Man, I was never into boats until I stumbled upon your channel. WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS TO ME?

This man is one of the very few who knows how to show any boat. A true professional.

I hope this channel really takes off. I want to see him have his own million dollar boat. He deserves it.

As a serial boat owner (4 happiest days of my life so far - two acquisitions, two disposals and getting the itch again) this is absolutely the best - and most depressingly accurate - description I have ever heard for the costs of boat ownership. Spot on. That said, if you knew what it would cost to raise children you wouldn't have those either! Happy boating!

I never wanted a boat until I stumbled across this channel. I’m now saving up for a Majesty 140 based on your review. Should have enough to buy one by the time the sun collapses in on itself........

Absolutely love this kind of boating video’s were you explaining all the thing’s that you need to know before getting a boat. 🚤

Who gives this video a dislike? This guy is the master of communication in this field.

I really appreciate the fact that you are a “normal/everyday “ boat owner, with a reasonable boat. You provide nice tours of some amazing yachts. Wish you success doing what you do. Be safe and stay healthy 😊 fan from USA 🇺🇸

If my misses stopped buying shoes I could have a boat. She has to go

I'll have to make sure my wife doesn't see this video - I've managed to be fairly vague about costs so far.

as a fellow boater and someone who works in the american northeast marine industry, i can appreciate how clean and well taken care of your boat is. This video is very important for people who are thinking of owning a boat. too many people think they have the money for a boat and you see an utter lack of maintenance and cleanliness because of the lack of money. Cheers from the smallest state in the USA!

I love how he is proud of his boat I am now proud of my canoe

I really wish the channel blows up enough so one day you could step up to a decently sized Princess. With this amount of quality content you really do deserve it.

One of the best sales pitches for boat ownership I have seen. I have read Boating Magazine and Yachting for 3 years now trying to figure out when to pull the trigger and get an honest breakdown of what I am in for over the next 5 years. Nick got me across the line to say, "Yes, time to buy."

I am a boat owner myself (2005 Monterey 270 cr diesel) and this video is absolutely fantastic, even for someone like me with a boat already. So well explained, very precise and clear information that would help anyone! Thank you 👍

Even during a non-walkthrough video, you cannot resist opening up cabinets

As a non-boat owner, it really makes me happy thinking about my childhood when my friend's father took us out on the lake with his boat and pushing the speed limits with toys behind the boat. Didn't realise it probably cost him a relatively high amount of money. Good times.

Honest clear and transparent. What a brilliant demystification, Bravo!

For anyone reading this I can confirm that those prices discussed are very realistic. Our boat is a similar size and running the same engine. Since new it has always been dry stacked so it has never been antifouled, so saving cost. Dry stacking is a sensible solution for those who don't use their boats so often. It can be more expensive than keeping it in the water but it's safe and you can always pop down and give it a thorough clean from top and bottom. Unlike Aquaholic's engine leg, our leg look new and is still fitted with the original anode. Getting repairs done is easier and you just need to call the marina in advance so when you arrive it's in the water ready to go. When you get back they jet wash the whole thing and pop it back on the rack. . Another cost which wasn't mentioned was harbour fees. These vary from place to place but for Poole it's approximately £125.00 per annum. If like us you dry stack then you can pay this on a daily pay as you go basis. The basis of boat ownership is, if you worry about the cost then don't do it but you will be stuck on the harbour wall watching us having fun... We think of it as our second home, a chance to escape and chill out. There's no better feeling than bobbing about in a bay somewhere with a glass of wine in hand listening to some nice music. Dry stacking allows you to use any free berths in the evening so hook up the shore power, cook a nice curry and turn on the TV. What's not to like. :-)

As a career long sea going professional, I found this video both informative and enjoyable.

Think the 10 pct of price is mostly with crew on board, but really nice to got some figures on running costs. Thanks for a great video again. Keep saying "hello me" to the mirror 👍

I used 739.7 litres of fuel, just roughly - love it! The 10% figure I have heard apply to super yachts where the crew is the biggest expense.

