estimating anual maintance cost

[jmsims3]

What is the easiest way to estimate the anual maintance cost on a boat?
I had at one time read that using 10 percent of the apraised value was in line but can't find where I read it. Does anyone have any info on this or a better way to estimate?
Thanks for any help!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

or a better way to estimate?

Ayuh,... Total up last years receipts...

There's just Way to many variables in your question to venture an answer....
For instance, is this a 16' runabout, or a 40' cruiser,..??
Docked or trailered,..??

 

[robert graham]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

No way to know that!...it all depends on type of boat, usage, etc. For instance, a 15' aluminum fishing boat that you use twice a year in fresh water and keep it in your garage, the maintenance should be near zero. Whereas an old wooden 36' cruiser that sits in saltwater the year around, who knows what the maintenance costs might be?....probably not zero! Good Luck!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

one of the biggest variables, of boats of comparable size, the storing/mooring. If you can keep your boat on your own property, it isn't free, but there's no cash involved. If you have waterfront property and build a pier, that's not really a cost b/c you use the pier for other uses and it's a capital improvement. But if you build a boat lift, I'd call that a maintenance expense--you are doing that instead of keepnig it on a trailer or painting the bottom, so you need cost comparison, amortized.

Another variation, related to storing, is whether you are in a location where extensive winterization is required.

Finally, there is the need, or not, to purchase and maintain a tow vehicle and/or trailer. A ramp trailer has no maintenance to speak of; a road trailer does. A borrowed trailer is the best!

 

[Brewman61]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

Depends. What do you consider "maintenance" costs, vs the overall costs of boat ownership.

If by maintenance you mean strictly mechanical upkeep and repairs, you should be able to rough out routing maintenance items, like fluid and filter changes, etc....
Unanticpated repairs? Impossible to estimate with any degree of accuracy.
Winterize yes/no? Should be able to guess that out fairly well.

Other costs like dockage, fuel, insurance, etc...... are to me not maintanance items.

 

[jmsims3]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

Thanks guys, I know exactly what you are saying and that is what I am up against!! I have been asked to come up with an anual maint. cost on a boat that doesn't exist yet!! Will probably be used and about 60' fiberglass twin screw and all i can do is guess. I am a boat capt. that runs a 55' 1973 Westport twin screw that I do most of the maint. on and can use it as a base line but I had read somewhere that you can figure 10 percent of the apraised value would be a base line anual maint. cost. Just wondering if anyone else has seen that or where I might be able to find it.

Thanks again

 

[ezmobee]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

Good thing you clarified! This isn't much of a 60'er kinda forum.......

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

I've heard that 10% number as well. They throw it around alot over on the The Hull Truth boating forum. I would inquire over there, there's lots of heavy hitters that post over there. Even remember a few threads directly related to your question.

 

[45Auto]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

I wouldn't think there would be a whole lot of difference between the maintenance on the 55' and the 60', as long as they are both fiberglass twin screws.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

It sounds as though you have more experience in this topic than anyone else here... I have also heard that 10%, but there's no real good answer to this.

 

[JustJason]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

Motorboating magazine had an article about this very question about 2 years ago. They claimed 3-5% of the original msrp in yearly maintenence costs.

 

[sasto]

Re: estimating anual maintance cost

60 foot...twin diesels...all the goodies....as a captain of one I would spend about $200,000 a year for a boat that sold for 1.5 mil.

That said, I was spending the owners money (to his delight) and included my wages.