If you are thinking of buying a boat, then there are several compelling reasons why it could be a great idea. Buying a boat can be a life-changing decision. It can present you with a whole new world of adventure and possibility, allowing you to travel to new lands, explore new locations, find peace in the tranquillity of the open sea and take your mind off the stresses of daily life.
Indeed, there is no shortage of famous figures who took to boating in order to find focus, fulfillment, and inner peace. From Ernest Hemingway to John F. Kennedy, many important historical figures discovered fresh inspiration through their boat ownership experience.
Owning a boat is also fantastic for the social aspect. Bringing your friends along on a voyage can lead to memories that last a lifetime – whether you engage in intense sailing or a relaxed afternoon meal, not to mention the romantic getaways you can enjoy with your partner.
Although there are several good reasons why buying a boat may not be a wise decision – such as the steep purchase and maintenance costs, potentially low return on your investment, and difficulty in storing the vessel – it should not put you off if you are willing to accept these potential drawbacks, which are far outweighed by the positives and enjoyment owning a boat entails.
You Can Explore New Destinations
One of the greatest benefits of buying a boat is that it enables you to explore new destinations. There is a good reason why seafaring is so romanticized in literature, folklore, and in cinema; discovering new lands is a visceral experience by boat. You are in the center of the action, able to view spectacular scenery from angles few other people ever witness, drifting around without being disturbed by a single soul.
Owning a boat transforms travel, and while you are unlikely to be boating your way across oceans, you can develop a newfound appreciation for your own country’s coastline – or that of a more exotic location. Even if you moor the boat in a single location, you can use your craft as an excuse to holiday in a favorite place – especially if you can only manage weekends slotted between a busy work schedule.
For example, Lake Michigan boating is a rewarding experience, allowing you to sample a huge stretch of coastline and a bustling culture on land – a place that offers the best of both worlds, which you can explore with your vessel.
Boats Inject a Sense of Adventure into Your Lifestyle
If you feel as if your life lacks adventure, owning a boat can be a fantastic way of generating that spirit in your life. Even if you are only buying a small vessel to chug around a harbor, getting out on the water, planning a route, and watching the world go by can be enough to take your mind off the boredom of your daily routine and inject a sense of fun into your lifestyle.
It isn’t just the boat itself that can help with this. The entire experience of traveling down from your home to the boat, getting it in ship shape, packing a day’s supply of food and drink, then heading back to a bar to reminisce once the fun is over can be incredibly rewarding.
When so much stimulation can be experienced via digital means, the excitement of boating is ever more valuable in the modern age.
You Can Bring Your Friends Along for the Ride
Another great reason for buying a boat is that it can become a social experience. As long as your boat is large enough, you can invite your friends and family along for the ride and pack a picnic or some games to play when you are out on the water. Sharing your passion and excitement is half the reward in any hobby, and owning a boat is no different.
Many people struggle to organize social occasions with friends or family because there is nothing substantial to hang the meeting around. Simply meeting for a drink can be done at any time and is unlikely to excite you, whereas a trip out on the boat is a surefire way to generate memories that will last forever.
Disconnect from the Stresses of Modern Life
Although owning a boat can lead to a boost in your social life (everyone will want to know you when your next trip is scheduled), it can also be a terrific way to detach yourself from the trappings of modern life.
Distracting yourself from the dopamine-frazzling apps on your phone and the work-related phone calls by getting out on your boat can act as a form of meditation, helping you to relax and enjoy the moment – a notion that is more important than ever in the current, hectic modern world.