5 Reasons NOT to Buy a Boat (Revisited) | Casting Off Ep 030

[@shuniaone]

After my wife and I watched your previous reasons Not to Buy a Boat, we went out to buy a 46 footer. You had a strange effect on us. I had resisted buying a sailboat for years, on the grounds of all the work that it involves. But now, after owning our boat for only 7 months, and spending more time dealing with the problems than sailing itself, we have no regrets. My bones and muscles ache, but my heart keeps smiling. Thanks

[@heimslach]

Id imagine these guys would be delighted to be part of ensuring that your went in with your eyes open to the reality and still loved it as they do - happy sailing

[@followtheboat]

Excellent comment! Sounds like you have your head screwed on and the right attitude to this floating life. Fair winds to you and your wife. Keep us posted on your progress.

[@jjzacharias3937]

I love to tinker, but with boats I actually detail boats as a profession and it hard to see how costly it can get to repair and maintain boats.

[@JojoWhite65]

Well said !

[@robertroot3790]

I completely agree with your comments on all points. Especially maintenance. I was in the Navy on nuclear submarines. EVERY system was constantly breaking or required daily maintenance, in part because unlike land-based environments, the heavily salted marine environment constantly wears at man-made materials; and the sheer kinetic energy of waves & wind against the relatively lightweight man-made materials/systems of a small sailboat (or even a large ship--anyone watched any of the hundreds of videos of supertankers breaking up at sea?), is to the advantage of Nature's tools. Fair weather sailors or landlubbers have no idea how quickly even massive live-aboard boats wear out (or break) when under constant assault of the sea. Relationships, critters, wardrobe, water & power--ditto your statements!

[@followtheboat]

Very well said, Robert. I will refer people to your comment when this subject comes up in conversation!

[@Petenz81]

For a few years I was a launch skipper running tourist trips from a small well known far North of NZ harbour. Every time I nosed the vessel out nof the harbour entrance for about 100 or so yards I felt a lift in my spirits especially as I felt the boat also lift to the gentle Pacific Ocean swell. As I then turned the boat back into the harbour entrance and set off for home I felt a sort of sadness knowing I could never feel that Ocanic uplift for real. I had a large and growing family to support and my wife who I loved, and still do, hated the sea. I am a boat builder by trade and have a deep love of boats and a the waters they ride on. I am 89 now , no wife, and children all content and settled. I look at little 28 and 30 footers and imagine life aboard once more , but know its too late ; my children evince horror when I say a little sailing boat would be cheaper than a flat....... Oh well , I'll just have to imagine those purpley blue depths at my lifes end ; perhaps in an other life , who can tell...

[@followtheboat]

You have some wondrous memories to keep with you. Sail on! Liz ⛵🙏

[@juttaweise]

if I were you I would go for it! Once a sailor allways a sailor. Just do it slowly, and I think a 27' will just be fine! Remember age is just a number, cheers from an old lady in a VW camper, Germany.

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

My daughter bought a rural piece of property in Idaho and is building a house. She's very proud of herself because she's now living on eleven acres. I went to visit her to tell her how happy I was for her and then I came home to my sailboat. Bottom line,.. My daughter is living in a cow pasture, covered with prairie grass, while I'm living in a modern marina, surrounded by million-dollar yachts and water-front properties. On any given day I can be surrounded by the endless, blue Pacific and truly priceless sunsets, over island jewels. There really is no comparison.

[@jbl7092]

I'll take a pasture full of prairie grass any day over living in a crowded marina full of million dollar boats and snotty people. I'm very proud of your daughter.

[@juttaweise]

@@jbl7092 how can YOU be proud of a woman you don't even know? What have you done to be proud of her? My understanding of proud is connected only to things I did myself or was part of it!

[@biotreksailing]

So true! Lovely to meet you briefly at Medina marina and sorry we did not have time to get together. We were too busy attending to point 1 before our Indian Ocean crossing. Day 2 and nothing broken so far because of all the work we did in port!

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, guys. Hope your crossing is going well. Do let us know how you're getting on. We finally dropped the rudder after four weeks 😁

[@Robzilla501]

Two years of sailing the western Caribbean allowed me to experience some of the best and some of the scariest times in my life. I bought a 33’ Dutch steel hull SS. I had never sailed before 😬. After 6 months at the dock making repairs, reading books and coastal trial runs I jumped off Florida heading for Cuba. I’ve unwrapped a sheet from a prop in shark infested 6 foot seas, sprinkled thumb tacks on the deck in Guatemala to deter pirating and sweltered in an engine compartment making repairs. Why then am I watching a sailing video? Because after 13 years land locked to a house and 10 acres I’m homesick for the sea. Next stop? Azores? Why not?!!! Fair winds

[@juttaweise]

the Azores are paradise and once there you'll want to never leave theses islands! Good luck and courage to you!

