Hello everyone, Ok, so I have a strange question, but I figured a bunch of sailors might be able to help me sort this out. I have recently been accepted into a very presigous program in the Navy and will be moving to San Diego. As I will be going into service as an 03 (full Lt) I will have a BAQ of aproximently $2000 to spend on housing. Something I was thinking of doing was rather than rent an appartment in the area was to get a boat and use this as my home. I have an interest in sailing (and as well I should being that I'm joining the Navy) but no experiance with sailing thus far and I have no idea about slip fees or insurance, or what types of loan I can get for a more expensive boat (thinking anywhere from 90k to 130k). So here is my question: 1. Is it even possible to afford a 30-40 foot boat on what I will have a month to spend on housing (figuring everything, slip fee, insurance, loan payment) or is this just a crazy pipe dream I should give up and go rent an appartment? 2. Even if I could afford it would I want to do it? Would it be one of those things that was cool for a few days and then something I would hate after being forced to sleep on a boat for a couple of months? Is it practical for a single individual (as I am not married) to live on a 30-40 foot boat as their primary residence? 3. Assuming the above two questions are yes then what sort of boat should I be looking for? Any specific makes that I should keep my eye out for? Mostly I am looking for an answer to number one and number two, and if they are yes then a little imput on number three might be nice too... Thanks everyone for reading and helping me figure this all out -Levin
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Levin....We had a boat in San Diego for about 4
years. I don't mean to discourage but, (isn't there always a but) you are going into some of the most expensive slips on the west coast. Expect about 15 to 17 dollars a foot. My advice would be to get to San Diego live the the BOQ, go slow and look around. Boat life is the greatest, espically in San Diego. BTW thanks for serving our Country we can never repay your service. Dick McKee S/V ONE9TEEN
years. I don't mean to discourage but, (isn't there always a but) you are going into some of the most expensive slips on the west coast. Expect about 15 to 17 dollars a foot. My advice would be to get to San Diego live the the BOQ, go slow and look around. Boat life is the greatest, espically in San Diego. BTW thanks for serving our Country we can never repay your service. Dick McKee S/V ONE9TEEN
Goodness Gracious
I knew the housing costs were high there but I had no idea. You will draw $1834.00 with no dependents $2006.00 with. Sounds like a good plan to me. Have fun and good luck with your career. http://www.hc3.navy.mil/housing.htm
I knew the housing costs were high there but I had no idea. You will draw $1834.00 with no dependents $2006.00 with. Sounds like a good plan to me. Have fun and good luck with your career. http://www.hc3.navy.mil/housing.htm
Congrats Levin
Hi Levin Congrats on your appointment, I wish you the best of luck and stay safe! To answer your questions: 1. On a budget of 2000 a month, you could afford a 30 – 40 foot boat easily but you will have to buy something used. Boats (especially if they are taken care of) will last a lot longer than say a car. Your biggest expense besides the purchase of a boat will be the slip fee. I am unsure of the going rate in San Diego but I am sure it will not be cheap. You may have to scout out a few marinas or somebody from this group will help you on this problem. This group for the most part is a nice bunch. Figure your insurance will be a small bill compared to car insurance. The biggest drawback to living on a boat normally is lack of storage space for clothes etc. If you can live without it, you may have yourself a nice babe magnet J. 2. What type of boat? Each person is different. Take a sailing class to see if you actually like sailing or would rather go with a powerboat. If you do choose to buy a boat, get a marine survey to fairly assess the boat. Also plan on being handy since boats need more maintenance and upkeep than an apartment. Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Dave
Hi Levin Congrats on your appointment, I wish you the best of luck and stay safe! To answer your questions: 1. On a budget of 2000 a month, you could afford a 30 – 40 foot boat easily but you will have to buy something used. Boats (especially if they are taken care of) will last a lot longer than say a car. Your biggest expense besides the purchase of a boat will be the slip fee. I am unsure of the going rate in San Diego but I am sure it will not be cheap. You may have to scout out a few marinas or somebody from this group will help you on this problem. This group for the most part is a nice bunch. Figure your insurance will be a small bill compared to car insurance. The biggest drawback to living on a boat normally is lack of storage space for clothes etc. If you can live without it, you may have yourself a nice babe magnet J. 2. What type of boat? Each person is different. Take a sailing class to see if you actually like sailing or would rather go with a powerboat. If you do choose to buy a boat, get a marine survey to fairly assess the boat. Also plan on being handy since boats need more maintenance and upkeep than an apartment. Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Dave
Talk to this Navy guy...
