How Much Does it Cost to Shrink Wrap a Boat?

Shrink wrapping a boat is done to protect it during the harsh winters.  This shrink wrap will protect the boat from snow, ice, heavy winds and keep the boat warm when the sun is out.

Shrink wrapping can be done by the boatyard, a private service or on your own.

“Boat Shrink Wrapped” (CC BY 2.0) by  Harlequeen

How much does it cost to shrink wrap a boat?

On average, plan on spending around $8 to as much as $18 per foot to have your boat shrink wrapped.  The length of the boat, the width of the plastic being used, the arches, t-tops and flybridges can all affect the price.  So on average, a boat that is 20 feet long can cost $160 to as much as $360 to be shrink wrapped.

We researched the quotes boat owners had paid in the United States and included our findings in the table below:

Forum members on this TheHullTruth.com forum thread claimed that they spent anywhere from $9 to as much $15 per foot.

Shrink wrapping a boat overview

Shrink wrap can come in various colors such as white, blue, and clear, but white tends to be the most popular color among most customers due to being the most acceptable looking.  A blue color, according to Scott’s Boat Service, can heat up better than white when the sun is out, shedding the snow better.  Clear, the most popular among sales, allows customers to view the boat while still wrapped.

During the shrink wrapping process, the boat frame will be prepared, the gas vents will be taped, the belly band will be installed and the boat will be wrapped.  After the boat has been wrapped, the exterior will be cleaned and inspected.

What are the extra costs?

Depending on the company, the boat owner may have to drop the canvas, bows and antennas before it can be wrapped.  Some companies can do this for you, however, additional fees can apply.

Boats that have a wider beam than average can plan on spending an additional 20 to 30 percent.

If an enclosure or glass panels have to be removed, this can cost an additional $150 to $300.

Stripping down a door after the boat has been wrapped can cost $10 to $20.

To have the wrap removed when it is time to place the boat back in the water, the costs can be around $50 to $80.

If they have to travel to the marina or your location, additional travel fees can apply.

Those who want to have the boat wrapped with tape instead of a strap can cost an additional $2 to $3 per foot.

How can I save money?

With any professional service, always get at least three quotes before deciding on one.  Most shrink wrapping companies will be more than happy to provide you a quote over the phone.  The only thing that they will need, most of the time, is the size of the boat and the make and model.

Consider shrink wrapping the boat on your own.  A roll of wrap that can last many years and can cost less than $200.

Comments (0)

How Much Does an Ice Luge Cost?

An ice luge is a large ramp of ice that can create various sculpted forms and has a narrow channel carved through it.

At the top of the luge, the liquid is poured into the channel, and a few seconds later, the icy cold drink is dispensed at the bottom.  When the liquid comes through the spout, it can be caught by a glass; however, when an ice luge is used at most parties, the liquid ends up falling directly into someone’s mouth.

Typically, liquor is used as the drink of choice with an ice luge.  Rather than pour a shot in a glass and drink it, the shot will be poured down the luge and caught in the mouth.

“Ice Luge!” (CC BY 2.0) by  joyosity

How much does an ice luge cost?

On average, be prepared to spend anywhere from as little as $150 to as much as $350 for a basic ice luge. 

Larger customized sculptures can cost upwards of $700 to $1,000 depending on how many blocks are required.  Companies often recommend budgeting at least $250 per half block.

The costs will depend on how elaborate the ice luge is, the size and where it’s purchased from.

For example, this smaller luge on Amazon retails for $15 to $40.

LugeDoctor.com, located in New York, charges less than $100 for their sculptures.

SculptedIceWorks.com charges $425 to $475 for their single block sculptures or up to $725 for customized company logos.

Ice luge overview

An ice luge can come in all shapes and sizes; however, most will less than two feet will be able to sit on top of a bar and counter.  This makes either drinking or catching the liquid more convenient than if it were on the ground.

An ice luge can have one spout or multiple spouts depending on how large you make it and how many people will be using it.

If purchased from a company, the ice luge will be wrapped in an insulated blanket to keep it cool for the next few hours.