[@millzee60]

And of course all your skills need to be performed blind, upside down, left handed in 40ºC heat whilst being thrown around :)

[@followtheboat]

You got that right, Colin 🤣

[@bilaldettmar6178]

Five years ago I discovered your video "5 reasons not to buy a sailboat". In mathematics, there's a principle of conservation of difficulty: changing the frame of reference of a demonstration doesn't elude its complexity, but only changes its nature. Still in mathematics, to define the degrees of freedom of an (algebraic) space, all you have to do is define its constraints. It's these two lessons that I found in the generous and wise sharing of your experience. How could anyone believe that living aboard a sailboat is all about bikinis, aperitifs, sunsets and heavenly beaches? A very British sense of humor reminds me, little Frenchman that I am, that we're very happy to have you. For all this, I thank you and bravo for this second edition also full of common sense and sharing experiences but which demonstrates through the comments that Internet users have left you, that alas, kindness and sharing are not values shared by all. Bravo again 🙌

[@followtheboat]

I guess if you're scouring KZbin and stumble across a video on boats but have little interest in them, you're not going to know the whole picture. You'll therefore just pick up on the bits that sound familiar (diesel engine, for example) and have an opinion on them that doesn't align with liveaboard experiences. Believe it or not, people have got in touch with us asking if, at the age of 52, they are too old to become a liveaboard. Since most cruisers are near retirement age this came as a shock to us, until we realised that these opinions are formed by what they watch on KZbin. That's how it's easy to believe this lifestyle is all about bikinis and BBQs. Thank you for your comment 😃👍

[@marccohen5477]

I purchased my first new sailboat to liveaboard in 1977. I'm on my third new sailboat, a Saga 43, 24 years old, and still living aboard with my wife. I do all my own maintenance, including plumbing, rigging, splicing, electrical, diesel, and electrons. I have sailed from Newfoundland, Canada, to Columbia, South America, not missing the Caribbean. I'm getting up in the years, and my body doesn't allow me to walk around on the foredeck as I used to. I still can't figure out what I will do, but I know I love living abroad, and I would not have done anything differently. "Don't give up the ship."

[@followtheboat]

Hooray to that! 👏👏👏 Liz

[@tiopirata2]

Just brilliant. I am soon to be 70 and I have sailed around 300,000 sea miles so far, and intend to build another boat and head out again. As Rat (Wind in the Willows) said, "There is nothing like mucking around in boats".

[@ericdelf]

Go frit while you're still young.

[@sailingsouth]

I have recently moved abord my boat after divorcing and retiring and am now sailing around Britain and visiting destinations old and new, at least I would be if the British weather would cooperate! After a tour around the highlights of Britain I plan to sail off to warmer places early next year. Life on a boat is so much simpler than on land. Yes there is the constant maintenance and checks, and there are days where it feels like every time I cross one job off the list I add two more on. But then the sails go up, the wind fills in and the engine goes off. At the end of the day when I pull into a new harbour there are new people to meet and new places to see, and wherever I go I have my home and my possessions with me. I can choose whether to stay in the marina or anchor along the river and I walk to the local town or village to go shopping so I'm fitter and healthier than I have been for many years of sitting in a house or an office and getting in a car to go anywhere. Of course having moved on from the stress of working helps. I thought about doing video blogs to keep my friends and family updated with my travels but abandoned the idea after reading some of the comments on other peoples videos, such as your Vlog on why not to buy a boat (which I thought was excellent by the way!). I have a blog / Facebook channel instead, but I will happily remove people from there if they become abusive. A reasoned viewpoint that is different to my own is fine, there are many ways to live this life successfully. Anonymous keyboard warrior insults are not fine and I admire you for rising above such lowlife.

[@followtheboat]

It sounds like you have a great adventure already. I love the idea of sailing around the UK, weather aside. We just dropped hook in a new spot yesterday and love it so much we're spending an extra day here... and that's what it's all about. Fair winds to you.

[@JohnHancock.1776]

You sound like a nice guy my friend, I’m glad that you feel fitter and healthier and that you have found new excitement for life, be safe and God bless you. Greetings from Boston, MA 🇺🇸🙋🏻‍♂️

[@brucefletcher6179]

