Novice needing knowledge

[Wasp77]

I swear that I'm not a dumb*$$. I have looked around the forums, but was unable to find answers to some questions that I have. Although, I have found quite a bit of information that I needed, I just didn't know that I needed it when I found it.
For everyone that has/does teach me something new, I can't thank you enough. Although I will be going through ASA to learn the basics of what I need, I know that I won't learn everything there, such as tying down the halyards (yep, I read the post on marina etiquette). Not to mention that it won't be for at least a few months, anyway.
While opinions are appreciated for learning purposes, right now I just need specific answers, please. I know that individual needs differ, so I will be wording my question VERY carefully, but simply. Forgive me if I seem rude or too direct, please understand that I'm used to dealing with idiots. By no means do I intend to insult anyone's level of intelligence, but please don't answer what is not in the question. Thank you, again, to anyone and everyone for any help.
I have been looking for a long time at different boats to get an idea of what I want to spend the rest of my life on. I plan to be at sea as much as I possibly can, with as little human interaction as is absolutely necessary. Most of the time that I spend in port will be anchoring as opposed to docking. I plan on traveling throughout the world. I am open to suggestions by experienced sailors, but will spit fire to anyone telling me that I can't do something because they don't have the gall to do what I'm planning on doing. The first of MANY questions is for everyone that lives on their boat (preferably 40' - 55') year round. What is YOUR average total yearly cost of living? A breakdown of approximate expenses and frequency of individual costs would be very helpful. For example, "I sail an average of W [time span] then moor for X [time span], making it so that I have to replace my sails every Y [time span] which costs $Z." By getting multiple answers I can get a better understanding of what I should be spending annually.

 

[jssailem]

The first of MANY questions is for everyone that lives on their boat (preferably 40' - 55') year round.

Perhaps this query would be better placed on https://www.cruisersforum.com/ You might get specific answers.

 

[CaptKimble]

whew...I don't know if I dare say a word...but I'll give it a go...buy a book...read several books...there is a whole vast wealth of knowledge out there about living and cruising on a boat. Start by making a list that has your requirements, needs, would be nice to have etc. There are as many variables involved with making a move into full time live aboard/cruising as there are makes and models of boats if not more. All here would agree that this is an excellent resource with some real incredibly talented experienced individuals that will be glad to answer questions. I have one caution. I have learned that this place is full of well meaning jokesters ( glaring at Kermit good naturedly) so you need to be prepared for some good natured kidding around. No one will tell you that you can't do it but they will add caution as they feel necessary. It's usually based on experience. Good luck in your adventure. I will add that I have found a sense of community here that I really enjoy.

 

[KD3PC]

42' paid for, anchor out 75% of the time, home pier the other 25% - just electric, water and septic there for the boat. Insurance covering travel to Bahamas and coast USA was almost a $1,000 yearly. Food and dinghy fees and water and fuel - about $300 monthly. Bottom upkeep almost a $1,000 yearly, yard doing the painting and such. Repairs to boat, average $300 monthly - but some months are more expensive than others. I do almost 100% of those repairs, if at all possible. Sails last about 5 years before repairs are needed. The last time I had them repaired and UV covers replaced, was $1,000 and they removed, repaired and replaced things. New, would be thousands for the 3 working sails..more $$ for specialized sails (spinnaker, anchor, etc).

The rest will depend on your individual style and choices in what are your needs in life. We don't drink, me sodas, food is often what ever is fresh, in season and available. Staples are rice and beans, corn meal, wheat flour for breads and oatmeal. We generally budget just over $1K monthly and bank any thing that is left over or not used. We keep clothes as needed and donate the rest, I buy thrift store shirts and shorts, and we did spend a few bucks on good HH foul weather gear at the Annapolis boat show, 10 years ago...it is still very useful and keeps us dry, likely over a $1,000 for the two sets we use.

Works for us, but could easily double or triple the monthly with a few marina stays and meals out at the waterfront in Norfolk or ....it will be what you make it. Good luck and get out there, the sooner the better.

 

[Wasp77]

Thank you so much! This is EXACTLY the kind of answer that I am seeking! You are literally the ONLY person to ever answer the actual question!! I usually get answers like, 'Buy a book", or "It's different for everyone." I know it's different for everyone, that's why I said in the OP that I know that it's different for everyone.

 

[Wasp77]

By answering the question as it was asked you gave me more info than anyone else ever has.

 

[dLj]

The numbers I'm familiar with are:
$15k/ year - low tight budget.
$35k/year - decent mid-range. Gives you some Marina stays, more fun stuff.
$65k/year you can fly home for visists a couple times/ year and more amenities while liveaboard.

I'd love to hear other opinions. Of course the above is on a moderate sized boat, say 45 feet - as a general ball park number. The smaller your boat the less overhead.
FWIW

dj
P.S. - none of the above are set in stone...

 

[Joe]

There are many, many articles on this subject..... google search "cost of liveaboard cruising" to get started. Please don't complain when forum members don't answer your questions to your liking.

 

[Wasp77]

Please don't complain when forum members don't answer your questions to your liking.

It's not that I didn't like the answer, it's that it was an answer to the question. My question is quite specific. Had I wanted suggestions on books to read, I would have asked for that. I even stated this in the original post, which is why I don't understand why it is so hard for people to understand. If I ask you what you had for dinner, would you tell me that there are plenty of restaurants that I could visit?

