gets to retain its impeccable look once you’re done painting it.

How Do You Paint A Boat Hull

One part of your boat that needs to be extreme care of when painting the boat hull. If you don’t observe this, the paint will start to peel off quickly, wasting your money and efforts. The steps to follow when painting the boat hull are;

• Use a sponge to apply an industrial solvent to the surface of the boat hull
• Clean the boat hull using power sand to get rid of old paint remains
• Fix any existing flaws in the hull before using a roller to apply the primer
• Use a painting brush and roller to apply the marine paint layer
• Give the paint a few hours to dry

How Do You Paint The Boat Bottom

The area underneath your boat gest exposed to water and different organisms and growth. Because of this, it’s necessary to use different paint to that used when painting the boat’s top parts.

The paint to use when applying the areas under your boat have biocide, which is a type of copper that fades away over time. This boat bottom paint is essential in preventing barnacles as well as marine growth.

Here’s an outline of the steps to follow when painting your boat bottom:

• Select the desired bottom paint: Due to the broad range of paints to apply underneath your boat, it can be confusing to pick the ideal choice. The main factor to consider when picking the most suitable one is identifying the region or climate you’ll use your boat.
• Prepare and sand your boat: Like painting your boat’s topside, preparation, before you start painting the bottom side is essential. This entails removing all the peeled or loose old paint if your boat was already painted. If the bottom area wasn’t painted, there’s an additional step to follow, and for Hydro coat, this means applying 92 Bio-Blue Hull Surface Prep. However, this process differs from the painting product, so you need to go through the manufacturer’s instructions.

You should also sand your boat before applying the fresh coat of paint regardless of whether it had paint or not.

• Apply the paint: Once you’ve adequately mixed the paint; go right ahead and apply it on your boat. And as you do this, make sure to continually stir it because some of the ingredients, such as cuprous oxide, usually settle on the container’s base.

How to Paint the Boat Deck?

You’re required to mask off the boat’s bottom part with an extreme care deck before painting it. When doing this, you should ideally use a 3M masking tape, which is the preferred option by many boat owners.

After you’re done, go ahead and using a solvent to get rid of all traces of dust and dirt on your boat. You should then thoroughly mix the paint using a high-nap roller. Once you’re through, please take off the paint and give it one to two days to dry.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Fiberglass Boat?

There are three different types of paint you can choose to apply to your fiberglass boat. This includes;

• Two-part polyurethane paints: If you want the best quality paint for your fiberglass boat, look no further. The two-part polyurethane paint looks the best and lasts for the longest period ensuring your boat retains its appeal. Nonetheless, their application is labor-intensive because they need specific humidity levels and exact temperatures to mix the primer. Also, they’re costly.
• Single-part enamel paints: If you’re on a budget and searching for the best value, look no further since this paint offers you just that as it’s affordable. It’s also easy to apply. With that said, it has some downsides, including the constant need to be maintained and waxed due to its fragility when exposed to UV rays, which destroy its gloss over time.
• Single-part polyurethane paints: These paints guarantee to last for long and are cheaper than the two-part polyurethane paints; this is the perfect pick. Due to their long-lasting gloss and affordability, they have become a popular choice for fiberglass boat owners.

How to Paint a Fiberglass Boat

There’s isn’t a lot that differs in how you paint a wooden and fiberglass boat apart from several details during prepping and application and the kind of paint used.

And for the best outcome, spray paint must be used instead of a roller or brush and for this task to be done by a professional. With that said, you can still paint your fiberglass boat, but you need to maintain extreme caution throughout this entire process.

The steps to follow when painting your fiberglass boat are;

• Inspect the boat’s hull to see whether there are any holes or cracks and use putty to do these repairs. And while doing this, you also need to sand your boat to remove any rubber or silicone caulking and old stripes of vinyl graphics.
• Apply a layer of epoxy to strengthen and safeguard the boat’s fiberglass surface.
• Apply a primer layer and give it time to dry before sanding the surface.
• Start applying ablative anti-fouling paint on your fiberglass boat.

How to Paint an Aluminum Boat

The popularity of aluminum boats has slowly been on the rise because they’re fun exploring water and inexpensive. But to best enjoy using this boat, you need to properly look after it to ensure it remains in excellent conditions, and this includes repainting it with a good aluminum boat paint after some time.

