Whether it’s a deck boat or a pontoon, there’s something to be said about boating and the wonderful experiences that come along with it. Owning a boat can improve quality of life in a variety of ways, from providing stress relief to offering tax deductions. If you are contemplating buying a boat or simply enjoy being out on the water, now’s the time to finally take the leap and soak up the many advantages of being a boat owner.
1. Boating Provides Stress Relief
Countless researchers, including marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, have studied the physical and psychological benefits of being out on the water. According to Nichols, the “mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by increasing serotonin, lowering cortisol and inducing relaxation.”
Owning a boat can also provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, work stressors and technology, allowing you to hit the reset button and clear the mind.
2. Owning A Boat Provides Endless Opportunities
There are so many activities to explore when it comes to boating, whether you like to fish, tube or simply relax on the water. When you own a boat, the opportunities are endless and there’s always a new experience right around the corner. In this day and age, we’re only a click away from finding plenty of available boating classes and courses in our area or online.
3. Boating Strengthens Relationships
The primary reason individuals enjoy boating and fishing is to gain quality time with friends and family. Boating is the ultimate bonding activity, as it fosters fun where everyone can feel part of the experience by working together.
Developing skills of navigation, knot-tying and weather forecasting as a team can bring about a certain closeness that is unmatched to any indoor activity. Owning a boat can create family memories that will last a lifetime, and the tradition of boating and enjoying the water can be passed down from generation to generation.
4. Owning A Boat Requires Learning New Skills
Operating a boat is an incredibly rewarding experience, as it requires learning and mastering new skills. The confidence gained from challenging yourself in a new hobby can help you improve in other areas of life.
For instance, hobbies help clear the mind and boost creativity, which can translate to more success at work. From learning knots, to navigation, to anchoring and tying up at a marina, to boat maintenance and boating etiquette—the more you learn, the more enjoyable your experience will be.
5. Owning A Boat Gets You Involved In The Community.
No matter where you live, owning a boat gives you a sense of community. Whether you’re spending time at the marina, attending classes, visiting local clubs and organizations, or going to boat events, there’s something for everyone.
It's no surprise that boating brings people together. So, if you’re looking to get more involved in the community, investing in a boat can be a life-changing experience and will open you up to a variety of new interpersonal opportunities.
6. Boating Is A Great Way To Stay Fit
Spending time in the great outdoors is a fun, effortless way to stay fit. The hassle of driving to crowded gyms or waking up early for a morning run can quickly become boring and repetitive.
With recreational boating, you don’t have to think twice about your exercise routine if you’re enjoying yourself while cruising, swimming, wakeboarding or tubing. Even simply relaxing on the water means spending less time sitting indoors snacking in front of the television.
7. An Affordable Vacation Right At Your Fingertips
According to a recent report from Allianz Global Assistance, 36 percent of Americans took their last vacation more than two years ago. More than half haven’t taken a trip in a full year.
As a boat owner, planning a weekend getaway becomes much more convenient. You can simply hop on your boat for a vacation whenever you feel like it. The possibilities are endless when there are plenty of water-related activities to try and a body of water isn’t too far out of reach.
8. Boating Can Enhance Our Appreciation For Nature
Outdoor recreation is one of many reasons to protect the environment. Boating and fishing allows us to experience the world in a more intimate way, thus enhancing our appreciation for the natural world and its living creatures.
While boating is said to have impacts on the natural environment, there are plenty of ways to reduce those impacts, such as practicing regular boat maintenance, opting for outboard motors and using non-toxic cleaning solutions.
9. Owning A Boat Offers Tax Advantages
Owning a boat can enhance your business image, and some owners use their boats to entertain potential customers and clients. Doing so can qualify as a tax deduction under the “entertainment expense” category for their business.
As long as the owner has a reasonable expectation of deriving income as a result of his boat’s use, he can receive those tax advantages. The IRS requires that you keep full documentation for each expense, location and the nature of the expected benefit.
10. Owning A Boat Is Affordable
Despite popular belief that recreational boating is too expensive, boating lenders work with potential buyers to help save them money and get the best financing available. Many boats can be financed for around $200 a month, which is a small price to pay for the numerous benefits that owning a boat can offer.
Not only are you provided with more opportunities for fun and recreation when you become a boat owner, you have also chosen to improve your quality of life. If you want to nurture and strengthen your relationships, decrease stress and learn important life skills, then you need a boat.
