The real costs of living on a sailing boat
On April 10, 2023, we finally bought our sailboat and a house. It’s been a little over a year since we started the long road to acquiring it. Now we need to make sure that the boat stays afloat and our stomachs are full. These two tasks have been our main goals from the very beginning. And although I do not hide the fact that last month we faced a shortage of one of these resources, we still continued to travel.
We spent a lot of time waiting for when we could leave the marina and hit the road. In this article, we want to clarify one of the most important aspects of this lifestyle — the cost of full-fledged swimming. We returned from a trip with friends from the Galapagos Islands to Costa Rica and want to share our experiences to inspire more people to try an alternative lifestyle.
Managing expenses on the voyageThe real costs of living on a sailing boat
Let’s talk about how we manage our swimming expenses. We didn’t start with a million dollars in the account, but we managed to organize our finances so that it was doable. Since buying the boat, we have learned how to minimize our expenses and make an informed choice.
Checking the technical condition of the boat
Recently, after returning to the marina, we decided to check out some elements of the boat. After 50 hours of engine operation, we removed the valve cover to check the gaps. This is an important step, as proper engine operation is critically important for safety. Fortunately, the gaps turned out to be normal, and we were able to continue swimming.
Provisions and food expenses
In preparation for the trip, we made a large purchase of products in Panama, as prices there are much lower than in Costa Rica. We spent 39,325 columns, which is about 6,158 columns per week (or about $703).
Our itinerary
We often choose anchorage sites based on their availability and prices. For example, in Costa Rica, we found that anchorage is free, which significantly reduces our costs. However, sometimes we have to enter the marina to perform certain tasks or access services.
Fuel costs
Considering that we are in an area with little wind, we often had to use the engine. We have refueled several times since leaving the UK, but overall fuel costs remain reasonable. For example, we spent 175 pounds on 30 liters of fuel for 70 nautical miles.
General expenses and their management
We understand that boat maintenance costs may vary. Sometimes it can be a small amount, and sometimes it can be thousands of dollars. We try to plan our expenses and take into account possible unforeseen situations. For example, replacing a water pump in Panama would have been expensive, but thanks to the help of a friend, we were able to reduce costs.
Insurance and the Internet
Our boat insurance costs are around 500 pounds per year, which provides us with worldwide coverage. We also pay for Starlink to stay connected, which costs £77 per month. This is necessary for working and communicating with our subscribers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, although living on a boat requires certain expenses, it also provides many opportunities for adventure and personal growth. We are happy to share our experience and hope that it will inspire others to try an alternative lifestyle. If you are thinking about going sailing, remember that it is possible, even if you do not have a huge amount of capital.
The article describes the experience and impressions from this video:
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