Saying that you enjoy water skiing on your vacations really paints quite a nice picture, huh? People often think of it as a fancy sport. It has had this halo around it since it started getting popular among celebrities, public figures, and, recently, influencers. This definitely has roots, as it’s not a cheap sport.
So, is water skiing expensive? Water skiing is pretty expensive. It’s not considered a cheap sport or activity by any means. This can be due to how expensive the equipment is and how you need a costly boat to be towed behind, no matter what kind of skiing you’re into.
Is Water Skiing Expensive?
When it comes to water activities, water skiing is a necessity. Feel the rush of speed while standing on the water. However, people are a little skeptical when it comes to deciding to get on the water because of how much it can cost them.
Water skiing is not a cheap sport. It requires lots of costly equipment to get on the water, let alone master the sport itself. However, it doesn’t have to be SO expensive if you’re doing it just for fun. You don’t need cutting-edge equipment to have fun on the water for some time every summer.
The cost of the equipment is not the only reason why water skiing is expensive. After all, you can just rent the equipment to have fun a couple of times during your summer vacation.
However, water skiing is seasonal; people pursue this activity for 4 to 6 months a year. That means it has its supply and demand, and people who work in equipment rentals and water skiing schools set their prices however they want, just like hotels, airlines, and theme parks.
The Costs of Waterskiing
Now that we have established that water skiing can be a little expensive, how much does it cost? And why? The answer lies in breaking down everything you need into categories and then considering how much each one of these categories costs.
Generally, the essential parts of water skiing include the following:
- A boat with an adequate motor
- Skis
- Ropes and handles
- License
Let’s now break down these costs and see how much it can actually cost you to water ski. Spoiler alert: It’s quite expensive. No, that was a lie: It’s very expensive, actually.
Cost #1: The very expensive boat
It’s up to you whether you want to rent a boat for a one-time set on the water or buy one for a lifetime of joy. Some people prefer to buy their own boats to be able to master this sport quickly and get on the water as much as they want whenever and wherever.
Buying a regular boat is definitely expensive. Towboats, particularly wakeboarding and wake surfing boats, are costly. Price tags of approximately $150,000 are usual, with some high-end versions costing up to $200,000. That is why sterndrive versions are so enticing, as they are often less costly than inboards.
The reason behind this is that you need special features in your boat to be able to enjoy water skiing behind it. For example, you need at least a 20 to 30-horsepower motor to generate adequate speed for skiing. You may also need to get a big boat to fit your family, friends, and equipment.
Cost #2: Boat maintenance and fuel
Buying the boat is not the end of it. You need to pay more money to be able to “own” it. So, before you whip out your cash and make a large purchase, double-check the recurring costs of owning and operating a boat. After all, routine upkeep and repair expenditures can quickly mount up.
The cost of maintaining a boat varies based on location, age, and size of the boat and engine. Annual boat maintenance typically costs roughly 10% of the cost of the boat itself.
For example, a $20,000 boat would cost around $2,000 per year to maintain. In addition, this boat’s insurance costs around $500 per year, and storage can cost up to $1,000 per year.
Keep in mind that time-consuming maintenance, such as oil changes and anti-fouling, can cost you an extra $50. In addition, the cleaning materials can cost $100, while maintenance is about $1,000. However, if you can handle the maintenance yourself, you will certainly save money.
It is advised that you have your engine checked every 100 hours. In addition, keep your boat protected and wash it down with fresh water regularly to reduce the damage and related costs of salt and weather.
Cost #3: Water skis
The skis themselves vary in price depending on quality. They start from around $140 and up, depending on the material and size.
If you are a beginner, there’s usually no need to buy skis. Instead, renting your equipment when you arrive at the resort is best. As you progress and learn more about skiing, you won’t be using the same equipment you did as a beginner and will need to buy more advanced equipment to suit your skill level.
Cost #4: Ski ropes and handles
The ropes and handles are essential in water skiing. So, they are not something you can cut the price on. You need to invest in good quality materials to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the experience.
The ropes and handles may cost you from $250 to $350, depending on the quality and where you get them.
Cost #5: Accessories
Accessories may not be essential. However, those who need to experience water skiing at its best may need to consider spending extra bucks on additional things.
Eye protection is a useful accessory. Water skiing in saline water can cause eye irritation, especially if you have sensitive eyes or are treating an eye problem.
You’ll need sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes. Goggles provide additional coverage and shield your eyes from the wind and light, especially since you’re probably going at high speeds.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on sunglasses and goggles. However, those with adjustable lenses are recommended to accommodate the various lighting situations you may experience.
The AWSA Membership
If you are pursuing membership at AWSA, this will also cost you. Typically you will need to pay $50 per year to be a registered member at AWSA.
Permits and Registration
You still need to pay for permits and registration after owning a boat. It depends on your location and local regulations on the water. However, the average fee for permits and registration of water skiing is about $200.
Related Questions
How Much Can Water Skiing Cost You Per Year?
Water skiing can cost you about $21,000 per year. This includes insurance, permits, registrations, maintenance, and storage. The cost doesn’t include the oil change and cleaning materials for the boat. The cost varies according to your geographical location as well.
How Much Does A Pro Skier Make?
A pro skier can make approximately $100,000 per year. However, many earn far less, and there are some of them who earn a lot more. The greatest athletes can make over a million dollars per year due to popularity and sponsorship, although this is extremely unusual.
Does Water Skiing Hurt?
Water skiing doesn’t hurt. It’s a pleasant activity that people often enjoy. However, injuries are still possible. Sprains and strains are the most frequent water skiing injuries. Leg injuries are the most common while water skiing.
Is Water Skiing Difficult?
Water skiing is not necessarily difficult but rather a physically challenging sport. It is more difficult than simply standing up and holding onto a rope. It’s a sport that takes a lot of muscular mobility to execute correctly and comfortably. So you’re basically exercising your entire body.