The Real Cost of Maintenance

[Capt. lulz]

I hear a lot about boats needing maintenance, and how this equates to a most of the costs of owning a boat. It's not that I disagree with this claim, but sometimes I wonder how much of this is attributed to how negligent the boat owner is. I have to wonder because most people just take things for granted, and when things break down, just throw money at the problem.

Other things to consider:

• Are you paying more than you should for service or parts?
• Is the extra money spent on "higher" quality worth it?
• Is the money saved on poorer quality worth it?
• Do you spend more money preventing problems or fixing them after it breaking?
• Are you a careful person, or do you only notice the consequences of your actions when there's nothing less than a big gaping hole in your hull?
• Are you good at anticipating things that seem like it would be a problem?

How wasteful/inefficient can you really get, and do you think people who aren't as frugal, have a prominent opinion or voice on the belief that boat maintenance is costly. No doubt it costs money, but can it be exaggerated, and even if just by a little, do you think it is exaggerated? Maybe you are of the opinion that it is underestimated. I want to hear your opinions either way.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Best way to keep cost down is to know your boat systems completely.
That way you will know when things start going bad.
Second way to keep costs down is to fix things when they start going bad, not when they break. Not always possible, but you do your best..

[Lancerbye]

I agree with Unicorn Dreams. Knowing all the systems and being able to repair them yourself is definitely a plus. However a lot of us will spend on ad ons and upgrade toys we like and call it maintenance. Especially if we have to justify it to someone. lol

[daddle]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Best way to keep cost down is...
Second way to keep costs down is to...

The third way is to not install them in the first place. Simpler is often better.