Buy a CHEAP boat now and GO! $40k plus, what it costs monthly - Ep 243 - Lady K Sailing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- This week we talk about how to buy a cheap sailboat to live on and go sailing now in the Caribbean and Bahamas on a sailboat, how to outfit the sailboat for cruising, anchors, solar panels, refrigeration, and water. We also talk about what it will cost every month to live on a sailboat.
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I'm living in my car trying to save up buy a boat live on it fix it up and set sail
You might be taking it too far. But you will feel like your in a mansion in a 22’ or larger boat
I wish you the best!
Got a job at a boat yard to fund my plans. The pay ain’t great but I’m learning how to fix sail boats on other peoples boats. Also I signed up as crew with a ferry captain so sometimes my boss will let me tag along to drop off a boat somewhere. Travel I get paid to do while learning how to do it for myself. Been at this 6 months now and have already learned that the best deals on boats are to be found in the marina or in the yard. No paying brokers, no messing with people from all over, face to face and normally there’s a couple of guys who have worked on the boat before who know how it’s been kept. I want to say again the pay isn’t great but all the side benefits are amazing.
That’s awesome! I’m in a similar situation, I find it all to be very hard to get into without connections (and money), sailboats especially.. May I ask what state you’re in?
All you need is headroom and 25 feet. Kudos on your dream. There is a really nice Islander 24 here in Connecticut for 2k! Modified full keel , good built and sails fantastic
Listen to Tim. Go simple, go now. Do not wait until your in your 80's (like me) and have to (sadly as a widowor) live vicariously through Tim and the other great UTube sailors. I restricted to Bay sailing (and thankfully) on my old Catalina 30. Keep up the great utube work Tim with all your practical tips and advice, I always learn and bookmark many episodes.
For whoever sees this and finds 40K still too steep of a price, I can guarantee you can do it for even cheaper (albeit less comfortably!).
This was in Europe, but around 5 years ago I managed to find a nice Fellowship 28 (a Dutch build from 1978) close to Amsterdam for a bit over €5K, refitted her and prepared her for offshore sailing and liveaboard (275W solar with Renogy MPPT and an improvised galvanized tube solar arch / davit system, new standing rigging - which in a 28 short rig boat like this was less than €800 as an upgrade from an old 5mm gauge to 6mm, installed by myself - garmin inreach, liferaft, VHF with AIS, new Delta anchor and 50m galvanized chain, and many other improvements) for about another 5K - and once me and the boat were ready, I sailed her for over a year, from The Netherlands through the North Sea and the south of the UK and then to Portugal and Spain - mostly single-handed (the boat was really easy to sail, great to learn, but still very seaworthy and tough as nails). Crossed the Bay of Biscay in the straight offshore route in exactky 4 days, from Falmouth UK to A Coruña in northern Spain, singlehanded for the first time on a trip this long, and never felt unsafe even though i caught pretty heavy conditions at times (in the Biscay and in Gibraltar). The boat had enough space to live aboard for a liveaboard couple and more than enough for 3 or 4 passengers on a daysail - or 2+2 if overnighting. It was the perfect starter boat: forgiving, simple, encapsulated long but shallow keel, big cockpit, nice head (not one of those you usually find in 28 foot boats, a proper separate head), folding mast if you want to explorer rivers beyond bridges (a common feature in dutch boats, genious). Ended up selling her but I will always miss that boat. It changed my life and its low cost allowed me to discover if cruising is for me or not without breaking the bank.
One of the details you pointed out that I really failed and wished i knew earlier: get a good dinghy, definitely.
Marinas, these are the devil indeed as well: it can go to up 50% or more of your monthly expenses if you choose your sailing ground wrong with no good anchorages and / or are lazy.
De Kloet Fellowship 28 - if you find one, get it: small, inexpensive, and very capable (there is at least one 27 documented to cross the Atlantic singlehanded).
And, awesome content on the video, as always!
Totally agree. im doing the same with a 1962 VdS Pioneer 9.
