Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Tips on getting the best deal on a boat to sail on Lake Murray.
Boating on Lake MurrayThe State | 06/08/2008 | Staying afloat
Boating on Lake Murray can cost as little as a used car parked at a marina or as much as a fancy home on its shoreline. New watercraft can cost as little as $7,000 or more than $250,000.Dealers suggest planning to spend $30,000 initially for a new boat — half that for used. It’s likely you’ll want a boat that carries six people — to account for all the relatives and friends who will want to ride along. Set aside $800 to $1,000 monthly for up keep, fuel, mortgage, taxes, insurance and storage.
The price depends on what you consider fun on the water — fishing, skiing, staying overnight, riding around or a combination. Elaine Price of Little Mountain, leader of the lake chapter of the boating club U.S. Power Squadron, recommends going out with friends or joining a club to test watercraft, learn navigation and understand the care required. Take your time shopping. About 100 boat makers sell nationally, although not all are available in the Midlands.If you have a boat
Boating can burn money. The National Maritime Manufacturers Association
estimates its annual cost is the same as a family vacation at a theme
park — about $3,100:
Fuel: Four-stroke engines are more efficient than
two-stroke. Five miles per gallon is good, but bigger boats are
measured in gallons burned per hour. Prices at marinas are 50 cents to
$1 a gallon higher than at service stations off the lake, so many
boaters bring it in themselves. But that can be laborious — even small
boats hold 10 gallons and many typical watercraft hold up to 35. To
conserve, follow the same maxim as for driving — slow down.
Maintenance: Upkeep of the body and engine can be
do-it-yourself. Getting a boat ready for winter storage is doable but
takes a while. Emptying waste tanks must be left to experts. Some
boating clubs provide repair tips. Unlike a car, you shouldn’t park a
boat and walk away. Things such as flushing the motor should be done
after every outing. Dealers estimate it costs an average of $50 monthly
to keep a boat in good shape. Add another $100 monthly for insurance
and taxes.
Storage: Keeping it in a slip at a marina can cost up
to $225 monthly, but cost varies with boat size. You can buy a new
trailer for as little as $1,600 for an average boat and store it at
home free. But check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if you can
haul it. Launch fees at marinas typically are $5. Free landings are
scattered around the 650-mile shoreline, but many are in remote spots.
Necessities: State guidelines require appropriate
lifejackets or flotation devices for everyone on board, fire
extinguishers in boats with motors, a bell or whistle to warn other
boats and lights for sailing at night. State natural resources
officials recommend a marine radio to call for emergency help and to
keep abreast of weather changes. A cell phone also is helpful.
Training: Anyone under 16 must complete state-approved
training to operate watercraft solo. The course can be taken at home
with DVDs for $30 and its test online for $24.50. Boating clubs also
offer instruction and advice, sometimes on the water. Those classes
usually cost less than $150. For more information on instruction, go to
www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.Buying and selling
The market: An uncertain economy means deals are
available. But it’s not as much a buyer’s market as when the lake
dropped significantly in 2002-04 for dam improvements, dealers say.
Popular boats: Depending on your style of play, lots
of boats are available on a lake where sailing is possible year-round.
Warm weather heightens interest in power skis and small motor boats.
Pontoons are favorites with retirees and families. Fishing boats and
cabin cruisers for all-weather sailing are in steady demand.
Deals: Price cuts of 10 percent or more are being
offered on new watercraft. So are low-interest loans. Unlike a car, a
boat can be financed longer — up to 20 years in some cases. Monthly
payments on a $30,000 boat — a typical family buy — run about $500,
according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Buying used: A boat falls in value about 20 percent
after a year, dealers say. Add 10 percent more depreciation for every
year until a boat is 10 years old and its worth stabilizes. As with
cars, values fluctuate with condition. Go to www.nadaguides.com to check on dealer estimates.
Selling it: Spring is the best time since it’s the
traditional start of boating season and newcomers are shopping. Like
homeowners and car owners, some boaters look at ads and signs for
owners selling on their own. Others sell through dealers — expect to
pay 10 percent commission, although that’s negotiable on high-priced
models.
Check it out: Dealers and boat clubs urge test rides on the water to make sure you are comfortable with maneuvering a boat.
Add-ons: Figure on $1,000 extra for toys, such as water skis and required equipment like lifejackets.Renting
A glance at what leasing a boat at Lake Murray costs:
How much: $125-$225 daily during the week and up to
$275 on weekends and holidays. Some sites rent for shorter periods,
with a $50 minimum for two hours. Add $25 to $50 for taxes and fuel
refill for a typical daylong outing. Or join the Lake Murray Boat Club
— an aquatic country club where you can pick among a dozen watercraft
and leave upkeep to the staff — for a $995 initiation fee and dues of
$199 monthly.
Type of boat: Generally, pontoons seating eight to 12
people or power skis seating three. Motors boats usually seeking six
available at a few sites.
Skills needed: For the inexperienced, rental companies
provide a basic course in sailing that takes an hour. If you can’t
handle the boat afterward, rental is canceled.
Where: Major sources include Lake Murray Boat Club,
Lake Murray Jet Ski Rentals; Lake Murray Marina and Yacht Club
(operated by DP Marine) in Ballentine; Lighthouse Marina in Ballentine;
Putnam’s Landing (operated by Brown Marina) near Prosperity; and
Southshore Marina near Batesburg-Leesville. Go to www.lakemurraycountry.com for more. Thanks to TIM FLACH flach@thestate.com
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