*Living in Vancouver Can and now Stockholm, I've owned a few larger boats, (33+feet) mostly sail and Bayliners, but stopped owning them (and paying huge sums) and instead put up notices in local marinas as "Willing Crew". I run the boat so the owner can spend time with his/her guests. As most boats sit idle 90% of the time when I ask the owner if they're using the boat some weekend, because they know I know what I'm doing, they always say "Take the boat." and usually refuse my offer to cover the fuel as they (and you) know, boats are happier being run and not sitting idle.*

Brilliant video Nick - great to see the different options to the costs - Pays your money and take your choice

I was excited when I saw your announcement for this video and it didn't disappoint - very informative and your delivery is perfect. Thank you for all your efforts in this, and all your other videos which give land lubbers like me a glimpse into another world. Now if only I can convince my missus to win the lottery!

“What else do we want to fling money at vigorously?” I have never heard a better description of boat ownership - it even beats “standing in a shower and tearing up tenners.” The only thing I would add to your list is a new set of lines every year. It’s something I always replace because I like to keep them in absolutely top condition - I found myself in serious trouble on a river a couple of decades ago when a line snapped during mooring. Finally - for perspective: you’re running Smugglers Blues 2 for the same annual cost that I have been running a narrowboat on the inland waterways for a decade. The difference is that I use a hell of a lot less fuel (max speed is 2mph) and I have a 40-year-old 3 cylinder Diesel engine that I can maintain with one screwdriver, one spanner, and one very long list of swearwords, so I don’t need to pay servicing costs. I do have to pay for an inland waterways licence at £1200 per year, though. Boating win either way.

I appreciate the information especially on engines and fuel costs. While prices will fluctuate, this should be somewhat accurate for the next few years. I am currently looking at a used carver 444 and am just starting to attempt to figure out yearly operating costs as a full time live aboard. This video will help me make a checklist to look over for the costs. Again Thank you!

You may recall from previous comments that I'm seriously after something similar to yours. I have spent most of the day at Liverpool Marina inspecting a Bayliner 288, 2007 model. Well, it's a lovely boat in terrific condition with a lot of extras. We agreed on a price but after much thought I've left it (for now.) The reason was I simply couldn't get my head around the actual running costs, the sales people were great but there's soo many variables. I wish I'd seen this rough guide earlier, it really opened my eyes. I can certainly afford the boat but don't have a bottomless pit of money. Thanks for taking the time to make this guide.

It's surprising I thought it would be more expensive congratulations on the boat love your vids

The world needs more nicks. Just mentioning.

It’s 3am. I have work in a few hours. But your channel is just fantastic. You are easy to listen to, always positive and happy (just what I need during these times) and your passion is contagious. So, instead of sleep I just noticed I have spent almost four hours watching your videos. Brilliant! I am glad I found your channel, added it to Gone with the Wynns, The Narrowboat Experience and CruisingTheCut...

I've been binge watching boating videos for months now and this is easily the most informative, practical and inspiring that i've seen. Thanks!

The most complete version I've heard (sorry David Seal), lots of good information

"A boat is a hole in the water into which you throw money... *BUT...it´s brillant. It´s the best thing in the world!"* It´s a bit too long for a slogan, but it perfectly sums up your channel! So, as tons of people mentioned earlier: *If I´m ever going to buy a boat, I´ll try to contact you and ask for advice!* Until then I just enjoy your channel and......... *dream!* PS: finally someone doing the math and explains it comprehensible. Thanks again Nick

What a great explanation of the involved costs and importantly the enjoyabilty factor when incorporating costs. Everything we do costs money, that's why we work, we create a life and enjoy the times that we experience. There are many varied ways to do this but boating certainly brings more positives. Thanks Nick for your informative (as usual) take on this subject.

Absolutely great information for folks looking to get into or step up their boating game. Thank you for the information. I know a lot of people just jump head first without looking at all the numbers. And then they end up selling it within a year or two because its more than they thought it was going to be when they first bought it. I love vids like this because a Dealership or Marina is not going to give you real world numbers, the only numbers that they wanna give you are those that are coming out of your pocket and into theirs.

Been loving the last few videos about going boating and whats involved in boat ownership, amazing content as always!

I appreciate your narrative. Finely tuned. I can imagine you as the narrator for a documentary about boats...

Watching your boat tours for the last 18 months. Your consistency and camera work deliver a accurate view of what is expected and what exceeds or falls below that. However, these recent new informational videos are truly educational and informative. Thanks for being more innovative and creative than the rest of the lot. I am now subscribed, not that I didn't watch everything on a regular basis already. Press on Nick.