What are the extra costs?

All the prices noted above usually do not include the cost of setting up.  If you purchase the ice luge from a professional company and need it delivered and set up, there will often be an extra charge for this unless it was indicated it would be included in the price.  This can add another $100 to $200 to the total price mentioned above.

Lighting, which is often added to a display at a wedding, can be yet another expense added during the setup process.  Depending on the amount of lighting, it could cost as little as $50 for a simple setup to as much as $200+ for an extravagant display.

Tips to know

If creating your own ice luge, consider avoiding regular tap water for your ice sculpture molds as it may create a cloudy-like appearance.  To create an ice sculpture as clear as possible, you should use distilled water.

To leave space for the water to freeze, do not fill the ice sculpture mold all the way, but instead, around 90 percent of its volume. This way, the water will have enough space to expand when it freezes.

Depending on the atmosphere, most ice luges will last up to six hours indoors.  Plan on losing one-fourth of an inch per hour.

How can I save money?

Consider making your own luge.  This is a great way to have fun and save money in the meantime.  Even though they may not be as elaborate as one made by the professionals, it could save you a few hundred dollars.

Comments (0)

How Much Does Check Cashing Cost?

Cashing a check, while it sounds simple, may be inconvenient and sometimes difficult, especially if you do not have a bank account.

When it comes to the fees, it will often depend on the amount of the check and the company cashing the check for you.

“”We Cash Checks, We Check Cash”” (CC BY 2.0) by  moriza

How much does check cashing cost?

Most check cashing services will either charge a flat rate or a portion of the check’s value.  If the company charges based on the value, plan on spending at least one to three percent of the amount to have a check cashed.

Companies that charge a flat rate for check cashing will usually be within the $3 to $10 range.

Walmart, for instance, charges a flat rate of $3 per check as long as it is under $1,000.  If the check is over $1,000, then the fee will be $6.  They will cash checks up to $5,000.

According to this US News, retailers, such as 7-11, charge a flat 0.99% convenience fee.  They also note that many banks will not charge if the check is issued by their bank.  If the check is not issued by the bank, a fee will be applied, which is usually around $10.  For example, if someone who uses Bank of America gives you a check and you need it cashed, you can go to a Bank of America and they will most likely let you cash it for free, even if you are not a customer of theirs.

Cash checking overview

Depending on the company, most will give you cash on the spot; however, major retailers may also offer the option of placing the money on a reloadable debit card or gift card if you choose this option.  If the check is too large, they may not have enough cash on hand to give you.  This is why most stores place a limit on the amount of the check you need to be cashed.

Most companies will be able to payroll checks, government checks, tax checks, and money orders, but there may be restrictions.  Always call or refer to the website of the company you intend on using to make sure they can successfully cash your check.

What are the extra costs?

Most retailers may charge a processing fee on top of the cash checking fee.  This processing charge can range from $3 to $6.

If you want your funds loaded onto a prepaid debit card instead of cash, then a charge, often around $5, may be applied in order to load the funds.

Tips to know:

Some companies may only charge up to a certain amount, and most of the time, you will not be able to cash a check higher than $5,000.  Some stores are strict on what they cash.  For example, some may avoid cashing personal checks and will only do checks from a business or the government.

Most states have laws as to how much a retailer can take out of a check when cashing.  Refer to your local state laws to learn more.  For instance, in New York, a financial service cannot charge more than 1.95% of the value.

If your check has a major bank logo on it, consider going to that bank.  Most banks will cash the check for free, even if you do not have an account.

In order to cash a check, a valid government ID will be required.  This is used to make sure that you are actually the person to whom the check is made.

How can I save money?

If you have to cash multiple checks throughout the year, highly consider signing up for a bank account.  A lot of credit unions and banks offer checking accounts with no minimum amount required.  Even if there is a minimum, it is usually only $5 or $10.  With an account, you will be able to cash and deposit checks for free.

Check cashing services offer no value at all.  You have to ask yourself why you are choosing this type of service.  Unless it is going to be free or there is some sort of promotion, you will be better off with a bank account.