The steps to follow when repainting it include;

• Apply the paint stripper to help ease the hassle of removing the old paint on your aluminum boat.
• Sand your boat to remove all the imperfections that might be on the surface. You can start by using 220-grit sandpaper and advance to achieve your wished polish level.
• Thoroughly wash your boat using mild soap and water to remove all the dirt and dust. Once you’re done, make sure to rinse your boat correctly.
• Proceed to apply the primer coat.
• Once the primer dries, go ahead and paint at least two layers of aluminum coat.
• Proceed to apply a clear protective coat once you’re done with the painting. This prevents scratches and ensures the paint remains undamaged.

Let’s Watch A Video On How to Paint An Aluminum Boat

Applying Non-skid Paint for Boat

The application of non-skid paint is essential to give it additional protection and ensure the boat doesn’t slip easily. But before doing this, you need to start by picking the right paint to apply to your boat. Here’s an outline of the different ways to apply non-skid paint on your boat;

• Broadcast the powder using your hands all over the boat’s surface.
• Stir the powder in the paint and then proceed to apply it. This technique is somewhat complicated because you’ll need to make sure the powder doesn’t bunch up when pressure is placed under the brush or roller, resulting in an irregular effect.
• Drill several 3mm holes onto a plastic container on the lid and start using the container as a big pepper shaker. Do this until the entire surface gets covered with a powder layer.

What to See When Selecting a Boat Paint?

It can be quite confusing to decide which boat paint to pick with many options on the market. But to know which boat paint best suits you, there are a few useful tips to consider, including;

• Identify the area on your boat that needs to be finished.
• Determine the types of look you want your boat to have once you’re through painting it.
• The manufacturer of the paint, primer, and every other compound needed. You should ideally use products from one manufacturer.

How Long Does Boat Paint Last?

How long does your boat paint last? The fresh coat of paint you’ve applied will inevitably start wearing off due to exposure to the harsh environmental elements.

You’ll start to notice the paint of your boat scrapping or peeling after four to five years. It really depends on your boat type, paint quality, use of the boat, type of water, boat storage, etc. And there are a couple of signs you need to be on the lookout for, including;

• Peeling of paint on specific areas of your boat.
• Craters resembling the look of a moonscape on the boat’s surface.
• Blisters on the surface of your boat are caused by water getting trapped underneath the paint bubble.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint or Repaint a Boat?

The cost you incur painting your boat depends on a couple of factors, including;

• The boat’s size
• Difficulty painting the boat
• The kind of materials needed
• The degree of repairs necessary

If you decide to do the painting job by yourself, be ready to spend about $1,500. However, the average cost you’ll spend if you choose to hire a professional will range between $2,500 to $3,500 or more. And while you might be tempted to paint your boat on your own, it’s crucial to factor in various factors such as the energy, how challenging this is, and how much money you’ll spend.

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Boat?

The duration you take to finish painting your boat ranges between two to four days. How long this should take you also depends on your boat’s size and whether you encounter any interruptions when painting your boat, such as rain. But if everything goes smoothly, you shouldn’t take more than four days to be done painting your boat.

Conclusion

The process of how to paint a boat is one that many boat enthusiasts are always eager to know. If you also wanted insight on how to go about all this, reading this in-depth guide has been of great help. With these insights, you can now go ahead and paint your boat and ensure it remains in superb condition.

Do you enjoy spending time on the water? If so, the thought of buying a boat is one that must have crossed your mind at some point. Before committing to buy a boat, make sure to first fully understand the cost of owning a boat. But given the significant investment you’ll be making to committing to but a boat, it won’t be a surprise if you’ve got second thoughts.

It’s important first to understand the costs involved to consequently enjoy an amazing experience on your boat. By doing this, you’ll be able to use your boat for watersports, cruising, and fishing while having a good time with your family and friends. Here’s in-depth coverage of all the things to consider when buying a boat.

Buying A Boat Cost

One of the most important things you need first to ask yourself is how much the boat costs. Knowing this is important because boat prices vary greatly depending on its size, type, condition, age, options, or whether it’s new or preowned.

