Setting sail is a huge expense, be independently or on a chartered cruise. People cruising and sailing on medium-sized yachts plan many years in advance. If you are just two members cruising on a medium-sized yacht, you can subsist on a monthly frugal budget.
Budget and Finance Planning – Sailing Budget and Finance for Your Sea Voyage
New York (USA), September 02, 2017
Setting sail is a huge expense, be independently or on a chartered cruise. People cruising and sailing on medium-sized yachts plan many years in advance. You may save for a lifetime and then venture out after retirement planning to live on pension after your return. Some of you may not wait for retirement and plan short holidays on the seas. Whatever be the case, finance is a major issue.
Sailing Budget and Finance
Simple ways of augmenting your income include:
• Doing small jobs on boats anchored at marinas like painting, electrical repairs, mechanical work on motors
• Working on commercial cruise boats
• Attending to administrative and office work on board or on other boats while at port
• Write travel-related articles and post on the Internet
• Publish your sailing adventures
• Freelance for magazines and newsletters
• Look for simple land-based work at ports for the short period of stay
Independent Sailing
If you are just two members cruising on a medium-sized yacht, you can subsist on a frugal budget of $1,000 per month. You should restrict eating outside and prefer anchoring. Being stringent allows you to spend on other essentials like renting car for local sightseeing, using local laundry services, and purchasing films for cameras.
You should set aside half of your budget for boat costs and repairs like replacement of parts, fuel charges, dockage, and any sudden expenditure. Small maintenance measures undertaken regularly can keep any unforeseen repairs at bay. Checking and fixing leaks, changing the oil, and remaining prepared to anchor often can cut down costs substantially.
Remain aware of all tools and their basic handling so that you do not have to hire help if any problem crops up. Further, repairing immediately prevents problem from getting out of hand. Otherwise, it would become a huge expense.
Restrict your food budget. Eating out always can be a major expense. Instead, carry all basic cooking and dining essentials from home. It is lot of fun to anchor on a shore and cook meals just as would do at home. It not only presents a change from the way you regularly dine on your boat but also acts as a major cut down on your expenses. Carry along a pressure cooker as it saves lot of time and fuel.
Try to shop for groceries and vegetables at local markets and not at tourist spots. You can buy vegetables with long shelf lives like potatoes, onions, pumpkins, garlic, and similar others. In some markets, you can exchange goods like beer cans for vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Purchase vacuum-packed meat. Catch fish whenever possible and substitute fish for meat dishes.
If purchasing lunches, choose takeaways. They are cheaper and you can have them on board with a bottle of wine. However, in some parts of the world you get fantastic meals at cafes at unbelievable costs. Dining costs depend more on the location you anchor.
You cannot cut down on necessary expenses like insurance, health coverage, medicines, or any emergency repairs or additions like a new engine. Set aside a solid portion of your budget for these expenses.
Guide to Sailing and Ocean Cruising in a Medium Sized Yacht
The Complete Reference Guide to Sailing and Ocean Cruising in a Medium Sized Yacht