Budget for the First Boat

[mys]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are ready for fullfill our dream: a sail boat.

I have some sailing experience, as teenager I practiced sailing as sport with good results. In 2003 a sailed as guest in 35 feet from Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. For years we were saving money to buy our first boat. I have create the budget listed below and I would like to know if it make sense to others.

Budget

25K-35K for a 32-36 feet old-boat in sailing conditions.
15K for repairs and upgrade
20K for 3 years marine fee in Miami( where we live )

Extra we have another 50K for support us and cover the unexpected.


Thanks

mys

[DeepFrz]

Did you see this thread?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...day-41292.html

[boatman61]

Welcome....

1977 Moody 33 Center Cockpit Sail New and Used Boats for Sale
Seperate masters cabin, center cockpit great builder/designer


1975 Pearson Sloop Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - uk.yachtworld.com
Aft cockpit traditional layout....good design


1981 Island Trader Ketch Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -
Or the romantic long keel look....

[mys]

We aren't looking for boat yet. We just want to know if those numbers sound good to others skippers.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by mys

We aren't looking for boat yet. We just want to know if those numbers sound good to others skippers.

Well judge for yourself... what sounds good to me sounds terrible to most on here.. and may to you as well.
Your the only one who can judge... eg Island Trader.. to me great as is..
you may want a new engine.. X amount of geegaws...
You've a great budget.. for what I've posted and 'Island Time'..
You've a crap budget if you want to do a MarkJ or Pelagic..

[barnakiel]

Try Pearson 365 and see how it stands against the marina fees for this size in your area. Friends have one and it is a lot of boat for very reasonable money.

b.

[Ex-Calif]

This is a how long is a piece of string question... There are many ways to eat an elephant.

1 - Decide how much money you have and live within those means for the sailing experience you can afford.
2 - Decide the sailing experience you want and create a budget to fulfill

You have a budget. I personally think 36 feet is more boat than you can afford. You talk about being in a marina (where you are) for 3 years so I am guessing coastal cruising and weekending.

I would go with a 27 foot plastic boat - Catalina, Hunter, Ericson etc.

- Handling easier
- Costs easier
- Berthing cheaper
- Hauling cheaper and more locations

Invest in getting it the way you like it. I have a 1982 model 25 1/2 feet (I always count the half - Ha) - I wish I had 27-30 foot max (for now) - after 30 feet I lose a couple of haulout locations around here. 25 (and a half) feet has provided hundreds of hours of joy.

My costs are no real reference for you but over 4 years we have spent about US$500 a month for everything all in. Insurance, berthing, maintenance and upgrades. We spent about 1/3 the purchase price in the first 3 months getting things up to spec.

[speedoo]

mys, your budget is sufficient, in my opinion, except that I am not sure 20K is adequate for three years of marina fees in Miami, assuming that you will live aboard. Most likely you will be spending a lot of time away from Miami, in the Bahamas and Florida Keys, and maybe in the Carib as well. (Note that a shoal draft boat, of 5 feet or less is a big advantage in the Bahamas and Keys). So when you are away from Miami, the big variable is how much time you will be in marinas (expensive) vs. anchored out (cheap).

If it were my decision, I would not spend very much time in Miami at all, but would be away in the nearby playgrounds as much as possible, and anchored out most of the time. Maybe using Miami or Ft. Lauderdale as a base for periodic maintenance, reprovisioning, etc..

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
I think you are starting with a great budget. The marina fees might be a little light but maybe you can find a good cheaper marina in your area.
kind regards,