Recording Costs of Ownership

[Therapy]

I used the search.

I used the google search.

I used google.

I am pretty sure I saw or was given a spreadsheet (.xls) at one time but cannot find it online or in my computer.

So, before I go re-creating the "wheel" in Excell (I am not good with it) does someone have a template I can use to record all the various costs etc?

[TaoJones]

Just a cursory search, Therapy, but I found the following:

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

The granddaddy sailing question and the one that I was web searching when I found this site to start with a few years ago. Was the key question for me to decide to get into sailing to start with. I finally came to the conclusion that cruising costs whatever you can afford to spend (within reason). Its not the cruising that determines the cost, its your lifestyle just like on land. I have $2000 US/mo in my spreadsheet for cruising, but I expect this to be the high life while in the crowded areas. But the goal is to get off the "beaten path" to the real crusing life.

Since he mentions having a spreadsheet, maybe you could PM him and get the particulars.

TaoJones

[Ex-Calif]

I use QuickBooks Pro (2001 version) to keep the books on our partnership. It is awesome because I can track the capital assets (boat, mooring deposits etc), the joint partnership bank account, all the chart of accounts, balance sheet, cash flow etc.

I think I have spit out the costs into excel and mailed them to people before.

If you PM me with an email address I can send you a copy.

I personally would recommend QuickBooks over excel.

[nautical62]

Therapy, I have an excel spreadsheet that could be adapted and have a bit of time on my hands. Are you looking for a monthly budget by category?

Let me know specifically a bit more what you are looking for and if I have anything close I'll be happy to edit it and send it on.

- Dave

[sundown]

Just a suggestion but: DON'T DO IT!!! 1) When you see how much it actually costs to own a boat it quickly becomes apparent BOAT is an acronym for Bring Over A Thou$and, 2) It just gives your other half concrete proof your hobby is expensive (= $ you should have lavished on him/her) 3) You can rent a more expensive boat for far less than one that is 'affordable'. 4) If you have to ask "How much does that cost ..." you will really start feeling like a cash cow at the Chandlers.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by nautical62

Therapy, I have an excel spreadsheet that could be adapted and have a bit of time on my hands. Are you looking for a monthly budget by category?

Let me know specifically a bit more what you are looking for and if I have anything close I'll be happy to edit it and send it on.

- Dave

Yes.
Just something to list all expenses in relevant categories so that in a year or so I can see what a tremendous folly I have committed.

[maxingout]

If you start keeping track of all those expenses, it won't be long before you are depressed, and you will have to add in the cost of antidepressants as well.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by maxingout

If you start keeping track of all those expenses, it won't be long before you are depressed, and you will have to add in the cost of antidepressants as well.

LOL.

At least I know a doctor that will be understanding and prescribe them in the proper doses.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by maxingout

If you start keeping track of all those expenses, it won't be long before you are depressed, and you will have to add in the cost of antidepressants as well.

is that I have mastered many DIY skills and learned to work on most anything myself.

It has helped that my might-use marine pile had 25 years to grow tall. It is shrinking each day.

Which is to say that I should be very careful not to record the hours!

[maxingout]

This is all a very delicate balance.

Too much boat work and too much expense, and you get depressed. When you have no boat, you're missing out, and you get depressed.
The right boat with the right amount of boat work, and you feel great.

Yachties are always living on the edge.

[PTCowgirl]

This is close to the question that I had when I came here. We are just starting to seriously consider the live aboard coastal cruising lifestyle and are wondering what we can expect for expenses. I know it's similar to living on land, in that, your expenses are what you spend! BUT, serioulsy, what are some of the costs that we need to be looking at for daily, weekly, monthly etc.? I'd love to see your spreadsheet Dave. Once we plan to hit the water, I'd be willing to give QuickBooks a shot Dan. Sounds handy. I suppose I should start using it now to figure out what I'm doing first hu?

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Phyllis.
A lot of the costs are going to be linked to the type and condition of your boat and where you keep it....we pay over 8gs a year for marina slip.
I know plenty of folks who live aboard and cruise comfortably on $1,500 a month...it really is going to depend your life style.
I cant speak from my own experience since is dated over 30 years ago.