Levin, you might want to call this Navy guy that just came up to the northwest from down there. He's selling his boat and he was a liveaboard: http://www.sailboatowners.com/classified/ownerview.tpl?owno=1099940090307440&fno=0&brsku=1099940090307440.2&bd=Hunter&p1=0&p2=1000000&xs=All&l1=42&l2=43&active=T&sb=placed&dr=de&ad=all Check if the Navy has a special marina for Navy people - part of MWR?
Levin, you might want to call this Navy guy that just came up to the northwest from down there. He's selling his boat and he was a liveaboard: http://www.sailboatowners.com/classified/ownerview.tpl?owno=1099940090307440&fno=0&brsku=1099940090307440.2&bd=Hunter&p1=0&p2=1000000&xs=All&l1=42&l2=43&active=T&sb=placed&dr=de&ad=all Check if the Navy has a special marina for Navy people - part of MWR?
Levin
I own a H376 moored in SD. Mooring at the popular marinas is getting tough to find. I understand Chula Vista is a newer marina and advertises quite a bit. You'll pay $14-15 per foot per month plus electricity. Biggest problem is that Chula Vista is a long way to the ocean in a sailboat, probably 8-10nm. So it will take you close to 90 minutes to get out of SD bay, if you headed out to the ocean (plus 90 minutes back). Real Estate is so expensive tha t live aboard is a good option. Good luck.
I own a H376 moored in SD. Mooring at the popular marinas is getting tough to find. I understand Chula Vista is a newer marina and advertises quite a bit. You'll pay $14-15 per foot per month plus electricity. Biggest problem is that Chula Vista is a long way to the ocean in a sailboat, probably 8-10nm. So it will take you close to 90 minutes to get out of SD bay, if you headed out to the ocean (plus 90 minutes back). Real Estate is so expensive tha t live aboard is a good option. Good luck.
U.S. Navy marina in San Diego
Check for less expensive slip availability at the U.S. Navy run marina called FIDLERS COVE- Located on Coronado's Silver Strand, approx. 1 1/2 mi. south of Hotel Del Coronado. From SDYC take Harbor drive past airport to 5 south, exit Rt. 75 (just south of downtown), Coronado bridge $2 w/ trailer, follow through downtown Coronado past Hotel Del, Fidler's is on east (bay side) approx. 1 1/2 mi. south. I bought my first boat from a sailor who kept his boat here and lived on the boat previous to my purchase. It was a laguna windrose with very basic accomodations.
Check for less expensive slip availability at the U.S. Navy run marina called FIDLERS COVE- Located on Coronado's Silver Strand, approx. 1 1/2 mi. south of Hotel Del Coronado. From SDYC take Harbor drive past airport to 5 south, exit Rt. 75 (just south of downtown), Coronado bridge $2 w/ trailer, follow through downtown Coronado past Hotel Del, Fidler's is on east (bay side) approx. 1 1/2 mi. south. I bought my first boat from a sailor who kept his boat here and lived on the boat previous to my purchase. It was a laguna windrose with very basic accomodations.