The guiding factor to consider is understanding how much time you’ll spend on water and the activities you enjoy doing. With this in mind, you’ll be able to establish which type of boat best suits your needs.

Many financing options are making your dream of owning a boat a reality due to their surprisingly affordable rates. The interest rate paid for a pre-owned boat is usually higher than that of a new boat. Don’t forget to make a buying a used boat checklist before buying these boats.

Furthermore, if you place more money, the less money that’ll be spent on interest.

Taxes

The taxes paid on buying a boat varies from one state to another. For example, if you buy a boat in South Carolina, you’ll be required to pay the tax that’s 10.5% of the boat’s assessed annual value if it has been in the state for over 180 days. However, you won’t be required to pay any taxes for buying a boat in Rhode Island.

Insurance

Having boat insurance is vital if you’re a boat owner. With one, you can be sure that your boat investment should it be stolen, damaged, or involved in an accident, your hard-earned money isn’t lost.

The amount of money you pay for boat insurance varies and depends on numerous factors such as your accident history, the boat’s value, and the type of boat you own.

Therefore, it’s mandatory to have boat insurance coverage unless you’re planning to use your boat on a private lake on your personal property.

This is especially vital considering close to 5,000 recreational boats each year are involved in boat accidents. Therefore, it’s clear that the expenses you might face from a boating accident might be enormous.

Registration

The registration cost of boats varies from one state to another. If you’re looking to register a boat in New Jersey, be ready to spend over $250 for a boat that is longer than 65-feet.

Mooring (Bigger boat/small boat)

Knowing how much exactly the cost of mooring is can be quite challenging as it differs depending on the nature of a marine and the region.

Therefore, you’ll need to set aside enough time to do enough research to know how much exactly it’ll cost you every season.

How much you need to pay varies from several hundred dollars every month when storing a runabout in a municipal marina to one thousand or more dollars each month for a huge boat stored in a yacht club.

Many marinas charge a slightly lower fee for a long-term lease as opposed to the monthly payment. You might also qualify for a discounted price for areas with cooler climates if you choose a winter om-site storage option. Therefore, it’s advisable to always factor in winter lay-up expenses when doing your calculations.

Boats that are stored on trailers are also are subject to a certain level of storage expenses. This is because most urban trailer-boat owners prefer to have their boats at a secure storage facility. By doing this, you save yourself from the risk of having to deal with vandalism or theft, hence saving you money.

Furthermore, you’ll spend more on fuel expenses if you reside far from a boat ramp due to trailing the boat back and forth, unlike storing it near the water.

Another vital aspect of mooring you must consider is ensuring the proper securing of your boat. By not doing this, your boat might break free or get banged against pilings, and this, in the long-run, might necessitate you to spend more money on repair cost.

Trailer is Another Boat Owning Cost

If you want a trailer to transport your boats, this might increase its buying price and, in some cases, is included as a package of the deal. It’s something commonly practiced by boat shows, dealerships, and at seasonal dealer sale events. This is usually done in cases when the trailer translates to sale conversion for the dealer.

The trailer needs to be maintained to ensure its overall condition doesn’t get ruined. This entails inspecting the brakes, tires, general maintenance, and monthly storage fee if storing your boat in the water isn’t possible.

Winter Storage

If you live in the colder climates, setting aside money for winter storage is essential. This is because you’ll need to do boat winterization prep for your boat and engine. In addition to this, you’ll need to buy a sturdy cover to safeguard your boat from winter winds, rain, and snow, which might destroy your boat.

If you choose outside storage of your boat in winter, the cost of shrink-wrapping your boat averages between $10 to $15 per foot. Therefore, you’ll have to spend between $200 to $300 for a boat, which is 21 feet.

For inside rack storage, you’ll need to pay a lot more as this provides your boat with improved protection from the elements. This means the cost per foot is $50, meaning for the same 21 feet boat, you’ll pay around $1,000 in preparation for winter.

Maintenance Cost will Always be There

The cost of maintaining a boat varies depending on its age and size. However, everything you need to shop to maintain your boat successfully is the same. This means the routine inspection of essential parts such as safety equipment servicing, engine servicing, sail, and rig servicing, as well as winter and anti-fouling.