A boat is confortable at port but that is not what boats were built for
This is exactly what I'm thinking of doing. I'm getting formal sailing instruction and a certification this year, then buy a cheap small boat to learn for a couple of years, get some good sailing experience and then upgrade. Thanks for the story it's very inspiring!
Awesome! Those are some great memories! What was your biggest challenge in finally trusting yourself enough to sail away from home and go for it?
how hard is it for Canadians to by a USA boat? . insurance, registration..
@@michaellacey9567 no idea
Id rather buy a $5000 sailboat and completely refit it the way I want instead of a $40k boat and do the exact same. Just my opinion I'm gonna spend the same amount of money on the refit might as well get the start of it cheap.
That's the most realistic budget advice I've ever heard: "You'll spend what ya have." 🙃
Nice video! I purchased my 1982 Catalina 36 ( hull #11) in 2016 and have sailed her to the Bahamas 4 times and down island to DR and Puerto Rico once and can attest to her sea worthiness and liveability!
Did you do the DR and PR run solo or with crew?
Solo to luperon D.R. then wife fley in and sailed to Samana and across Mona to Puerto Rico
I agree with Tim's purpose to get more people on sailboats, but disagree with it being a cheap way to live. There has been a maxim for decades that states, "a boat is a hole in the water that you pour money into." I just got my boat back after 5 months in the yard because we were caught out on the ocean during a thunderstorm. The cost of repairs was over $20,000, which was fortunately covered entirely by insurance😢.
All good info. We've been cruising full-time on our Pearson 365 ketch for 22 years and you've hit all the high spots. The only thing I'd add is that you can spend years cruising the US and Canada and, of course, the Bahamas. There are so many really cool places to visit close to home.
Enjoy!
We have your sister ship, Hughes built Sparkman & Stephens 35.5 and we only paid $4k. Been sailing her and living aboard 6 years.. We're sailing the Caribbean now, currently in Dominican Republic, and then S. America. We love her! Definitely wouldn't trade her for a Catalina. Different strokes for different folks i guess. I can't even count how many "fancy" boats we've seen have to return to the states for repairs. Anyway, take care brother!❤️💪⛵
Creative, honest and down to earth. Great episode! Looking forward to another.
The best way to save money is to do the work yourself. Bought a small catamaran last year and have been fully upgrading her systems with power, rigging, sails, the head, solar, vhf, and so much more and probably spent over 5k on equipment but saved 20k more on labor. Most importantly, I *know* my systems inside and out. That is invaluable.
Can I ask what type of cat you got? Been looking for a bargain cat not many different types available near me
@@lycanthropeify I purchased a PDQ32 last year up in Kentucky. She was doing the loop and the mast wasn't even attached. PO changed their minds and I picked up the boat at a reasonable price and about 20k cheaper than the going rate in Florida. Good thing because I've managed to dump quite a bit more money just bringing the systems up to modern standards. She is a 30 year old gal after all ;) This boat is more known as a coastal cruiser. No Atlantic crossing for me. However, she is more than capable of doing the Bahamas, Grenada, and Caribbean chain. I also wouldn't hesitate to do Mexico if I get so inclined. The cost is relative, it's still not a cheap boat by any means, but it was one of the very few small cats available for under 100k. That and PDQs are well known to be solid craft and very well built.
@@sailingphenix thanks for all the info! I looked it up, nice looking cat! I’m on the water in NJ we currently have a smaller Power boat but are looking into getting a sailboat soon. Thanks again
@@lycanthropeify Yer welcome. Small world sometimes, lived in Jersey for 25 years. Still have tons of family there. Spent most of my time between Manahawkin and Great Bay when boating.
@@sailingphenix it sure is! We’re just south of Tom’s river, plan on exploring further south in the pay next year
I have a 33’ Ranger, a 9’6” beam, it’s bigger than a 4 man tent; but, just not enough room for all the fix-it stuff and extended supplies !
I would add you need to know how to fix ‘stuff’ - you will save/spend big $$ if you can/can’t master your systems. “The only thing that always works on an old boat is the owner” Cruising is sometimes fixing stuff in exotic locations so get knowledge or keep it simple!
