Annual maintenance costs and comfort In various conditions

[dehawkins]

Curious as to your experience. I’m looking at a new R 23 or 25. In terms of understanding what I can afford, it would be useful to know what the annual maintenance cost would be on one size boat versus the other. In an earlier post, someone mentioned the need to upkeep of the fiberglass. I would appreciate someone explaining what that means.

Also curious about The feel of riding in either sized boat depending on the conditions. My boating history has included Baja, southern California, and the inside passage. Thank you.

 

[nzfisher]

Boat brokers use the rule of thumb that cost of maintenance is roughly 10% the cost of the boat per year inclusive of all costs- just a rough guide for you paying others for all services. Based on the new boat cost.

 

[YukonRon]

A good starting point would be to decide:
1) Whether the boat will be stored on a trailer in your yard, or in a slip on the water. This will make a difference to the cost and approach to upkeep and maintenance, marina fees, bottom growth to clean, etc.
and
2) How much of the maintenance work will you perform yourself.
We have space to park our R25sc by the house under a large tarp cover, so this was important in our decision to get a trailerable trawler. I can do maintenance on the boat on the trailer at my own leisure, as time and weather permits. Water, power, internet, etc are all close to hand. I can walk away mid-project to wait for parts or research solutions. I can wax the hull or work on below-waterline fittings without hauling the boat. These are all big factors for me to save money as I learn to do my own maintenance.

 

[tugnnaweigh]

Of your annual costs maintenance is likely the lowest and most predictable. Every so many hours or months you just need to change fluids, belts, impellers zinks, etc.

Ongoing costs such as slip fees, insurance, loan payment, taxes are also predictable and likely higher than maintenance costs.

What can really bite you and impinge on boating enjoyment are breakdowns and repairs; never predictable or convenient.

My Theory of Boating is by doing your own maintenance you save a large percent of the cost and you become familiar with the various mechanical systems. Use the saved maintenance funds to purchase spare parts (raw water pump, alternator, belt, filters etc.) so you are your own repairman wherever you go!

Keep in mind repairs that are dependant on others will likely be costly, slow, incompetent or just flat unavailable.

As for the two different boat lengths I cruise the same areas as you and I’d go for the 25 thinking you’ll use it more in the various sea conditions and you’ll use it longer before two foot ites sets in.

Unmaintained fiberglass just oxidizes, it doesn't delaminate or fall apart, it’s just not as pretty.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

some of my costs are in this thread
http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11370&hilit=+elliot+bay&start=0

 

[baz]

Curious as to your experience. I’m looking at a new R 23 or 25....snip...

FYI...
RT no longer builds/sells the R-25 model.

The R-23 has a planing hull and a narrow 8.5 foot beam. In gnarly water conditions it will be rock & roll but the boat will do just fine.

Maintenance items (just a first stab for you)...

Annual engine service will be around $500 and extra for hauling out of water and back if you keep boat in the water. Just make sure you have a local outboard service shop for the brand of outboard you have. If boat on trailer then maybe consider changing oil/filter yourself.... just be sure to dispose of the oil/filter safely.

Winter agent for the gasoline fuel - at least two quarts and maybe 4 depending on how much fuel you keep in the tank over winter time.

Underwater anode inspections - maybe $200 per inspection if boat in water.

Insurance premium - maybe $500 to $800 per year.

Keep the batteries charged and they should be good to go.... AGM ones.

Depreciation cost :roll:

Annual Registration cost for states that have such a fee.

If you've financed your boat purchase then add in the monthly payment.

If you keep boat in water then add the monthly slip/moorage cost.

Add in what you estimate you will buy/outfit the boat with year after year.

Add in your annual estimated fuel cost of at least 2 miles per gallon based on estimated cruise miles per year.

If you wish for professional boat cleaning and polishing then add this in.

Bottom paint for boat in water all year round. At least $2,000 per 3 to 4 years.