Cruising full time is a dream for many. The idea of traveling the world while living on a boat is both exciting and daunting. One of the most common questions that people have about cruising full time is, “How much does it cost?” In this article, we’ll explore the various costs associated with cruising full time and provide some tips on how to budget for this lifestyle.
Upfront Costs
Before you can start cruising full time, there are some upfront costs that you’ll need to consider. The first is the cost of the boat itself. Depending on the size and condition of the boat, this can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
In addition to the cost of the boat, you’ll also need to consider other upfront costs such as:
- Survey: A survey is a comprehensive inspection of the boat that will cost between $15-$30 per foot.
- Insurance: You’ll need insurance for your boat which will cost around 1-2% of its value per year.
- Equipment: Depending on what equipment your boat already has, you may need to purchase additional equipment such as GPS systems or safety gear.
- Maintenance: Before setting out, you’ll want to make sure your boat is in top condition which may require some maintenance or repairs.
Ongoing Costs
Once you’ve purchased your boat and are ready to set sail, there are ongoing costs that you’ll need to budget for. These include:
- Docking Fees: Most marinas charge a fee for docking which can range from $0.50-$3 per foot per night.
- Fuel: Depending on how much you sail, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2-$5 per gallon of diesel fuel.
- Food: While cruising, you’ll need to stock up on food which can cost anywhere from $200-$600 per month depending on your eating habits.
- Entertainment: Depending on the activities you enjoy, you may need to budget for things like restaurants, tours, and other entertainment expenses.
- Communication: If you want to stay connected while cruising, you’ll need to budget for things like satellite phones or internet plans.
Tips for Budgeting
Cruising full time can be expensive but there are ways to make it more affordable. Here are some tips for budgeting:
- Cook onboard: Eating out can be expensive so try to cook most of your meals onboard.
- Sail more: The more you sail, the less fuel you’ll use which can save you money.
- Avoid marinas: Anchoring out is free and can help reduce your docking fees.
- Budget for maintenance: Keeping your boat in top condition will help prevent costly repairs down the road.
In Conclusion
Cruising full time is a dream that many people have. While it can be expensive, with proper budgeting and planning it’s possible to make this lifestyle a reality. By considering upfront costs, ongoing costs and implementing cost-cutting strategies along the way, anyone can make their dream of cruising full time a reality.