How Much Does it Cost to Own a Sailboat in Quebec, Eastern Ontario, Upper New-York and Vermont?

You’ve been out a few times with friends on their sailboat and now, you’ve caught the sailing bug and, be well advised, there is no vaccine or cure for this addiction.

Before jumping in however, and without considering the initial acquisition cost of your desired boat, let’s look at various costs associated with owning, operating and maintaining your potential sailboat. I say potential quite deliberately, simply because you should never jump on such an acquisition until you know all the related costs.

These costs will include (but are not limited to) insurance, maintenance and repairs, and marina or yacht club fees (if applicable). If trailering is more your style, the costs associated with the trailer and a proper tow vehicle will need to be considered.

Another thing to consider that will affect costs is the type of sailboat you’re looking for. Would you like a cruiser or a racer? Or perhaps a comprise racer/cruiser design that will give you a fairly good combination. Albeit, you won’t be heading to the America’s Cup, at least not just yet.

I will focus on an average and popular boat size found in the area of Quebec, Eastern Ontario, upper New-York and Vermont. For first-time buyers, in my humble opinion and by observation, a 26- to- 28-ft. cruising-style sailboat fits perfectly. It will provide excellent day sailing qualities yet be comfortable enough for two people to spend a few days or weeks cruising.

Another assumption is that a recent inspection has been performed prior to purchase and you are aware of any areas of concern that will need to be fixed or updated as well as what those costs will be. Depending on the price of the boat and your comfort level with risk, I would not skip the inspection process. A boat can look amazing but hide some very serious issues below her seemingly pristine appearance. Plus, your insurance carrier might insist on one anyway.

I would inquire with the seller if a maintenance log has been kept and if you could consult it. A proper maintenance log should not only include what was done every year but also the costs, giving you a more accurate idea of maintenance costs.

Now that you know what boat appeals to you and you are aware of any cost related issues the inspection has revealed, it is now time to consider other costs before signing on the dotted line.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO KEEP THE BOAT?

Marina or yacht club. If it’s in a yacht club, will it be a full-service yacht club or a collaborative style yacht club where the members do the vast majority of the administration, maintenance and upkeep of the club as well as its infrastructure (club house, property, docks, equipment, etc.)? Also, inquire what is the waiting list for a boat your size at your desired club or marina. Some clubs have very long waiting lists, some can take years.

Marinas, which are for-profit operations, usually have a mix of small and big power and sailboats. Besides docking fees, they basically charge à la carte for electricity and water hook up, pump-outs, haul-out and launch, etc.

Most yacht clubs and marinas charge per square feet (total length x width) for seasonal dock space as well as onsite storage. Other charges would be haul-out and launch, pump-outs, wash downs, etc.

For-profit yacht clubs will normally charge more but also offer more, such as social activities and organized races, and may also stay open for year-round social events. They have regular staff to help and handle all maintenance and upkeep of the club and its assets. They often charge per square feet, and cost may also depend on the location of the slip and the services you want such as shore power, finger pier, etc.

Collaborative yacht clubs which are mostly non-profit, cost much less since all the work and administration are done by the members themselves. Many will offer social events and organized races. Because all the work and upkeep are done my members, the price is lower.

Both yacht club types will normally have an interview process. If accepted, there is normally a one-time initiation fee to pay (normally payable over a two or three-year period). An annual membership fee and separate fees for a seasonal slip, winter storage on-site, haul-out and launch, wash down, etc.

ADDITIONAL BOAT OWNERSHIP COSTS

Insurance cost will vary according to the size and value of the boat and may require a recent inspection by an authorized marine surveyor. If the seller does not have a current inspection, you would be wise to get one done yourself. Your chosen marina or yacht club will insist on proof of insurance on a yearly basis.

Engine maintenance cost should not vary greatly between an inboard or outboard. Both will require oil and filter changes and proper winterization and/or storage.

Repairs. Like all things in life, there will be wear and tear as well as breakage. Or you may elect to upgrade certain components like sails, lines, fenders, electronics, etc. Or perhaps add a bimini and/or dodger.

Regular costs. Even though you have a sailboat, there is still going to be some fuel cost. Overall, diesel is much less expensive, as the fuel consumption far outperforms regular gas engines or outboards.

DIY or hired help. Costs can be significantly saved by doing repairs and maintenance yourself. Besides the satisfaction of having done these yourself, you also add to your knowledge of your boat and her systems and equipment, which can be invaluable in the event of a breakdown.

EASTERN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NORTHERN NEW YORK AND VERMONT COSTS

Now that we’ve itemized what costs are involved, let’s get back to our 28-ft. x 9 ft. beam (252 sq. ft.) boat and see what some of these costs might amount to.

To figure out the costs within Eastern Ontario, Quebec and northern New York and Vermont, I selected and reached out to marinas and yacht clubs within these areas. Of course, there are many others available, but these should give you a good idea. Making your own onsite visits and research is essential. Remember to also consider the location. If the boat is kept too far away, will you really make regular use of it?

The table below will provide an estimated total marina cost, exempt of any one-time initiation fee. If applicable, these are noted.

ANNUAL COSTS FOR 27-FT SAILBOAT IN MONTREAL

As the objective of this article is to inform you as much as possible, I also want to be transparent. In that spirit, here are my personal average yearly costs. Note that I am a member of a non-profit collaborative yacht club, located in Montreal, and my boat is a 1995, purchased 10 years ago. She is 27-ft. x 9-ft. (243 sq. ft.) and I am her second owner.

• Annual membership fee: $540 CAD ($400 USD)
• Seasonal docking: $404 ($300 USD)
• Winter storage: $202 ($150 USD)
• Launch and haul-out: $208 ($154 USD)
• Plus, an average of 40 hours of volunteering per season is expected to help maintain the club and its assets.
• Currently, new members must pay a one-time initiation fee of $1,000 CAD payable over two years.
• So, the total of my club related fees is $1,354 CAD ($1,000 USD).
• Fuel, additives and upkeep products are $200 ($150 USD).
• Maintenance and repairs are $400 ($296 USD).
• For an average annual cost of:  $1,954 CAD ($1,450 USD)

This last year, I bought new sails. Mine were original and in need of replacement after 30 years. I waited for the annual fall sail discounts offered by manufacturers, so my total cost for both sails was about $4,000 CAD ($3,500 USD).

CONCLUSION

Keep in mind also that another symptom of the sailing bug is the need to grow the boat every few years… known as “two-footitis!” So, think of your first boat as a stepping stone to learn all that you can and don’t blow a wad of cash. Save it for the next one, when the symptoms start to manifest themselves. And they will!

And finally, there is a saying in the sailing world that is worth thinking about: “The big boats may get the glory, but it is the small boats that make the sailor.”  So, if you’re a novice and first-time buyer, size really does matter.