Lithium has been a true revolution in cruising. My family and I are on year 25, although the two youngest left to live a land life and the oldest is about 300 metres away on his own cruiser. 5 years ago I repowered, and took the opportuntity to change to LiFePO4 batteries, as older alternator controllers and battery chargers will not handle them, so doing it all at once was best. It is a game changer. Previously I watched the battery monitor like a hawk and we still needed to fire the generator regularly to supplement the power, especially when running the watermaker. For a year or two I still looked at it many times a day until I finally realized everything was good. Now I pull out the generator ONLY to run the dive compressor for cleaning the bottom. What I gave up? Buying and lugging jerry cans of gas for the generator, swapping 600 lbs of lead out every three years and always needing to water cells and clean terminals. What I gained? A completely electric galley. First in the morning are the electric coffeermaker and breadmaker, then using the induction stove and combo microwave/convection oven for the big meals, added a household chest type deep freeze in addition to the already large fridge/freezer, plus the little convenience items such as the icemaker, ricecooker and slow cooker. Cooking aboard has become more of a joy instead of sweaty torture, so we try more new dishes instead of the tried and true 1 pot easy meals of old. Of course, the electric waterheater still runs daily as hot showers are still better, even in the tropics. The starlink and big screen get ample use, not just to watch Jaimie and Liz but to keep up with netflix and whatapp to friends and family. Gone are the feeble 12 volt fans, replaced with numerous 120v fans all over that actually do something. Yes, I even got a small AC unit for the aft cabin, a small portable RV unit that draws only 300 watts and takes the edge off the still, humid night. And then the watermaker, which previously demanded we run the generator, now happily runs every mid-day after the batteries are full again, allowing multiple showers a day, all laundry done on board, cleaning the chain on hoisting and even a rinse of the boat after a salty sail! Previously, I thought the watermaker was the greatest revolution in cruising, but now I put lithium and RO together in a tie. Now, everyone retorts with two things, cost and "danger". Let's take danger first. Yes thermal runaway and the resulting fires can happen - so, don't leave the electric scooter, electric outboard battery or cell phones/laptops charging while you are off the boat.Yes, we have all of those and THOSE are the batteries types to worry about, not a good quality LiFePO4 from a reputable manufacturer installing a proper BMS, controlled by a proper charge controller with Lithium settings and temperature sensor. Cost? Agreed, the upfront cost of lithium is higher BUT the amortized cost is LOWER. Previously I used Rolls Surrette's deep cycles as they gave the best performance and longevity, but never managed to outlast three years of hard cycling. With shipping, the 6 100lbs lead's cost $2k, but also add in the generator fuel costs as we still needed it every few days. (Yes, you can go to costco and buy cheaper 6v golf carts and wire them together - I did that for many years and never beat 18 months of lifespan) Overall the lead format cost us $8k over ten years. The 3 50 lb lithiums give me more usable daily amps, and are guaranteed for 10 years to still maintain 80% of capacity. I am at 5 years now and they perform the same as day 1. The lithiums cost $6k. The value of not killing myself changing out lead batteries? Priceless. Overall, it's a no brainer, especially as battery prices for LiFePO4 are gradually decreasing while lead is going up. PS - what's with the trend in keeping a dinosaur lead battery for starting then a DC-DC converter to charge the house bank and another for the anchor winch? For starting current? Pffft, lithium beats lead at output current, far more is available than the sterter or winch require. Proper cable size and your house bank will run the anchor winch easily. Voltage drop? You didn't put in the correct cable size from the distance/amperage table.

[@followtheboat]

Thanks for the comprehensive comment, Bruce. You're right, lithium is a game changer so hopefully if anyone still needs convincing, you've done the job for us! Great to hear live on board is more comfortable thanks to lifepo.

[@oneoldmanontheroad9034]

Well I'm sat here on a 1981 catamaran replacing my guardrails across from a 5 year old 30ft mono hull also replacing his guardrails. Age is no guarantee of quality or misuse lol

[@followtheboat]

Exactly 💯

[@samaipata4756]

The very reason I‘m watching you guys is your true & realistic documentations of the ups and downs of onboard living! I contemplate to choose this lifestyle, from you guys I learned what I need to research and the kind pf soul searching required to find out if I should tackle the task, thank you a million time! However at the very end you gotta jump into the water and find out, if this life style is for you! But if you did your homework well, you have a plan B and a plan C ready, in case things go sideways! I survived over 45 years of bush flying with its ups and downs and look back to an adventurous, exciting, wonderful, challenging, at times horrific past! However I always would do it all over again and I‘m sure, so would you!😁

[@followtheboat]

Hey Samai, nice to hear from you again. I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head there. We wouldn't change anything!

[@Mikeandlucy1]

After something like 24 years of touring Northern Europe, firstly on a motorbike for 17 yrs and then in a two seat roadster for 7, we decided that we wanted a change. We thought firstly about a motor home but my one criteria was that we could leave the bed made up during the day. I did not fancy anything that required us to pack up our sleeping arrangements every day and this meant we were looking for something no smaller than a Luton type body. We were shocked at the prices of something that size. In addition, we had seen on our various tours that motorhomes seemed to spend a great deal of their day, just trying to find somewhere to rock up for the night. When visiting a pretty little Scottish town on our last trip, we noted a car park full of motorhomes and I thought 'that thing cost you over £100,000 and you are spending the night in a Council Car Park, why?. That was when we thought about a boat, I have some nautical background and it seemed an obvious choice. I looked at hundreds of boats for sale in my price range and watched thousands of videos of the type you describe, young couples + baby + dog + parrots all sailing the worlds oceans in search of paradise. It occurred to me that in most cases, problems of a mechanical nature would spring up on a daily basis and would have to be dealt with using nothing more than your own skills and knowledge. However, what I also noticed was the apparent ease with which these 'intrepid sailors' acquired the material to fix these problems. Many are gifted pumps, motors, dinghies, ropes, lines, hoses and all manner of stuff which the ordinary sailor would need to provide from their own pocket. I also observed that in order to fund the items that they could not get otherwise, they spent an inordinate amount of time producing KZbin videos as a means of generating income. Your video spelt out the many home truths about life aboard a boat, the negative comments from some individuals are clearly from people who actually know nothing about the sea, boats or probably life itself. I personally found it informative, honest and straightforward. As I work on getting my boat ready to put to sea, I am acquiring as much information as I can, good or bad about what to expect and your videos certainly are up there with the 'very useful information category'

[@followtheboat]

I'm happy that we're able to help and inform. Best of luck with your forthcoming adventures! 👍🙏 Liz

[@TheExumRidge]

I have enjoyed your videos over the years. I settled on a part time arrangement. Sail the Caribbean every winter, put the boat away for hurricane season. You were major influence on this decision. Small boat... 34 foot.

