Living near the water offers you many advantages, including the opportunity to make boating a part of your life. Owning a boat is not just a pleasant hobby: it offers you real physical and psychological benefits. If you have water access, consider buying a boat to improve your quality of life. 

Physical Benefits

All forms of boating involve exercise. Even one hour of power boating burns 102 calories. Water sports associated with boating offer more intense workouts. Water skiing burns 340 calories per hour while exercising your entire body.

In addition to being part of a fitness routine, boating helps you get your daily dose of vitamin D. After years of protecting yourself from sun exposure, you may have developed a vitamin D insufficiency, a condition that can affect your bone strength, blood pressure, and mood. You need approximately 15 minutes of  unscreened sunshine per day to keep your vitamin D levels where they need to be. Boating easily provides that exposure. 

Psychological Benefits

Boating reduces stress. In fact, 93% of those boaters surveyed said that this recreational activity reduced their stress. In addition, boaters reported a higher level of satisfaction than non-boaters in many aspects of their lives, including sex.

People who manage their stress are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger. Boating also provides family bonding time, which can help children improve their academic performance and also reduce behavioral problems. All members of the family can enjoy sitting on a boat and soaking up the sun. Others can fish, water ski, or even boogie board. Boating is one activity that can bring the entire family together. 

Cost

Many people believe that boating requires that you be wealthy. In fact, 76% of boat owners have household incomes under $100,000. After you acquire a boat, you will have to meet yearly maintenance and storage costs, which may cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Most of the yearly costs center around cleaning, dock fees, and insurance. Routine maintenance is an additional cost that can vary with the type of boat that you own. Owning and maintaining a boat is a significant investment, but it provides years of recreation and relaxation. 

If you want to improve your life, take up boating. Whether you buy a bay boat, a sailboat, or a pontoon boat, you will be purchasing fun for your entire family. In addition, you will be giving them a way to improve their physical and psychological fitness. For more information, contact a professional like those at Boater's Landing.