There's an old joke about boating: BOAT stands for "Break Out Another Thousand."
It's funny—right up until you're the guy holding the repair estimate.
Modern boats are incredibly capable machines, but major marine repairs can get expensive quickly. Here are ten areas that can potentially create painful repair bills.
1. Complete Engine Replacement
The granddaddy of marine repair bills. Engine type, horsepower and installation requirements can make replacement a major expense.
2. Engine Powerhead
A catastrophic internal failure doesn't always require replacing the entire outboard, but a powerhead repair or replacement can still be substantial.
3. Lower Unit
Hit something underwater or experience an internal failure and that lower unit can become an expensive piece of metal.
4. Sterndrive Repairs
The combination of gears, seals and other components means major sterndrive failures aren't usually cheap.
5. Fuel System
Modern high-pressure fuel systems can involve pumps, injectors, rails, sensors and significant diagnostic labor.
6. Electronic Controls
Today's throttle and shift systems can be electronically controlled. When something goes wrong, diagnosis and component replacement can add up.
7. Steering Systems
Hydraulic and electronic steering components are essential—and potentially expensive.
8. Electrical Problems
Electrical failures can be frustrating because finding the problem can sometimes take longer than replacing the failed component.
9. Cooling-System Failures
Overheating can start as one problem and potentially lead to much larger engine damage.
10. Onboard Electronics and Related Systems
Depending on the boat and coverage, sophisticated components and integrated systems can create substantial replacement costs.
This is why I tell boat owners not to evaluate a Marine Service Contract based solely on its price.
Ask what one major covered repair could do to your boating budget.
A service contract isn't a substitute for maintenance, and it doesn't cover every possible failure. Read your specific contract for coverage and exclusions.
But boating should be about chasing fish, finding an empty cove, pulling the kids on a tube, or watching the sunset.
Not wondering which credit card has enough room for an engine repair.
Protect your boat—and protect your boating budget.
— Terry Torline