[@followtheboat]

Hey Frank, glad to hear you've found a balance. Sounds perfect 👌

[@music-jj2pl]

Hi Frank, What do you mean "put it away" I would love a Jeanneau 349 but where to put it when I'm not sailing is the problem.

[@LoveLight-hi5hp]

My dad was dubbed "grandfather of the anchor outs" by the local PBS channel in San Francisco. He had a special love for wooden boats, and lived aboard for over 50 years. I love sailing, and have dreamed of sailing around the world. Racing sailboats is fun, but I would rather crew on a race, than own a fast sailboat. A nice blue water ketch with a full keel for comfortable and safer sailing is more my "speed". Seriously considering buying a boat to live on in retirement. Not sure if I will, or at my age if I do, that I will sail around the world. Might just anchor out and stick to coastal cruising, but who knows. Appreciate your videos. I have had many friends with sailboats, and I crewed on those boats. Also crewed on the Petrel, a 70' teak yawl, that did day cruises around NY Harbor... so I do have some idea about how much money and work boats are, and how fun they can be too. Thank you for giving an honest assessment of boat life. I have my eye on 47" ketch that is fully equipped for cruising and living (lots of brand new solar, some wind power, nice dingy, 2 heads both with separate showers, large galley with a full fridge & freezer, and even a cloths washer). I am sure she needs a lot of work, no matter how good shape she's in, and if not, will in short time. Livin' Dream is a 1980 Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster. We shall see. Any 35'+ ketch would fit the bill. 47' is probably bigger than I need, and while the extra amenities and room is nice to have, bigger boats cost even more to maintain & dock.

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Watched most of your videos. You both have inspired me years ago and are still very inspiring to me. We are closed to making the leap to escape the fake plastic rat race of this crazy american life. I always truly appreciate your wholesome honesty on boat life or rather the true Salt Life. We see Salt Life stickers on cars and trucks that people get from the coastal vacations. Most likely the majority of them have never on on a boat in the Ocean. All the Very Best! Jim Rodgers

[@followtheboat]

I'm not familiar with the 'salt life' philosophy (or stickers!) but it sounds good. 🙂👌 Liz

[@ximono]

It seems the things that cause the most problems are: - diesel engines - electronics (especially autopilots and sensors) - plumbing - rigging and sails I think that makes a strong case for: - no diesel engine (if possible, carry an outboard motor, optionally a yuloh/sculling oar) - only electronics that are absolutely necessary (vhf, ais, lights, tablets, phones - maybe ssb for weatherfax) - no plumbing (composting toilet) - wind vane - junk rig - patience This would also drastically reduce the number of thru-hulls, which ideally should be as close to 0 as possible.

[@jeffatoms1]

THANK YOU! Honesty is the best policy. You two make me laugh probably because you are still together checking boxes off in the fun column. My wife and I have lived about our 25 year old boat for five straight years. We agree with everything you say. It's earned legitimacy. I'm 60 but in my 30s I did the worldwide yachtie thing. The parties in Viareggio to Cape Town, Red Hock to Shirley's Heights were truly epic and yet equally tragic but I was in my 30s back then and those were still sleepy destinations. One thing to note is that you aren't using the images of boobs and bikinis to lure in your viewers like so many other channels. Maybe they get their viewership by painting a picture the viewers want to see, regardless of the fact that the reality can and is quite different from time to time. Now adays we are filling our kitty, spending our time supporting and troubleshooting problems for worldwide cruisers until the kitty is full enough again. Keep it real and be safe out there.

[@Nerd3927]

10:42 A spanner and and a multimeter, Yes that is me :-) Living on board for 7 years now. Fixing my own boat, and the neighbors too. Never a dull moment. Have I done actual sailing? No, not yet. Far to busy :-)

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

I love the way you address the wankers. They are a disagreeable bunch, aren't they? From following several handfuls of sailing channels, for over a decade, you've hit the nail square on its head. Even with very deep pockets, you better possess a host of skills... or be prepared to learn. And, for many, it's a steep costly learning curve. Even with advanced skills the Brian's and Colin's of the world are challenged, at times, too. Thank you for sharing your insightful views. 👏

[@followtheboat]

Thanks... and the positive comments like yours keep us motivated too. Always love hearing from you!

[@realulli]

How long did Brian take to change the transmission recently? 1h15? I think that's on the level of 24h endurance race crews... (e.g. 24h Nurburgring, etc.) :-)

[@TT-tn1dp]

When looking at yachts I ask myself … what stage of the maintenance cycle is this yacht at” … then way up against price. Usually knocks few off list quickly!

[@followtheboat]

True, true. My value and your value can be two very different things 🤣

[@michaelconner7149]

I tell everyone who will listen all of these things while also (like you two) saying it’s all worth it. I find that the weekend sailors seem to be blissfully detached from the reality of actual cruising. My new favorite comparison is older engines where my dock mates that might take the boat out for the weekend five times a summer seem to think the motor should last forever but literally one week of real cruising puts more hours on the motor than their typical summer. Anyway great videos and I’m watching via StarLink on my boat at the moment..