When I went in,
I got about $80 per month and free housing (barracks) and all I could eat inside of 15 minutes a meal. This was accompanied by a lot of excessive drama about insignificant details having to do with meaningless tasks. That was followed by gangrene, denying the surgeon permission to amputate my feet, South Vietnamese holding my friends hostage, ruptured eardrums, broken bones, and completely inexplicable politics when we returned to the states. It got better as the years went by but not like now apparently. As to investing your housing allowance in a boat, it sounds fine. Just remember it is an investment so get something you can sell a few years down the road. Real estate would probably be a much better financial investment. The idea of sailing lessons is a good one. The CG course is a good idea to reduce your insurance costs. If not that, at least find some way to see what it is like before you commit to something unfamiliar. I have found that living aboard really curtails my use of the boat as a boat. There is a lot more stuff on a boat you live on and it is a lot more complicated than a house. It requires more time and effort. When you want to sail, things need to be stowed or removed to storage. Just managing clothes can be a challenge. I find that having a van helps in dealing with the space and storage limitations. Then there is the matter of security for the boat, your car, valuables, firearms, etc. Everything you do involves carrying stuff up and down the dock - clothes, food, laundry, fuel, etc. It helps to have someplace to shower ashore and you may want to consider that you will have a walk to the shore facilities unless you pump the holding tank regularly or have a proper head for direct discharge. If and when you are deployed, you will need to find someone knowledgeable who you trust to check on the boat once in a while and take care of the little problems which will inevitably crop up. It is more expensive and complicated to own a boat than a house or apartment if you are not familiar with the needs of a boat. I haven't said all of this to discourage you, just to inform you from my experience. I wish you well and look forward to hearing of your adventures. It is a rare privilage to say how much I appreciate your commitment and your service. History is being made by people like you. Take care, Lieutenant and remember that your work will certainly make the world a better place.
I got about $80 per month and free housing (barracks) and all I could eat inside of 15 minutes a meal. This was accompanied by a lot of excessive drama about insignificant details having to do with meaningless tasks. That was followed by gangrene, denying the surgeon permission to amputate my feet, South Vietnamese holding my friends hostage, ruptured eardrums, broken bones, and completely inexplicable politics when we returned to the states. It got better as the years went by but not like now apparently. As to investing your housing allowance in a boat, it sounds fine. Just remember it is an investment so get something you can sell a few years down the road. Real estate would probably be a much better financial investment. The idea of sailing lessons is a good one. The CG course is a good idea to reduce your insurance costs. If not that, at least find some way to see what it is like before you commit to something unfamiliar. I have found that living aboard really curtails my use of the boat as a boat. There is a lot more stuff on a boat you live on and it is a lot more complicated than a house. It requires more time and effort. When you want to sail, things need to be stowed or removed to storage. Just managing clothes can be a challenge. I find that having a van helps in dealing with the space and storage limitations. Then there is the matter of security for the boat, your car, valuables, firearms, etc. Everything you do involves carrying stuff up and down the dock - clothes, food, laundry, fuel, etc. It helps to have someplace to shower ashore and you may want to consider that you will have a walk to the shore facilities unless you pump the holding tank regularly or have a proper head for direct discharge. If and when you are deployed, you will need to find someone knowledgeable who you trust to check on the boat once in a while and take care of the little problems which will inevitably crop up. It is more expensive and complicated to own a boat than a house or apartment if you are not familiar with the needs of a boat. I haven't said all of this to discourage you, just to inform you from my experience. I wish you well and look forward to hearing of your adventures. It is a rare privilage to say how much I appreciate your commitment and your service. History is being made by people like you. Take care, Lieutenant and remember that your work will certainly make the world a better place.
Liveaboards in California have a LONG wait list
We have been trying to live on our 40 foot Hunter for over 2 years in Southern California. So far, no success. We did live on it for 3 years in Seattle, but have found that Southern California marinas are not very user friendly. They are crowded with long waiting lists and discourage living on your boat. Many of the liveaboards are not real boaters (buthave boats that are barely floating)which does hurt those of us that choose this lifestyle. Your best bet is probably a marina on the Chula Vista area. I wish you good luck as it is a great way to live.
We have been trying to live on our 40 foot Hunter for over 2 years in Southern California. So far, no success. We did live on it for 3 years in Seattle, but have found that Southern California marinas are not very user friendly. They are crowded with long waiting lists and discourage living on your boat. Many of the liveaboards are not real boaters (buthave boats that are barely floating)which does hurt those of us that choose this lifestyle. Your best bet is probably a marina on the Chula Vista area. I wish you good luck as it is a great way to live.
