Month 11 for a middle-aged couple on a modest boat.

[Cthoops]

I just realized that I forgot to post last month's expenses - probably because I'm still trying to forget them!

We just finished up our eleventh month of cruising full-time on our Bristol 29.9.

We spent the first part of July on the hard before splashing the boat and staying in a transient slip at our club while we hung around for various medical appointments. Our last appointment was on July 23rd and we wasted no time tossing the dock lines and heading out again on July 24th. Since then our expenses have crashed as we had hoped, so August should (emphasis on the should) be substantially less pricey.

47% of July's spending was for medical appointments and related expenses (i.e. rental cars and fuel, hotel rooms, etc), along with haul out, storage, and annual boat maintenance costs. We put two solid coats of bottom paint on the boat and are hoping that we can skip hauling out next year.

Below is 100% of what we spent in July. I don't leave anything out in these monthly reports because I don't believe "not counting" is particularly helpful for those still planning and dreaming.

Expenses:

Groceries/Non-food Groceries: $621.83

Diesel/Gasoline: $31.10

Medical: $842.40

Rental cars, hotel room, and related expenses for medical appointments: $603.35

Cell phone and internet (2 phones, iPad, iCloud storage, Garmin inReach subscription): $162.50

Laundry: $7.00

Amazon Prime: $12.99

Boat US Towing Membership: $131.77 (West Marine was running a sale, so now we are paid up until April, 2021).

Boat Expenses: $790.91 (haul out and four weeks storage for the boat, gear oil, spark plugs, and zinc for the outboard, food hammocks, windlass parts, new flares to replace expired ones, new vent hose for Nature's Head, extra flare gun for ditch bag, diesel additives, 2 water jerry jugs, bucket, bungee cords, gloves, paint brushes, tools)

Restaurants/Entertainment: $203.64

New York Times subscription: $20.20

Clothing: $123.32

Life Insurance Premium: $220.75

Subscriptions: $130.30

Random: $776.18 (fishing gear, galley items, Burley trailer, guidebooks, etc.)

Total: $4,678.24

2019 monthly average to date: $3,720.00

2018 monthly average (September – December): $4,465.95

Monthly average since starting to cruise: $3,991.09

I hope this is helpful.

[sailorboy1]

I thought you had gotten health insurance. Oh well overall everything considering I think you did well.

Head north for a month to Maine and get some lobster rolls (let me know if you want some cheap ideas). There turn around a start heading south again and it will work out hurricane season wise.

[Cthoops]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I thought you had gotten health insurance. Oh well overall everything considering I think you did well.

Head north for a month to Maine and get some lobster rolls (let me know if you want some cheap ideas). There turn around a start heading south again and it will work out hurricane season wise.

The medical expenses were almost entirely due to new glasses for me. Highway robbery. In my next life I want to own an eyeglass shop. Oh well. At least I can see again without squinting at everything.

We’ve actually been very pleased with the health insurance (if only it covered glasses). Several appointments, a cardiac echocardiogram for Mr. Cthoops, and a few routine screenings - nothing but $25 co-pays and in some cases not even that. We’ll definitely keep the plan for next year.

Too late on heading north. We’re currently in Coecles Harbor and moving to Port Jefferson tomorrow. We are going to spend September and part of October exploring the Chesapeake before heading farther south. If we come back to New England next summer we’ll DEFINITELY be going to Maine or Nova Scotia.

[TheRailRoader]

$842 and almost all on glasses! That is insane!

I would look into laser eye surgery at that price, if it is an option...

I got it done last February birthday present to myself.. $3,100 Canadian it cost me... been happier then anything with it too.

Any rate, thanks for the post. When I log on, I read them religiously so it is appreciated.

RR

[MV Wanderlust]

Thanks for posting. So, you had a higher than average month. You'll recover from this. The real world numbers help those of us who are prepping to throw off the lines.

John

[sailm8]

Thank you for the post. I have been putting off new glasses. You convinced me to keep putting it off.

[fred4936]

Thank you again for posting your expenses> We find your info very helpful in our plans!

[skipmac]

Glasses are OUTRAGEOUS. A few months back wife and I both went in ad got two pairs each, regular and sunglasses. Set us back about $2000.00.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Glasses are OUTRAGEOUS. A few months back wife and I both went in ad got two pairs each, regular and sunglasses. Set us back about $2000.00.

https://www.zennioptical.com/?gclsrc...-n5zTxiflph6we

[Minnesail]

Originally Posted by Vasco

https://www.zennioptical.com/?gclsrc...-n5zTxiflph6we

That's what I did. About 20% the cost of glasses from the shop.

[Quadrille in JB]

Originally Posted by Minnesail

That's what I did. About 20% the cost of glasses from the shop.

+1
Great company with single vision glasses starting at $6.95
Used them for years, my optometrist buddy checks every pair out and is amazed at their clarity and quality.
Last pair; tortoise rims, polarized, high index polycarbonate for thin lenses, and anti scratch, anti fog and anti glare coating including shipping for just under $100. Clearer than my $250 Maui Jim’s
Bill in JB

[Madehn]

Dude go to Walmart for your glasses- i wear the best lenses you can buy- Nikon Custom Eyes with flex titanium frames- progressive script and i believe my last pair was maybe 350 bucks plus the eye exam which varies somewhat but is ususaully around $65. i can actually get serviceable glasses there for well under $200 bucks - if you are willing to do without some extras you can get two pair for that - i am assuming that you need both a distance and a reading script-- if you just need one or the other you can get decent glasses there for under $50 bucks.

[Sailorman Ed]

Look for an America's Best office, $69 for 2 single vision plus a good eye exam, $99 for 2 bifocals. Once you have your update prescription, then go to Zenni, I am very happy with their (Zenni) polarized sunglasses.

[Cthoops]

I’m glad that people are finding the posts helpful. I’m taking notes on the alternative suggestions for eyeglasses given that Mr. cthoops will need them next year!

[tomlisasail]

I think you can do better on your NY Times subscription.