[@followtheboat]

Yep, couldn't be closer to the truth, Michael. Those engines take a pounding. I saw 'Starlink' and saw your surname and immediately thought of Terminator so I had to check. It's Skynet, not Starlink 😂

[@davidjones8224]

Don't compare. I like the the straight talk. I need the straight talk. I have just started learning about sail boats & i'm thinking to get one,and I am 66 years young. I have never even been on a sail boat as of yet.

[@followtheboat]

66 is still young, David. Plenty of time to learn and head off over that horizon!

[@genglandoh]

I have had 5 different trailer sailboats for 25 years weekend sails and kept the sailboat in the garage. 5 years ago I purchased a real sailboat Watkins 27 and realized the amount of work went up. With the trailer sailboat I always had my tools when I needed to do work. When I moved up to the Watkins 27 it is docked about 45-60 mins away and many times I did not bring the right tools. Finally I decided to just bring everything every time I go to the boat. I still love sailing and enjoy doing most of the work but if I lived on the boat it would be not so fun.

[@danielwardin3609]

A few impressionistic thoughts... The American playwright George S. Kaufman noted that "Satire is what closes on Saturday night." ... Even as a card-carrying atheist I always loved the call to prayer and during Ramadan and the half hour instrumental serenades played each day an hour before dusk. And, yes, you could go on for an hour and I would sit and listen sopping up every word. All best. P.s.: I've noticed elsewhere that there is a correlation between Internet haters and lousy grammer and usage. No surprise. dw.

[@followtheboat]

I still think the grammar is down to one too many whiskies on top of a few crates of Stella 😅

[@williambunting803]

The secret misery of living on a boat on passage is …….not being able to go for a run after breakfast. I should add that when on land I never did that anyway, but I imagine that when I finally set off on a sail, I might just discover that I should have been having a mid morning run …all along.

[@followtheboat]

This is a good point, and one that we were discussing only recently: the inability to just open the door and go off and do some exercise. I kinda stopped swimming after seeing the state of the sea here, although the spot we're in right now has clear water and we've already been for a dip. I find the same problem with my photography. Sometimes I just want to be in town at sunset, but to get there can be a chore what with the faf of the dinghy.

[@martinsaunders7925]

The constant movement causes muscle movement 24/7. Within the first week you'll lose weight.

[@gordonhenderson5912]

A wise man once told me “ Sailing reads better than it lives” I’ve been a live aboard for 4years and honestly cannot see myself living in suburbia. For me it lives much better than it reads. Your views are spot on keep up the good work.

[@followtheboat]

Ugh... suburbia. I just couldn't do it now. Can't beat a life afloat. 👍 Liz

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Must be a DNA thing. I could do it (live aboard) but I have a brother who would NEVER appreciate it.

[@MrJudgementday99]

A great video again. I do have to wonder about these people who criticised your previous video. If nothing else they were personal views and not law. We are not as long a live aboard as you being only 8 years. I do know you hate grammatical errors but predictive texting has a bunch to answer to. Having said that I would generally concur with your views. We actually love the restriction in space for things like clothes, we have some in my sister home, if we have to pop back to the UK, some in our ski apartment. For sailing we just love the fact that we don’t dress for anyone else or care about brands, bar musto or HH and in my wife’s case north sails, she loves her oilies. We watched a video on sailing in the 1960 and on, one of the contributors said, that if the quality of parts were in any other industry there would be a scandal. I generally agree, we are on our 4th AIS and 3rd autopilot, we have 6 AC units and all have been changed twice. We were based in the UAE, so they did have a hard life, but still they are not built to last, but cost as if they are. One other thing that upsets me tremendously is the constant feeling that we are being gouged. A simple example is our harness to go up the mast, we were looking at £500 but a climbing one which was exactly the same was less the £100. Also we are now in Kas in Turkey. When we arrived a year last February we were charged 105,000TL this February it had gone up to 225,000TL. My friend with the same length yacht has been told in August he will have to pay 625,000TL. So in 2.5 years the price has gone from €6K to €27K. So we are off There is a perception that all yacht is are rich, well there are people here who really struggle, they bought a modest boat 15 years ago and the inflation in yachting is way worse that everything else. The good thing for us is the price rises have given us a shove to get on around the world, we could have been in Turkey for 10 years if we didn’t look out

[@followtheboat]

Thanks for a great comment. I think we would be tempted to return to Turkey, were it not for the increasing prices, and those prices seem to have risen far above general inflation. It's a shame as Turkey is still pretty much top of our cruising destinations visited. Enjoy Kas while you can but look forward to done new and exciting destinations beyond.

[@shire683]

It's great to hear and watch honest opinions on living on a sailboat I'm currently saving like mad to buy a boat, I'll never be able to buy a house with today's house prices and your experience is gold

[@realulli]

16:14 Sammy G: ask him to run his Diesel engine for a couple of months non-stop (except for oil changes every 100 hours or so, not sure how frequently you change the oil on your boat). The difference is, automotive engines run at a tiny fraction of their rated power 99% of the time. The exception are commercial trucks and they do require quite a bit of maintenance and that doesn't even mention the harsh marine environment.

