Top 41 How Can I Afford A Boat 12858 Votes This Answer

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Is it worth it to buy a boat?

A boat can be a great investment, perhaps not in the tangible way real estate or a mutual fund can increase in value, but certainly in a non-material way. Owning a boat is about the pursuit of pleasure or adventure, of bonding with family and friends, of a passion for freedom that many people find only on the water.

What are the cons of owning a boat?

Disadvantages of owning a boat
  • Limited usage. Depending on where you live, a boat is only usable in warm weather. …
  • Costly to maintain. Before you own a boat, you must make sure you have enough money to pay for a store. …
  • Cleaning. Cleaning a boat is not as easy as it may look. …
  • Expensive accessories.

Do boats keep their value?

A new boat is expected to depreciate for anywhere from 7 to 10 years after purchase, on average. After that 10 year mark, you can generally expect your boat to be worth $100 per each foot of the boat.

What is the most expensive part of owning a boat?

Boat storage is often considered one of the highest costs of boat ownership, although storage cost can vary drastically depending on numerous factors. The most prominent of these factors is the type of storage you choose to use. The following options are among the most common choices for boat storage: Trailer Storage.

What is the best month to buy a boat?

FALL. Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing.

What should a first time boat owner know?

First-Time Boat Owner Checklist
  • Secure boat insurance.
  • Learn how to trailer your boat.
  • Learn how to launch and retrieve your boat.
  • Determine where you will store your boat.
  • Understand basic maintenance requirements.
  • Stock your boat with the proper equipment.
  • Follow a pre-departure checklist.

Are boats hard to maintain?

Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult, but it requires consistency and dedication. Like a car, a boat will need certain types of maintenance at certain milestones and after use. Keep reading for a boat maintenance checklist, easy tips for boat maintenance, and how to schedule a servicing.

Why are boats bad for the environment?

Boating can cause pollution and have a heavy impact on the ocean and its environment. Boat motors that use fuel pollute by emitting gasses and carbon dioxide. Also, the garbage from boats ends up in the oceans. Furthermore, larger boats can cause noise pollution.

What do you do with a yacht?

6 activities to do on your yacht!
  1. Family time. Being on the water, away from the hectic life on land, is the perfect place for quality time with your family (or friends, ofcourse). …
  2. Party time. There’s always something to celebrate! …
  3. Watersports. …
  4. Time for your hobby. …
  5. Relaxing time. …
  6. Fishing.

What age of boat is best to buy?

Brokers will tell you truthfully they are short of later model boats, but there is a good choice in the 10-20 year old range reflecting the high volume of new sales in that decade. Personally, I think if you have a 10 year time horizon it is best to buy a new boat, which you can spec exactly as you want it.

How long do boats last?

The average boat is replaced every ten to twenty years. However, some boats will last much longer than that, but this will be determined by how the boat is used and how well it is maintained.

What is the most reliable boat?

Ranger Boats, Mako Boats, Contender Boats, Grady White, Bayliner, and Boston Whaler, are among the most highly respected boat makers in the industry.

What is the average monthly cost of a boat?

The annual tab for upkeep, including insurance, winter storage, and maintenance comes to $4,300. That’s $358 per month. Neither of these estimates include taxes, registration, and mooring or dock fees so the real cost of owning a boat is even higher.

How expensive of a boat can I afford?

Most people can afford a boat that has a monthly payment of 10% or less than their monthly income. Keep in mind, monthly payment includes more than just loan payment, they also include storage costs and don’t rule out fuel and maintenance costs as well.

How much should I spend on a boat?

If you have never owned a boat before, you’ll probably want to start off with something relatively small. In the powerboat category, that usually means a 16- to 20-foot sport boat priced anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000. A monthly payment on such a boat can run from $150 to $400.

Is buying a used boat a good idea?

While you can certainly find expensive used boats, if you want a reasonable vessel that fits within a tight budget, you will likely choose a used option. Not only is the price lower, but like a used car, much of the value depreciation has already happened, so a used boat will hold its value better as well.

How much should I spend on a boat?

If you have never owned a boat before, you’ll probably want to start off with something relatively small. In the powerboat category, that usually means a 16- to 20-foot sport boat priced anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000. A monthly payment on such a boat can run from $150 to $400.

How expensive of a boat can I afford?

Most people can afford a boat that has a monthly payment of 10% or less than their monthly income. Keep in mind, monthly payment includes more than just loan payment, they also include storage costs and don’t rule out fuel and maintenance costs as well.

Is it hard to maintain a boat?

Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult, but it requires consistency and dedication. Like a car, a boat will need certain types of maintenance at certain milestones and after use. Keep reading for a boat maintenance checklist, easy tips for boat maintenance, and how to schedule a servicing.


HOW I AFFORD A WAKEBOAT!! Wakeboat Ownership, Episode 24
HOW I AFFORD A WAKEBOAT!! Wakeboat Ownership, Episode 24


Affordable Boating: Budgeting for Your Boat

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Common Myths about Buying a Boat

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How to Actually Afford a Boat – Boat Trader Blog

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It’s Not as Impossible as You May Think

Step One Stop Saying You Can’t

Step Two Know Your Options

Step Three Look at the Numbers

Step Four Get Creative

The Bottom Line

Best Deck Boats Guide

Best Center Consoles for Inshore Fishing

Boat Values and Pricing Guide

How to Actually Afford a Boat - Boat Trader Blog
How to Actually Afford a Boat – Boat Trader Blog

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Is a Boat a Good Investment? | Discover Boating

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Is a Boat a Good Investment? | Discover Boating Updating Is buying a boat worth it? We sure think so. Buying a boat is not a waste of money, and the trick to getting the most out of boat ownership is minimizing the costs and hassles, and maximizing the fun. Here’s a few reasons why a boat is a good investment—and not a money pit.
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1 Shop for Versatility

2 Take a Boating Class

3 Maintenance by The Book

4 Tow to Go

5 The Pre-Owned Option

6 Turn Your Boat into a Money-Maker

Is a Boat a Good Investment? | Discover Boating
Is a Boat a Good Investment? | Discover Boating

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Pros and Cons of Owning a Boat – Egard Watch Company

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    Pros and Cons of Owning a Boat – Egard Watch Company
    Updating There are many reasons why most people prefer owning a boat. People staying on or near the lake or oceanside understand the benefits of owning a boat more. However, there are also other reasons that make people dread owning a boat. We took a look at the pros and cons of owning a boat.   Advantages of owning a boat   1.
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Boat Depreciation – The Florida Mariner

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The Cost of Boat Ownership: 11 Things to Expect – Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

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Purchase Price and Taxes

Operating Costs

Maintenance and Repairs

Boat Storage

Boat Insurance and Registration

Boating Equipment and Accessories

Boat Depreciation

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The Cost of Boat Ownership: 11 Things to Expect - Yacht Cruising Lifestyle
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How to Tell If You Can Afford a Boat | TheYachtMarket

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How Much Boat Can You Afford? (Simple Calculator) | Boater Pal

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Calculate how much boat you can afford

How much boat can you afford calculator

Is it better to spend cash or get a loan on a boat

Is it easier to finance a new or used boat

How much money do you have to put down on a boat loan

What debt to income (DTI) ratio do you need to qualify for a boat loan

What credit score do you need to qualify for a boat loan

What is the average annual interest rate for a boat loan

Should you get a more expensive boat and a long loan or a cheaper boat and a short loan (both have same monthly payment)

Where should you purchase a boat

Where should you get a boat loan from

What are the best storage options for a boat

Are there other options besides buying a boat

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How Much Boat Can You Afford? (Simple Calculator) | Boater Pal
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3 Step Process to Determine How Much Boat You Can Afford

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How Much Boat Can I Afford

3 Steps to Determine How Much You Can Afford to Spend on a Boat

3 Step Process to Determine How Much Boat You Can Afford
3 Step Process to Determine How Much Boat You Can Afford

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Can I Afford a Boat?

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How Much Does a Yacht Cost? What Can You Afford?

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What Size Can You Afford

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How Much Does a Yacht Cost? What Can You Afford?
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How to afford a yacht if you’re not a billionaire – Sparks Life Worldwide

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How to afford a yacht if you're not a billionaire - Sparks Life Worldwide
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How to afford a boat? – LENCO-MARINE

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Affordable Boating: Budgeting for Your Boat

Affordable Boating: Myths & Tips for Buying a Boat

The idea that owning a boat is an expensive endeavor is a misconception. Just like automobiles, boats are available across a wide price range, and the cost of owning and operating a boat is likely less than you imagine. Regardless of your boating lifestyle, there are a few ways that you can keep costs in check.

Likewise, you’ll want to be sure you understand some of the common myths about buying a boat and owning a boat.

Thinking About Buying a Boat? Find Yours Today

Boating on a Budget

Save, Save, Save

Save for your boat and pay in cash, thereby keeping loan interest costs away.

