Budgeting liveaboard

[viben]

I am planning the liveaboard experience in the US southeast /Caribbean, and have made some attempts at budgeting.

Of course, a lot will depend on spending habits and living standards, days at sea and docking fees etc. – but if you are able share some of your thoughts, it will be greatly appreciated.

I’m a single guy with a 40' sialboat, appreciating the simple things in life and wanting my bucks to go as far as possible but without hardship…

I suggest keeping direct vessel costs, such as maintenance and fuel, out of the equation for now - but some input on docking fees will be great.

[Hudson Force]

You're wise to consider docking fees or marina costs as being a major cause of depleting your budget. The following equipment can increase your initial preparation costs, but save money in the long term by keeping you out of marinas.

1- Good ground tackle & windlass for secure anchoring
2- Means to produce 12VDC,- solar and/or wind
3- Conservative use of 12VDC
4- A good dinghy for transporting crew, groceries, bicycles, laundry, etc
5- An ability to enjoy solitude

..... and when you decide to pay for a slip shop around. Marina rates vary by great amounts. Also, a string of one day transient rates can cost far more than a weekly rate. Keep us posted of your adventures!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

You're wise to consider docking fees or marina costs as being a major cause of depleting your budget. The following equipment can increase your initial preparation costs, but save money in the long term by keeping you out of marinas.

1- Good ground tackle & windlass for secure anchoring
2- Means to produce 12VDC,- solar and/or wind
3- Conservative use of 12VDC
4- A good dinghy for transporting crew, groceries, bicycles, laundry, etc
5- An ability to enjoy solitude

..... and when you decide to pay for a slip shop around. Marina rates vary by great amounts. Also, a string of one day transient rates can cost far more than a weekly rate. Keep us posted of your adventures!

From the man on the spot with a finger on the pulse..
Anchoring wherever possible stretches the budget a lot.. but likely this will only really count once you start hitting the islands.. from what folks post about Florida lately.. if your dink is a good rower even better.. else allow for between 5-10L petrol/week while on the hook if your social or like exploring.
If I had to make the choice.. I'd anchor every time.. cooler/fresher.. quieter.. fewer unwanted guests.. insect and human..
Enjoy

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

You're wise to consider docking fees or marina costs as being a major cause of depleting your budget. The following equipment can increase your initial preparation costs, but save money in the long term by keeping you out of marinas.

1- Good ground tackle & windlass for secure anchoring
2- Means to produce 12VDC,- solar and/or wind
3- Conservative use of 12VDC
4- A good dinghy for transporting crew, groceries, bicycles, laundry, etc
5- An ability to enjoy solitude

..... and when you decide to pay for a slip shop around. Marina rates vary by great amounts. Also, a string of one day transient rates can cost far more than a weekly rate. Keep us posted of your adventures!

#5 might be the real bugaboo for a single person. Especially a relatively youngish one with social needs that couples or older solo cruisers may no longer care about. If you need to be ashore every afternoon for drinking, dining and/or conversation, obviously the costs go way up.

[viben]

Originally Posted by boatman61

From the man on the spot with a finger on the pulse..
Anchoring wherever possible stretches the budget a lot.. but likely this will only really count once you start hitting the islands.. from what folks post about Florida lately.. if your dink is a good rower even better.. else allow for between 5-10L petrol/week while on the hook if your social or like exploring.
If I had to make the choice.. I'd anchor every time.. cooler/fresher.. quieter.. fewer unwanted guests.. insect and human..
Enjoy

Anchoring wherever possible is part of the plan - and while talking about it, I found a great writeup about it here:

http://cruising.coastalboating.net/Seamanship/Anchoring/Etiquette.html

Any additional thought?

[viben]

Is there a good, authoritative source / link for information about docking and other fees charged by US southeast marinas – or do I need to check each one individually?