You’ve been daydreaming about sitting behind the wheel of your next pontoon or deck boat. The sound of the propeller creating a wake as you relax in the sun while you cruise slowly on the lake is all you can think about. The daydream is then interrupted by the thought of the dreaded price-tag. The investment toward a new boat or even a near-new used boat can be frightening, but taking a few of these steps can help ensure your boating daydream becomes a reality.
1. The first step to saving is setting a goal. Setting a price cap and reasonable progress goals are a great way to keep on the straight and narrow path to getting behind the wheel and putting the throttle down on your new boat. It always helps to see that you’re getting closer to your target savings goal as well. This process may be slow, but it will pay off in the end.
2. Another important and simple savings tip is to watch how your monthly expenses add up. Paying attention to where your money is going can help you regulate how much you spend. If you’re spending too much on those premium cable channels, it may be hard, but that money you just spent on pay-per-view could have been added into the pontoon fund.
3. For you home owners out there, refinancing is probably a common term for you. Refinancing your castle can save you a lot of money and stress in the future. The process may be a little time consuming, but once it’s done you can revel in your new monthly payment and watch those dollars stack up.
4. Eating is a necessity for everyone with a beating heart, but it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to do it. I’ll admit. I love going out to eat. No dishes to wash, no mess to clean up and it’s fun to get out of the house. Schedule “going out” dates with the family and friends and stick to them. Your $20 meal at the restaurant could cost a lot less if you decide to utilize those culinary skills at the house.
5. This tip may be a little difficult to organize, but car-pooling is a great way to save on fuel costs. Get together with your friends and set a schedule for the week. If they’re hesitant, just remind them this is a mutually beneficial deal.
6. I know there are a lot of things to consider when you’re hunting for the perfect boat, so alleviate some of that stress and be sure to network with people you know. Friends, family and even co-workers may know a guy, who knows a guy, who has a boat up for sale and could even give you a better deal on it. A little help never hurt, so use every available resource you have.
7. Another great way to save is to get in touch with payroll at work and set up some extra withholdings. Setting aside an extra $20 from each check is a great way to save. Even better, the deduction is made before you get paid, so you won’t feel the sting so much when you get your check.
8. Sigh out the anxiety and relax, the worst is over. These next five tips are a little less tight on your money and more like guidelines to help you be the most informed buyer possible. Doing your homework before making your purchase is a great way to hold on to those green backs. Surf the web and see what is available to you. You may have your heart set on a certain boat, but checking out different dealerships and even private owners is a sure way to ensure the best deal for you. Check up with current boat values and go into a deal with all the ammunition you need to get what you want out of your purchase.
9. While you’re looking at your options, consider a “more experienced” used boat. That $30,000 ‘99 well-loved pontoon with some extra engine time may outperform that brand new $70,000 “fresh off the showroom” pontoon.
10. When the time finally comes, you’ve met your goal and it’s time to say goodbye to your old boat, be sure to use every sales avenue available to you. News ads, craigslist, Boat-Trader, anything you can use to showcase your boat will help. The more attention you draw to your boat, the better chance for a sale.
11. If all else fails and you’re stuck in neutral, check in regularly with Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine. It’s our mission to keep readers well-informed and in the loop with the latest and greatest that the boating world has to offer.
All good things come in time. Saving can be an anxiety-inducing task, but getting the keys to your next boat is worth the wait. Using these money-saving tips can help ease the pain of the price tag and get you in the captain’s chair of your dream boat. Of course, you could always go with the alternative: I hear canoes are getting a little more spacious.
