Quote: (07-27-2016 11:46 AM)General Stalin Wrote:
Not sure what your financial situation is like, Suits, but I'd also like to recommend you seriously weigh the costs of running your own boat. An actual sleeper craft with an inboard or even inboard/outboard is not just pricey to buy, but also pricey too upkeep. That's where the "gotcha" is with maritime living.
It would be a little cheaper to own a sailboat as the fuel/engine costs would be far lower, but you still need to pay to store it (which is expensive if you want to dock/moor in a nice port city) and other general upkeep. Every few years you will also need to dry dock it and restore/refinish the hull and other such huge pain in the ass and expensive projects.
Not trying to talk you out of it because being out on the ocean on your own ship (especially one with a lot of space and really baller creature comforts) is amazing, but it certainly has it's downsides.
I did a ton of reading on the subject back when I was in my very early twenties. At that point, I was deadset on eventually living on a sailboat.
At this time, I see it more as one of many interesting options, but I'll only seriously pursue it if the numbers are right with plenty left over.
I'm a big proponent of developing a lifestyle where the girls come to you to some degree, as I don't see it as an ideal goal to still be doing street approaches in ones 40's.
I just turned thirty, so I'll let you know how it all turns out one or two decades down the road.
As it turns out, just as I leave my 20's, I've reached a stage where I'm very aware of what my strengths are and I believe that I have serious earning potential as a small business owner. I can earn a comfortable living on the service side already ($50K+ with no need for a car or any major expenses aside from housing). I'm using my surplus income to develop a line of products that will reposition me from service provide to legitimate business owner.
If I fail completely, I'll still be earning an easy $60K or more each year working for myself. A sailboat would a stupid choice at this income level.
If I succeed at business, the sky is the limit. Even then, I don't want anything longer than a bluewater capable 32fter. That'll do the job and any additional feet, no matter the purchase price, will quickly increases the expanse and challenge of maintenance jobs.
It's completely reasonable to expect to be able to manually lift sails on a 32ft boat. It's less reasonable on a 50ft boat, depending on the sail plan. The last thing you want on a boat is one more essential component (such as a power sail-lift) that is liable to break down at the most inconvenient moment.
As far as long term goals go, I just want the best lifestyle possible. I'm definitely not going to sacrifice everything just to have a boat. If it's the most efficient means to an end, then I'll seriously consider it.