For individuals who live near shallow waterways, a flat-bottomed airboat with strong propellers is suitable for traveling without being entangled in marsh plants. Without a doubt, it is a good investment. However, many people are unaware of the cost of an airboat. If you are one of them, we highly recommend that you read this post.
A new model should cost between $40,000 and $400,000, while a used one should cost between $5,000 and $30,000. However, the price might vary greatly based on a variety of circumstances.
Because an airboat is costly, most individuals who wish to acquire one evaluate both new and secondhand models. Which one should you choose? The decision heavily relies on your financial capacity.
At Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures, we invest in maintaining our airboats for all our guests. Call us today to see how an airboat works.
Why Are Airboats Expensive?
The most often asked question is why modern airboats are so expensive. The main cause for this is a lack of mass manufacturing. Furthermore, huge airboat engines and fans are costly.
Take into account that most elements are handmade, which raises labor costs. For example, delicate features and higher materials such as stainless steel will cost you more. If you want a customized airboat, the cost will be significantly higher.
Why Buy a New Airboat?
After spending $40,000 to $95,000 or more on a new airboat, you won’t have to worry about hidden defects or repairs. Furthermore, most manufacturers provide a warranty.
Recent versions offer a modern style and the opportunity to install customized, high-quality accessories.
Their price is generally determined by the brand, design, materials used, requested
improvements, and additions.
Why Buy a Secondhand Airboat?
A second hand airboat, on the other hand, will cost 60% less than its retail value. As a result, you may acquire a larger vessel with appealing additions for a lot less money. For many, purchasing a secondhand airboat model is their only alternative. You may either choose:
- an older model
- pre-owned airboat
- last year’s model
Whatever alternative you choose, you will notice a few benefits:
- You get more for what you paid for
- Accessories are often included
Where to Find Used Airboats?
You may search for a secondhand airboat on the internet. There are several specialist airboat websites, boating groups, Facebook marketplaces, and forums where you may acquire accurate information.
When people actually know what you’re searching for, they’ll tell you more about a preferred kind, make, and model in your price range.
Factors That Affect the Price of the Airboat
As we’ve mentioned, there are various factors that may affect the cost of your airboat. Here are some of those:
Type of Airboat
The first airboats were built for military purposes but manufacturers have since broadened the range of forms and applications. There are many varieties available nowadays, including:
- Ride airboat for short trips – (around $20,000)
- Fishing and hunting airboat – (around $20,000)
- Ice airboat – (around $25,000)
- Touring airboat – ($20,000 – $300,000)
- Commercial airboat – ($15,000 – $30,000)
- Search and rescue airboat ($35,000)
- Law enforcement airboat ($40,000)
- Mini Airboat ($16,000)
Maintenance Costs
Because of the engine, fan, and unique structure design, the maintenance expenses for this boat type are somewhat more expensive than the others.
Regular maintenance normally costs several hundred dollars each year, while certain engine types need a few thousand dollars.
Avoid motors that are no longer produced since you may have difficulty getting ruined components when you need them. You should also invest about $50 to have the hull paint refreshed at least once a year.
Lastly, you must inspect a fan on a regular basis. Most of the time, it is a low-cost operation since you simply need to examine and carefully clean its center area. Repairing or replacing a damaged fan will cost you $1,000 to $4,000.
Brand
As always, you must choose a brand that has established itself in the industry. Some of the best brands ones are the following:
- Diamondback ($32,000 – $59,000)
- Panther Airboats ($37,000 – $121,000)
- American Airboat Corp ($69,000 – $420,000)
Are You Interested to Know More About Airboats?
If you are still wondering if airboats are a good investment, we recommend trying it out first. You may join our airboat tours at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Not only do you get to experience the ride, you will also witness a lot of wildlife creatures. Reach out to us today.
