How to Make Smart Decisions When Your Boat Needs Fixing

August 4, 2021 1:55 am Published by Leave your thoughts

How do you decide whether your boat needs fixing or selling? Does it need serious work, or can you give it a makeover and call it a day? Like any vehicle, all boats have a finite lifespan—and there may come a time when it will cost more to fix your boat than it would to sell it and get something new.

What to ask when your boat needs fixing

Here are four questions to ask yourself when your boat is in disrepair:

  • What kind of repairs does your boat require? This is usually the most important factor when it comes to deciding whether you should fix it or sell it. If your repairs will run into the thousands of dollars, but the boat is only worth a few hundred bucks at most, it might make more sense to sell it. Get estimates from mechanics to determine how much you’ll have to spend.
  • Do you love your boat? Do you like your boat, hate it, feel neutral about it—or do you love it? Some boats have sentimental value—maybe it belonged to a family member, hosted your first sailing trip around the world or you spent time fixing it up yourself. Other boats might be perfectly okay when in good repair, but not worth fixing if the bill is too high. Think about it and be honest with yourself. If you really love the boat, it might be worth it to take it in for repairs. Get a few estimates from marine mechanics no matter how you feel about the boat. If it will cost significantly more than the boat is worth, you might feel differently about the prospect of paying for repairs.
  • Have you outgrown your boat? Alternatively, has your boat outgrown you? Next, ask yourself whether your boat still suits your needs. Factors like family size, where you like to take your boat and what you use it for will all affect how suitable your boat may be. For example, if you have a small two-person boat, but you have small children, you might want to upgrade to something bigger so they can join in on the fun. On the other hand, if your kids are too old and cool to join their parents on the lake, maybe it’s time to downsize for something more modest and manageable.
  • How often do you use your boat? If you’re about to put down hundreds or thousands of dollars for boat repair, it only makes sense to do so if you actually use the boat. How often do you plan to take it out during the boating season? Be realistic, too—often, boat owners have big plans to take it out frequently and never do. How often you actually use the boat will help determine whether it’s worthwhile to repair.

If your boat is worth fixing, bring it to Trinity Alps Marina for boat repairs, moorage and a lot of lakeside fun. We’ll help you ensure your vessel is ready for many more seasons of enjoyment!

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