How Does Boat Hire Compare to Buying a Boat?

Nothing can compare to the freedom of sailing and the pride and exhilaration you feel in owning your own vessel. Sailing holidays are exciting and totally unique. However, is it really worth purchasing a vessel or is boat hire the best solution? 

Expenses of boat ownership 

Apart from the initial outlay of buying a boat, it has been calculated that a vessel requires a further 10% of its purchase price annually for boat-related expenses. The maintenance costs of keeping a boat seaworthy are especially costly. Because of its exposure to the elements and the corrosive nature of saltwater, the specialised materials to maintain a boat don’t come cheap.

Apart from maintenance, you would also have to set some money aside for fuel costs and insurance premiums. Even in the off-season, you may have to pay storage or dockage fees. Very few people have the space at home to store a boat in the driveway/garage and there is always the constant fear of vandalism and/or theft if it isn’t kept in a secure place. 

Another factor to remember is that boats, like cars, depreciate over time. With new cutting-edge marine technology, boats are constantly being improved. Buying a new model will be a costly investment. Even if you decide to offset the cost by selling your old boat, you’ll never recoup your initial outlay. 

By contrast, hiring a boat only requires the upfront rental fee and fuel costs. All the other expenses are the responsibility of the boat charter company. 

Variety of hire boats and destinations 

If you’re a relatively new to sailing, you must consider how many times a year you would be using the vessel. It has been estimated that boats sit idle for over 90% of the year. Before committing to buying, be realistic about how often you would be using it. 

Also, deciding on the type of boat you want immediately limits your choices. It is both difficult and expensive to upgrade onboard facilities. Also, we don’t always go sailing for the same reasons. A daylong fishing expedition and a sailing holiday with a large group of friends ideally need different types of vessel. A boat charter company has a wide range of boats to meet your needs and with different numbers of berths according to the size of your party. 

When you have your own boat, you either stick to familiar places within easy sailing distance of your home, have the hassle of transporting the boat overland elsewhere or face a long sea voyage before you reach your destination. When hiring a boat, you can pick up your rental from a variety of harbours across the globe. As soon as you board the boat, you’re ready to begin your sailing holiday without wasting any of your valuable time. 

Hiring a boat 

Hiring a boat can be done online quickly and conveniently. Whatever the size of your party, your destination and the time of year, you’ll be sure to find a rental to match your requirements.