[@followtheboat]

Nice one. 😉👌 Liz

[@irisblume1132]

Awesome post. We live and cruise on our sailboat… mostly living and working to afford the next passage to parts unknown. I was on the 12-step program to quit sailing and failed miserably two times. Now I embrace my lifestyle addiction. I must say, I really don’t think a person must know how to fix everything on the boat. I certainly can’t, but I know how to make compromises and work-arounds until we can find help. The boat keeps me learning and independent. One thing to note is the difference between keeping the boat ocean ready and coastal weekend ready. I think that can confuse the novice. Shiny things break. That’s what they do… so we can break out another $1-4K, troubleshoot, and learn new things… and make awesome life-long friends around the world. I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. The thought of a static view outside a window or porch scares me!😂

[@ballomni]

On my Beneteau Oceanis 350 1989. Starlight I created a manifold after the sea strainer then have the Engine, pressure Fresh water, bilge, all on ball valves done in bronze with Teflon tape, this allows me to back wash the through hull with fresh water under pressure, or for the night layup the engine on fresh water, or bring to bear the engine raw water pump on the bilge for an emergency pair of old stockings as a filter, with a tie wrap safety on that ball valve, open with the thru hull open you have a hole in the boat.

[@followtheboat]

Sounds good. 👌 Liz

[@peterspam1583]

Yes, I can agree. I am living on my sailboat for about 4 month per year and I am using it as a remote office location in Greece. Thankfully I am a technician and can fix almost all of the equipment but it is sometimes really annoying getting spare parts or tools to remote locations. When at home I am used to getting things delivered the next day, here things take longer, making it even worse if the first fixing attempt does not solve the problem. Triggered by your video I was making a list of all the devices that needed fixing and spare parts last year - it is a long list.

[@followtheboat]

And that list never gets shorter, Peter 😅 If you're as good as you say you are, I don't suppose you fancy nipping over to Indonesia and fixing our hydraulic ram, do you?!

[@peterspam1583]

@@followtheboat I did not want to state that I would have exceptional skills, my skills are simply the skills of technician but definitely not worth coming to Indonesia (I know it was not a serious offer), even more than this I would never ever repair some other persons boat, the imagination something I have repaired causes troubles out at sea and, in the worst case, harms somebodies health, is too bad. If a boat owner is sure he can fix something by himself, he will be the one to find out if not, but all other works should be done by qualified professionals. Since identifying the problem is the first step and if you are unable to find somebody to repair the hydraulic ram, replacing it will be the (probably expensive) solution. What is the exact problem of the ram (I guess we are talking about a hydraulic rudder)?

[@charlesmason538]

So happy that you mention people who love to fix things. My wife is blown away as she is not mechanically inclined and of course I live for this stuff and understand about mositure, use and maintenance.Great info!!!

[@followtheboat]

You're perfect for a boat! 😃👏 Liz

[@SuperNova-Steve]

Cruising on a boat is a full time job with perks. I’ve not done it but I day sail on mine. The work is never done. It’s good mental health as it keeps me occupied. It’s not cheap but neither is drinking beer at the pub every night. A stitch in time saves nine is a good mantra to live by when owning a boat. I enjoyed the natural style you presented in this vid. Happy sailing

[@followtheboat]

It's certainly a job. Unfortunately a lot of newbies trick themselves into believing it's one long party... Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed the style of this video. Liz 🙏

[@chubbypuff6644]

I really appreciate your videos, very insightful. As a homeowner in the US, this is also becoming quite a pricey proposition. For example, during my latest air conditioning service, I was told that the HVAC I bought 10 years ago for 9K would cost me double that now. Not to mention all of the other expenditures that have risen dramatically. My wife and I are exploring smaller ways to live.

[@kankama1]

I like working on my boat most of the time, so it is fun. But sometimes it gets to be a pain. I think that boats are more complex now than they have to be. Watching Sail Life with Mads is an example of totally going overboard with adding stuff to a boat - it is all nice when it is new, but it will get old and need work - lots of it. One way to reduce costs and hassle is to learn to live with less stuff and get more time. This is especially true on a yacht - reduce complexity wherever possible and have more time to snorkel. Be skeptical of the need for a watermaker, high powered dinghy, powered davits, air con, generators, compressors etc. They will be good when they are good and very bad when they are bad. I like having a relatively simple catamaran that sails swiftly and is a great home, but she keeps me busy still. As to the guy who says he owns two yachts and keeps then for mere hundreds of dollars near the Fraser coast - we have seen boats that are maintained in this way - it is often the case that often yachts get bought by people who don't maintain them well, don't insure them and who anchor in out of the way places and use them as liveaboards, rather than cruisers. That is fine as rthey can be great homes in a housing crisis. But these guys get into trouble is serious conditions come in because the boats are compromised. Having a CAPABLE and safe boat is costly and requires effort, so keep them as simple as possible to maximise your fun and reduce hassle. Things to consider going without - freezer, air con, powered winches (buy a smaller boat) big boat (small boats are much less hassle). A simple 25ft Tophat will be very easy to maintain and great to live and cruise aboard. A nice Seaclipper 28 trimaran will be the same. Go smaller, go simpler and you can do it cheap. Going bigger and complex is a sure way to be overloaded with work. An H28 used to be a medium sized cruiser - now they are almost giveaway boats and called too small - go back to 1970 sized boats and have heaps more fun and far less work!

