Can anybody give me a figure for a no frills liveaboard / coastal cruising lifestyle? On a 30ft.sail boat,two adults, one child? Monthly, yearly etc? Thanks Cecil
- Status
Sailnet has the answer
Sign onto sailnet they have an article today about just that subject Rich Enchantress c34
Sign onto sailnet they have an article today about just that subject Rich Enchantress c34
cruising costs
I haven't had the luxury of cruising for long times due to other commitments but articles I've read claim you can cruise for about $30k per year bare bones. I would believe that, no taxes, hanging on a hook, catching fish, no utility bills, no cars or car insurance, no mortgage (maybe), entertainment all around you. Basically food, fuel, maintenance, insurance on boat, medical insurance, a few bucks for trips to various ports you visit, and of course cases of wine. I'd guess that 50 grand a year would let you live in oppulence. Brian and a few others should be able to give some real world experience.
I haven't had the luxury of cruising for long times due to other commitments but articles I've read claim you can cruise for about $30k per year bare bones. I would believe that, no taxes, hanging on a hook, catching fish, no utility bills, no cars or car insurance, no mortgage (maybe), entertainment all around you. Basically food, fuel, maintenance, insurance on boat, medical insurance, a few bucks for trips to various ports you visit, and of course cases of wine. I'd guess that 50 grand a year would let you live in oppulence. Brian and a few others should be able to give some real world experience.
Sailnet just yesterday had an article
According to the Sailnet article $30K would be cruising in luxury. The said that the Average cruiser is doing in on about $12K a year, but that means staying on the hook most of the time, doing your own cooking, and really keeping an eye on expenses as the month goes by, and cutting back when spending too much
According to the Sailnet article $30K would be cruising in luxury. The said that the Average cruiser is doing in on about $12K a year, but that means staying on the hook most of the time, doing your own cooking, and really keeping an eye on expenses as the month goes by, and cutting back when spending too much
Cruising Life
I would contact the Seven Seas Cruising Association (www.ssca.org) They are made of members that are actually living the life. Things that I have seen are bare bones 12,000 moderate living 20,000 and luxuey 30,000. So it seem to be failrly consistent with what athe others have written. Good luck Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
I would contact the Seven Seas Cruising Association (www.ssca.org) They are made of members that are actually living the life. Things that I have seen are bare bones 12,000 moderate living 20,000 and luxuey 30,000. So it seem to be failrly consistent with what athe others have written. Good luck Charlie Gruetzner S/V Angels' Grace
How old is your child?
Cecil, You didn't mention how old your child is. The child's top priority - as I'm sure you know and agree. I haven't read the Sailnet article - maybe it addresses this.... But what do you do when your child wants to play ball? Most answers here were "cost effective" and mentioned living on the "hook". So.. what do you do when the kid wants to play? Row him to shore at whim? After you get off work and it's dark? How about other children to play with? What about the latest "skooter" phase? Where will your child "skoot"? I believe all kids need a dog. Where can the dog run? I'd sell my house and buy a bigger sailboat (mine's a 22' Cat) in a heartbeat and live aboard if I had good enough answers to these questions... What about schools and school districts? My marina would be approx $300/mth for my boat now. I think that would be worth the price for safety and socialization (and cheaper than my mortgage!) - but not beneficial to my kid & dog (but better than "living off the hook"). Please, no offense meant here. I've thought about this, too..... Good luck. Lisa
Cecil, You didn't mention how old your child is. The child's top priority - as I'm sure you know and agree. I haven't read the Sailnet article - maybe it addresses this.... But what do you do when your child wants to play ball? Most answers here were "cost effective" and mentioned living on the "hook". So.. what do you do when the kid wants to play? Row him to shore at whim? After you get off work and it's dark? How about other children to play with? What about the latest "skooter" phase? Where will your child "skoot"? I believe all kids need a dog. Where can the dog run? I'd sell my house and buy a bigger sailboat (mine's a 22' Cat) in a heartbeat and live aboard if I had good enough answers to these questions... What about schools and school districts? My marina would be approx $300/mth for my boat now. I think that would be worth the price for safety and socialization (and cheaper than my mortgage!) - but not beneficial to my kid & dog (but better than "living off the hook"). Please, no offense meant here. I've thought about this, too..... Good luck. Lisa
Lisa, he`s 9, going on 21!
We have thought about the very same things you mentioned,with the exception of the dog(maybe he`ll settle for a new fishing rod). We would "home school", and take the Nintendo 64(which makes him happy).We would plan on staying at anchor, but not isolated to the point we didn`t socialize now and again.I don`t plan on working, so we could do much more together than we do now.The marinas locally run 2.00-2.50 ft per month,slip rent.I believe we could still fit that into the budget, and not be hurt.Thanks for the response, and no offense taken. Later, Cecil
We have thought about the very same things you mentioned,with the exception of the dog(maybe he`ll settle for a new fishing rod). We would "home school", and take the Nintendo 64(which makes him happy).We would plan on staying at anchor, but not isolated to the point we didn`t socialize now and again.I don`t plan on working, so we could do much more together than we do now.The marinas locally run 2.00-2.50 ft per month,slip rent.I believe we could still fit that into the budget, and not be hurt.Thanks for the response, and no offense taken. Later, Cecil
I'm jealous!
