When you buy a sailboat, you get closer to realizing your dreams and traversing the sea, discovering the charms of distant bays and docking in picturesque ports. However, the purchase of a yacht is only the beginning of this extraordinary adventure… and unfortunately, also of the expense. Before making a final decision to buy a boat, you need to be aware of the amount of maintenance costs. How much does a yacht cost and how much will its operation and sailing cost you? Let us explain!
Yacht — how much does a good luxury boat cost?
A yacht can cost tens of thousands or even several million Polish zlotys. Boats from reputable manufacturers are much more expensive due to the technologies, materials and design improvements used. Used yachts are the cheapest, but their technical condition can leave much to be desired.
How much does a luxury yacht cost? Often the cost of its purchase should be counted in millions, but you can buy a new, good, modern yacht suitable for sea voyages for as little as about 300 thousand Polish zlotys. Aboard such a vessel, you can cruise both lakes, seas and oceans.
But the price of buying a yacht is not everything. How much do port and berthing fees cost?
Some would-be boat owners make the wrong assumption that a boat can be “parked” as easily as a passenger car. But that’s a massive misconception! Ports have a limited number of berths, and they often charge a hefty fee for reservations or rentals.
The larger and more popular the marina (especially in foreign resorts with constant tourist traffic), the higher the price. Port charges are usually billed on a daily or monthly basis. Their amount depends, among other things, on the size of the yacht and when it is docked in the port.
In Poland, you will pay from a few dozen to about PLN 200 per day for a marina berth, while a seasonal berth in a Polish port will cost you PLN 2,000–5,000. Winter berthing a yacht is an expense of about PLN 1,000.
Foreign cruises will cost you a little more. A night in a marina in Italy costs approx. EUR 20–60 (about PLN 85–250). Berthing your yacht on Lake Constance will cost you less. You’ll find a marina there which will charge you about CHF 15 (about PLN 70) per day to dock your boat. In contrast, in northern Europe, in Sweden, a day of docking your yacht in the port is about SEK 200 (about PLN 75) — this applies to the small town of Kalmar. If you dream of sailing along the Croatian coastline, you will pay between EUR 50 and 150 (about PLN 213–640) for a docking in a marina, and you can spend even more in high season. These prices apply to boats up to 12 meters in length.
How much will you pay to prepare your yacht for the season?
Each year, yacht owners must take proper care to properly prepare their vessel for the sailing season. Even a new and modern boat requires regular maintenance and servicing.
It is important to inspect and service the engine and replace components subject to wear and tear and operating fluids. Sometimes the cost of such maintenance is even several thousand Polish zlotys if the yacht was in poor condition or used extensively in the previous season. This includes cleaning the hull, where algae and other sediment builds up, and applying anti-fouling coatings. You’ll need to pay a minimum of PLN 2,500 for it.
How much does a yacht cost to maintain? Insurance expenses
The price of insuring a yacht depends on its size, year of manufacture, manufacturer and purpose — whether it sails the seas and oceans or only inland waters. In the former case, boat insurance can be much more expensive.
Although yachts are not legally required to be insured in Poland, it’s worth it. You can cover your boat with, for example, third-party liability and casco insurance. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay up to several thousand Polish zlotys per year. Remember, however, that it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you can rely on your insurer for help in a crisis situation. Insurance companies that deal with yacht insurance are Pantaenius and EIS.
Your own yacht — how much does it cost to maintain it?
Having your own yacht involves regular expenses, but it also provides you with independence and the opportunity to go on fascinating sea voyages — a dream come true for many people. Keep in mind, however, that in addition to the cost of buying a boat, you will also pay to buy a marina berth for it and to winterize it, insure it and prepare it for the season.
Unfortunately, it may happen that after a certain period of time an intensively used yacht will require replacement of some parts. This involves incurring further higher costs. Don’t forget that a sailing yacht with an engine needs to be powered (by fuel or electricity), which also costs no small amount. You’ll need to consider this purchase, too, when planning your cruise budget.
How much a yacht costs on a yearly basis depends on whether you have a smaller or larger boat and whether you sail on the seas or only on lakes and rivers. Those who do not deny themselves luxury on the water will pay the most. Maintaining a million-dollar yacht is a massive expense.
However, if you want to pursue your dreams and have the right budget, don’t deny yourself the opportunity to captain your own boat! You’ll be rewarded for every coin spent on boat maintenance with a sense of freedom and an unforgettable open water experience.
