Long distance boat ownership

dlochner · Apr 6, 2023

Presumably you will be visiting the boat between purchase and move aboard. If you, having the boat in a marina in the water will allow you to stay aboard the boat and sail it before moving aboard. Doing this will off set the costs of staying a hotel.

JamesG161 · Apr 6, 2023

Also make friends of sailors, where the boat is stored. They can do photos, etc for you.

Jim...

dlochner · Apr 6, 2023

Allowishish said:
Additionally would need to have someone clean the bottom monthly (?)

I think that would depend on where the boat is located. Some areas are more prone to fouling than others.

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 6, 2023

Did it, got the tee shirt.

my advice is - don’t!

in addition to the practical reality of getting a stored boat ready to sail for a short-term period, we found everything takes longer than anticipated which can cut into your planned time aboard.

and although obvious, the boat in long-term storage awaiting occasional use is a costly liability considering storage fees, insurance, etc… compared with how much use you may enjoy.

add the cost of money, depreciation during non-use and funky things happening to a boat in storage and you might find the reality differs from the plan.

Hollyberry · Apr 6, 2023

Good friends live in Calgary AB and keep a boat on the BC coast (afloat)... they make it down 3-4 times a year but have friends keep an eye on it for them. It's a 12 hour drive or a flight away.

Other friends keep a boat in Sidney BC and live in Maui - they get about 6 months here in BC/Alaska during summer... so it's do-able, but there are limitations and complications.

Scott T-Bird · Apr 6, 2023

It's a really interesting question. My impression is that the challenges will be predictable and basically boil down to risk and expense. It won't be cheap because you will pay for everything. My impression is that there is no benefit in owning a boat that will be on land. The only people I know who have a long distance relationship with a boat, travel to it frequently so they can enjoy the boat, not work on it. Either that, or they spend a season on it and then put it away for the offseason, so they don't have to do anything with it.

Owning the boat, with all the work and expense and no joy for up to 2 years sounds like the surest way to sour the whole experience. Think of all the money you would save by NOT having boat expenses while you are working. If you sock all that money away while you are working, think of how much more money you will have to spend purely on boat upgrades when you purchase it 2 years from now. Esentially, if you buy a boat just to have it for 2 years before you are ready, you will probably throw half that money or more away on expenses that are just a waste.

I think that people who have a long distance relationship with a boat, have more than enough money so that money isn't an issue (and they don't care about the money they need to spend).

dlochner · Apr 6, 2023

The factor no one has mentioned is the time between closing on the deal and retirement and moving aboard. It may take most of the 18 months between now and retirement to find a suitable boat. What makes sense if the purchase is completed tomorrow, may make little sense if the purchase isn't made for 17 months. It also makes a difference where the boat is located.

Rather than lock yourself into one decision, leave some wiggle room.

jon hansen · Apr 6, 2023

if you do buy early, look for a great lakes, fresh water boat. used saltwater boats are what they are. huge difference

Head Sail · Apr 6, 2023

A boat is a "she" for a reason. Needs constant attention, maintenance and expense. I looked at doing the same once and glad I didn't given the time I spent maintaining when local. Your friends are probbly not as good as you think when it comes to the work involved in maintenance and the time you plan on visiting it will be insufficient for whatever your plans are.

mermike · Apr 6, 2023

I live about 600 miles away from my boat. At least it's driving distance.

Pros: saltwater sailing, and a very different climate from where I live. I really love sailing the PNW.

Cons: Lots of miles. Had to get a bigger vehicle to haul stuff back and forth. Projects are HARDER and if you forget something you either buy another one or wait for the next trip. I hauled out for a month last spring and ended up staying in the boat in the yard. Not the most fun thing we've ever done but my partner is a trouper to put it mildly.

I installed a Victron system that has remote monitoring and a Wyze camera. I've been able to get dock mates to take care of minor issues and I have my diver available if something really goes sideways.

