We named our first sailboat "Cheap to Keep". When asked, I used to kid around with the motorboat guys at the marina telling them that I could get from Black Point Marina to Key Biscayne and back on a half gallon of Rum :dance:
Cheers,
Brad
Is your boat worth it?
- Thread starter Warren Milberg
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Cheers,
Brad
My monthly expense is less than a new car.
Besides, what does a weekly appointment with a psychiatrist cost (without the boat I'd probably need one)? Is it worth it?
Besides, what does a weekly appointment with a psychiatrist cost (without the boat I'd probably need one)? Is it worth it?
I use my boat at least 4 times a week all season - mooring not a slip - I hate slips - do mos of my own maintenance & consider it really, really cheap therapy. I am a huge fan of the 2 hour evengn sail with a frozen pizza in the oven and a few cold beers on deck...
How much is it worth to just know that you CAN get away and go sailing? We struck gold this march and got a contract for the summer that will take allmost all of our time between now and labor day. But after that if the hurricanes and himeycanes stay away we can go sailing from Monday through Friday. We don't sail on weekends, too many power boats churning up the water.
1.5 years of my life
My 23 and 26 years old still wanting to go sailing with there dad priceless
Like most of the others, we choose to sail, and fortunately we can afford to. I'm doubly fortunate in that my wife also enjoys sailing and cruising, so it's something we plan and do together. In other words, sailing is priceless.
All that being said, ownership of a small trailerable sailboat can be a real bargain compared to other recreational pursuits. A used small cruiser is cheap enough to be bought by most people for cash, and the rest of the costs are similarly downsized. For that, your cruising range is only limited by how far you're willing to drive.
I would estimate that our sailing costs (all purchases, maintenance, insurance, club, consumables, storage) all in, are less than two Starbucks lattés a day. You can reduce costs even further if you can store the boat on your own property.
Small sailboats have incredible bang for the buck, really, and it certainly refutes the common misconception that boating has to be expensive.
All that being said, ownership of a small trailerable sailboat can be a real bargain compared to other recreational pursuits. A used small cruiser is cheap enough to be bought by most people for cash, and the rest of the costs are similarly downsized. For that, your cruising range is only limited by how far you're willing to drive.
I would estimate that our sailing costs (all purchases, maintenance, insurance, club, consumables, storage) all in, are less than two Starbucks lattés a day. You can reduce costs even further if you can store the boat on your own property.
Small sailboats have incredible bang for the buck, really, and it certainly refutes the common misconception that boating has to be expensive.
Try the same math on your wife. Better yet, don't. But the concusion, at the end of the tally, is the same. Yes, it worth every bit of it, and you get in return for every effort in proportion to what you put in... though perhaps that's less clear on the money side of either equation....
When I am asked how often I use my boat, I usually retort with something to the effect "I know you don't want to know how often I use it. You are really asking if it makes economic sense. The answer is no, it does not make sense to own a boat, that is what makes it a boat"
For $900 dollars I bought a 40 year old C22. My children have watched it's progress closely waiting for our first sail. There where lots of hopes and dreams formed during the 4month run up to launch.
Last week we went sailing for the first time as a family. The experience far exceeded the expectations. The kids are excited to learn a new skill. And each has found their own special place onboard.
The most common question asked is "why did we wait so long".
I know my parents spent a lot of money teaching me how to sail. I think the greatest dividend of that investment is me being able to share that experience with another generation.
Last week we went sailing for the first time as a family. The experience far exceeded the expectations. The kids are excited to learn a new skill. And each has found their own special place onboard.
The most common question asked is "why did we wait so long".
I know my parents spent a lot of money teaching me how to sail. I think the greatest dividend of that investment is me being able to share that experience with another generation.
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Oh YES, every penny spent and all the $100’s still yet to spend. Besides snow skiing, nothing has ever made me feel as healthy, fit, strong, happy, exhilarated, overwhelmed, proud beyond measure, humble, small and grateful more than sailing! . Those of us who feel this incredible pull to be sailing in any capacity have an unspoken bond and that also makes this passion deeper. To be out on the water as the sun is setting, in all its glory…. how could anyone experience that and try to put a price on it.
Actually, my monthly expenses are about zero. That's because we have boat partners. They have a great deal compared to what they'd be spending if they had to charter the equivalent boat in the SF Bay, and they're also really nice people. In fact, we all went and anchored overnight together last weekend. They're so appreciative of the boat and having access to it. But even if we didn't have partners, what we spend on the boat is definitely worth it to me - fulfilling a dream I've had for 40 years. What's the price tag for that?
I keep meticulous records of everything related to the boat.
That way I have a record of all of the spare parts I need for the next "fix it" party.
I'm always amazed when folks ask "What is this part, I bought one last year but I don't know what it is." (other than newbies)
Parts always have been impressed upon me as a safety issue.
Stopped adding $$ a loong time ago.
As someone said: priceless.
Whether with friends, family or solo, it's always a great feeling.
That way I have a record of all of the spare parts I need for the next "fix it" party.
I'm always amazed when folks ask "What is this part, I bought one last year but I don't know what it is." (other than newbies)
Parts always have been impressed upon me as a safety issue.
Stopped adding $$ a loong time ago.
As someone said: priceless.
Whether with friends, family or solo, it's always a great feeling.
No, No and YES!
Explanation:
No the Sunbird isn't being sailed and is no longer worth it to me. I'm trying to pass it along.
No the Lindsey isn't being sailed and is no longer worth it to me. I'm trying to pass it along, also.
YES the Tartan IS being sailed and saving my sanity. And no, I'm not trying to pass it along. yet. Call me in twenty or thirty years and see if I'm ready to part with it then.
Explanation:
No the Sunbird isn't being sailed and is no longer worth it to me. I'm trying to pass it along.
No the Lindsey isn't being sailed and is no longer worth it to me. I'm trying to pass it along, also.
YES the Tartan IS being sailed and saving my sanity. And no, I'm not trying to pass it along. yet. Call me in twenty or thirty years and see if I'm ready to part with it then.
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