 

[Wasp77]

Thank you. Great answer.

 

[dLj]

Please don't complain when forum members don't answer your questions to your liking.

Ah let him complain. I for one will simply never answer another post he makes if he does...

dj

 

[justsomeguy]

...I don't understand why it is so hard for people to understand.

That's kinda funny right there.

 

[Joe]

It's not that I didn't like the answer, it's that it was an answer to the question. My question is quite specific. Had I wanted suggestions on books to read, I would have asked for that. I even stated this in the original post, which is why I don't understand why it is so hard for people to understand. If I ask you what you had for dinner, would you tell me that there are plenty of restaurants that I could visit?

Please..... no whining allowed. The links I directed you to are not books.. most are articles written from people's experience .... with hard numbers... isn't that what you asked for? I will tell you this.... you have put the cart before the horse. Go sailing, talk to folks, be courteous..... eventually you will develop a reasonable plan that will work for you.... but realize that the plan can and will change as you learn more. Good Luck.

 

[Rick Templeton]

Your probably not going to like this but for what it's worth.....

There are 4 things you need to set out on a sailing Journey across the open oceans.
1. You need to have a solid, reliable vessel outfitted with the tools and equipment that you will need, and that you are willing to bet your life, and those of any passengers on.
2. The navigational and operational skills necessary to get that vessel from your slip to your destination and back again.
3. The experience to handle all of the trials and tribulations that Odin will throw at you across your journey.
4. The cahonees to push your ship off and away from the dock to begin the journey.

Sounds to me like you have one of the above nailed.

The thing is.. Once you have the experience to answer your own question and the confidence to rely on your own answer you will be ready to push off..

Costs are more or less irrelevant as you will probably spend 10% more than you plan for..
And it will take you 20% more time than you thought it would..

Take your time, develope your skills, then cast off without fear of hurting yourself.

 

[Wasp77]

Your probably not going to like this but for what it's worth.....

True, it was not an answer to the actual question, but I do greatly appreciate the candor and expertise, thank you.

 

[Ron20324]

Thank you so much! This is EXACTLY the kind of answer that I am seeking! You are literally the ONLY person to ever answer the actual question!! ...

WA, Ya gotta go with how this forum works. My observation over the years is, say, there is a subject that you seek more knowlede about. You pose a question- as you did. Be specific, with pictures, age, model number, etc., and Google first. The answers- in no particular order- will be : "Why do you wanna do THAT?"; You shouldn't do THAT"; or "Here's what I did". Most of the replies will be personal opinion, not neceaarily factually correct , and it is up to the poster to sort through the replies for what he/she needs. /// One time I got an email thanking me for "cutting through the crap" that he got from 6 other answers. All 6 replies were different as to what wire size he should use to connect his battery to his outboard. My reply was to Google "wire amp capacity", which he did. Bottom line, to assume at least one of the various answers was RIGHT, then the other 83% were WRONG- and he had to sort the answers to get it that Google was the best reply. 83 percent wrong, so beware.

 

[Wasp77]

I will tell you this.... you have put the cart before the horse.

Thank you. I don't see how asking for a specific answer is whining, though, lol. Anyway, I appreciate your advice, I may be putting the cart before the horse, but that my caution for wanting to know as much as I can before committing myself to something that I may (God forbid) not be able to financially handle. I would LOVE to just take a plunge and wing it, but I'm too old and broken to do that again. It worked for me before, but I was younger and could handle the struggles a lot easier. So, now I'm just trying to get the info that I feel I need. I want personal experiences so that I can learn second hand, not text book answers. I have found the books on most subjects miss the mark greatly when it comes to answering personal questions.

 

[justsomeguy]

And it will take you 20% more time than you thought it would..

Wish that were my experience... Seems more like 50%.

 

[Wasp77]

WA, Ya gotta go with how this forum works. My observation over the years is, say, there is a subject that you seek more knowlede about. You pose a question- as you did. Be specific, with pictures, age, model number, etc., and Google first. The answers- in no particular order- will be : "Why do you wanna do THAT?"; You shouldn't do THAT"; or "Here's what I did". Most of the replies will be personal opinion, not neceaarily factually correct , and it is up to the poster to sort through the replies for what he/she needs. /// One time I got an email thanking me for "cutting through the crap" that he got from 6 other answers. All 6 replies were different as to what wire size he should use to connect his battery to his outboard. My reply was to Google "wire amp capacity", which he did. Bottom line, to assume at least one of the various answers was RIGHT, then the other 83% were WRONG- and he had to sort the answers to get it that Google was the best reply. 83 percent wrong, so beware.

My question was pretty specific. "What is YOUR average total yearly cost of living?", not "What is THE average annual cost of living?" My entire plan was to get multiple different answers and personal opinions on how each person prefers to live so as to find the average for what each situation costs, so that I can estimate whether or not it is feasible for me financially. People are getting upset with me because they want to answer a different question than was asked.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Perhaps this query would be better placed on https://www.cruisersforum.com/ You might get specific answers.

John's right. There was a skipper who has posted his first 11 months cruising costs right there. Probably on the liveaboard subforum.