Thank you for everything you do for us. Great episode
Thank you 🙏
I’m surprised you never mention my boat. I got a deal on my 2006 Catalina 34 3 years ago while searching for a 36. Couldn’t be happier for my $40K
I love the 34. Truly. But I lived in a 35 for years so I lean more toward bigger is better
We were also looking at buying a Catalina 36 when we ran across a Catalina 34 at a fantastic price. We sailed the 34 for about 5 years and absolutely loved that boat. We ended up making an obscenely low ball offer on a Beneteau 440 which much to our surprise the owner accepted. My son bought the 34 from us and this past year we sailed together to the North Channel which is a memory that will last a lifetime.
i raced on Lake Huron for decades..... go big or go home was the motto when the lakes get rough :)@@LadyKSailing
@@baja3707 Racers don't quit because the wind is blowing.
I totally agree. I crewed for a friend on his Cat 36 in the 90’s and early 2000’s in Southern California in many PHRF and class races. Solid boat, roomy below, and we loved racing it in all weather, and always felt safe. Can’t beat a well cared for Catalina.
I typically don't hit the like button for anybody but you just got one.
Thank you!
The catalina 36 is a great boat, also easily sailed solo, but if you are more flexible on your sailboat choices, you can find boats for substantiallly less that are essentially passage ready. Just as a casual looker I saw a Young Sun 35 with lots of recent updates for sale in my local marine website asking $17K. It went fast, and I am sure whoever bought it is having a blast. I could tell it was an excellent deal from watching your other videos that don't focus so much on specific boats, but focus on what you need exactly to get out there and start sailing, like the last half of this one. I have taken some of the steps you suggest, the trailer saliboat and racing. With those experiences I have gotten training on boat handling and regulations by taking free power squadran courses, which actually helped with getting insurance, and with racing I have learned about tuning the rig and setting sails for maximum speed in a variety of conditions. My next step, when family circumstances change will be to buy and learn to sail a passage making boat. Your videos are an inspiration, thanks.
Your best video yet Tim! I also agree with you on the Catalina 36 - which is why I own a 1994 MK1.5 (purchased last year $52k) - couldn’t be happier!
Everything you said is a fact. It's kind of exciting to live the lifestyle in a beautiful boat and review just how you got there. The gentleman in the comments who said that you can do it even cheaper is absolutely correct. If you are patient and study the market and are ready to pounce, there are unbelievable "unicorns" that may be had for peanuts. I have a good friend who bought a beautiful IP 35 for in the $40's that needed absolutely nothing, including chainplates, new tanks and dinghy. It was owned by an old engineer who had health problems. Literally, varnish and launch. These kinds of deals are out there. Also, you are so right...some day people will "Get It" about composting toilets. I have bought four of them for 2 boats and would NEVER go back to the stinky mess that is marine heads. Good on you.
Every few years I look online to find new sailor/never sailor advice. I found your channel last week. You easily answer all my questions. Great channel! Me? 11 years until retirement…on a sailboat.
I love your videos. You are a vast source of knowledge. I am a knowledge creator. That is what research people do. I value knowledge and give you a big thumbs up.
Ooooo do you want to write some scripts for Historsea? 🙏
I might. I love history. Let me look at what that channel is about.@@LadyKSailing
I was looking at a 30k entry, and air have options around me here in Australia. After spending around two weeks thinking about options I've decided to up the price and footage to around 60k. So I'm putting things off for a bit but landing on the larger option.
Great episode! Suggestion for another episode: “Double down or trade up?”….I say that because as the owner of a 1982 O’Day 34 (7 years of ownership), I have completely re-fit the boat except for re-powering. I know every inch of her and trust her (having been through gales on the Chesapeake). My questions to you: If I plan to cruise from Maine to the Carribean, should I trade up or further invest in my current platform. Thanks for considering!
check your keel bolts
I found a Catalina 36 Mk. I for a friend in California, and I have many great memories of sailing it up and down the coast between Ensenada and San Francisco. Excellent boat.
Very cool!
