Skippers Corner: How to Make Your Boating Dollars Go Further

In this time of self-inflicted tariff wars, boating will take a big hit. You can bet on that. Inflation, already a problem heading into these declared tariffs, was already hurting the boating industry. I am not going to pose how I feel aboat (Get it-Aboat/About) tariffs; I am only going to offer suggestions on how to make your dollars go further.
Make sure to take care of your power plant so you don’t have to replace it during these tariffs. Outboards and inboards contain a fair share of imported parts, and some brands of outboards are made completely in foreign countries, which, as of this writing, have had tariffs imposed against them. Unless you are one of the billionaires who can replace anything at any time on any whim. Make sure you make sure to baby your power plant.
Next comes almost every accessory boater counts on personalizing their vessels. From expensive electronics to cupholders, most of the marine products you see on the shelves in your local marine store come from newly tariffed countries. I have always supported my local marine store. They are more friendly and helpful than the chains.

I don’t Amazon anything because I like to support them, and I also like to go and BS with them. (Yes, Old Capt. Eddie is a big BS er!) The thing is that you have to know how to spend wisely! Purchase what you need and hold off a bit on the extras. Make wise investments where you can save. Is it time to supplement your marina fuel by getting some safe gas containers to stretch your fuel dollars? Would it be better to go out and spend more time anchored and enjoying a cove rather than burning fuel? Can you continue to enjoy a cruise to a dockside restaurant but occasionally prepare a meal and just anchor in a cove, have a prepared dinner from your cooler, have one (Just one)glass of wine, and leave for the port as the glorious sun sets?
When it comes to maintenance of the vessel, can you do the waxing, paint the bottom, or even patch the canvas yourself so you spread out your cash flow until we weather these tariff times? Take every opportunity to care for your boat and everything you need aboard. There are a few places you do not skimp and that is where it comes to safety. Your flares must be up to date. Are your life jackets all serviceable? If you go offshore, do you have a working EPIRB, reliable marine radio, and inflatable raft? You can’t hold back on these life-saving aids, but you can do one less expensive trip to the Chicken Canyon this year. You get the drift! This is a year where you save where you can without compromising safety and the enjoyment of boating.
Fishing is a big part of boating. Tariffs will hit some brands of reels and rods big time shortly and the stock in stores now is most likely being marked up to compensate for the rise in prices while the tariffs are in place. You can’t blame the tackle shop owner. They have to live too. If you can service your reels for another year, that’ll save money on a new one. If yours are so tired and unredeemable, then, by all means, go for it! In addition, many accessories to fishing such as nets, gaffs, knives, cutting boards, bait traps, and even many lures are “Made in America”. Be choosy. Look for non-tariffed items, especially once the present non-tariffed item is sold out.
To the folks out there for whom boating is a way of life, you’re gonna boat anyway. I already have my fiberglass coffin ready! But save where you can, and hopefully by the time this article is published, we will be out of this tariff mess because, in the long run, I don’t think it’s great for the boating industry.
Be safe and this year, I’ll see you anchored in some cove!
Captain Eddie