[@followtheboat]

"One way to reduce costs and hassle is to learn to live with less stuff and get more time." I love that sentence, it could be applied to all aspects of life! ♥🙏 Liz

[@johan8724]

True, am looking for a boat and not more then 35 ft

[@AirnFire1111]

Long time subscriber. Thanks for the 2nd video. Agreed with all 3 videos on topic. It's interesting how you address all the points of view and hearing from those who commented negatively. I suspect those only heard what they wanted to hear without hearing the whole thing or perspective. Ignorance is bliss. I think they add to the channel as additional comic relief though. Enjoy your channel, Keep up the video.

[@followtheboat]

Yes, we kinda miss that comic relief, Kurt!

[@V8guy3500]

I praise your honesty and fully agree with your synopsis. I have a 33 foot sailboat and have no desire to live aboard what so ever. I agree the boat has to be fastidiously maintained for safety readiness. It’s like spinning plates a continuous chore and the logistics of carrying out repairs is difficult. For the non sailors try rebuilding an engine in your lounge and keep the place clean and liveable. You guys are wasting your time advising non sailors ,you really need to live the moment to understand. I find the romantic KZbin sail away blogs frightening it doesn’t touch on the hardships. I admire world cruisers but jealous I am not. KZbin has a lot to answer for. So I’ll keep spinning the plates and enjoy sailing for a wee while longer. Some of your commenters are hilarious 😆. Thanks for your honesty it’s appreciated by me anyway.

[@dpm3740]

LOL! Some of those jerks! Your honesty is appreciated. Nothing will sink a boat faster than an ignorant owner. People should appreciate the honesty. You guys are great!

[@followtheboat]

Thanks, Dave 😊

[@charliemcgrain]

Life is an endless succession of compromises. And, while you cannot make your life longer, you can make it deeper and wider. Some people die before they have ever really lived. Some people are happy living in a dreary council house in Essex, and some people grab life by the horns and look for adventures. You are absolutely right, living on a boat is not for everyone, but it is always an adventure, the good and the bad.

[@followtheboat]

I like your outlook there, Charlie, and couldn't agree more 😃👍

[@curmudgeon573]

I always loved your Chanel. Quit watching after selling our beautiful sailboat. It was too painful living vicariously. I was wrong. It is fantastic living vicariously with you guys. Can’t wait to spend the next five years with you two. Vicariously of course.

[@followtheboat]

Haha, love it! Glad you came back. Peace and fair winds to you ✌️⛵

[@radiantyeti]

I laugh We have lived on board full time since 2019. We watched the first one of these and while watching this, we where in a small squall, with winds kicking up and the rain coming sideways, as expected we found more leaks, but while on our generator, it overheated and shut down, just as you where talking about engine maintenance. Fortunately we also have substantial battery back up that I use sparingly in case I am stuck on batteries again for multiple weeks. But what you have stated previously and again is so true. I have work ships and sailed all of the oceans, so I have lots of experience with everything going wrong and no where near plans or intentions. My darling bride of thirty plus years are enjoying the constant learning and humbling experience we have together

[@followtheboat]

That sounds like a typical boat moment! It's certainly a humbling experience (or should be 😉). Cheers Liz

[@TheBowen747]

i go to look at my first sailboat around the first of next month. its an all electric off grid boat with one thousand watts of 48 volt solar panels, and two bug battery banks one 48 volt and one 12 volt to 3000 watt inverter. i plan to add a wind generator 48 volt system to it. has no propane no refillable fuels , even the dingy had 2hp 48 volt motor..lol if i but it ill have it delivered and docked for a year till i leave land. working in baby steps ..lol been in a small rv for last 15 years..lol i can hardly wait for my adventure to begin.. fair winds and fallowing seas

[@followtheboat]

Sounds like a great project. I'd love to know how you get on with, say, a day of motoring in crappy seas, then a weekend at anchor, followed by some more motoring. Genuinely curious to see if we are finally at the stage where sail boats can be fully electric. Getting rid of gas was a great move for us but getting rid of diesel is the dream! Keep us posted and fair winds to you.

[@armunro]

I did quite alot of sailing in my younger years and still love the sea. I also enjoy watching yotube videos of people like you who live aboard and cruise round the world. However I have no ambition to do the same as you, because I chose a different lifestyle; I have a house in Thailand (I am British) and will be retiring there is a year or so (we spend alot of time there). But I do love SE Asia and have travelled alot in the region. Just trying to give some perspective on who might watch your videos; I mean we are all not wanabee live aboard sailors. But I do love the beautiful places you visit, especially places off the tourist paths, and just watch because I do enjoy sailing, travelling and love the positivity you exude!

[@followtheboat]

Thanks for the great comment, Alastair. I think we think alike and would do the same as you were we living on land in SEAsia.

