The Philippines is one of the most popular fishing destinations globally, due mainly to its warm tropical waters and huge variety of fish species. For decades, foreign fishing boats have been coming to the archipelago to catch fish for sale at local markets, with more and more individuals getting involved in the sport. While the country is rich in seafood, it isn’t exactly the most expensive place to eat out in. That title probably belongs to Iceland, followed by Norway and the Falklands Islands.
How much does it cost to buy a fishing boat in the Philippines? That’s a highly relevant question, considering that the demand for these vessels is rising each year, as newer boats are constantly being built and upgraded to provide better water performance.
The price of a fishing boat in the archipelago varies from a couple of thousand US dollars to a million or more, and even then it’s usually covered by taxes and shipping fees. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a fishing vessel, as there are plenty of reliable and seaworthy boats that can be purchased for well under 10,000 USD.
The following factors will help you decide how much money to spend on a fishing boat in the Philippines:
Table of Contents
Comfort
Even if you aren’t planning on going far from the coast, the size of your fishing boat will affect your comfort levels significantly. The bigger the boat, the more room there is for you to swim around and work the waters. Smaller boats don’t exactly provide the same level of comfort, especially if there’s a lot of swell and you’re trapped inside for hours on end. Another important factor to consider is the weight limit for your boat. You won’t enjoy reeling in big fish if your boat is unable to handle the strain. The following chart provided by Navigator Insurance gives you an idea of the average weight of some of the fish that can be caught in the Philippines:
- King Prawn (King George)
- Mangrove Salmon (Mackerel)
- Whiting (Pike)
- Hake
- Tuna
Range
The range of your boat will determine how much territory you can cover before having to return to shore for fuel or food. There are three important factors to consider here: the amount of fuel you have stored on board, the weight of your boat and your navigation equipment (GPS, Radar, etc.). In general, range will increase with bigger boats, additional fuel tanks and high-quality navigation equipment. It’s also worth considering how far you can go without having to replenish your supplies. It’s always preferable to go as deep into the waters as possible, rather than just staying close to shore.
As an example, the boats from Trafalgar Insurance have a maximum range of 200 nautical miles, which means they can cover most of the area between Metro Manila and the islands of Luzon. However, the majority of those boats are equipped with high-quality fuel tanks that can hold up to six hours of driving time, so they can cover lengthy fishing trips.
Speed
The speed at which your boat can travel will determine how quickly you can reach your fishing grounds and how much effort you have to put in to catch fish. High-quality motors and steady hands come together to make for fast boats, which can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. However, the majority of boats sold in the Philippines don’t exceed those speeds, as a more agile and nimble boat can cover greater distances without feeling the stress of a powerful engine. The following chart provided by Navigator Insurance gives you an idea of the average boat speed for some of the most popular species caught in the country:
- King Prawn (King George)
- Mangrove Salmon (Mackerel)
- Whiting (Pike)
- Hake
- Tuna
Type Of Fish
The type of fish you are looking for will determine the kind of boat you need to go after it. For instance, bigger boats are essential if you plan on fishing for king prawns or similar fish that can reach up to three meters in length. The following chart provided by Navigator Insurance gives you an idea of the popular fish in the Philippines and the size of the typical boat that can capture them:
- King Prawn (King George)
- Mangrove Salmon (Mackerel)
- Whiting (Pike)
- Hake
- Tuna
Additional Considerations
There are a number of other considerations you need to make before buying a boat, including the size of your family, how much experience you have in handling boats and how much time you have to spend on the water. If you are a single person looking for a fishing boat, then the amount of space you have will be of paramount importance. Even if you have a bigger boat, heading off on a fishing trip alone probably isn’t the best idea, as you won’t want to bring back all the fish you catch. What’s important is that you have the proper licensing for fishing in your country of residence.
In summary, the price of a fishing boat in the Philippines varies a lot depending on the make and model, but you should expect to spend at least 10,000 USD on a well-built and well-equipped boat capable of deep-water fishing. Remember – safety comes first, and you should always keep yourself covered by insurance, no matter what.