Always avoid a payday lending store as these stores may charge up to 10 percent of the check value.

Comments (0)

How Much Does Ice Cream Cost?

Ice cream — refreshing, cool and creamy — could be one of the most delicious desserts on the planet.  It’s portable, readily available in hundreds of flavors and is available just about anywhere you shop.

“Fresh strawberry ice cream” (CC BY 2.0) by  joyosity

How much does ice cream cost?

The cost of ice cream greatly depends on the size of the container, if any promotions are going on at the time, the brand and where you purchase it from.

With so many brands on the market, we created a table, along with the average price you may pay to help you budget.

The retail price, as per this Statista study, was $2.68 per half a gallon in 1995 to $4.68 per half a gallon today.

How can I save money?

Ice cream, almost at all times, will have at least one brand on sale at your local grocery store.  If you’re not picky about your brands and/or flavors, consider looking for the brands on sale for the week.

Many ice cream brands offer coupons online via social media, the official website and/or if you join their email newsletter.  Coupons can often be found via the local newspaper as well in the weekly coupon inserts.

In some cases, making your own ice cream at home may be cheaper, depending on the ingredients being used.  According to Mint.com, they claim that making your own ice cream is around $3.95, which is five cents less than the averagely priced pint.

Comments (0)

How Much Does a Big Mac Cost?

The Big Mac can be purchased at any McDonald’s in any city and just about every country and is a staple of the franchise.

The product, as you may or may not know, is compromised of two large hamburger patties separated by a center bun, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and the secret sauce.

“Big Mac_53” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  rob_rob2001

How much does a Big Mac cost?

Depending on the city and country you live in, the Big Mac on its own may cost around $2 to $6, but a meal can cost up to $8.

McDonald’s, which serves 121 countries, has varying prices in countries across the globe.  Refer to our table below to see what a Big Mac may cost in that country.  Like the stock market, the Big Mac can vary in prices depending on the market conditions.

NOTE:  These prices came from the Big Mac Index found on the Economist.com, an index created in 1986 as a lighthearted guide to whether currencies are at their “correct” level.

The Big Mac Jr., which is a smaller version, can cost $1 less on average, whereas the Grand Mac, a larger version that includes a one-third pound of beef, can cost $1 more than the standard Big Mac.

Big Mac® nutrition

Mac Jr™ nutrition

Grand Mac™ nutrition

NOTE: All nutritional values come from the official McDonald’s website and were values for sandwiches as is.

Tips to know:

The Big Mac was first introduced in 1968 and was considered the brainchild for the franchise.

What was the original name of the Big Mac?  The Big Mac initially went through two names before becoming successful.  The first was known as the “Aristocrat” and the second was known as the “Blue Ribbon Burger.”  Neither one of these names caught on because of various reasons.

Throughout the world, there are different variations of the Big Mac.  For example, in Europe, they have the Big Big Mac.  In China and Australia, they have what is known as the Mega Mac, and the MacKinley-Mac is located in Alaska only.

How can I save money?

Most McDonald’s release coupons throughout the month.  These coupons can be found in your email or can be found in the local newspaper.  One of the most common coupons that are found is the “buy one get one free Big Mac” sandwich coupons, for example.

Comments (0)

How Much Does an Ice Cream Truck Cost?

Ice cream trucks, as you may remember as a kid, are often spotted in areas where people congregate such as beaches, parks, public events or a busy residential street during the summer months.

The most major asset — if you’re were thinking about starting an ice cream truck-based business — would be the truck.

“Infringing ice-cream truck! (it played G” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  gruntzooki

How much does an ice cream truck cost?

On average, be prepared to spend anywhere from as little as $10,000 to buy a used ice cream truck in okay condition with high mileage to as much as $100,000 for a top-of-the-line brand new ice cream truck; however, most purchases, especially if you’re purchasing used, will be in the $10,000 to $25,000 range.  The cost of one, similar to that of buying a car, will depend on the type of truck, its condition, the features and geographical location.  If at all possible, most recommend buying a slightly used truck with a freezer already installed to save the most money.

