The Answer to How much it Costs to Cruise

[Catamoron]

Everybody wants to know how much it cost to live the sailing lifestyle, and up until we set sail back in December, we had no idea - just guesses. But now, after a full month of sailing and moving (we've gone from Key West to Georgetown so far) we finally have a good idea of exactly what it costs.

I've posted a pretty thorough list of everything we spent money on for the entire month of January - there isn't too many surprises and to be honest, once we get a better grasp on the cruising lifestyle, the cheaper we'll be able to do it. In fact, the only reason we even went to Nassau and docked there is because we had to put our dog to sleep (and I didn't include that expense either, but I did include all the other expenses of getting there and docking there.)

Catchin' Rays: How Much does it cost to Cruise for 1 month? Here's the answer

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Your expenses my vary.

[seandepagnier]

So, it is the answer for you, but not the answer for me as I have cruised many months without spending a dime. I am currently under $1000 for the last 12 months.

[SURV69]

Generally ... one spends what one has available to spend

I was interested in how to full-time sail at about $600(social security).

But now I get a small state pension and the VA has kicked in a supplemental disability pension to double my amount.

I'm very lucky, inthat all the years I operated my business, most of the money went to the employees in wages and perks ... I took what was left, and it wasn't much, although it was enough to live a frugal life ... which I enjoy living anyway ... so it was all good, and set me up nicely for my retirement.

I expect to be able to sail full time at about $500-$600, per month and put everything away for that "rainy day".

[sailorboy1]

Only 2 replies and the normal already started

I was mostly surprised by the "communication" cost.

[Greenhand]

Why did you choose not to include the provisioning and the pet costs?

Does your family have medical insurance? Do you have any insurance for your boat?

I am sure I will come up with more questions, but those are my starters.

[Redcoat]

The short answer is next to nothing or all you've got.

[JKP]

Catamoron, great website. I thought I had found and caught up on most all recent American based catamaran blogs, but I guess I missed yours.

Adding notes for each project on the renovation project page would be great. Something like tips or tricks or lessons learned that you would not repeat.

Thanks, Josh

[dlymn]

Don't forget to factor in depreciation on your boat (say 7%) and the other invisibles (insurance, registration, taxes, visas, etc depending on cruising ground)

[SV THIRD DAY]

One month of numbers....well get another 11 months and it will be more meaningful.
Because I could provision up our boat to spend zero for the next 3 months.

[Sailorman Ed]

WOW !! About 3 times what we spent (only 2 people and a smaller cat) in our first month in the Bahamas. But we stayed out of marinas and mostly in the Berrys where it was hard to spend money. At least until we got to Nassau. But keep at it and check the categories over time. Enjoying your blog.
Ed

[Catamoron]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

So, it is the answer for you, but not the answer for me as I have cruised many months without spending a dime. I am currently under $1000 for the last 12 months.

I kinda figure mine is probably a more accurate account and a little more typical than your particular example. If someone were to ask you, "How much does it cost to cruise" and you told them zero - I don't see how that helps anybody get an idea of what it actually costs.

[Catamoron]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

One month of numbers....well get another 11 months and it will be more meaningful.
Because I could provision up our boat to spend zero for the next 3 months.

Provisioning is only 1 part of many when it comes to cruising. And it only makes sense that the more data one has to offer, the better someone else gets a true idea of what the data means. But for us, all we've got data on so far is for one month, so that's what I've written about.

But its funny how people brag about how little they spend on cruising but yet I don't see an itemized breakdown of your monthly costs.

I only posted to give people my real-world example of cruising on a 42' cat with 4 adults....and at the end of my post, it specifically says "Your list my differ"

[clownfishsydney]

Kevin, it is great to see the figures. Yes, it will not be what we spend, but it will give some people an idea. Of course figures will change over the time, one month you might have a huge grocery bill and then next couple virtually nothing. Also, do people realise this is for four adults?

Ignore those who bag what you have done, it is more than most are willing to share with everyone. I love reading your web site and look forward to regular updates over the coming months and years.

[Catamoron]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Only 2 replies and the normal already started

I was mostly surprised by the "communication" cost.

But don't forget, I think I combined the cell phone cost of $210, the internet access, and the minuets that I pre-paid (of which I still have quite a bit on the phone) all together for this category. And next month I won't have to buy a phone again.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Don't take it the wrong way.....it great to post the info so keep it up.
The longer yilou cruise and post the data, the more meaningfully it will be for those with "The Question".