Are you an ocean lover? Do you love to cruise on the turquoise blue sea water, admiring nature, listening to the sounds of waves and seagulls, and enjoying the sunset? If so, you may be uncertain about whether to buy a boat or rent one. Owning a boat is indeed a prestige symbol, and you can boast about it to your friends, but you have to face many practical difficulties and additional expenses if you own a boat. Here are the top 10 benefits of renting a boat that you should consider before making the final decision.
1. Minimal Starting Investment
When you buy a boat, you have to make a huge initial investment. Boats are not cheap. The cost is high even if you buy a small used boat. The price jumps significantly if you opt for new boats built with high-end materials like fiberglass and stainless steel. Besides the purchase price, you have to pay sales tax and registration fees. On the other hand, the initial cost for renting a boat is just the hourly fee you pay. You don’t have to worry about any other expenses and formalities. Rent a boat and start sailing. It’s as simple as that.
2. Endless Styles to Try
If you buy a boat, you must use the same one every time you go out on the water. The process can be boring. Why limit yourself to a single model when you have a wide range of options to choose from? You can ride a pontoon boat leisurely one day. Another day, you can rent a ski boat or speed boat and have a hair-raising adventure. The options include sailboats, wakeboarding boats, cabin cruisers, fishing boats, and motorboats. Explore all the options and enjoy yourself—after all, “variety is the spice of life.”
3. Cost-free Maintenance
Maintenance charges include engine servicing, routine cleaning, hull cleaning, fluid changes, small repairs, winterization, and parts replacements. Experts recommend the inspection of the important components like wiring, fuel delivery system, nuts, bolts, spark plugs, and steering fluid every 100 hours of boating. The average maintenance per annum comes up to 10% of the purchase price of the boat. Moreover, the older or larger the size of the boat, the higher the maintenance cost. You don’t have to worry about maintenance issues or expenses when you rent a boat.
3. Zero Storage Costs
Outdoor storage is more affordable than indoor storage, but it won’t protect your boat from harsh weather. Outdoor storage typically costs between $50 and $150 per month, while indoor storage can range from $200 to $600 per month. Climate-controlled storage with heating and air conditioning comes at a higher cost. Boat storage costs are typically measured per foot. If your boat occupies a wide space, the charge will be higher. You may also be required to pay additional fees for security services, electricity bills, and water hookups. When you rent a boat, you have no concerns about storing it in a secure storage unit with all the necessary amenities.
4. No Insurance Hassles
The annual insurance cost for an owned boat is around 1.5% of its purchase price. The size, the type, the age, and the condition of the boat are important factors that decide the insurance cost. Insurers also consider your driving record and boating experience. No hassles of paperwork and no insurance fees when you rent a boat for a day or a few hours. Say goodbye to the insurance worries and proceed to rent a boat whenever you want.
5. Avoid Investing in Assets that Lose Value Over Time.
Boats depreciate every year, about 10% in the first year and by about 25% in the fifth year. In the 10th year, its depreciation is around 40%. The worth of your boat gradually diminishes over time. After five years, the boat may retain just 50% of its initial value. On top of that, the used boat market is smaller than the used car market. So, it is not advised to be a wise financial investment. If you rent a boat, you need not think about making the wrong investment decision.
6. Access to New Boats
Rental companies update their fleets regularly. So, the chances of access to new models are high when you rent a boat. If you are an adventurous person, you will love the thrill of sailing in a new model boat while cruising along the coast. You can enjoy high-end luxury boats that you can never afford if you are planning to buy a boat. Without incurring heavy expenses, access to expensive vessels.
7. Explore Diverse Destinations
Owning a boat restricts your travel to a specific area. Sailing in the same area can be very dull. If you want to add some spice to your sailing plans, you should rent a boat and travel anywhere. Explore different ports worldwide by renting boats and having a wonderful time. When you opt for the rental option, you can explore multiple ports.
8. Professional Crew for Navigation and Safety
The services of a professional crew are commonly offered by rental companies. This ensures your safety. The crew will look after all the work, like handling navigation, checking the weather, and performing other duties. So, you will be able to relax and have a stress-free experience. If you want to have fun on your vacation, rent a boat instead of buying it.
9. Enjoy Freedom and Fun, with Zero Commitments
Ultimate freedom, fun, and flexibility are the biggest pluses of renting a boat. No financial stress and no long-term commitment when you rent a boat. You can sail anywhere and any time without being tied to the same area and model. If boating is your primary hobby and if you are looking for a less stressful option, you should rent a boat.
If you are convinced that renting a boat is better than buying one, but you wonder where to rent the perfect boat to suit your occasion, To rent a boat, contact SlipStream and prepare to make memories on the water with friends and family.