We browsed a handful of classified ads online and included the prices we had found for varying makes and models in the table below:

eBay.com, for example, had hundreds of auctions ranging anywhere from $8,000 to more than $70,000.

The SmartMotorGuide.com, an online classified website, had a pinch more than 300 listings at the time of this writing, with prices ranging from as little as $3,200 for a 1990 Ford to as much as $80,000 for a brand new Utilimaster Step Van.

FoodTruckEmpire.com surveyed 35 ice cream truck vendors and found the average truck would cost $10,000 to $20,000, but this wouldn’t include the vehicle wrapping, customizing and freezers to keep your inventory cool.

What are the extra costs?

As mentioned, an ice truck may have to be wrapped/customized for the first time, or if the truck is in poor condition, it may have to re-done.  The costs, depending on the size of the wrap and vehicle, can range from $2,000 to $5,000.

A freezer, which is designed for an ice cream truck setup, can cost $200 to more than $1,500, depending on the size and where you purchase it from.

Of course, buying an ice cream truck is just the beginning of your business expenses.  Other expenses to think about include gas, insurance ($1,000/year), permits ($50 to $200), your inventory ($500~) and labor ($12+ per hour) if you needed it.

How can I save money?

A Step Van, for example, is often converted into an ice cream truck.  If you don’t mind customizing it on your own, it may cheaper to customize instead of buying on that’s already had the work done.

Comments (0)

How Much Does a Sprinkler Valve Cost?

A sprinkler valve, also known as a solenoid valve or irrigation valve, is a mechanism in a sprinkler system that controls the flow of water from the main supply line.  These valves control the amount of water that comes out of the sprinkler head, which in turn, controls how fast and hard the water comes out.

The valves are either automatic, meaning that the valve is set for a certain water flow, or manual, meaning that you can open or close the valve by turning a handle or spout.

A sign of a bad sprinkler valve may be due to low water pressure in your yard, a sprinkler head isn’t spraying with much force or certain zones are showing signs of standing water.

“Dobbie the Extra Terrestrial” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  ☻☺

How much does it cost to replace a sprinkler valve?

The cost to change a sprinkler valve will depend on the type of valve, where it’s located and if digging is involved.  On average, to replace a 1 to 1 1/2-inch electric valve, it can cost $100 to $275.  In some cases, a sprinkler repair professional may charge a location fee, which can range from $50 to $75, depending on the complexity of your sprinkler setup.

To get an exact quote, consider using HomeAdvisor.com to get multiple quotes from local, licensed contractors for free.

TheSprinklerGuys.com, a professional sprinkler repair company located in Colorado, charges $130 per valve if the manifold needs to be rebuilt or $140 if an electric valve needs to be replaced without any digging.  If digging is involved, the costs can increase to $200.

JustaGoodSprinklerMan.com, another sprinkler repair service, charges $60 to find an electric valve and another $100, at a minimum, to replace a one-inch electric valve or $250 to replace a 1-1/2-inch electric valve.

Replacing a sprinkler valve overview

Because many irrigation systems are located underground, professionals may have trouble identifying the valve, especially if you don’t have a diagram of your sprinkler design.  Depending on the method of choice, a professional will either look near the water source, near the backflow preventer or around the perimeter of the house.  Once the area is narrowed down, a screwdriver will be used to find the equipment.

Before the valve is even replaced, it will be inspected carefully to ensure there are no obstructions or wiring issues.  If the wires weren’t making a good connection, for example, then the wires may need to be replaced, not the valve.  The same could be said about the solenoid coils, the part responsible for opening and closing the valve, which compromises of a coil of wires located on the valve, and, again, if this were the case, then the solenoid would be replaced, not the entire valve.

To replace, the valve box will be opened and the solenoid connectors and assembly will be removed.  Depending on the severity of the damage, either the solenoid will be replaced or the entire assembly will be.

What are the extra costs?

Urgent calls or after hour repairs can result in an additional fee; however, most will ask you shut off the main water valve and wait for an appointment.

