Spent the month in the
Bahamas. This month could be a good example of the “not counting” principle of reporting cruising costs by not counting
medical and the new life vests I ordered ($880 of the months costs). But cruising and living costs are the same to me and my bank account doesn’t know the differences. So, I report total out of pocket costs and let readers decide how to apply to themselves for planning if desired.
General living – have you see the prices of
beer in the
Bahamas? Especially in out islands where it may be 2x the “mainland” price! Then there is coke, $0.52/can in
Nassau, $0.88/can in Marsh Harbor, $1.50/can in Hopetown. Anyway grocery,
beer, supply runs, sundries, clothes, “other” etc. for the month was “normal” even though we held back and went through about half the stores in the
freezer and dined out a lot (at least dollar wise).
Boat costs were just some new
inflatable life vests with harness. Defender had a great deal on them, and I had been wanting so ordered and will pick up when I get back to the States. This maybe could be counted as “clothes”, but to me it is a
boat expense as if not for the boat I would not have gotten.
Dining out and entertainment costs were kind of high. It just costs more to do here even at “local” places if you can find one open.
Fees were credit card cash back.
Communication was cell phones, a month of
WIFI service for Bahamas, and a month of in Reach
service.
Marina cost was 6 days on a
mooring in Hopetown waiting a
weather blow (just to get hammered a week later by an unforecasted 60 mph blow).
Medical/dental was monthly ACA plan payment, plus testing copays from 3 months ago and physical therapy copays from over a year ago still showing up.
The total expenses were $ 3,260.93. Cost breakdown as follows for planners and hecklers and spreadsheet attached:
General Living -
Food, soda, alcohol,
clothing, sundries, other - $ 1,000.33
Boat costs - upgrades,
repairs,
maintenance - $ 252.13
Fuel (diesel, gas, propane) - $ 172.44
Dining and drinking out - $ 797.34.
Entertainment - $5.00
Communication,
storage,
shipping - $ 278
Fees – $ -38.76
Marina - $ 120.00
Electric - $ 0
Medical - $ 674.45