Boat Ownership vs. Fishing Charters in Newport: The Pros and Cons

 

Avid anglers in Newport will be in for a treat because the city’s waters are filled with so many fishing opportunities. All the inshore and offshore monster species will make it tempting to take multiple trips to Newport just for the fishing action alone.

But as you plan your future fishing trips this 2023, you’re probably thinking: With the many trips you want to take in Newport, is it worth owning a boat? Or should you continue booking fishing charters in Newport?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of boat ownership versus boking fishing charters in Newport.

 

Pros of Boat Ownership

Owning a boat in Newport can be an exciting decision to the point it will become a passion, especially for those who love to go fishing! Here are some of the advantages owning a boat has to offer:

• Time with Family and Friends: Being on a boat can bring your families and friends together as you learn more about fishing. Everyone will be off their phones and ready for an adventure! Besides time with family and friends, you can also make new friends in the local boating community. Get to exchange tips and even go fishing together on one boat.
• More Variety: You aren’t limited to just fishing! There are so many things you can do with a boat, such as having weeklong vacations, sailing to nearby islands, or even going snorkeling and diving with your loved ones. There will always be new adventures and skills to learn.
• Spontaneity: One drawback about fishing charters in Newport is that you need to book in advance, or you’ll end up not being able to book a trip! When you own a boat, as long as the fishing season is open, you can head out to the waters anytime you want. No need to book months before, and you can even go on the same day you decide you want to head to the waters!
• Learn About Boating: Many anglers love to own a boat because it gives them the complete fishing experience. You won’t only learn about fishing but you’ll also how to navigate the waters yourself, maintain a boat, and more. Your boating skills will cross over with your fishing, making you a better angler!

Cons of Boat Ownership

Of course, there are drawbacks to boat ownership to note, such as: 

• Required Skills: You get to learn a ton of boating skills when owning a boat, but you’ll need to have at least the basics prepared before you purchase it. You need to be able to drive and sail a boat, as well as have proper knowledge of boat repair and cleaning. You’ll also need a boating and fishing license, all of which will take time and money to procure.
• It’s a Huge Commitment: Boating will take a lot of time and effort, and most of the time spent won’t be all fun and fishing. You’ll need to commit the time and effort to maintain and clean your boat regularly. Moreover, you might not be able to enjoy boating year-round because of the schedule and weather conditions.
• Repair and Maintenance Costs: One of the major disadvantages of boat ownership is the costs that come with it and not just the upfront price of the boat itself. Because boats will require a ton of maintenance, cleaning, and repairs, you’ll need to set a budget for this and be ready, because they won’t come cheap. The more equipment you own for the boat, the more maintenance it will require.
• Moorage and Fuel: Of course, you will need to place your boat somewhere, especially if you own a larger yacht. You can park it in a marina, though note that the rentals will be expensive. The same goes for fuel when you go out to the waters, and one trip can cost several hundred dollars, or even more when adding the fishing equipment and maintenance you’ll need.
• Other Basic Expenses and Accessories: There are even more expenses to take care of when tending to the boat besides repair, cleaning, and maintenance. There are boat insurance, registration, taxes, and utility costs, which are recurring expenses. Because of that, boat ownership isn’t the best if you aren’t ready for these costs.
• Depreciation: Boats are depreciating assets and may not be able to hold their value as long as cars do. Boats would have a finite life, so they may not be a great long-term investment.

 

Boat Ownership vs. Fishing Charters in Newport

Knowing all those pros and cons in mind, is it worth owning a boat or joining fishing charters in Newport?

It will depend. However, the latter may be the more lucrative option, especially if you are more focused on the thrill of fishing without the need to focus on the boat itself.

When you charter a boat, you’ll have all the fun without having to worry about preparing the boat, spending the fuel, navigating the waters, or cleaning it right after the trip. You’ll get to enjoy the boat and the fishing action, where you just need to show up and exit safely. It will take a lot less commitment and save you more money in the long run.

Plus, you’ll be with a charter captain and crew who know the waters like the back of their hands. That way, you can head to the best fishing spots without the hassle and learn more about the fishing techniques for higher chances of going home with a catch.

 

Wrapping It Up

We hope that this quick guide helped with your decision as to whether or not it’s worth owning a boat or joining fishing charters in Newport.

If you believe that fishing charters in Newport are the right choice, then contact us now to learn more about our services!