If you have a boat, remember to gas up on the road before getting to your destination, as marina gas prices are much higher. Same thing for snacks and drinks to have out on your boat, grocery store prices will be cheaper than convenience store or bait shop/marina prices.
You can even save dollars on boating - In a well known marine store I saw boat curtains for $22 for a panel. We used bargain valance ruffles from the dollar store and instead of $100+ for curtains, we got easily installed ones that are perfectly good for $5!
Boating doesn't have to be a pricey business. You don't have to go to the high-priced marine stores for most of your needs. My husband gets everything at the regular hardware store when he can - it's cheaper.
And there's also a brisk trade in USED boat equipment, such as sails, etc. These things are made to LAST - so you can get a lot of use from used items. Also, boats depreciate remarkably quickly - so you can get a really good deal on a used boat - but try to educate yourself and avoid a broker - because their commission will hike up the price.
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Questions
Here are questions related to Saving Money on Boating.
With summer we have been spending a lot of time out on the boat and eating at the expensive restaurants along the river. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for what I could make a head of time (freeze, etc.) during the week to use for meals (sandwiches get boring after awhile) on the boat (so not too complicated) on the weekends? Thanks much for any ideas you have.
We have a boat too, and yes, it can get very expensive eating out all the time and boring eating sandwiches/burgers. I have a microwave and toaster oven as well as a two burner stove on the boat. You can make casseroles or one dish meals ahead of time and heat up. This weekend I made a Chicken & Broccoli Braid, Pot Roast, sloppy joe's, hot roast beef and provolone sandwiches and Chicken Wing Dip. Last weekend I made Buffalo wings and Nachos and something else. If you want recipes or other ideas, email me at ahastings7878@comcast.net. I make breakfast on the boat (eggs, potatoes, bacon (fried at home), sausage, pancakes, french toast, fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast). Just takes some pre-planning.
By ahastings787809/07/2010
Saving Money on Boating Supplies