Finance Your Boat

Financing for a new or pre-owned may be available through a marine dealer, through your bank, or through a specialized marine lender. As with financing a car or other large purchase your credit rating, income and the value of the boat will all be considering when applying for financing. Learn more by reading Boat Financing: Helpful Information for Boat Buyers.

Consider Buying Used

Shopping carefully for a 2 to 10 year old boat can help you save money on the initial purchase price. Boats that are more than a decade old are still great candidates for purchase; however, just like when buying a classic car, more investigation and review should be in order to ensure the background and viability of the hull, engine and drivetrain.

For more tips, check out Buying a New or Used Boat.

Attend a Boat Show

A boat show is like a marine supermarket. All of the boat brands and dealers in your area will be represented in one location, making a boat show an efficient way to start shopping. Dealers also often have discount pricing and financing deals available at early-season shows. Visit Making The Best Out Of Boat Shows for information on finding and attending a local show.

Buy Only the Size Boat You Need

A common mistake made by first-time boat buyers is simply buying more boat than they need. Consider these factors when thinking about boat size: How many people will usually be in the boat? What size water—a small lake or the open ocean—will you be boating on? A bigger boat can carry more people and handle challenging water conditions, but if you intend to be a fair-weather boater and will head out with just two to four people aboard, you may save big by considering a boat a size or two smaller than the bigger model that dazzled you at the boat show. You’ll of course save on the purchase price, but a smaller boat will use less fuel, cost less to insure, and will be easier to tow.

Do Your Own Maintenance

If you’re handy with tools and consider yourself to be a good mechanic, you can perform many of the maintenance and service tasks yourself; which can help you save instead of opting for marine mechanics do the work. This is a tricky area; first, be sure your efforts don’t invalidate any potential warranties. Second, being handy at plumbing or home wiring doesn’t typically translate to marine repair expertise. That being said, if you’re mechanically inclined and have good experience in auto repair and home repair, you’re probably capable of tackling most simple boat maintenance tasks.

Store Your Boat at Home

Keep your boat at home, on the trailer, and launch when you want—as opposed to keeping it at the marina, saving monthly costs as well as maintenance fees.

Remember that Fuel Costs Vary Widely

Marina fuel sold dockside can be much more expensive than gas sold at the highway station. Be careful about ethanol-extended fuels (E10 and now E15). While today’s marine engine fuel systems are better suited to handle alcohol in fuel, too much is not a good thing. To err on the safe side, marina gas is typically available ethanol-free; even though it costs more, it may save in maintenance and repair costs in the long run. Remember also that boats stored with fuel in them should have the fuel treated for storage if they’re sitting for more than a couple months. Otherwise the stale fuel turns bad and can gum up fuel injectors and filters.

Common Myths about Buying a Boat

I can’t afford to buy a boat.

Can you afford a monthly payment of just $250? That’s what it can cost to finance a compact family runabout or pontoon boat, and a new personal watercraft can be financed for less than $200 a month. A new boat dealer or your bank can help you arrange financing and give you information on current boat loan rates. Or visit the National Marine Lenders Association member for details on current rates and financing options. You can use our Boat Loan Calculator to determine a monthly payment that fits your budget, and to determine the amount you can afford to finance.

For more information, read How to Get a Boat Loan and Boat Financing: Helpful Information for Boat Buyers.

Boat insurance is too expensive.

The cost of boat insurance is, of course, directly related to the value of the boat, and geography also influences the cost of insuring a boat. Insurance is generally less expensive in northern states where the boating season is short, and most expensive in coastal areas where boats tend to be larger and can be used year-round, and where there can be a hurricane risk. However, most boat owners discover that an annual boat policy is much less expensive than auto insurance, often as little as $200 a year in northern states.

For more information on boat insurance, read Insuring Your Boat.

I don’t know how to drive a boat.

Get a solid foundation on boat handling, rules of the road and navigation by taking a boating education or safety course, as offered by your state or through one of the resources listed on our Safe Boating Tips page. Consider taking a boating safety and education course such as those offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or by your state or local authorities.

Common Myths about Owning a Boat

Maintenance and upkeep is too expensive.

Modern family powerboats and personal watercraft actually require very little annual maintenance—annual basic engine maintenance, usually an oil and filter change and a fuel filter change, a change of gearcase lubricant, and perhaps propeller inspection. If you live in a cold climate the boat will need to be “winterized” for off-season storage.

