I'm the Guy with the new Boat
I bought a brand new Bene 373 delivered in early 2007, so have sailed it two years. The actual maintenance costs have been about $2,500 per year, or just over 1%. This includes the following: Diesel mechanic for winter shutdown - many do this themselves Sail loft work - torn batten pocket, worn loop at tack Replace lost pelican hook Cleaning supplies - they add up to a couple of hundred/year Upgrade dock lines - not really maintenance but out of pocket anyway Batteries etc for hand helds, flashlights, etc As a non-racer I expect to get at least 10 years out of my sails, so probably they are getting used up at the rate of about $1,500 per year. I don't expect to need an engine overhaul for a very long time as it is well maintained and gets few hours. We are in cold fresh water and need to paint only every three to four years. Altogether, I think the maintenance including long-term wear and tear is probably less than $6k per year, say 3%. As others have pointed out, docking, winter storage, insurance and consumables is a whole other matter - easily another $6k to $8k per year. So total operating costs are including everything may be $14k or 7% of the cost of the boat. Of course the boat depreciates the minute you sail away from the broker, and you never get back the taxes, transport, prep etc. Probably figure 5% a year off the base price for depreciation. That's what really ends up costing you with a new boat.
I bought a brand new Bene 373 delivered in early 2007, so have sailed it two years. The actual maintenance costs have been about $2,500 per year, or just over 1%. This includes the following: Diesel mechanic for winter shutdown - many do this themselves Sail loft work - torn batten pocket, worn loop at tack Replace lost pelican hook Cleaning supplies - they add up to a couple of hundred/year Upgrade dock lines - not really maintenance but out of pocket anyway Batteries etc for hand helds, flashlights, etc As a non-racer I expect to get at least 10 years out of my sails, so probably they are getting used up at the rate of about $1,500 per year. I don't expect to need an engine overhaul for a very long time as it is well maintained and gets few hours. We are in cold fresh water and need to paint only every three to four years. Altogether, I think the maintenance including long-term wear and tear is probably less than $6k per year, say 3%. As others have pointed out, docking, winter storage, insurance and consumables is a whole other matter - easily another $6k to $8k per year. So total operating costs are including everything may be $14k or 7% of the cost of the boat. Of course the boat depreciates the minute you sail away from the broker, and you never get back the taxes, transport, prep etc. Probably figure 5% a year off the base price for depreciation. That's what really ends up costing you with a new boat.
