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I received an inquiry today by private message - and thought I would post my reply here...just a little bit of an update...
Hello,
Thanks for writing.
I am currently working on client projects in the Pacific Northwest - and am looking forward to another voyage at the end of this year.
I get back to check on my boat about 3-4 times a year (I left her in good hands in a marina in Mexico after finishing my 2004 voyage).
I thoroughly enjoyed my voyage - and my experience living aboard - I consider Renaissance my official home - and I simply rent a room in whatever city I happen to be working on a client project.
I have kept almost all of my belongings in storage since moving aboard in 2002 - and havent' missed any of the "stuff" that normally fills a house.
I bought 10 acres of land (very cheaply) in Arkansas in 2003 - with plans to put a steel shipping container on it so that I wouldn't have to keep paying storage fees - but haven't gotten around to doing that yet.
It is a bit inconvenient to have my "stuff" spread out...storage in L.A., rented room in Seattle...boat in Mexico...but I hope to consolidate later this year or 2007.
If you are going to buy a boat and move aboard - and if you have a home now - I would recommend renting it out rather than selling it. At least for a few years until you decide that living aboard is really for you.
Putting everything into storage is also a recommended option - not selling it off at fire-sale prices. As I met several cruisers who did just that - and yet were not really suited to the cruising lifestyle.
I have looked at several boats as possible next purchases...but for now, I am satisfied with my older, smaller, (and cheaper to maintain) boat.
As far as ongoing expenses...here are a few of the must-haves...
Annual bottom paint (somewhat debatable)
Monthly check of your zincs
Nice to haves...
Monthly hull cleaning
Depending on your locale and marina - liveaboard expenses can vary widely. In Portland Oregon - total fees for a 32-43 ft. boat can be less than $375...in Cabo San Lucas - over $1600+
Your mileage may vary...
Kelvin
Quote:
Originally Posted by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Im a new member. Enjoyed reading your live aboard reflections.
Are you still living aboard? Did you ever get another boat?
My wife and myself are soon to retire and move to Florida to be near to our son's family who has a Catalina 40.
I have the "jitters" about what it may cost to live aboard. What expenditures have you found you can eliminate that were necessary when you lived on land. Also what expenses have you found you can not do without living aboard?
Look forward to hearing from you....
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx in Texas....
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