GTA boat costs - share your experience please

[MarkB]

I have a 29 ft boat.

Summer slip = $2500
Winterization, indoor storage and annual servicing = $2500
Insurance = $900

Most of the costs scale on length to give you a rough idea.

[patvetzal]

I just bought an old Boston Whaler to trailer around our area. Had it a week and doubled my original cost buying material for repairs. Knew what I was getting into and more to buy yet. Lucky my Dad had me helping him build his boats when I was 9 yrs old....

[Bandwagon]

Hi there. Thanks for the info.

I'm looking at something in the 15-20k range.

Repowering... What exactly does that entail? Trolling motor, big motor, batteries etc?

Repowering is just your big motor, I get about 4-5 seasons out of the trolling motor batteries and cranking battery.

What size boat are you looking to get with that 15-20K

[sakimano]

Repowering is just your big motor, I get about 4-5 seasons out of the trolling motor batteries and cranking battery.

What size boat are you looking to get with that 15-20K

17-18 feet.

[DrakeChaser]

Storage - There is a guy on Bronte Rd. just south of the bend when travelling north from Oakville. (Before Lower Base)

I stored boats there on 2 occasions. Reasonable, outdoor storage, was purely open when I used it but he has since fenced it in. Lives on the property so security is pretty good. Bungalow home up front, storage in behind.

Left hand side when travelling north in that small "subdivision" before Lower Base. You should be able to see boats and trailers from Bronte.


15-20K should buy you a decent bass rig without question. I have bought my last 3 boats in the USA, but now @ 35% I wouldn't think many are doing the same...

[fishermccann]

At Norris marine in Rosedale in the Kawarthas I spend 350.00 to pull out pontoon boat, store over winter in shrink wrap ,winterize a 20 hp outboard, and put boat back in in the spring.

[sakimano]

Storage - There is a guy on Bronte Rd. just south of the bend when travelling north from Oakville. (Before Lower Base)

I stored boats there on 2 occasions. Reasonable, outdoor storage, was purely open when I used it but he has since fenced it in. Lives on the property so security is pretty good. Bungalow home up front, storage in behind.

Left hand side when travelling north in that small "subdivision" before Lower Base. You should be able to see boats and trailers from Bronte.


15-20K should buy you a decent bass rig without question. I have bought my last 3 boats in the USA, but now @ 35% I wouldn't think many are doing the same...

Thanks for the input and the lead on the guy. Couldn't see him tonight when I drove by there. If you want to pm his name and an idea on what he charged that would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[Bandwagon]

You will not want to keep your glass boat outside, the sun will ruin the gel coat unless your cover protects the glass fenders and hull.

Check out the "Bass Boat Central" web site. Its run by a Canadian and is the best bass boat site I know of. Lots of answers regarding brands, performance, motors etc...

[sakimano]

Thanks for the input. I've seen it a couple of times and have done lots of reading there (BBC) .

I thought for this I'd try here to see for local pricing and stuff.

[Muskyhunter1001]

Well, I paid within your budget for a 2000 procraft with new seats, carpet and all electronics. 125 merc 2 stroke and aluminum trailer (a BIG +).

If you can't keep the boat at home IMO you're in a world of hurt unless you you fish only a couple times a season. I fish roughly 2-4 times a months sometimes more and having the boat at home helps me keep an eye on things and catch thing before it's a MAJOR issue. Like the other day when I noticed the U-bolt holding my axle assembly had come loose. If I was in a storage depot at 5 AM and I'm a rush I would have missed that.

Little things like that. You'll also want to flush your motor a few times a month at least. Should be done after all outings but neighbours would hate you.

Boat ownership is not something that has a set price or manual to follow.... It gets expensive and if a problem creeps up with motor could be looking at thousands. I've owned half a dozen boats before getting into a bass boat. And coming from a aluminum world there are a lot of differences. Handling, speed and the way they have to be treated. Aluminum are way more forgiving

Just today I saw a beauty stratos and ranger on kijiji in your budget and appear to be great deals. You'll have to accept that you may have to drive far to get your dream boat I was willing to drive 1000+ K if the right deal came up. Luckily I got one 75 K away

As for maintenance generally you're looking at $125-$150 for motor winterization

A storage unit can run you $150-200 a month. You'll hate outside storage for a bass boat. They are so tight that mildew and mild grow quick. And will stink! Lol.

Insurance roughly $300-$600 per year.

Gas roughly $30-$60 per trip plus what your vehicle will use.


P.S. I have a pro craft and it's not the best brand but if you can try to get a ranger, skeeter, stratos or bullet