The program
The program I am going into, for those who were wondering is the Clincal Psychology Internship Program. The long and short is that I am a third year doctoral student and durring the fourth year all Ph.D. students do an internship and I decided to do mine with the Navy. It's a really good program, but I must join the Navy to do it and then serve three years after my internship year is done (my internship will be in San Diego, after the one year I will be stationed somewhere else). It's a hard program to get into (they only take eight people a year, and a lot more than that sign up) so I feel very lucky. Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm still doing some research and if I got a boat I think I would want one I could keep for a few years, and perhaps sail to my next duty assignment (assuming my next duty station is near the water, which I hope it will be). How long would it take to sail from, say San Diego to San Francisco or even Seattle? Just wanted to know to figure out what I will do once my year in San Diego is up and I have to move somewhere else. Thanks again... -Levin
The program I am going into, for those who were wondering is the Clincal Psychology Internship Program. The long and short is that I am a third year doctoral student and durring the fourth year all Ph.D. students do an internship and I decided to do mine with the Navy. It's a really good program, but I must join the Navy to do it and then serve three years after my internship year is done (my internship will be in San Diego, after the one year I will be stationed somewhere else). It's a hard program to get into (they only take eight people a year, and a lot more than that sign up) so I feel very lucky. Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm still doing some research and if I got a boat I think I would want one I could keep for a few years, and perhaps sail to my next duty assignment (assuming my next duty station is near the water, which I hope it will be). How long would it take to sail from, say San Diego to San Francisco or even Seattle? Just wanted to know to figure out what I will do once my year in San Diego is up and I have to move somewhere else. Thanks again... -Levin
San Diego to Seattle
is a tough trip. I haven't done it myself but know enough not to try it. If you are not really ocean experienced by then (and you probably won't be), do not try it without someone who is. You will need a crew as well. Food, fuel, return transportation, broken equipment, weather delays, possible injuries - it all adds up. Lots of guys go west to Hawaii and then north and east to Alaska and south to Seattle. It takes a lot longer (3-5 weeks) but is a lot less stressful. A truck only takes a few days and you can be reasonably sure it will get there in one piece. At a few thousand dollars, it will probably be cheaper in the long run.
is a tough trip. I haven't done it myself but know enough not to try it. If you are not really ocean experienced by then (and you probably won't be), do not try it without someone who is. You will need a crew as well. Food, fuel, return transportation, broken equipment, weather delays, possible injuries - it all adds up. Lots of guys go west to Hawaii and then north and east to Alaska and south to Seattle. It takes a lot longer (3-5 weeks) but is a lot less stressful. A truck only takes a few days and you can be reasonably sure it will get there in one piece. At a few thousand dollars, it will probably be cheaper in the long run.
Thanks Levin,
best of luck to you. And I've made that trip (to San Diego) from Seattle. In all seriousness, Do what Patrick said for his last option. THINK 18 wheeler.
best of luck to you. And I've made that trip (to San Diego) from Seattle. In all seriousness, Do what Patrick said for his last option. THINK 18 wheeler.
Faced with that choice
A few years ago I bought a boat in SF and considered sailing it north to Seattle during the summer (read: into prevailing North winds). With the costs associated with crew, food, transportation, safety gear, not even counting possible repairs, the truck was about $800 more, probably about even when all was said and done. I trucked it. Money well spent.
A few years ago I bought a boat in SF and considered sailing it north to Seattle during the summer (read: into prevailing North winds). With the costs associated with crew, food, transportation, safety gear, not even counting possible repairs, the truck was about $800 more, probably about even when all was said and done. I trucked it. Money well spent.
How Expensive?
