Month 30 Expenses of Cruising and Living on the Boat

[Jim Cate]

Every day is a vacation for us

I thought that this attitude was what cruising was all about! At least, it is for us...

But SB, while I neither envy nor desire your style of cruising, posting your fairly detailed and specific data may well help others with planning. It would be good if some other dedicated folks whose style is more minimal would post equally detailed info, something to show folks who aspire to a more economical cruising adventure some equally real data.

I'm far too lazy myself... are there any volunteers?

Jim

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

It would be good if some other dedicated folks whose style is more minimal would post equally detailed info, something to show folks who aspire to a more economical cruising adventure some equally real data.

I'm far too lazy myself... are there any volunteers?

Jim

Well that’s the whole point of the thread series. For 30 months there have naysayers and quitics saying I spend too much and they spend a lot less. But there never are any long term details to back it up.

Far as vacation, life is more than living on a boat. Most cruisers I have met go on vacation they call it different things like “visiting the kids”

[kmacdonald]

SB, I don't think you spend too much. In fact I think you are about the average cruiser as far as expenses go. You are enjoying life the way you want. Good for you and thanks for sharing expense info.

[Jaqun]

Thank you for posting your expenses. It is a real service for those of us still planning our getaway.

[fred4936]

Thank you once again for posting! I look forward to seeing your posts on budgeting. You are having a good time, that is the whole point this!

[Seadoc777]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Had a frugal cruising month, even if my checkbook says we were over budget. Finally left the marina in Jacksonville and currently am in Vero Beach waiting the front to go by while visiting cruiser friends. We went on a real vacation away from the boat to Cancun. Due to vacation numbers for food and dining out really are only 3 weeks instead of a month as I put everything related to the Cancun trip into entertainment.

Did grocery, beer and supply runs as normal. Maybe a little more to restock, but not overdoing it as we knew there were easy restocking stops on our route.

Didn’t do a lot of boat repairs, just the small everyday things that add up to more than people think.

Most of our dining was smaller stuff, but we have been visiting breweries along the way.

Entertainment was trip to Cancun and include any cost of the trip, plus some movies and books etc.

Rented a car for a day plus did some Uber rides.

The total expenses were $ 3,901.34. Cost breakdown as follows for planners and hecklers:

Food, soda, alcohol, clothing, sundries - $ 467.74
Boat upgrades, repairs, maintenance - $ 407.79
Fuel (diesel, gas, propane) - $ 148.93
Dining out - $ 348.74
Entertainment - $ 1,832.01
Communication, storage, shipping - $ 107.04
Fees – $ -105.03
Marina - $ 328.37
Electric - $ 20.12
Medical - $ 1.25
Transportation - $ 100.86
Gifts - $ 223.52
Insurance - $ 0

$1,832.01 for entertainment? Did hire dancing girls?

[sailorboy1]

You cant get quality dancing girls for the week for $1800. Get a grip people :-)

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

You cant get quality dancing girls for the week for $1800. Get a grip people :-)

Yep! That's more of an hourly rate.

[Tayana42]

SB1, I want to know what critical medical issue you had that cost $1.25?

[Delfin]

$1.25 for medical? You didn't try that DIY bypass operation, I hope...

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

SB1, I want to know what critical medical issue you had that cost $1.25?

Maybe a Band Aid?

[jhulmer]

That's the beauty of the lifestyle! You get to do you!

How often do people open up their check book and show you how they spend their money? Almost never!

Thanks again SB ... always informative and entertaining

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

SB1, I want to know what critical medical issue you had that cost $1.25?

Well my foot was hurting enough I went to the doctor. They took some x-rays, plus I have a $5 copay for specialists.

But I get a $50 credit card from my insurance if I get my yearly physical and a $25 one if I get my flu shot. Both my wife and I got those this year so thats $150, plus she did the survey and that was another $25. Now I used to only be able to use those for medical things, but this year I can use them on anything at Walmart. So a couple weeks ago we did a supply run at Walmart and used that “free” money, but had some left over.

So when my deductible part of the x-rays showed up we used the balance, which left $1.25 that we paid out of pocket.

Deep down we are geniuses

[Tayana42]

That is a complicated $1.25.[emoji8]

[sailingchiro]

Always enjoy your posts. Keep them coming. Please. Despite resistance. Your posts probably give more people like me hope it is possible in the near future. Thank