The cost of maintaining a boat depends on several factors, such as the boat’s age and size. In any case, some expenses are recurring and will come up every year, regardless of your sailboat.
A boat is a passion. But it is a passion that comes at a cost. While it is sometimes possible to find great deals and buy a sailboat at a good price, maintaining a boat takes time and money. This is true no matter its age or size.
Indeed, regular maintenance of your boat is essential. First, the better it is maintained, the longer its lifespan will be, and the fewer expenses you will have to anticipate. Given the price of a sailboat, it’s best not to waste money. Above all, a healthy and well-maintained boat ensures safety for the crew during your voyages. This holds true for any cruise.
The Cost of Boat Maintenance Must Be Anticipated
When buying a sailboat, the cost of maintenance is sometimes underestimated. Yet, between replacing hardware and lines, engine maintenance, and annual antifouling, expenses can quickly add up. From the moment you purchase your sailboat, you should anticipate these annual costs and possibly include them in the overall cost of the boat.
The big question you need to ask yourself is whether you will maintain your boat yourself or through a professional. Some of us are handy enough to do a lot of things ourselves. Others, due to lack of skills or time, will rely on a boatyard or a marine technician. Either way, even if you do your own engine oil changes and replace hardware, it is important to have a professional check it from time to time.
We will look at the regular and exceptional expenses to anticipate beyond the various tasks to consider on a boat, as well as an estimate of their costs.
The Cost of Hauling Out and Antifouling
If you sail regularly and clean your hull frequently, you will limit the maintenance costs of your hull. Every year, you will need to consider hauling out. This involves lifting the boat to clean the hull and reapply antifouling. Sometimes, depending on the condition of your boat, you may need to touch up the gelcoat.
Cost of Hauling Out:
| 7m sailboat | 10m sailboat | 12m sailboat | |
| Lifting (round trip) | 180 € | 350 € | 500 € |
| Antifouling/coat | 40 € | 70 € | 100 € |
Sail Maintenance
Sails are designed to be used in a salty environment. Good sail maintenance involves proper use and regular rinsing. After inspection at the end of the season, the only thing to consider may be stitching repairs.
Cost of Sail Maintenance:
- UV protection strip: 25-30 euros/m.
- Sail overhaul: 400-1000 euros.
- Reef band installation: 150-200 euros.
The Cost of Rigging Maintenance
Standing rigging does not require annual maintenance, except for occasional checks. The only part of the rigging that needs more frequent inspection is the forestay, which undergoes more stress if you have a furling system. The costs to anticipate are related to potential unstepping and rigging inspection by a professional.
Running rigging only requires a good rinse at the end of each season. From time to time, you may need to replace a halyard or sheet.
Sizes and Prices of Halyards and Sheets per Meter:
| 7m sailboat | 10m sailboat | 12m sailboat | |
| Halyard/m | 8mm, 1.90 €/m | 8mm, 1.90 €/m | 12mm, 3 €/m |
| Sheet/m | 8mm, 2.10 €/m | 10mm, 2.90 €/m | 12mm, 3.60 €/m |
The Cost of Engine Maintenance
The engine is an important part of a boat, even on a sailboat. Engine maintenance requires rigor. The more often the engine is maintained, the lower the cost will be.
Winterizing a diesel engine is more complex and therefore more expensive than maintaining an outboard motor. Many tasks can be done yourself with minimal knowledge. But you will never replace a professional.
Cost of Engine Maintenance:
- Outboard: 150 euros for a 9hp, for standard winterizing by a professional.
- Inboard: 250 euros minimum for standard winterizing by a professional.
The Cost of Boat Equipment
Navigation equipment and safety gear are expensive items. Boat equipment is generally quite costly. We will distinguish between safety equipment on the one hand and personal and navigation equipment on the other.
Regarding safety equipment, it is impossible to skip certain investments. Check the expiration dates of your flares and life jacket capsules. The largest expense is likely the inspection of the liferaft.
While marine electronics are expensive to purchase, most brands distributed in France are reliable. A marine VHF or boat GPS will have a long lifespan, provided it is well used and protected from moisture in winter.
Finally, for the rest of the equipment, such as personal sailing gear, it will not require significant investment.
Recreational Boat Insurance Rates
Boat insurance is one of the costs that is often underestimated. We tend to ask our banker or insurer for a quote. Depending on the size of the boat, they will politely direct you to a broker. There are specialized pleasure boat insurers who offer very good coverage at reasonable rates.
Some companies will require a survey before accepting the risk. Keep this in mind.
The Cost of Winter Storage and Marina Berth
Finally, and this is the most expensive item, the marina berth is the most significant part. For the luckiest, a buoy will cost between 150 and 300 euros per year. This is the case for members of associations that manage mooring areas.
For others, the price of the marina berth varies greatly depending on the sailing area. Rates will not be the same in Brittany and on the French Riviera. Prices will also depend on the port. A berth on a ponton in a tidal area or near fishing docks will not cost the same as a berth at the foot of the Saint-Tropez harbor office, for example.
Finally, during the winter, some of us take their boat out. You will therefore need to consider the cost of dry storage. This can be done in a port. But you can also choose winter storage in a boatyard or simple guardianship.
Examples of Marina Berth Rates
| 7m sailboat | 10m sailboat | 12m sailboat | |
| Le Havre | 1603 € | 2690 € | 3458 € |
| Le Crouesty | 2026 € | 3012 € | 3886 € |
| Antibes | 3565 € | 6400 € | 8700 € |
Focus on Boat Paint
Of course, maintaining a boat represents a certain cost. However, it is very important to properly maintain a boat. Let’s talk a little more about paint, as it not only guarantees aesthetics but also protects the hull and antifouling from water, ensuring greater longevity.
The Different Types of Paint for Repainting a Boat
You have a choice between different types of paint to repaint your boat. So make sure you make the right choice.
Varnish for the topsides
The varnish, which is mainly recommended for the topsides, i.e., the parts of the hull above the waterline. It forms a barrier against elements such as impact, rain, and sun. You also have two options: single-component varnishes, which are very easy to use and dry by solvent evaporation. The perfect choice for wooden boats. Two-component varnishes, which are distinguished by their high resistance. Their drying is done by polymerization.
Antifouling for the bottom
Antifouling is a paint designed to protect the boat from algae and shellfish. It is therefore intended for the bottom or submerged parts. Indeed, these types of paint release toxins that slow the development of these marine plants. There are also different varieties. Erodible antifouling, which is composed of soluble resin and substances that repel the development of fouling. There is also hard matrix antifouling, which contains resin with insoluble components, ensuring optimal hardness and resistance. You can find them on https://www.peinturebateau.fr/.
How to Paint Your Boat?
To repaint the boat, you need to go through a few steps.
Necessary preparations
During the preparatory phase, you must start by carefully choosing the paints that suit your boat. To do the job, you will need a brush and a roller. The first tool will allow you to reach difficult areas, while the roller will help you paint more quickly. For the preparations themselves, you need to clean and remove all dirt, salt, and anything that dirties the hull. You should also disassemble all parts that can be removed. Repair all parts that need repair and sand the hull surface well.
Painting the boat
Note that painting should be done in good weather. Once the preparations are complete and everything is perfect, you can start painting your boat. Start by applying a primer for the undercoat. For a perfectly satisfactory result, plan to apply several coats, 2 or 3 times depending on the desired result. Between each coat, you must sand the surface. While it is entirely possible to paint the boat yourself, the best option is to entrust it to a professional in the field. This way, you will avoid any mistakes, whether in choosing the paint or applying it.