So how expensive is expensive? I don't know where my next duty station will be after San Diego but I do know that I will only be in San Diego for one year and then will have to move. So how expensive would it be (lets go worst case scenrio) to move a 40 ft boat on a truck from San Diego to say... the East side of Florida? Has anyone ever trucked a boat across the country? I know the answer is going to be a lot more than I want it to be... but I figure I should try to find out up front. Thanks again, -Levin
So how expensive is expensive? I don't know where my next duty station will be after San Diego but I do know that I will only be in San Diego for one year and then will have to move. So how expensive would it be (lets go worst case scenrio) to move a 40 ft boat on a truck from San Diego to say... the East side of Florida? Has anyone ever trucked a boat across the country? I know the answer is going to be a lot more than I want it to be... but I figure I should try to find out up front. Thanks again, -Levin
I Still Like Your Plan
What are your chances of going overseas or getting assigned to a ship? Have you been given an idea of where your first billet will be? Might you be in a clinic or at a medical center? Here is another option maybe. Purchase an RV and do the same sort of thing. You would be close enough to Vegas, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. I know it is not quite the same thing but might be a little more prudent. You will only then need to find a girl with a boat to get you out on the water. On the other hand you could end up with a billet at Pearl Harbor and it would all be perfect. I really do like your plan. Be sure to let us know what you end up doing.
What are your chances of going overseas or getting assigned to a ship? Have you been given an idea of where your first billet will be? Might you be in a clinic or at a medical center? Here is another option maybe. Purchase an RV and do the same sort of thing. You would be close enough to Vegas, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. I know it is not quite the same thing but might be a little more prudent. You will only then need to find a girl with a boat to get you out on the water. On the other hand you could end up with a billet at Pearl Harbor and it would all be perfect. I really do like your plan. Be sure to let us know what you end up doing.
Hey Levin,
I've done that too. (shipped a boat cross country) All the bids (Florida to Seabeck (Hood Canal Washington)) were running about $8000 for my H34 except one that was about $6400. I choose them.
Great folks. Those prices are from 2000. And fuel was cheaper and the agent who bid the price got in trouble. (I could tell from my subsequent dealings.) I don't know how much more a 40' boat would have been if any, because a 34 footer is a 'load'. That's all I know.
I've done that too. (shipped a boat cross country) All the bids (Florida to Seabeck (Hood Canal Washington)) were running about $8000 for my H34 except one that was about $6400. I choose them.
Great folks. Those prices are from 2000. And fuel was cheaper and the agent who bid the price got in trouble. (I could tell from my subsequent dealings.) I don't know how much more a 40' boat would have been if any, because a 34 footer is a 'load'. That's all I know.RV?
No way on the RV idea... living on a boat is classy, living in an RV is... well, scary. Think of the difference when introducing a new lady to your place. On the one hand you are the ultimate batchlor... on the other you are ultimate scary guy who lives by the river... enough said. Anyway anyone else had an experiance moving a boat across the U.S.? Is a 34 foot boat the biggest a truck can handle? (if it is this might be my limit for what I purchase) Thanks for all the help... -Levin
No way on the RV idea... living on a boat is classy, living in an RV is... well, scary. Think of the difference when introducing a new lady to your place. On the one hand you are the ultimate batchlor... on the other you are ultimate scary guy who lives by the river... enough said. Anyway anyone else had an experiance moving a boat across the U.S.? Is a 34 foot boat the biggest a truck can handle? (if it is this might be my limit for what I purchase) Thanks for all the help... -Levin
Yeah I Know About the RV Deal
Just think about your neighbors too, it'd be like living between both sets of grand parents. Not to throw a wet blanket on your dream but what if you end up after a year someplace like Corpus Christi where the BAH is much lower? There is also another place out there Fallon, Nevada you really do not want to know what that place is like. Do you have a contact out there yet? I could hook you up with a buddy of mine from High School in Hawaii who is a Naval Reservist there in San Diego.
Just think about your neighbors too, it'd be like living between both sets of grand parents. Not to throw a wet blanket on your dream but what if you end up after a year someplace like Corpus Christi where the BAH is much lower? There is also another place out there Fallon, Nevada you really do not want to know what that place is like. Do you have a contact out there yet? I could hook you up with a buddy of mine from High School in Hawaii who is a Naval Reservist there in San Diego.
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