The same can be said about travel fees if the professional has to travel outside of their radius.

Tips to know

A sprinkler valve, even if new, might fail during a normal operation.  The diaphragm may fail to close due to the presence of small objects like sand, twigs, small rocks or even insects. To solve this problem, you may need to open the valve and clear the obstruction. Water should be allowed to flow through the inlet pipe for one to two minutes in order to clean it.

How to replace a sprinkler valve

How can I save money?

Some professionals do offer discounts to students, military members and senior citizens.  See if any discounts are available and how you can take advantage.

A rebuilt valve, in some cases, could save you up to 50 percent off of the replacement cost.

Many professionals are able to offer ballpark estimates over the phone.  If you know for certain the problem is due to a valve, most will be able to talk to you over the phone, offering an idea what you need to budget for.

Comments (2)

How Much Does a Bag of Ice Cost?

When it comes to ice, your ice cube trays may not be enough.

Thankfully, your local store will have bags of ice you can purchase.

“Plastic Bags of Ice cubes Spartan Stores” (CC BY 2.0) by  stevendepolo

How much does a bag of ice cost?

On average, a bag of ice will cost anywhere from as little as $1 for a 10-pound bag to as much as $6 for a 20-pound bag.  The cost of ice will depend on the amount in the bag and the store selling it.

With grocery stores, gas stations and even some fast food chains selling bags of ice, refer to our table below to see what it could cost you:

NOTE:  These are the prices we received.  Your results may vary, depending on the geographical location.  Also, these prices may change depending on the promotional rate.

Tips to know:

The average bag of ice will come in a 10, 16 or 20-pound bags, and most ice will be made from purified water.  Ice will almost always be sold as cubes, but in some cases, you may be able to find cocktail ice cubes, which refer to the smaller cubes used in beverages.

Some of the largest brands often found at a local retailer includes Arctic Ice, the Cape Cod Ice Company, Chesapeake Bay Ice, Diamond Ice, Penguin Ice and Reddy Ice.

Ice can be purchased at most grocery stores, gas stations, and as mentioned, even fast food restaurant chains such as Sonic, McDonald’s and even Arby’s.  This will vary from location to location as some won’t offer bags of ice for sale.

If purchasing a bag of ice for consumption, make sure it’s marked with the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) seal.  This guarantees the ice has met the IPIA’s strict standards.

How can I save money?

Consider making your own ice at home.  If you think you are going to be purchasing more ice in the future, consider purchasing smaller ice trays at a local dollar store.  If your refrigerator has an ice making option, consider filling up a cooler the night before you leave.  That way, when you wake up, the ice maker will be at full capacity again for another refill.

Bags of ice will usually be the same price across town.  It is best that you purchase ice as close as you can to home, especially if you are bringing it back for an event.

Comments (1)

How Much Does an Airstream Cost?

Dating back to as far back as 1930, Airstream is most notably known for its rounded aluminum shaped bodies.  These were actually designed for people to live in, but some people now use them as a camper instead.  One model is even known as a “land yacht,” showing just how well-made and luxurious they can be.  Some of the other types of Airstream trailers include the International Sterling, the International Signature, the International Serenity, the Eddie Bauer, the Sport, the Flying Cloud, and the Classic.

“airstream 291” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  Jacob Davies

How much does an airstream cost?

Like any other RV, the cost of an Airstream will depend on the model, size, features added, the condition and dealer/seller.  On average, brand new Airstream trailers range anywhere from $35,000 to more than $150,000 as a base price.  Of course, these prices can greatly increase as you add premium options.

The table below, for example, showcases the prices for a brand new 2018 Airstream trailer:

As for used models, the costs will depend on the condition, the exact model, the features and who you’re purchasing from.  From what we saw, a used Airstream in great condition could cost anywhere from little as  $11,500 for a 1977 model to as much as $110,000 for a model younger than two years.

We researched the most popular models throughout the years online and included the average prices we had found in the table below:

NOTE:  Again, these are the price ranges for a used model, and the price range will be dependent upon the condition, seller and features added.

