Cruising on $5,000 / Month

[Pelagic]

Yeah you're right Mark, it is a subjective thing.
After a lifetime of cruising to all the hot spots and events I really enjoy the quite times of hunting and catching my own. It's all in the bait you use

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

not a single luxury


Mark

Like Robison Crusoe, as primitive as can be.

[sailorboy1]

$500 too little
$5000 too much
$3000 too little

guess that means $3001-$4999, I probably can come up with the extra $1

[BandB]

One point that jumps out too is there really are two numbers for each person. There is the absolute minimum for subsistence. Then there is the amount for an enjoyable pleasant and fulfilling life. One must be sure they can cruise and enjoy well enough to make it worth while. That answer is different for everyone. I've read books by those who lived on board for far less than $5,000 per month. More in the $2,000 range. But, frankly, I would have found the lowest of those lives pretty miserable. On the other hand they were happy.

[Don1500]

Two year average = $2424.56/month in Marinas.

On my boat again
I just love to be on my boat again
Living life the way I like
Getting groceries on my bike
I just love to be on my boat again

(apologies to Willie)

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Don1500

Two year average = $2424.56/month in Marinas.

)

That depends on where you are.
5 miles up river from Sydney Harbour the cost of a marina for a 39 foot boat is over $2,000 per month.

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

That depends on where you are.
5 miles up river from Sydney Harbour the cost of a marina for a 39 foot boat is over $2,000 per month.

Looks like I'll be avoiding THAT area too. You can't live on $2000 a month everywhere, but its doable in a ton of locations. Gee there's even this crazy blonde who lives on about 1/4 of that though most would find that difficult. Just means avoiding the pricey places and stop looking at shoes (if your blonde).

It takes whats you gots.

[Horror Hotel]

Somewhere in all this there is a fine line between actively cruising and living in a marina. I've meet Florida folks who purchased in northern FL, and 3 hops later are in key west. It took years, and have 10 days at sea total. They want to think they are your peers, but have no real concept of it. I don't think we will ever be able to actually define the difference. A week or two in random marinas on a fairly constant voyage is cruising. Living in a marina for 6 months to a year isn't cruising, it's life. Marina slip + a car, that's a big clue. Maybe we could have a living on $5000 a month thread.

[medicrene]

Is it really the money that makes it possible? I think it is the timing when the weather, the job, the family, and the stars aline that makes it possible for your wallet to be thick, your winds to be fair and the seas be at your back. That being said, with 5000 per month, I would hire two very attractive and liberal female crew members and get moving.

[rw58ph]

If a person drop all insurance, helath, liability, property, a person in the PNW might be able to do it for $2,000/month.

However, I would some how have in the buget for cloths and shoes, even if it meant not eating as well. It would not hurt to go on a diet!

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Looks like I'll be avoiding THAT area too. .

You dont have to avoid the area... Anchor for free right next to the Opera House. Sydney is great for cruisers, only expensive for people wanting to live there or dock

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

You dont have to avoid the area... Anchor for free right next to the Opera House. Sydney is great for cruisers, only expensive for people wanting to live there or dock

Ah, That's good to know.

While I do actually stay in marinas for some of the colder months, I actually do that sailing thingy and move about a bit. Oh no world cruiser...yet. I did however put 960 miles under the keel this last year. Actually for the last four years, I averaged about 1000 miles a year. OK no ocean crossing, but not staying at the marina or sitting in one place either.

OK I don't have health insurance, but I do carry boat insurance and pay property taxes. Still all in all its about $550-$600 a month, including an allowance for clothing ($20- I shop at the better goodwills), dockage, fuel, boat insurance and even haulouts. But I do all my own labor, even for engine rebuilds. (Ok that broke the budget. but not an every year occurrence) Food was $170 this last month. Plus cat food, litter which runs another $52 a month. Mind you, I only haul every 4 years or so.

Yes the $600 includes marina visits too. Just not in the central SF bay.

So doable... yes.... Easy....only if your crazy....
BTW, I'm at anchor at the moment.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Don1500

Two year average = $2424.56/month in Marinas.

On my boat again
I just love to be on my boat again
Living life the way I like
Getting groceries on my bike
I just love to be on my boat again

(apologies to Willie)

Hi Don, Thanks for the ditty!

For all those looking for the magic and proper cruising expense number of dollars,- I have the answer!

The best cruising is done at about 70% of your income, but any amount that is less than your income will suffice!

Follow this and it makes no difference how you spend the funds,- marinas, anchoring, restaurants, fishing..........

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

The best cruising is done at about 70% of your income, but any amount that is less than your income will suffice!

Thanks, but pretty limited use for people cruising on savings.

[Greggegner]

This thread should be titled " Living on $5,000", how time is spend will vary. Don't look down on sailors that stay in marinas more. It is their choice and priorities.