'True' Cost ?

[etihwdj]

Am looking into the "dream" of selling off the land home upon retirement and getting a 35'-45' sailboat to live on and eventually cruise the east coast, Carribean. I've done a little bit of sailing as a kid, so would also need to spend some time to learn more before venturing out for more than a day's sail. Once a boat is purchased (used, already generally outfitted), what kinds of costs can be anticipated on a yearly basis for routine maintenance, slip fees, etc.?

[atoll]

welcome to the forum
try www.crewseekers.co.uk
great site for getting sailing experiance.
brg atoll

[zeehag]

your "true costs" are uniquely individual and vary from each place to the next. welcome to this forum and have fun with the answers ye will receive---

[meyermm]

Unlike a house with fixed costs cruising allows more flexibility.

[skipmac]

Costs are extremely variable. In FL slip fees for a 40' boat can range from $250/month to $1250/month.

Maintenance the same answer. DIY at a low cost yard in N FL might cost you $400-$500 to do a bottom paint job. Take it to the fancy yard in Palm Beach and pay them to do it will be double or triple or more.

Question is how much can you do and how much do you want to do yourself in engine maintenance and repair, wiring, plumbing, painting, carpentry, etc. You do it all and live at a cheap dock then the regular costs could be under $1000/month (not counting food, clothing and other standard living expenses, just boat costs). There will be periodic big buck bills that come along. New sails every 5-10 years $3000-$5000 each. Engine blows up, new engine $15,000.

So what are your DIY skills?

[sailorboy1]

For my 1988 Cal-39 costs not counting boat payments (but everything else) were:

2009 - $8281
2010 - $6874

This includes moorings, winter haul out, insurance, all money spend on maintenance and operation. But of course doesn't include depreciation of wear items like sails that will get paid for as needed to replace (if doing a true cost I would add $3,000 or more per year for "later").

Hope this helps

[Vasco]

Depends entirely on the boat you buy and where you want to keep it and how good you are at boat maintenance. There is no general rule the will help you.

[frank_f]

I think the answer to take away is "It depends".

My boat, maintenance, food, clothing and entertainment only cost me almost everything I make.

[Vasco]

Or it could be all you've got and then some.

[rebel heart]

It's about as varied as how much it costs to live on land. Some people are happy spending little, other people need to have a lot of money to be happy. A boat can cost as much as a used car or a large home, monthly bills can be in the hundreds or thousands.