I will echo the previous replies. First, this is in the top three most asked questions so a little
research on the forum will give you hours of reading.
Here's a couple of the longer discussions.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nth-40051.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-ii-79067.html
And to go along with seasick's comment, the question is like asking how long is a piece of string. To put it in more specific detail, there are so many variables and your question is so open ended that an accurate answer is not possible. Some of the many things that can impact cost A LOT!!
1.
Fuel. On a
power boat how much will you be traveling and will you
cruise at slow,
displacement speeds (like 7-9 kts) or fast, planning speeds like 15-25 kts? At planning speeds the fuel
consumption could 5-10 times more than you would use at
displacement speeds. Based on typical fuel costs in the islands this would translate into $300-$400 in fuel for a day cruise or under $100.
2.
Anchoring out will save a lot. For 40-50'
boat a marina could cost $25-$250/night. Just like hotels, a room in a fancy
hotel in a big city will be way more than a Holiday Inn on the side of the freeway in the middle of nowhere.
3.
Food will be another big variable. Cook on board or eat out? Wine every day? Caviar or spaghetti?
4.
Maintenance. Do it yourself or pay a marina? If you pay a pro it will cost. Day to day, week to week the
maintenance won't be much:
oil and filter changes, new belts,
pump impellors, etc. Then there will be the occasional bigger expense like a new
water pump, a new
heat exchanger or manifold.
Then there's always the risk (small with a little bit of luck and if you checked out the
boat carefully) of the big hit, like rebuilding or replacing the
engine or
transmission. The big hits you can't plan for but need to be ready just in case.
5.
Insurance. What type of policy? Full coverage or liability only? What's your experience and where will you cruise? If you want full coverage for the
Caribbean figure a few thousand/year.
6. Personal expenses like
health insurance,
taxes, etc will be similar to what you have now.