I just read through most of the post "Live aboard after retirement". I was just amazed at some of the figures that were posted. Granted everyone cannot
work on their
boat or outfit it themselves, but if it has to be done it is not that hard.
I had a turn in my life recently. I knew it was coming so I got prepared. I bought a
Pearson Triton that had been started to get rebuilt. I would say half way there or all the
removal part was finished. All new standing
rigging in a larger size was already purchased. Auto pilot,
boom vang, clutches
roller furler 4
sails radio and
depth sounder all came with the
boat. Along with a rebuilt Atomic 4. I paid $1000.00 for the whole thing in RI. I was in WI. It took $600.00 or so to get it home. I
sold the
engine for $850.00, and the
instruments for $ 100.00 plus $50.00 for the instrument plate. So I ended up with a boat for $600.00 or so in my shop. I have put maybe $600 more into it rebuilding the
rudder and
rudder shaft.
Paint and
epoxy. I am floating right now on the
Mississippi. I am going to use
electric drive once I can get around to it. For now I am using a 9.9
outboard which is more than enough
power. I use 1/4 throttle most of the time and travel about 3.5 to 4 knots. I
live aboard. I do not have a fancy
stove oven only a $150.00 camp
stove oven from Cosco. One LP container lasts me about one month. I bought a Coleman 12v cooler from Walmart for $100.00. Using
insulation around it, it works just fine. I can use 5# of ice in a week if not plugged in or
plug it in if I am somewhere that has electricity. It is not one of the $4,000.00
freezer friges but it works just fine. I have a yagi
antenna that can pull in
wifi for entertainment. I have more than enough room for two people. I plan on installing a
shower in front of the
head. As a true live-a-board I have nowhere I need to be. I
anchor out in desolate bays in peaceful
water. I am down to my fighting weight in just two weeks roughly 135 or 140 I will know for sure next week at the doctors. I should write a book "The cruising diet". I have found that the
marinas I have been to will let you use their facilities if you are polite and respectful. It may be a different way to live a board, but it can be done and it can be fun. Even alone I am having a blast. My boat is more than capable of sailing around the world just as it is. I have made all the improvements to make it safe. Give me $100.00 a month and well I am into this boat for less than $5,000.00 once I get the
solar panels installed. I am betting I will have just as much fun as the person spending $60,000.00 and $2,000.00 a month. Maybe more. I met Bill on the river I spend 10 times what he spends (he is in a kayak) I have the life of luxury according to him all I have to do is just sit there to move he has to paddle, he gets wet when it rains, and has to get out to go... Once I hooked up the
autopilot I thought, does it get any better than this. Then I put up the
dodger and sun cover over the
cockpit. I wondered how much better can it get. Well I could have 3G network, and
satellite TV but that would bring my expenses well into the $350.00 a month range. So instead I sing a song and write in blogs to upload all at once when I can. Can you live on $100.00 a month on a boat you have nothing invested in. I think so, just learn to barter. My biggest expenses will be the
fees to get into other countries. My biggest thrill so far has been leaving all the EXPENSES behind.
Bonne nuit Dan
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