Many Shasta Lake vacationers try to visit the lake as many times as possible throughout the year and for a good reason. Shasta Lake is a stunning destination that’s:
- Easy to get to
- Easy to enjoy
- Impossible to explore to the fullest in a single vacation or two
And if you’re one of those Shasta Lake fans that try to get on the water as much as possible, you may wonder if it’s more economical to:
- Buy a boat
- Rent a houseboat
While circumstances certainly vary from family to family, buying a boat instead of renting may not always be the best idea.
Amenities
Unless you make a big investment, chances are your boat won’t have the long roster of amenities our fleet of Bridge Bay houseboats provide.
Our houseboats are outfitted with:
- Full kitchens
- Sleeping areas
- Multiple decks
- Grilling areas
- All the comforts of home
- Room to accommodate up to 12 passengers
Maintenance
A boat requires a lot of work to keep it looking pristine and running perfectly! The fiberglass exterior requires regular washing, while the interior fabrics, synthetics, and rubber requires special care and specialized maintenance to keep them looking and performing at their best.
This is in addition to any repairs that may, (and will), occur along the way. Expect to spend ample time on maintenance, in addition to the time spent simply enjoying the ride.
Storage and Travel
When you own a boat, you’ll need to arrange for storage in a climate-controlled environment, or will need to rent a slip at a private marina, which results in a monthly bill.
Even if you can store your vessel at home, towing a boat can make navigating the roads to Shasta Lake a little bit trickier, and can add a little extra stress to a trip when all you want to do is unwind.
When you rent a houseboat instead, you can enjoy the on-the-water adventures, and never have to worry about how to store or transport your vessel, other than easing it in and out of the Bridge Bay Marina docks.
Costs
The costs of owning a boat certainly don’t end after you make your initial purchase. There’s insurance, routine maintenance like engine flushing and oil and filter changes, registration with the department of motor vehicles, and much, much more.
Simply put, owning a boat is a long term investment while renting a boat ensures that you only take on the cost of your vacation.
The bottom line? No matter how many times a year that you visit Shasta Lake, renting a houseboat instead of buying your own is typically a safe bet.
Owning a boat may be a good option if you live on Shasta Lake or head there every weekend, but if you can only squeeze in 5-10 trips a year to this popular vacation spot, renting a houseboat may be the easier and more cost-effective way to go.
Check out our houseboats at http://bridgebayhouseboats.com/houseboats/ and continue to enjoy Shasta Lake getaways that are budget-friendly, and blissfully stress-free.