Check out the Maintenance pages for more information. You can reduce maintenance costs by learning to handle some of the basics yourself, by utilizing the services of a professional marine technician who will keep the boat in tip-top shape, and by following the maintenance schedules outlined in the boat and engine owner’s manuals.

I can’t afford to store a boat.

There are many other boat-storage options, from a dry stack valet service to mooring in a marina. For ideas on storage, read Boat Storage: Which Method Is Best for You?

There is no body of water nearby.

Lakes, rivers and coastal areas offer many opportunities for boating, and those might be closer to home than you realize. Our interactive Find Places to Fish and Boat map is searchable by ZIP Code and shows navigable water, launch facilities and other information.

Boats use too much fuel which is expensive.

Modern marine engines, including outboards, sterndrives and jet drives, utilize much of the same technology that has improved auto fuel economy. Exhaust emissions are way down, too. It’s true that a boat will consume more fuel per mile than an auto, but most boat owners are not actually using the engine at speed much of the time they are on the water; when they are fishing or lounging, for example.

For more information on boat ownership costs and what it takes to buy a boat, read:

How to Actually Afford a Boat

It’s Not as Impossible as You May Think

One of the biggest reasons people don’t get into boating is because they automatically assume that they can’t afford a boat. In fact, this is one of the biggest myths of boat ownership: that only rich people own boats. The reality is that many people can afford to own a boat, as long as they take the time to explore their options and find the right financing or payment solution that works for their needs. Whether you save up for a used boat or take on a loan for a newer model, you probably have a lot more options than you might realize.

Photos by Skitterphoto and Josh Sorenson from pexels.

Step One: Stop Saying You Can’t

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to wrap your head around the idea that you really can afford to own a boat, because you can. Almost anyone can, with the right resources and commitment to exploring all of the available options. If you’re going to find a way to afford a boat, you need to first believe that you can. Remember, boats come in all shapes and sizes, so there is more than likely a boat out there that’s just right for you and your needs. Whether it be a small kayak, inflatable, RIB boat or a used cabin cruiser for you and your family, you can find the boat that best suits you.

Step Two: Know Your Options

When it comes to buying a boat and maintaining that vessel, there are a lot of different ways that you can go about paying for things. There are also different options, based on your budget or means, as well as what you want out of boat ownership. Make sure that you explore every avenue. After all, while you might not be able to afford to finance a brand new 40-foot yacht, you can probably afford to invest in a small, older fishing boat to enjoy your fishing hobby.

Setting a budget is tricky because you have to research what’s out there first so that you know what you should expect to spend. At the same time, you’ll already have an idea of what you can afford. Even if you think it’s not going to match, you should check out the available options for buying a boat, because you might be able to afford more than you think. Explore the pros and cons of buying new versus buying used, financing a boat or saving up and paying for it outright, and so forth.

Step Three: Look at the Numbers

Again, a lot of people make assumptions before they look into the actuality of things. If you truly want to afford a boat, it is easier than you think. Just sit down and break down the numbers so that you know exactly how much money you need to save and how much it is going to cost you to buy your boat, as well as to maintain and own the boat over time. This way, you will know exactly what you can afford and, perhaps more importantly, that you can indeed afford to own a boat.

Find Ways to Save Up Where You Can

When it comes to affording a boat, you want to look at your financial situation and see where you can start saving money for the purchase of your vessel. You might even want to set up a separate maintenance fund that you throw a little cash in here and there to build up a nice account to cover the expenses related to owning your boat, such as docking and storage fees, transportation costs, and other expenses.

Whether you’re able to save $20 a week or $200, you can find plenty of little ways to chip away at the cost of owning a boat if you break down the numbers and really look at your financial situation, as well as the financial reality of boat ownership. Make sure that you don’t set yourself up to fail by choosing something that’s out of your price range.

Step Four: Get Creative

If you already know that you are close to affording a boat, but not quite there, you might want to start looking around and seeing if there are other things that you can do to help cut the costs or save a little extra cash. Consider shopping for a boat during the off-season or at the end of the season, when you’ll find the best sales and deals on boats.

You can also look into investing in a boat as a sort-of reward for another accomplishment. Maybe you want to pay off your credit card, and then use the monthly payment amounts to go toward a boat payment, instead. Make goals and find creative ways to come up with the money that you need.

Now that you’ve taken a minute to break things down and look at the actual numbers, it won’t be nearly as intimidating for you to consider the reality of buying a boat. In fact, you’ll see that it’s a lot more feasible than you think. If you truly lack the funds to get what you want, maybe consider reevaluating your demands and starting on a smaller scale or with an older vessel just to get out on the water.