Cecil, Sounds like you've got a great game plan for you and your family! I'm sure you've checked into the "home school" req's for passing your son into high school and college. (And what a dedication on you & your wife's part to do that!) Wow- being able to plan on not working -how awesome! I guess I'm a little testy right now about "family time". I'm a CPA on the brink of tax season - which means 3 months of hell for me and my son (and he's 7 - going on 21 - and wants me to teach him to do tax returns so he can make money too, when I drag him to work afterhours!) You've also got great rates at your marina! Hey- a fishing rod isn't as cute and cuddly as a dog (and a dog is great security, too) - but at least you don't have to walk and feed it! Again, good luck! Enjoy life aboard with the fam. Happy sailing, Lisa
Cecil, Sounds like you've got a great game plan for you and your family! I'm sure you've checked into the "home school" req's for passing your son into high school and college. (And what a dedication on you & your wife's part to do that!) Wow- being able to plan on not working -how awesome! I guess I'm a little testy right now about "family time". I'm a CPA on the brink of tax season - which means 3 months of hell for me and my son (and he's 7 - going on 21 - and wants me to teach him to do tax returns so he can make money too, when I drag him to work afterhours!) You've also got great rates at your marina! Hey- a fishing rod isn't as cute and cuddly as a dog (and a dog is great security, too) - but at least you don't have to walk and feed it! Again, good luck! Enjoy life aboard with the fam. Happy sailing, Lisa
Less than you may think
My experience is based upon fifteen years of living aboard in California and Mexico, much of it cruising and living on the hook, and my current job as a marina manager. I would definitely concur that economical cruising can be done for 12,000 a year, all told. It can be done for WAY less, or a lot more. Funny thing is that those who do it for a lot more still seem to think they are doing "bare bones" cruising...different horses, I guess. Some people "need" a big SUV, too! Seriously, my health care is about $1500 annually ( very good coverage from a Danish company...they will only insure US citizens if the coverage is originally started while they live abroad!), REALLY thorough boat maintenace is about $3000-$3500 annually (I do most of my own work, have a twenty-one year old boat, and keep it in tip top shape. My number includes periodic big-ticket replacements, so it is an average based on many years), and living expenses are $100 per week. I can still fund my IRA in the $12,000! But, lots of shore entertainment and eating will blow the budget. Also, figure in whatever your marina costs are if you are not on the hook. If you are in the US you will probably also have insurance and you will have to pay taxes on your boat. When living in the San Diego, in a marina, with a phone and car, I luxuriated on $20,000 annually...I don't drink, by the way. Some very good friends left Mexico this spring in a Cal 34. It was in excellent shape so didn't need much maintenance on its way to New Zealand. They lived on the hook and spent little time in the bright lights of Tahiti. Their budget was $150 weekly for the two of them. Whatever was left over each week went into a savings envelope. They went through the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Societies, the Cooks, and Tonga, and arrived in New Zealand about a month ago with over $500 in the savings envelope and the boat in top shape!!! You CAN do it if you want to and you will be glad you did. Good luck.
My experience is based upon fifteen years of living aboard in California and Mexico, much of it cruising and living on the hook, and my current job as a marina manager. I would definitely concur that economical cruising can be done for 12,000 a year, all told. It can be done for WAY less, or a lot more. Funny thing is that those who do it for a lot more still seem to think they are doing "bare bones" cruising...different horses, I guess. Some people "need" a big SUV, too! Seriously, my health care is about $1500 annually ( very good coverage from a Danish company...they will only insure US citizens if the coverage is originally started while they live abroad!), REALLY thorough boat maintenace is about $3000-$3500 annually (I do most of my own work, have a twenty-one year old boat, and keep it in tip top shape. My number includes periodic big-ticket replacements, so it is an average based on many years), and living expenses are $100 per week. I can still fund my IRA in the $12,000! But, lots of shore entertainment and eating will blow the budget. Also, figure in whatever your marina costs are if you are not on the hook. If you are in the US you will probably also have insurance and you will have to pay taxes on your boat. When living in the San Diego, in a marina, with a phone and car, I luxuriated on $20,000 annually...I don't drink, by the way. Some very good friends left Mexico this spring in a Cal 34. It was in excellent shape so didn't need much maintenance on its way to New Zealand. They lived on the hook and spent little time in the bright lights of Tahiti. Their budget was $150 weekly for the two of them. Whatever was left over each week went into a savings envelope. They went through the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Societies, the Cooks, and Tonga, and arrived in New Zealand about a month ago with over $500 in the savings envelope and the boat in top shape!!! You CAN do it if you want to and you will be glad you did. Good luck.
child on board
As far as what the child will do for entertainment don't worry. First off he won't be aware of the "scooter craze". When I was in fourth grade I took of for a year to go sailing down the Mississippi River. I was NEVER bored. Mother Nature provides much more entertainment then any scooter. I found it was easy to socailize with other kids at any port. Good Luck
As far as what the child will do for entertainment don't worry. First off he won't be aware of the "scooter craze". When I was in fourth grade I took of for a year to go sailing down the Mississippi River. I was NEVER bored. Mother Nature provides much more entertainment then any scooter. I found it was easy to socailize with other kids at any port. Good Luck
Thanks!!
Just a note to thank everyone for the input/help.We are going to put much more time and effort into restoring/rebuilding our H-30 this summer in hopes of leaving asap. Thanks again, and any/all comments welcome Cecil
Just a note to thank everyone for the input/help.We are going to put much more time and effort into restoring/rebuilding our H-30 this summer in hopes of leaving asap. Thanks again, and any/all comments welcome Cecil
- Status