I have watched many many boating videos. This is without doubt the most revealing and interesting and influential one. Nick you are a star. So many thanks for your honesty and openness. Many happy boating years to you sir.

Thanks for the great video's. When you were talking about the 10% running cost per year based on the total cost of a boat, in relation to a new boat, yes the figure is less than 10%. However you mentioned your boat cost you between 30,000 pounds and 50,000 pounds and your yearly cost of ownership was around 6,000 pounds. That gives a % cost of ownership from 20% at 30,000 to 12% at 50,000. So it really does depend on what price range you are in. As for the condition of your boat. I always tell people looking to buy a boat, look in the engine bay. If it is a mess walk away, unless they are practically giving it away. You, like myself obviously take great care of your boat. The engine bay is spotless, if you take that much care of something no one can see, then the rest of the boat has got the same attention to detail. Keep up the great work, I always look forward to seeing how the other half live. LOL

Always thought sailing was akin to taking a cold shower while tearing up £50 notes but this was an excellent run through of the costs and if you live close to the sea 5k isn't that much if you think how much your car is depreciating every year. Many thanks for this.

Thanks so much for your contributions towards a better boating community. I haven't even purchased a boat yet but when I do I'll turn to you for advice!

What a fantastically interesting and informative video. This is exactly what UKposts should be used for. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide so much relevant and pertinent information to anyone thinking of venturing into boat ownership. If I could rank all the videos I’ve ever seen, this is easily number 1, thanks again!

How refreshing ! A genuine, friendly accessible, video introductuction to boat ownership that isnt snooty or excluding - many thanks and respect to you sir ! I come away convinced of the benefits of spreadsheet too

Preparing myself for shattered dreams! 😂

Thanks for this, Nick. Very informative! I really like your boat. I was surprised to see a full-sized bed beneath the main deck. Your engine space is spotless too! Well done & great tour!

What an eyeopener this video is. I see that you are passioned and you are fair about the cost a boat has, and that you want to help fellow enthusiasts make the jump by giving a precise cost overview with tips to save even. Well done captain and I wish you many more smiles at sea!

I love watching these "How to" films nick, I personally learn so much from them. Knowledge is such a great thing, no one can have too much of it when it comes to boats. My first boat was exactly what you have said "A cash cow", but ever since I stopped all and sundry using my boat as their personal taxi in the warmer months, my costs have plummeted.

This is very helpful thanks. Thinking about getting a boat in the coming year or so. Just researching but your boat is really nice.

I have to say watching your channel is very informative and when speak or while you go into detail about a particular feature, its straight to the point. You also have a way of keeping the more informed/experienced boaters & newbies like me interested. All of the best from South Africa!!!

What an honest, informative video! Thanks for putting it in to perspective. In my industry (aviation) we hear the same saying about buying and selling being the “best day...” You said it best though; even as a hole to toss money, it’s BRILLIANT. Keep the vids coming!

Brilliantly explained. You put some effort into all that. Great job 👍

I usually watch this channel as my window into a world where form matters as much as function. It makes my heart sing to see the innovative ways designers utilize their ingenuity to create astoundingly beautiful boats. There isn't a better guide for such things than this channel. So thank you. However, you can't watch a channel like this without low-key imagining yourself having some boat life yourself. This particular video was extremely useful, because I found myself thinking "Hmm. £6000 a year is doable. I'm a professional in my field, I could afford this". Then I remember I have to be able to buy the boat as well and realise, perhaps I'm not as professional in my field as I ought to be... Well, at least I get to look at them and dream. :)

Such a good video, clear concise and straight to the point. Well done that man.

Can I say how brilliant your channel is; knowledgeable, accessible, really informative, fluent, pitched for the learner boater it is very special. Well done!

Nick should have a programme on discovery channel dedicated to boating i could definitely watch an hour a week of this great mans tours

Sounds like you spent a lot of time preparing for this video, thank you very much! :)

Very informative Nick! I’ve never heard anyone unpack the costs so comprehensively. Love your work🤘🏻🤘🏻

Nick, love the channel! Having never ever considered buying a boat and now exhausted all your brilliant and informative videos, the search is on! Keep up the brilliant work 👍

My old man introduced me to your channel mate - Love it so much, the work you do the style of boats and you're even making me my wife and dad save money to buy a boat and try it out!

Holy cow... You're making me really consider buying a boat. I'd love to have a boat like yours. You must have a lot of fun and a lot of friends! Thank you for sharing - my favorite video of yours so far!

