Lets say I had this dream to some day cast off to ports unknown. Duration, distance and ports of call mostly unknown but the area would be the tropics. I would leave with a well stocked boat in good repair and reasonable funds. This is all a couple of years off so I am starting to prepare now. My question is what skills should I acquire that would give me the greatest potential of earning additional money on this cruise to everywhere. Any ideas?
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Ideas for income
Hi Tim - I hear about a lot of cruisers out there with broken down refrigeration, autopilots, watermakers, air conditioning, generators and diesel engines. I don't know if you can count on a steady income or even want to consider taking on other people's system problems when it's likely you'll be spending time on your own, but it can be a source of income. One idea I've thought about is to take Spectra's "roving technician" class. It's a week long class in installation and repair of their watermakers. You have to pay for the class but get a discount on the watermaker. You carry an inventory of spares and fly a flag that identifies you as a watermaker technician and charge whatever rate you want to repair watermakers as needed. I don't know all the details but am considering looking into this myself. It might pay to stock up on items (even small ones, like spark plugs) that other's might want but are hard to import (dinghy wheels are one idea). You could sew international courtesy flags. How about doing some crewed charter work? Art, T-shirts, photography... the list goes on. Can you tell I've been thinking along the same lines? Have fun! Trevor
Hi Tim - I hear about a lot of cruisers out there with broken down refrigeration, autopilots, watermakers, air conditioning, generators and diesel engines. I don't know if you can count on a steady income or even want to consider taking on other people's system problems when it's likely you'll be spending time on your own, but it can be a source of income. One idea I've thought about is to take Spectra's "roving technician" class. It's a week long class in installation and repair of their watermakers. You have to pay for the class but get a discount on the watermaker. You carry an inventory of spares and fly a flag that identifies you as a watermaker technician and charge whatever rate you want to repair watermakers as needed. I don't know all the details but am considering looking into this myself. It might pay to stock up on items (even small ones, like spark plugs) that other's might want but are hard to import (dinghy wheels are one idea). You could sew international courtesy flags. How about doing some crewed charter work? Art, T-shirts, photography... the list goes on. Can you tell I've been thinking along the same lines? Have fun! Trevor
I have the same dream
Just have to hold my breath for a few more years in the office to pay off debts and save for a better boat. I have been told that to have no debt or bills (OWN the boat) is the most important thing. I plan on harnessing "wildlife" skills so I can catch fish/lobster, crabs; and be able to supplement with lots of beans and rice. Alcohol (if desired) is suppossed to be the most expensive luxury item, as long as nothing breaks on the boat. I am also looking into the possibility of teaching biology classes over the internet...if that works out you can jus call me the nomad man! I am still just learning about this stuff...but it seems like if you could get alot of your energy needs from the sea; and make money via computer that would be a good way to go.
Just have to hold my breath for a few more years in the office to pay off debts and save for a better boat. I have been told that to have no debt or bills (OWN the boat) is the most important thing. I plan on harnessing "wildlife" skills so I can catch fish/lobster, crabs; and be able to supplement with lots of beans and rice. Alcohol (if desired) is suppossed to be the most expensive luxury item, as long as nothing breaks on the boat. I am also looking into the possibility of teaching biology classes over the internet...if that works out you can jus call me the nomad man! I am still just learning about this stuff...but it seems like if you could get alot of your energy needs from the sea; and make money via computer that would be a good way to go.
None
you need to hit the lotto baby! Or get a job job and plow money into your 401 k. Help to get a pension too! Good luck! You need to save about $1,000,000 US or 500,000 and a pension to live your dream!
you need to hit the lotto baby! Or get a job job and plow money into your 401 k. Help to get a pension too! Good luck! You need to save about $1,000,000 US or 500,000 and a pension to live your dream!
Recent discussion on this 'site
here: http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?fno=21&uid=73200280089&sku=2006299091507.74 talked about costs. Seems you're the only one who can define what your income needs to be to cover the costs. what are you good at, what do you like to do, how good at you at maintaining your own boat?
here: http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?fno=21&uid=73200280089&sku=2006299091507.74 talked about costs. Seems you're the only one who can define what your income needs to be to cover the costs. what are you good at, what do you like to do, how good at you at maintaining your own boat?
I remember reading somewhere
I remember reading in a magazine article written by a full-time cruiser that he felt that the most in-demand skill out there was sail/canvas repair. He had invested in a professional quality heavy duty sewing machine, and he serviced the other cruisers in paradise by fixing their sails, fixing and making new dodgers, seat covers, etc. The idea of being a roving water maker tech is interesting, but how many others will have that brand of unit? Everyone has sails.
I remember reading in a magazine article written by a full-time cruiser that he felt that the most in-demand skill out there was sail/canvas repair. He had invested in a professional quality heavy duty sewing machine, and he serviced the other cruisers in paradise by fixing their sails, fixing and making new dodgers, seat covers, etc. The idea of being a roving water maker tech is interesting, but how many others will have that brand of unit? Everyone has sails.
electrician
while I dont possess the skills myself it seems to me that there are always several boats in need of some electrical work at reasonable rates. whether it is a wiring problem, charging problem or identifying what the mystery is sailors always need juice.
while I dont possess the skills myself it seems to me that there are always several boats in need of some electrical work at reasonable rates. whether it is a wiring problem, charging problem or identifying what the mystery is sailors always need juice.
One man's list
Sail repair or modification Making custom covers, biminis, dodgers etc Engine repair/servicing Electrical AC and DC Plumbing Woodworking Rigging Fiberglass/gelcoat repair Finding and fixing leaks This on is lucrative if you are good at it. Otherwise you get lots of repeat freebies when you got the main one but not his brother. And last and least bottom work. Easy but nasty.
Sail repair or modification Making custom covers, biminis, dodgers etc Engine repair/servicing Electrical AC and DC Plumbing Woodworking Rigging Fiberglass/gelcoat repair Finding and fixing leaks This on is lucrative if you are good at it. Otherwise you get lots of repeat freebies when you got the main one but not his brother. And last and least bottom work. Easy but nasty.
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