Fabulous break down on cost of the cruising life. Keeping live simple and living frugally keeps the cost down for sure. Jim Rodgers
Thanks for watching!
Congrats on your Silver Medal 🥈 they might have a “faster” boat, but you are a better sailor… ⛵️
Hahaha thanks
Dividing expenses into two categories might be appropriate hitting anything resembling ye olde wilderness.
Cyclic expenses and non-cyclic expenses: Medical expenses and checkups are good examples of non-cyclic expenses. For seasoned people that might be important. Temporary costs associated with going home, having a break or hugging grandchildren a while, belong to this category as well.
Cyclic expenses was covered quite well in my opinion. Personal cyclic expenses can be really low if you got the skill grind away every day at anchor. As soon as you hit a marina costs will climb no matter what. Rest is just a matter of how long and with what redundancy you stay out there. Things will break sometime no matter what. Cheers.
I know you are mostly addressing coastal sailing - BVI, USVI, etc. But you left one thing out that I consider necessary for passages. This is from experience. In a 6 day sail from Costa Rica mainland to Cocos Island, we experienced total cloud cover and frequent squalls. The boat had only solar panels and an alternator. The alternator failed. And we were left with no electric power for chartplotters, autopilot, or lights. I would add a wind generator as a necessary backup. We found Cocos using a cell phone with Navionics that could only be used intermittently to save battery. That convinced me that good electric power is a necessity. Of course if you are just trying to reach Anagoda, that may not be an issue. Or, you could buy a sextant.
I had to tackle that issue myself. I ended up grabbing a suitcase genny off Craigslist in at Augustine for $280. Never had a problem again :)
@@LadyKSailing Certainly that is one way to handle it. I see many sailors who take that approach.
That's why listening to people who want all electric propulsion is crazy.
I am thankful for showing sharing your experiences its like reading a book of life lived and getting inspired by the moment of inspired interest and the reward is understanding priceless thank you 😊
🙏
It’s like you read my mind. Me, my wife, and son are planning to cruise the Caribbean in 2025 for a year on our Baba 30. It’s going to be a little cramped on a 30 footer but overall not bad and I’ll be into it slightly less than your estimate with the repower, new main sail, new electronics, new bottom paint, etc
Just do it!!!
@@thomaselliott9485 we are for sure. Started planning a couple weeks ago and saving money. Still have some things to get the boat ready also
@@Monkeywrenchmotorcycles I am getting my act together for 2025 as well. Maybe see you there. 🇨🇦
@@thomaselliott9485 awesome! All the way down from Canada eh?
He must have read my mind too! I am making plans for 2025 or after for making my way to the Caribbean from Mass. I just have to do that trip and sail in those waters for a while. Nice to know some real numbers what it would take to sail down there and live on the boat.
I’m taking notes about getting the boat going. My sailboat has been on the hard for 3 years now.
I need to install a water maker which otherwise came with the boat. I’d rather sit at a mooring or anchor than in the boatyard.
been taking in all the advice and tips, super helpful! Thanks!
Love the specifics in this and the way you put it all together so concisely! Well done.
Dude, you do quality work. Thank you for that. I thought I would have gone my entire life without even considering becoming a Patreon, and I likely will not still be, but you made me think about it, and I thought that was impossible. Cheers!
Thanks for watching!
Really really great - love the checklist and prioritization. Your videos are really helping me see the path forward
Crisp and clear.
Thank you very much
Gold mate.
Thanks Tim, a fine timely reminder to "do it now or you'll be another year older when you do" (Warren Miller)
Yes sir!
Always good to hear you say the stuff I like to hear; if that makes sense.
Thanks for the video mate
love the posts... super informative.... we were down on your lake this holiday weekend too. just picnicing on the sandbars in the North East shallows. nice hot days to end summer.
Great episode - love that you mentioned a high-volume production boat, go with the masses
Very good video. I think I will make it my guide to carry out the first part of my sailing project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Best, most informative video to date imo. Thanks!
You are so good explain everything! I really appreciate what you do, I follow you ! Is my to do list do this and explain the way you did is so easy. Thanks!