It’s up to you, but there really are a lot of different options out there that make it easy for anyone to afford a boat. Some people will even choose to store their boat at home and trailer it to the water rather than paying marina storage fees, to help cut the costs of ownership. You can also look into DIY maintenance and other ways to reduce the amount of money you’re putting into this investment if you are on a limited budget. If you are willing to do a little leg work, you can afford a boat.

The Bottom Line

Everyone has a different idea of what boat ownership means to them. However, it shouldn’t be something you feel like you can’t attain or don’t “deserve” because you aren’t rich. There are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy boat ownership. Use this information to help you come up with a plan that puts you on the path to becoming a boat owner, no matter what type of water sports or boating you are hoping to enjoy.

6 Reasons Why a Boat is a Good Investment

A boat can be a great investment, perhaps not in the tangible way real estate or a mutual fund can increase in value, but certainly in a non-material way. Owning a boat is about the pursuit of pleasure or adventure, of bonding with family and friends, of a passion for freedom that many people find only on the water. Most boat owners will explain that their time on the water is priceless.

Few recreational activates deliver more “bang for the buck,” simply because boating is such an inclusive activity. Most boats can accommodate a number of family and friends, and a boat can enable so many different activities—from fishing to tubing to cruising and overnight camping, diving and swimming, rafting up with a group or simply sunning in the solitude of a secluded cove.

Only one or two people can ride a motorcycle, and an RV is just a place to stay while you do other things. Boating is simply fun in its own right, and it’s fun you can easily share with others.

A new pleasure boat is unlikely to appreciate in value. Like an automobile or RV, a snowmobile or a motorcycle, a new boat begins to depreciate the moment you take ownership. And like those other vehicles, a boat comes with a cost of ownership—for fuel and maintenance, insurance and registration, and accessories and storage.

The trick to getting the most out of boat ownership is minimizing the costs and hassles, and maximizing the fun. Here are some ways to make that happen.

Owning a Boat 101: The Boat is Just the Beginning

1. Shop for Versatility

Some boats are so specialized they are literally one-trick ponies. A bass boat is an ideal platform for serious fishing, and an inboard wakesports boat is designed from the keel up for boarding, but the special designs of these boats limit them in other regards. If all you want to do is fish or wakesurf, these boats are perfect.

But you may have more fun in the long run with a fish-and-ski boat that offers more comfort and seating than the bass boat, or a bowrider with a forward-facing sterndrive that can be used for wakesurfing, but also casual fishing and cruising.

A cuddy cabin boat is a great choice for families as it offers some shelter for kids, and can be used for over-night adventures while still performing like a runabout—the ultimate in versatility.

The chief virtue of a pontoon is its passenger capacity and stability, but new pontoons can also make great tow-sports boats and day cruisers when rigged with enough power.

Make a list of the things you’d like to do on the water, and then shop for a boat that enables as much of that fun as possible.

Boat Finder Tool: Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle

2. Take a Boating Class

In most states, anyone operating as boat is required to complete a basic, online boating safety and education course. That’s a valuable start, but if you’re new to boating you’ll almost certainly want to go above and beyond this minimal requirement so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your boat handling skills.

When you are confident, you’ll have more fun and perhaps avoid a situation that could take the joy out of boating. More advanced, hands-on training courses are available throughout the nation and are always a great investment.

Boating Courses, Education & Hands-On Training

3. Maintenance by The Book

For many of us the boating season is short, which is why it can be so disappointing when a mechanical issue steals away a weekend or two on the water. Make sure your boat is always ready for action by keeping up with maintenance.

You can probably handle most of basics yourself if you want to, but it’s always a good plan to develop a relationship with a reliable marine service center and a skilled technician. Modern boats are generally quite reliable. Most issues are related to battery maintenance and fuel quality.

Basic Boat Maintenance Checklist for New Boaters

4. Tow to Go

Add even more variety to your boating life by towing your boat to new waterways. Avoid the key mistake of buying more boat than your tow vehicle can handle.

Towing & Trailing Guide

5. The Pre-Owned Option

Because a pre-owned boat has already depreciated, buying used rather than new is one way to stretch a boating dollar. There are pros and cons to buying a used boat, of course.

New or Pre-Owned Boats: How to Decide Which Boat to Buy

6. Turn Your Boat into a Money-Maker

Can your boat be a business? Some people make that work, and while you probably can’t expect to make a full-time living with it, defraying the cost of the boat and then some is quite doable.

5 Smart Ways to Make Money with Your Boat

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