by James Johnson

Created on: June 08, 2009

There is the old saying that "a boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into". It is on posters all around the world, in every port and frequently in the cabin of every fishing boat in existence. From the small rowing boat on the pond to commercial fishing ships plying the seven seas, fishing boats cost money, both to purchase and maintain. In the current economic times everyone is looking to say money, and that includes boat owners.

One way to save money is on the engine, take a mechanics course on engine maintenance. This is crucial for any boat owner, know how the engine works! You can then do many of your own repairs, cutting down on mechanic fees and also keep the engine better tuned. Slight changes in pitch can indicate small problems that can become big, and costly, problems! Also a properly tuned engine with have better fuel efficiency, and gas is a major expense to most fishing boat owners (That row boat owner doesn't worry about fuel costs). Learn the engine and lower the cost, lessons are easy to find and will be worth the cost in the long term.

Another expense for the fishing boat owner is cleaning the boat. Washing the decks and scrubbing the sides, as well as keeping it brightly painted. Vinegar is excellent and cheaper than most cleaning reagents, and safer (on the crew and the environment). The boat may smell like a Ceasar Salad, but that is better than breathing bleach fumes. When painting, use proffessional marine paint. The initial cost is higher, but it will last twice as long and be easier to clean. It will also keep down growth in the hull, and that growth can run up expenses.

Barnacles and plants can and will attach to the hull, marine paints help to prevent this. These organisms often either secrete compounds that dame the hull or send in tendrils and roots that can destroy it. Clean the bottom of the boat every few months if not weeks to prevent this from happening. Those stowaways will also increase drag in the water and that increases fuel costs. With a small fishing boat it is easy enough to pull out of the water and clean, bigger boats or small ships will need a diver.

There are other ways to save money as a fishing boat owner. Things such as plotting out currents to go with the flow as much as possible or going out on long distances for several days rather than several time going back and forth. Proper maintenance is the main secret to saving money, and that applies to any operation. The fishing boat will still be a hole in the water, but the money being poured into it can be a bit less!

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