Retired , from Canada. Beneteau 38.1. 48G in Grenada already that’s a savings in itself.
I’m investing more for maintenance and refits but had already figured I would need those.
I’m not looking to make money selling , just be safe and enjoy for well under 100G
Kitesurfing is my passion and h ion island is my next stop
I've used a natures head for 9 years, same toilet. I brought it with me from my last boat. You're right, best money I ever spent on my boat hands down! I've only had to replace the fan once and the seal and natures head sent me the replacement parts for free! Good to see lady k again.
Its comforting for me that you chose the Catalina 36. With my years of research, it is the same I came up with. That or the 34' . Good vid!
Im lucky that Im already retired and my wife is an insurance agent. We are going to be comfortable and get a newish cat that we will be able to start chartering next year.
Great video and info. Thank you for everything you do
I appreciate that!
Great video my friend!
This is an awesome channel. Your insight and ability to educate in a simplified manner is awesome. You make it sound fun and not as intimidating. But also is balanced with realism and facts.
Just a great channel. No one else on TH-cam does what you do.
Love this channel so much. And I’ve learned alot and expect to learn a lot more. I’ll sign up this week to support your work as a Patreon.
Hope you never stop posting. 🙏🛥️🛥️🛥️
Thank you so much! 😊
Excellent, informative vid as usual.
@Lady K Sailing good episode! Keep them coming!
Very good video and lots of cool information. Thanks
Excellent advice, keeping the dream alive! Cheers 🍻
I like your line "Up here in the Great Lakes where we filter the salt out of the water." Good overview, good advice.
🤣🤣
Thank you for your videos. As still a wannabe (just passed my ASA101), this is giving me many good ideas.
Go for it. We took ASA 101 and 103 last year. Our maiden voyage was 40 mi in the rain with a Cat 30 out of Jamestown, RI - first time sailing without an instructor. Those courses teach you enough to handle a maiden voyage like ours. Been sailing Buzzards Bay all summer. You will love it. Keep at it.
Fantastic advice as always. Great video.
Great video. Very helpful
Thank you for the video! As always it's very informative. I can sail 3-4 months a year, and wondering where to keep the boat the rest of the time and not get my pocket broken.
Love it well done
Great episode. Thank You.
I love your channel. Good info.
Thanks for sharing what’s going on with Lady K. Been wondering since I found you again.
Appreciate your content
Livin' the dream.
@0.20 is an Islander Freeport 41. Not many of those in the Caribbean.
I really like the Catalina. Not a bad boat company.
I have a Cat 30 and it is a great boat. The 36 or 38 would be really nice.
You give me hope. Thank you.
Awesome tips! Love this :)
Great video! Covered a lot in 15 minutes that hit the mark for ordinary people wondering if they can do this.
Hope you do a review on Cal boats sometime. I'm new owner to an '88 Cal 33-2 that hit a lot of those marks you mentioned here including an aft berth. I'm very happy with the boat so far but for my needs would have sacrificed some of the big salon area to make for a bigger cockpit, and bigger head, yet keep the nice-sized v-berth intact. (For the record this is a ~$25k boat.)
The Cal 39 is another good option. Fast and points well.
Great video, telling it like it is. !👍
Wow Sailor, thanks for the valuable information
16:31 Hello!
Great video!
Cheers from Yukon John!
You got some sun! Thanks another good one!
Another great show . My wife wants us to sell the 27 Catalina and move up and head south
There's a Pearson 365 ketch for sale $23,000. We've been cruising full-time on our P365 for 22 years. Check it out.
Another great video
Well said!