For example, RVTrader.com has a variety of Airstreams ranging from as little as $9,500 to as much as $105,000.

Airstream overview

Created from a heavy aluminum, most Airstream trailers are going to be 22 to 31 feet long.  Depending on the model, the average weights can be between 4,500 and 8,800 pounds.

Because the Airstream is made from aluminum, 99 percent of the trailers on the road will be silver.

Most Airstream trailers sleep four to six people comfortably, and standard features in most basic units will include aluminum wheels, a white aluminum finish on the roof, solar gray windows, front and rear access door, dinette area, bedroom and/or twin beds, living room, and bathroom.

What are the extra costs?

Over time, repairs will be required.  One common repair, according to many owners, is when the clear coat that is painted over the aluminum starts to peel.  If this happens, the entire Airstream will have to be buffed, polished and recoated.  Another common repair are dents since the aluminum frame is prone to denting.  Lastly, leaks are notorious in most Airstreams.  If the seams are not sealed every few months, the sealant will dry out and the cracks will start to build up with water, causing the leaks.  Common repairs can range from $50 to as much as $900 depending on the repair.

Tips to know:

Be careful when purchasing an older Airstream.  Many owners have claimed that it has been hard to replacement parts, especially on the older models.

Comments (0)

How Much Does Brush Removal Cost?

Brush removal can range from using a chainsaw to larger excavators and backhoes to remove certain obstacles on a piece of land, ranging from rocks, bushes to trees.

If the brush is being removed for farmland purposes, then the entire plot of land would have to be cleared, whereas a hiking trail will only require a limited path cleared.

“Cleaning Brush” (CC BY 2.0) by  WhitA

How much does brush removal cost?

The costs of brush removal will greatly depend on the size of the land, what you want to remove, how land is laid out, the contractor you hire, your geographical location and local regulations.

On average, be prepared to budget about $1 to $2.25 per square foot for brush removal in most situations; however, if you want to get quotes by the acre, the costs can be anywhere from $150 for a simple cut with light brush to as much as $2,000 or more for lots that need to have trees, vines, and excessive brush removed.  To budget properly, plan on spending around $250 to $700 per acre. 

Some companies may charge for brush removal by the hour, plus the costs of disposing of the waste, which can range from $25 to $40 per person, per hour, with typical jobs employing two to three people on site.  As for the trips to the local dump, it will, again, depend on the size of your job.

As you can see, there are quite a few factors when receiving a quote.  If you want to receive an estimate for your job, we highly recommend HomeAdvisor.com, a free quote tool you can use to receive multiple quotes from licensed contractors in your area.

For example, members on this forum thread on LawnSite.com claimed that it could be anywhere from $150 to upwards of $5,000 per acre.  The costs, according to most, would heavily depend on what you want to have done and how much brush needs to be removed.

Brush removal overview

Clearing brush is generally going to involve clearing out brush, trees, vines, hauling and brush hogging — basically anything covering the ground that can be removed, according to the property owner’s specifications.  Special brush cutters, often a bulldozer using a roof rake or backhoe, are going to be required to get rid of the brush.  Depending on the complexity of the clearing, chainsaws and/or tree stump grinders may be used to clear any trees.

A common way to get rid of the brush can involve mulching.  This is the process where the equipment can mulch the trees, leaving nutrient-rich chips behind.  This is a great way to help the soil and avoid large disposal fees.

What are the extra costs?

Removing tree stumps, if necessary, can cost another $40 to $80.

Depending on your local laws, a permit may have to be pulled before the work begins.  This isn’t always the case, but if so, it shouldn’t cost more than $150.

Fence removing, creating trails, or accommodating special requests can lead to additional charges.

Depending on what is removed, you may have to pay to have the debris hauled away.  The company you hire may include this in the estimate, but this is not always the case.  Each truckload, depending on the volume, can cost $100 to $500, on average.

Tips to know:

If you plan on clearing a lot of trees, consider talking with a few local timber companies.  Some companies may be interested in purchasing or hauling your timber away for free.

How to clear brush and small trees

Comments (0)