I can't get over how much content you have. I've been watching your videos like crazy and I don't think I've even put a dent in it 😂 Great videos, I love your channel

Recently stumbled across your channel after admiring boats from afar for many years . I'm now absolutely hooked . keep up the good work . love it

I never ever comment on YT, however having stumbled across this video I feel compelled to do so. You have presented an authentic, considered and transparent analysis. It’s delivered brilliantly. May I congratulate you on a superb channel, your boat and your wisdom, I’m considering whether a boat is right for me, albeit my wife wants us to be on the river rather than sea. You have given me so much now to consider and factor into my own spreadsheet! Thank you. PS: ‘Aqua-Holic is pure genius too!

Excellent video, so perfectly informative and non-patronising to novices. Thank you sir!

I did not know you had a berth in Torquay. It's a lovely part of the world. I stayed in the Regina in August this year. I'm going down again in September, and I'll keep an eye out for Smuggler's Blues. Keep up the great video's Andy

Glad to hear you're local to Torbay.. love watching your channel, slowly making my way through the contents. Ever fancied doing a smelly beam trawler tour! Best wish Luke

How could an Aquaholic session not be interesting! Thank Nick very informative indeed. It's also good to know that different marinas do cost a huge amount more, but you do get what you pay for. I did a costing excersize on a bigger boat and at first I was shocked at the fuel figures involved, but then weighing up the health benefits for myself, no competition. Roll on remaining ops and the lifting if shielding. Love your watch.......Watchaholic? I love watches and am an avid collector. May I ask what are you sporting? Brilliant, great start to the day, thankyou.

Such an interesting video. I am very new to this but I am dying to head down the boat ownership path. Some sobering but also encouraging facts. Thanks!

Hi Nick. You have all the knowledge to explain all the aspects required when buying and using a boat. Its good to keep records on finances. Awesome video

Your video appeared on my home page and although I am not a boater I am fascinated with boats. So I watched your video and I was captivated by your excellent presentation. You were clear, concise, on point and easy to watch and listen to. You now have a new subscriber from a New Englander. Cheers and best of luck.

Very interesting video. None of my old bangers have cost more than pocket money, the biggest cost being the been mooring, and even then I always accounted for it in pounds a week. I don't know what red diesel costs now, but it used to be pennies a gallon which would last for several fishing trips at hull speed of 4 or 5 knots. Got to catch the tide right though, and include tide times of about 2 hours or so on each side of high water, otherwise things dry out. I always dreamt of having a mooring with constant access, and I suppose, a boat that cost a bit more to run. A pal of mine used to have speedboat with a 70 HP or so outboard and I used to watch in horror as he loaded 10 gallons of petrol for the day, and went to the Isle of Wight and back. About 30 miles all told, and for a good part of that he was limited to hull speed. And his mooring cost more than mine because the tide got there a bit sooner, and left a bit later. By the way, what's the fire through the window behind you. Hope I'm not too late with the warning.

i recognized the place right away, i used to live in Torquay and came down to the marina a lot. Can't believe i've been so close to the great Nick himself all along!!

Nick, your comment “739.7 litres of fuel… just roughly” did make me chuckle! Having had a few small boats before, I thought that I had scratched that itch, but thanks to your fantastic channel that itch is coming back! Keep up the good work, I love your boat tours, even though most of them are pipe dreams!

Actually this video is the one that introduced me to your channel, I watched every single one of your videos since then! Great job mate, great job👌🏼.

I thought the boat name for a kitchen was "Miele".

This is for me by far your best video. I’ve learned a lot watching it.

A great informative video. Clearly many many variables of cost but he is absolutely spot on in his summing up. There is absolutely nothing like being a boat owner. Best thing there is

Nick. Thanks for the great insight. As an outsider looking in (hoping to get my feet wet someday) you've given me a great start understanding the financials.

Just got my power boating license and hoping to get a boat when I'm old enough. I have also been watching your videos for a few years now and never realised you are moored in Torquay! coincidentally that is where I live. Keep up the great content! :) - Rocco

The running costs aren’t as bad as I expected. Lovely boat. My Dad used to have a boat at Ocean Village in Southampton.