To be honest you didn't mention insurance on the old boat. Sure just buying the $40k sailboat is doable, but no one should consider jumping into this without insurance for the "worst case scenario" -- you might find yourself up a creek without a paddle (or maybe even a boat)!!! No one should go out and just buy a boat to try this out without having a professional surveyor inspect the boat before purchase -- this will cost another $1K or so. Then you need a place to keep the boat while outfitting it for the passage as well as a place to keep it upon return. Down in the NYC area where i live even the most affordable slip at a marina will run between $60/ft and $75/ft -- so the Catalina 36 will cost between $2160 and $2700 per season (with additional costs for electric usage if running A/C). Then there is the travel lift costs for both launch and retrieval, as well as winter storage (most people can't get off every year to run off to the Caribbean). Winter storage runs around $25/foot so about another $900/year when not in the Caribbean. So ... when you add all of that to the other incidentals that you already listed (electronics for navigation, sails, solar, batteries, engine parts and maintenance, ground tackle, head, water storage, refrigerator) ... I think that the price for all you mentioned as well as i mentioned is about another $15k -- wouldn't it be easier to buy a $55K boat that doesn't need all of the extras added? I didn't even add in the cost of the Rib ... what do you think?
Tim, an idea for a future video. I would interested in your advice to make sailing more comfortable and manageable for an older sailor (60+) or couple. Would you recommend a certain size or type of boat? Gear suggestions? Etc.
Very good commentary
Can you maybe make a video about the sailing channels quitting the lifestyle and going to land and farming or doing other things. Could be that everyone story is different some have kids some don’t. Maybe some insight on maybe why there leaving.
get 5 k boat of which there are thousands waiting for some sweat equity, invest 40k in it, get another 40k saved and then you go. all under 100k which is achievable over an 5-10 year plan. if you sailing alone dont get anything over 30 feet, if you are a couple dont go over 36ft,. pay more attention to iinternal volume than layout depending on the refit you want to do because you might be ripping everything out. and yes you will be doing some mods and spending a lot more you think you need to go bluewater. my comment aims at long passage sailing not daysailing.
Very inspirational.
Just got a 28' for $15g I replaced some windows spent around $10g for solar of course I got things to enjoy the experience but around 30k I made it happen setting sail next week!! I'm 42 and I'm not waiting anymore
congrats! :)
Thanks !
Love the Lady K pic... just off Big Game marina in Bimini....Awesome spot.
That’s right! The only downside is you can hear the power station at night but beautiful spot
Nice job Tim that's a very nice smallish boat.
Best advice ever
Always love your videos and advice, thank you as always for sharing! I know that you do consulting. May I ask how much for pre-consulting? So for example, if I hope to retire and hit the water @ 55 yrs young (~8.5 yrs from now). Can I consult as to boat interested in, type of sailing, type of locations, provisions, expenses, etc? Just trying to help early-ish on planning on better understanding on exactly when and what to expect. Thank you so very much and please keep on helping those of us plan for our dreams!
Great channel 😊
Thank you
Nice Video!
I have dreamt about living on a boat since I was a kid. At 67, I think the dream may be within reach! Don’t wait like me!
The dream is always within reach, that's why we keep putting it off. Just grab it.
,but make sure you have your gloves on.
I'm 75 and still see your videos - among others - thinking of buying an affordable sailboat (more of less when the purchase price is very close to the foreseeable sale price).
Well, only sailboats with built in humidor for the Cohibas.
After divorcing.
I am in Michigan on a Catalina 30, 600 watts of solar, pull drinking water from lake with filtration system, backup 1000 watt Hinda genset, 100 amp alternator and never go to marinas unless there is no other option to anchor. I have 4 trojans with 200 ah usable and 150 ah lithium to run the freezer. It all keeps up about how you describe. My largest expense is fuel and beer. I can end the fuel consumption if I was a liveaboard but having a job forces me to run the engine. I think this is a accurate video. My question is since the Catalina 36 is less than 20k lbs, how much of a difference does that make?
OK, your message is solid, I just joined up, see you on Patreon!
Thanks!! 🙏
Nice one Tim! Looking forward to (hopefully) seeing you next month down here in MD. Crabs and iced teas (or Cokes) on me
I’ll be there!
Insurance and a home marina, especially the later are concerns. I expect to have fairly a lot to fix, so a marina that lets you do DIY.
Hi Tim. Great shows! A little off topic, but what would be the latest you would enter the Erie Canal to get down to Florida and beyond?