Owning a boat is not unlike owning a house, and over time boat owners find themselves wanting to make upgrades whether for added value or pure enjoyment. If you are a boater on a budget or looking to spruce up the used yacht in San Diego you just purchased, here are five affordable upgrades any boat owner can make.
1. Attach a swimming platform.
Many people like to anchor their boat offshore, hang out in the sun, and do a little swimming. That last activity is made monumentally easier with a swimming platform. Not only does it give you and your passengers a safe and easy jumping off point, it also makes it easier to get back on to the boat. You can install a swimming platform yourself with relative ease for less than $200.
2. Add a grill.
There are grills made specifically for boats that can be anchored to the deck or the rail. Having a grill on your boat will make a daylong outing more enjoyable and means any party can move from the shore to the sea with ease. Decent grills go for $300 or less.
3. Install a fish finder.
If you do a lot of fishing on your boat (used Boston Whaler owners we’re looking at you), a fish finder can make your life easier. Fish finders use sonar to locate fish moving in the water. You can get a serviceable fish finder for less than $200, but if you want all the bells and whistles expect to pay $500 or more.
4. Install LED lights.
LED lights, which can cost anywhere from under $10 to close to $40, use less energy and last longer than conventional bulbs, meaning you’ll use a lot less power lighting your boat with LEDs.
5. Replace rusty fasteners and fixtures.
Not only are rusty fixtures unsightly, but they also could indicate problems with water getting places it’s not supposed to. Perform some routine maintenance and replace your fixtures, ensuring they are properly sealed so you avoid problems in the future.
You’ll need a boat before you can make upgrades. If you are in the market for a used boat in San Diego, Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. can find the vessel right for you. Check out today’s boat inventory and then call us at (619) 222-3620. We are San Diego’s leading boat brokerage and can also assist with financing and insurance needs.