This may be my favorite of your videos. I really appreciate the analysis of the pros and cons of the various choices owners make. As in life, every choice involves some compromise. The "hole in the water into which you throw money" is so true.

i am suddenly in the market to purchase a boat and this has been by far the absolute best and most informative video as far as cost. Thank you, I at least feel a lot better about having a real working idea as far as cost and a good way to calculate mine in deciding what boat and size to purchase.

Loved your video! I learned so much. Your accent us great, too. Thanks from Scottsdale AZ! 👍

I’ve watched you since the start and your videos are always so good

Thanks for the detailed and honest explanation for the cost of owning your boat. Very informative! Im. Looking forward to a boat in the future.

Fantastic information ℹ️ thanks for sharing. I live in Australia, however the principles are no doubt the same. Petrol/Diesel options, Slow cruising/Flank, variable marina costs/service levels, anti-fouling/servicing options, insurance & recover. Certainly some great insight on the cost variables. Cheers.

You had me at anti-fouling, I'm not buying a boat anytime soon.

For me in dubai , bearthing for a 45 foot yacht its 15k yearly for a relatively good one, and 35k for a really good one with cleaning , wifi, tennis, gym, spa, discounts, pool, valet parking, etc. Edit: I dont own the yacht

Really helpful rigorous over view, thanks for taking the time. Great vid.

A very informative and encouraging video. Thank you for this, sorry it took me so long to watch, but boy am I glad I did! Your breakdown was detailed and you provided needed figures for someone who hopes to make a fantasy come true. Thank you for sharing, I thoroughly enjoyed the itemization of the necessary maintenance and upkeep for a reliable and secure boating experience. Your channel is top notch!

As they say "There's only one thing better than owning a boat... that's having a friend who owns a boat." You can have nearly as much fun and reduce your costs by trailering bowriders or small cuddys. Ideal if you can store them at home and just pay slipway fees but all other costs are basically the same other than anti-fouling. I owned a Campion 545 and then Stingray 220DR. I now have SOT kayaks which we use on freshwater rivers, you can touch nature and hear the wind in the reeds. As with all these things, you need to use them a lot each year to get value.

An elderly boater once told me what BOAT stands for. Bring Out Another Thousand. Very interesting Nick. 👍

Excellent video as always! I do like the way you use your own boat as an example and then use it as a baseline for discussing owning and operating cost more generally. One thing worth mentioning just for completeness sake is how the age of the boat (and what I like to call the "oh crap!"-factor) plays into servicing cost: Sooner or later (hopefully later) some things are going to go wrong. And as the boat ages more and more expensive things start making trouble and the odds of something happening will increase with time. Particularly the driveline (engine, gear, outdrives etc) will eventually start producing interesting surprises that it might be advisable to factor in. As a boat gets old enough the cost of repairs can (with a bit of bad luck) soon start rivalling the servicing cost (or even the operational cost) of the boat! Also worth mentioning is that a boat can have a lot of equipment that requires maintenance and servicing as well. A generator has the same servicing needs as a small diesel engine for instance. Also smaller things that only requires looking after every few years adds up (especially if you don´t want to do the job yourself). The gas lines for the gas hob and oven need inspection every year and replacement every few years. Diesel heaters and hobs (such as a Wallas) requires servicing every few years. And the more gadgets you have, the more of these smaller servicing costs adds up. And on top of that comes the upgrades! Sure, they are not in any way shape or form necessary most of the time, but on the other hand it´s hard to resist the temptation of that new line of chart-plotter or maybe a larger fridge! ;) This is of course not meant as a criticism, but to underline the simple fact that the only completely true answer to the question "how much does it cost to own a boat?" most definitely is "it depends!" :)

Brilliant commentary....loads of detail and in depth facts on costs of boating which rings true with me. Nick is a very reliable source of information. An unmissable series. Howard Davies MBE

Just restored a 13 foot Boston Whaler. Total cost of boat, engine and materials were less than one year of ownership of your boat. I probably will go for a larger restoration build for the next one.

Well explained for the average jo, keep up the good work and the in depth content which is so missing in this industry, 🛥🚤🛶👍👌

Wow Nick has created such a super channel , informative, interesting and high quality. One of the best You tube channels around , equal to Harry’s Garage. Brilliant, keep up the good work

I’m a teacher and I totally respect the way this was organized and presented. The level of detail was a bit more than I expected but precisely what I hoped for, and you certainly could have broken it down even further but this was a lovely serving. Thanks!