how much does it cost to run?

[2whlin]

Trying to nail down all the cost with owning a new boat.
On average, how much are you guy's spending on a day in the boat?
Are you going thru a tank of gas?

[Carter13]

BOAT= Bring Out Another Thousand.
Out fuel usange varies depending on how many people that are in the boat and how long the water stays good for. Usually about ten gallons a day.

[chpthril]

We averaged 100 hours a season @ 4 GPH, except that really slowed last summer when gas hit $4.50, we anchored and partied more, boarded less.

Other then gas, i'd say about $200 a year for cleaning supplies and maintenance. Then you figure $4 a weekend for ice, plus drinks, snacks, adult beverages, sunscreen, etc.

Now, before you hit that "Total" button on the adding machine, ask yourself "self, do I really want to know what it cost"

[gman]

on a 24v and its about 7 gallons an hour. gas is at $3.00 a gallon right now and in the marina higher. Then you have to tow it to the place you are going. Then you have a cost of a hotel, food, drinks, ice, sun screen, incidentals and fuel and gas to tow back. Last year a 3 day weekend was about $800-1000to the colorado river from the L.A./Orange Co. Calif area. The price of fuel is now lower so I would guess it should not be more than about 750 total for a 3 day weekend.

[Thomas Hohl]

I think the old adage "If you have to ask" applies to boating in general.

Although I can honestly say that I can go to the lake at 200 miles away for 3 days and stay with a friend (yes I have friends) and take 3-4 kids and wifey, and spend about $500.00. It's really just gas and food/drinks.

Now tear something up on the boat...
Now we have quite a different situation. Last weekend for example (brace yourself) I:
1. Hit rock with prop $416.00
2. Kids didn't put bumpers on boat at dock. Tore up stickers on side of boat, at least $500.00
3. Dad loads boat and puts everything away but forgets Bimini is up. Bimini goes from cloth to threads on hiway. $700.00

Well you get the picture...
Happy boating.

"A boat is a hole in the water that you pour money into"

[specialk]

Plus, you start out with skis, then you buy a 400 (cheap) wakeboard combo, then a rope (100)then life jackets ( 45 x whatever), then you get a fire extinguisher, rope, battery jumper, cleaning supplies, ect ect ect.

Then gas when you get there, gas to get you there, food, then the cost of unexpected, ie bending the prop within the first 45 seconds of boat ownership

All that being said, the fun that you can have with your friends and especially your family is worth every cent. Money will come and go, but actual time with you kids only happens once.

Best investment, more accurately losing investment, that I ever made, and will make again in 5-6 years.

[zad0030]

Cost of gas- $2.50
Cost of a trip to the lake- $100
Cost of yearly service- $150
Cost of spending time with your family and loved ones- Priceless

[Thomas Hohl]

I totally agree with these guys. Worth EVERY cent!!!! (well dollars in my case)

[Thomas Hohl]

Just noticed... I have the exact same boat and colors as specialk except 2007. Oh yeah and his Bimini, prop and stickers look nicer lol

[dogbert]

Trying to nail down all the cost with owning a new boat.
On average, how much are you guy's spending on a day in the boat?
Are you going thru a tank of gas?

Your fuel consumption will vary by activity. When I'm skiing, we're probably sucking about 10 GPH (good thing I can't do it for very long), when we're wakeboarding (fully loaded with peeps and ballast), we're burning a little over 6 GPH and when we're surfing, we're around 4-5, depending more on who's riding with stops and starts.

So, I can go all day on my 38 gal tank and it'll cost about $100 right now.

Over the course of the season we've been averaging about 200 hrs when my youngest son is healthy and about 50 when he's not.

Each year, I spend about $250 for my annual maintenance (oil change, fluid check/replacement, fuel filter).

Every other year I get a new impeller which I get my dealer to do for $250 (give or take).

Then there's probably another $100 on cleaning supplies.

Back to the subject of gas. If it's a family outing with company, I pay. If all we're doing is dragging around other boarders for some serious riding, then everyone chips in for gas. This is sort of an unwritten rule. So, if you're going out with buddies all the time and you're the only one with the boat, encourage them to chip in. I've been known to accept beer in lieu of gas money

BTW, don't hit anything with your prop. If you do, it's a minimum of $1500 (prop, shaft & strut). Bend the rudder, add another $300. Fiberglass damage from the prop will push your bill to $2500. Insurance can be a good thing here.

[illiniboarder88]

After reading Dog's post, I'd throw out that it's going to vary boat to boat. I'd assume, for example, that props make a big difference. I'm pretty confident my boat burns less gas when I ski than when I wakeboard.

[2whlin]

all sounds good.

[Yessup]

Priceless time with family and friends. Easy to spend $200.00 a day. Entrance fees to the lake, Camping fees, food , Beverages, ice, gas, etc.

[2whlin]

we're getting a boat, now it's just a matter of time. Wrong time of year to be looking, but something will pop up. If not, we'll just wait until it does.

Can't WAIT!!!