Do you know how to boat and also enjoy fishing?
One of the best ways to get started on monetizing your hobbies would be by purchasing a tuna boat!
But how much does a tuna boat cost? The amount you will need to invest into buying a tuna boat depends on its size and type.
It is a wise idea to start your journey with a small boat. Once you learn more, you can buy a bigger boat or even get yourself a customized one. But you have to set a budget first – and for that, you need to ask, “How much does a tuna boat cost?”
Keep reading and find out more about tuna boats.
How much does a tuna boat cost?
There are different models of tuna boats, varying in size and type.
For starters, a small tuna boat of about 32′-35′ might be a great choice. A new vessel of that length should cost you around $80,000-$90,000.
You can choose models like the 35′ Duffy or the 35′ Maine Downcast.
The prices for small tuna boats can go as high as $350,000. Such costs are for boats with a maximum length of 48′, like the 48′ Dixon Series 60 Detroit.
However, if you are interested in investing in a purse seine of up to 80 m to catch tuna, the vessel will set you back by $6,000,000-$20,000,000.
As a beginner, it is better to select a small boat. It will be easier to handle while you concentrate on two jobs – boating and catching tuna.
You can get a small used tuna boat for $20,000, though there are some regular fishing vessels at lower prices. There will be other expenses for tools and equipment, too.
How much do the boats on Wicked Tuna cost?
Wicked Tuna is a TV show aired in the US to showcase pro tuna fishers in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They operate in the North Atlantic Ocean to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna.
They engage in battles as teams to earn more profits out of their catch. Thus, it gives a look into the bluefin tuna industry.
On average, you can buy new tuna boats for $80,000-$350,000. The cost of boats shown on Wicked Tuna range from $70,000 to $300,000. But these prices do not include the costs of equipment, electronics, maintenance, etc.
Some boats are also customized, and their prices are not known.
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How much do tuna boats make?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is an organization that has been providing data on the income of fishing and hunting workers since 2010.
According to them, tuna fishers have an average annual salary from $25,000 to nearly $28,000. These fishermen belong to the middle half of the scale.
Those who belong to the category of the lowest earners make between $17,000 and nearly $20,000 every year. On the other hand, the top-earning tuna fishermen make about $32,000-$42,000.
A large number of factors affect the income you can expect from your tuna boat, including your location.
The highest earners are in Washington, making an average annual wage of around $30,000. They are followed by the fishermen in Massachusetts and Virginia. The industry in which the fishermen are associated also plays an essential role in determining fishermen’s income.
Fishermen employed by the federal government belong to the top 10% of earners, making over $42,000 per year. Those associated with the seafood preparation and packaging industry make around $31,000 per year.
Fishers earn $26,000 per year from wholesalers and $22,000 from the sightseeing industry.
How much does it cost to catch tuna?
Besides the cost of purchasing a tuna boat, which can be between $20,000 and $350,000, there are other expenses that you need to think of. These include:
- GPS, radar system, and boat electronics: $5,000
- Fishing equipment: $1000
- Trolling tackle cost: $5,000
- Casting lure tackle cost: $5,000
- Fishing permit: $20-$40
- Insurance: $200-$500
- Harbor usage: 12$-$50 per foot per year
- Fuel: $3.50 per gallon (covering 140-150 nautical miles)
Final thought on how much does a tuna boat cost
The fact is, tuna boats are not exactly cheap. Even a small tuna boat costs way more than a regular fishing boat. So, it is logical to ask, “how much does a tuna boat cost?”
After that, you must also take into account what other costs you will have to incur to run this business.
It is equally important to find out how much a tuna boat might make.
This will help you decide if the funds you’re going to allocate for this new business will help you. It might be inspiring and exciting for you to know that the fishermen on Wicked Tuna are rumored to earn up to $100,000 per show!
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