Financial side of owning a boat in USA

[Ed Schenck]

Great Lakes a deal?

Some would say no because of the seven month season. But $75./foot covers everything: slip, water, electric, haul-out, bottomwash, winter storage, Spring launch. We are permitted to do our own maintenance but the marina will do the work for about $50./hour. Interestingly it costs more to leave the boat in the water for the winter.

 

[Gene Gruender]

no ongoing costs here...

Bring it to Texas - there is sales tax, which is hard to avoid anywhere, but once it's documented, there are no more registration fees, and there are no yearly taxes. $0.00 You can find slips for under $100 a month.

 

[Tim Schaaf]

sailing clubs

The California sailing club concept seems to work but the emphasis on cost savings and club member maintenance (often in-expert) is so great that the boats were more tired than those of any other fleet I have skippered or taught for. However, the members seemed happy, got on the water, and didn't spend too much, so who am I to complain! I have always said that the only way boat owning made FINANCIAL sense (as if anyone cares) is to have partners, to put it in charter, or to liveaboard!

 

[Tim Schaaf]

As they say....

As they say, "boating is the world's most expensive way to travel third class!"

 

[Alex]

Many thanks , and some more..

I was told that registering a boat in Dalware is a tax free free thing, only around 60$ anual registration fees .Can a CA resident register his boat- from the begining-in Dalware where there are no sale tax or property sales on boats ,IF the boat actually will NOT be in CA , or more preciselly not in all USA ( but in Mediteranean Sea). Is this variant, in these circumstances ,enable him in practice not to pay taxes (sales, property) in CA as a lawfull 'tax shelter' option?Hope not too complicated 'technical-law' question , Thanks , Alex.

 

[Miles]

Hmmmm....

I'm not a tax lawyer (and you should consult with one) but I see no reason why you couldn't register the boat in Delaware. If you don't keep it in California they won't come after you for tax, that goes by which state the boat is slipped in. Delaware might have some other "hidden" taxes beyond the $60/yr. though... You might be able to register the boat in some other country with more favorable taxes like the big cargo carriers do (Panama leaps to mind). Unless you really need a US registration...