Month 4 Expenses & Costs of Cruising

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I have a sailboat, but there's hardy been any sailing opportunities coming down the east coast and ICW

That'll pass. We had one season in the Ballerics when we motored nearly everywhere due to lack of wind, whereas last season around Italy and Croatia, we only burned through 300 gallons of fuel over a five month period which was mostly to fuel the generator. Maybe only 80 gallons spent to move the boat in covering over 1500-1800 miles.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I have a sailboat, but there's hardy been any sailing opportunities coming down the east coast and ICW

Can you spell T-R-A-W-L-E-R ?

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

That'll pass. We had one season in the Ballerics when we motored nearly everywhere due to lack of wind, whereas last season around Italy and Croatia, we only burned through 300 gallons of fuel over a five month period which was mostly to fuel the generator. Maybe only 80 gallons spent to move the boat in covering over 1500-1800 miles.

That's more than I used on a trawler between Toronto and the Abacos

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Can you spell T-R-A-W-L-E-R ?

I do agree that trawlers can be efficient. Many are spacious and beautifully designed; however, neither spelling or owning one will cure a lack of sailing opportunities.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

That's more than I used on a trawler between Toronto and the Abacos

Ask me if I care....

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

That's more than I used on a trawler between Toronto and the Abacos

Well, I do care. I think fuel efficiency is valid relating to cruising costs. Kenomac's statement of about 1,600 miles with 80 gallons comes to an impressive mpg, but that's with sailing much of the distance.

Toronto to the Abacos sounds like it could be about the same distance. Even if it were half the distance, that would be about ten miles to a gallon!

I tend to tolerate a little exaggeration. So, tell us what's moving that pretty trawler.

[RayandMindi]

We agree with Shrew, the itemized list is definitely helpful! As always, thanks for sharing the information though! Relevant and helpful!

[ur2slo]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Ask me if I care....

[Hakuna Matata]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Well I'm going to post them as there appears to be enough interest on the thread and from PMs, and enough time has gone by so that those just looking to argue have moved on to another cause. I'm willing to answer any question about what is included in an item etc. and why I did it maybe, but unless I get pissed off I'm hoping not to answer anything just attacking what I spend MY money on.

Grifts (it was Christmas) - $850
Food, soda, beer, sundries, clothes, etc - $1357
Boat maintenance, repairs, upgrades -$1041
Fuel - $145
Marina - $453
Entertainment - $143
Transportation - $894
Communication, storage, shipping - $326
Medical costs- $226
Eating out - $513
Florida boat registration - $358
2017 boat insurance - $1293

Thank you for sharing!

[sailorcherry]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Compared to the group as a whole we have come across we are "average" at best. If you never eat out, eat only cheap stuff, don't have insurance, don't go to a movie, never go to a marina, and let your boat fall apart then a couple might get by on $1000. But that would be living in tent under the highway bridge.

Or, are you just cruising the wrong area (to meet your budget goals)?

I made the thread $1,000/month in Mexico. Old neighbors maintained that budget, two adults and two teens, in MX a few years ago. 41' sloop, worth around $40/$50k. They aren't drinkers and not big spenders, I don't known what kind of insurance they had. I doubt they stayed in marinas much at all.

So are you busting your budget due to being in the US/East Coast/Bahamas or is it because you are breaking the stay away from marinas rule?

PS- Forums are like a-holes, everyone has one (or many!). Hang in there Mon!

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by sailorcherry

So are you busting your budget due to being in the US/East Coast/Bahamas or is it because you are breaking the stay away from marinas rule?

PS- Forums are like a-holes, everyone has one (or many!). Hang in there Mon!

I posted what the money gets spent on.

Yes

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by sailorcherry

So are you busting your budget due to being in the US/East Coast/Bahamas or is it because you are breaking the stay away from marinas rule?

Marina was only $453, simple to see percentage of Marina costs to total, but of course I believe that the big ticket items were non recurring, at least monthly anyway, Christmas, Boat maintenance being so high, the rental car, insurance, registration, it adds up.
What has me worried is the almost $2K in food/clothes. See we usually do most shopping at Military Commissaries, and there is a savings there. So I am not used to buying food out on the Economy.
I was budgeting only $700 for food, and eating out. $500 food, $200 eating out.
Lately I have had an epiphany, that is the Wife likely spends more money on clothes, her hair and makeup than I have realized, and I have not been budgeting for that. Stupid I know, but being Male I think water pumps and engine problems, etc., never thought make up.
Yeah I know you can survive without all of that, but will it be fun? I see cruising as fun, not on how little can we survive on.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

..................................
......................... Yeah I know you can survive without all of that, but will it be fun? I see cruising as fun, not on how little can we survive on.

'but the paradox is that it can never stay fun if you spend more than you make!

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

'but the paradox is that it can never stay fun if you spend more than you make!

True, but it seems to me that here on the forum, there're way too many folks who think anyone who spends more than they do on the boat or enjoyment.... is doing it all wrong.

Who cares how much someone spends? If Sailorboy wants to spend $20,000 per month and he can afford it, great! I say go for it.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Yeah I know you can survive without all of that, but will it be fun? I see cruising as fun, not on how little can we survive on.

I agree.
Many people on this forum have worked hard their entire life, have risen to a good position in their community and society, have studied hard, brought children up and successfully educated them into college, university, etc.
They have tasted their success in a nice restaurant or two.

Now they have the opportunity to spend some hard earned money and go cruising....

So why should they ever only sail in 3rd world countries, be forced to stay in a Rolly Anchorage instead of the nice flat marina, walk the streets barefoot like a vagabond instead of buying a new shirt so they look like they have some sort of pride? Why should people who've worked their asses off be criticized for visiting an expensive $15 museum or art gallery, or watch the natives dance in some resort. Why shouldn't they rent a car to see a significant sight?

I've sailed to some pretty cheap places (in Asia) and some of them are not for everyone. Some people love the culture of some places others can't stand. The stench and apparent depravity of abject poverty can affect people in different ways.... Some people can happily cruise there, some can't.

Instead of slagging off about how others cruise we should look inwards and seeing we we are doing our own thing well.


Mark