Bottom line, not easy. Worth it for me, but you'll have to decide for yourself.

garymalmgren · Apr 6, 2023

Sorry Memike .
it would seem that you boat is actually 1200 miles away.
Ya gotta get home.

We often underestimate (or chose to ignore ) actually costs.
So back to @ allowisish's situation.
RE: any insight into the challenges of long distance ownership would be appreciated.

A pen and paper will help you decide.
Write down.
A. How much do you plan to spend on the original purchase?
B. What will the REAL costs of maintaining her, getting to her, insurance etc over the two year period?
C. Unforseen outlays (?)
There is your basic expenditure. A +B+C = the cost of the boat before you set off.

The alternative is to wait 18 months and use the money that you haven't outlayed on the boat to upgrade or spend on her after she is yours.
If you want to sail, chartering would be the way to go.
You could charter in a couple of different places, which would allow you to look around at boats, prices and places..

Just an opinion.
Have fun either way.

gary

jssailem · Apr 6, 2023

Head Sail said:
A boat is a "she" for a reason.

My boat is 250 miles from my home. I‘ve recorded most of the good and bad associated with a distant boat here on the SBO forums.

My challenge was self imposed as I was still workin. I bought a project boat. I was not planing to leave my pre boat life so travel is a part of my life. I seek to go to the boat about every 5-7 weeks for 6 or more days.

The difficult part is that a project boat takes time to rebuild. For your description of your goals, buy a boat that meets as many of you needs as possible. Plan a budget that if you spend $100K on a boat you will find yourself spending another $100K with in 2-3 years. Boat costs are not linear. The costs increases are exponential as the boat gets bigger.

Establish a cruising budget that is sustainable.

Don‘t think about perfect. Make a list. Prioritize based on safety not desire. Sitting around in a marina trying to repair or upgrade a boat to perfect is a waste of your time. Do a project, then go sailing. Rethink your priorities based on your sailing experiences. Sometimes a project will not improve your sailing satisfaction. Don’t do it.

I have met some wonderful people and made close terrific friends as I have sailed in the waters of the PacificNW. When it is all said and done it is the folks you share your experiences with that shape the experiences you have.

If you can, listen to the sage advice of @jon hansen. A fresh water boat is often in better condition than a similar boat in ocean waters.

I would read the information shared by John Harries on the site www.MorgansCloud.com . He has some great insights into cruising. His boat buying insights will help you find a boat that will fill your cruising needs.

I found a boat that for the most part fits my needs and desires. Sure right now she is aggravating as I struggle to get the motor rebuilt. But this too will pass and I will have a boat to help me explore wonders of the Salish Sea.

You can do the same. Work to understand the waters you want to explore. Then find a boat that makes this possible. Different boats match up better with different waters. Finding that match makes the sailing experience easier and more fun.

Joe · Apr 7, 2023

My opinion is....... wait. You are just going through the excitement phase of this decision you two have made. Rather than looking for a boat I suggest you concentrate on learning. Going to a sailing school for a week could be fun and educational. It might also connect you with like minded people and associate you with more experienced folks that can help you find and choose the right boat. You might meet other boat owners who will inivte you aboard to get more sailing experience.

You're in colorado, there are many good lakes for sailing there, Why not find a smaller boat for overnighting and lake sailing. Get some exerience Find out if you like sailing and spending the night on the water. good luck

jssailem · Apr 7, 2023

Allowishish said:
Part of the thought was instead of the $$$$ going to a charter it would offset ownership cost and we could use our own boat.

That was certainlly a consideration that drove my desire to buy a boat. That part has worked.

Hollyberry · Apr 7, 2023

So.... what boat (brand/style/size) is on the retirement horizon?

jssailem · Apr 7, 2023

If I was a betting man, - A boat that:

is not too big, but not too small...
is not too much money but within their budget...
feels luxurious but not ostentatious...
is ready to sail yet could use a few personal touches
knocks your shoes off as you walk towards her... saying I am your girl....

Just a bit of guessing.

Long distance boat ownership

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John