It also entails the repair of one-off issues, including hull damage, equipment failures, engine problems plus upholstery, and interior wood repairs.

If you’re into doing DIY repair tasks, there are some maintenance stuff you can do by yourself. Nonetheless, there are other issues that you’ll most certainly need help from a qualified professional. With that said, you need to know that maintain your boat costs money as well as time.

Therefore, you must never ignore time management when organizing contractors, keeping lists, carrying out administrative tasks such as annual mooring, and renewing an insurance cover.

Oil/Fuel Changes

Many boats use plenty of fuel, meaning you need to be ready to spend a substantial sum of money than what you spend on your vehicle. For example, assume the price per gallon is $2.50, with this much lower than the actual rate in most places.

If you go ahead and use an average of 25 gallons of fuel per hour, which is the average for fast boast cruising at speed, you’ll end up spending $300 for a five-hour trip. This translates to over $16,000 per annum if you’re using your boat more than once each week.

If you own a slower pontoon boat, the amount spent on gas is a lot lower. This is because most use about five gallons each hour, meaning the annual fee cost will be near $3,000 for a similar number of hours cruising on the water. Therefore, how much fuel you spend on your boat depends on the speed.

Safety Items

When buying a boat, you must always factor in the safety gear, including paddles, life jackets, signal flares, and horns.

If you’re looking to buy extra accessories, you shouldn’t pressurize yourself into buying everything simultaneously. Instead, you should buy things gradually with an excellent plan to buy an additional boat accessory every fall and spring.

The most popular accessories you should look to buy include watersports towing equipment, stereos, lighting, among many others. As you buy these items, make sure to spend your money wisely, and consequently, you’ll be able to enjoy great fun on your boat.

Navigation Equipment

Are you planning to take an overnight trip or venture far away from the port? If so, you’ll need to factor in the price of installing a GPS when assessing the cost of owning a boat.

For a low-end GPS, you’ll need to spend at least $200. Nonetheless, if you’re on a tight budget, installing a GPS isn’t necessary and should instead focus on sticking familiar waters.

Education And Boating Licenses

All states require you first to get a boating safety and education certificate to get permission to use the boat. The set requirements differ from one state to another, but these boat licenses might be finalized online in many cases.

Furthermore, this online boating license or education in many of the states is done by a third-party, with the cost ranging between $29 to $50. You’ll only be required to pay this amount once you’ve managed to complete the course successfully.

These boat courses are meant to present information on all boating aspects with the goal not to make it difficult but to raise awareness instead.

During the course, you’ll learn about the state boating regulations, navigation rules, ways to enjoy watersports, boating terminologies, and basics and ways of handling boarding emergencies. You’ll also need to consider administrative fee, which varies across states.

Grand Total For Cost of Owning a Boat

Once you factor in all the costs mentioned above, it’ll be easier to determine the actual cost of owning a boat. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you’ll need to pay.

The buying price of the boat: $20,000

Taxes: This amount differs from one state to another

Insurance: $300

Registration: Varied rates

Dock or Mooring Fees: This cost differs.

Little boat: $500

Trailer: $1,000

Winter Storage: $2,000

Maintenance: $2,000

Gas: Free

GPS: $500

Safety Kit: $500

Grand Total: $26,800

You’ll need to spend a total of $26,800 when buying the first year of a boat. In addition to this, you’ll be required to pay for the maintenance of your boat, which includes maintenance cost, winter storage, and insurance. All these costs total to $4,3000, which translates to $358 each month.

However, this cost doesn’t take into account dock or mooring fees, registration, and taxes. Therefore, a total of $26,800 doesn’t show the actual cost of owning a boat, which is greater than this.

It’s thus evident that buying a boat is an expensive investment, even though the monthly maintenance cost isn’t that bad. Either way, you still need to do a lot of thinking before deciding to buy a boat to avoid causing yourself financial strain.

Conclusion

Knowing the actual cost of owning a boat is essential before you go out to buy one. If you didn’t know about the costs involved, reading through this detailed article has offered you useful insights.

Therefore, now that you know about all the costs involved, it’ll be a lot easier to make an informed decision about whether buying a boat is a practical decision.