[@doneddy2204]

Truly enjoyed this. I’m a new sailboat owner and don’t live aboard, but your perspective is helpful and it’s clear your not letting the haters effect you. Stay positive and keep the videos coming

[@followtheboat]

Will do. Thanks for the encouraging words. 🙏 Liz

[@dominicglatz4560]

I grow up on a boat,my mom and dad lived until their late late 70s until my mom broke her hip ,by falling over a curved door step on board they loved living on board ,mom always said you have to carry me of feet first of the boat to get her to leave the boat life style...every thing you have said about living on a boat is true really....you both are amazing.. you bring back sooo many memories ,,,just enjoy life its short and sweet,,,

[@followtheboat]

Glad to know we're bringing back some happy memories. 👌🙏 Liz

[@Pelican5077]

We lived and cruised full time on our gracefully aging 35 ft sailboat for a decade. 50,000 miles, 27 countries. A couple years ago we had some family issues to deal with and so we came back to the US and our home port in Bay City MI. Now we live on the boat April-October and then rent a condo in Myrtle Beach for the winter. We hope to be able to take off again, but at 68, and with the family issues (parents in their mid 90s) still ongoing we might run out of time. We always use the “fun to suck” ratio to determine whether it’s time to swallow the hook. Keep it above 70-30 (on average) and it’s all good. We distill it down to things. 100% commitment from both parties. It’s not for the feint of heart. Be the northernmost boat in the anchorage (in the northern hemisphere). From the crew of S/V Blessings Bay City MI.

[@jbl7092]

It's all about money. Many people want to escape their dull lives by watching sailing videos full of idyllic scenes and good times. They won't watch a dreary boat maintenance video unless they are serious about learning what the sailing life really entails on a daily basis. My advice is to learn from the good ones like this and enjoy the party videos too. It's all about balance.

[@marcoslusso2163]

Great video. Good follow-up to the previous one which I watched about one Year ago as part of my homework before I bought my live aboard sailboat. Now 9 months after I started my own adventures, I have learned a lot about plumbing, electrical, diesel engine and more. I have also enjoyed the sailing community, the new places and beaches and bikinis 😂. Your comments are correct and I love everything. Thanks

[@followtheboat]

That's great to hear, Marcos. Fair winds to you!

[@JohnHancock.1776]

Thank you for your video and for sharing your knowledge and experiences, I really enjoyed it. and it’s good video to revisit, because it also comes with great and helpful commentaries from viewers of your channel. "Bon voyage! Stay safe out there!”

[@followtheboat]

Thank you leaving a lovely comment, John. Appreciated 🙏

[@bjswope8797]

Thanks! Love this and its predecessor.

[@followtheboat]

Thank you for your support, that's very kind. Hope you enjoy many more hours of viewing!

[@marcmeinzer8859]

As a former merchant seaman it cannot be stressed too much that any sort of existence afloat revolves around continual maintenance. I used to go on four month contracts where I got fed by the steward’s department, had my own cabin, and could work unlimited overtime. And I know two things about me possibly living on a boat which are: [1] if I don’t actually build that boat myself then I wouldn’t trust myself to be able to maintain it then [2] all I would be interested in would be building the boat where I had a permanent slip which I could afford and then basically just staying there tied up permanently enjoying the marine environment but also being on the beach at the same time. Sailing around the world on a sailboat would absolutely drive me nuts.

[@WmCRobison]

Comparing a house in the city to a beach house or one in the mountains is like comparing apples to oranges. Comparing it to a sailboat is like comparing apples to pineapples. BTW, I enjoy your sarcasm, and appreciate being forewarned of the realities of the cruising life.

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, William, couldn't agree more.

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the honesty. Sailing is a great activity. Living aboard is definitely not for everyone. Your realistic feedback is greatly appreciated and helpful. Good information is key to help for good decision-making. We have too many channels that sell a dream but those are empty marketing to keep the hype to their channels. Most boats are constantly exposed to the elements (salt, UV rays, bird poo, microscopic water life species, moisture/humidity, etc). Even a brand-new boat will require periodic maintenance, which can get very expensive especially if the owner will not be up to the task him/herself. Anyone who thinks differently better wake up before getting into boat ownership. If money is not a problem, then life becomes much simpler, of course. 🙂 Note: The comment from one of your audience members comparing boat ownership/maintenance with house ownership, is spot on. Depending on the boat/home costs of ownership will lead one direction or another. Annual property taxes alone, in some prime locations, in the US, can easily be in the excess of $10K/Yr (that is for middle-class homes).

[@followtheboat]

Well said. Oh, and talking of poo, it turns out the rat poo is more likely bat poo!

[@rolandstockham1905]

When people make comparisons between living on a boat and in a house they often make the mistake of comparing a house in town (municipality). A better comparison would be comparing the boat to living in an off grid house with no utilities connected. You would be managing power generation, water resources, sewage disposal, getting supplies just like on a boat. Most homeowners ashore simply buy all these services from the municipality and utility companies. We tend to complain about the stress and hassle of 'modern life' while taking it's benefits for granted. On a boat you loose those advantages but gain freedom and independence.

[@followtheboat]

Yes, good point well made 👍

[@alfsphone]

A very honest summary of boating. Very true there is a big difference between boating and living on a boat.

[@rhinooz1]

I never saw the original show but really enjoyed this revisited version. I run a small business and deal with all sorts of People daily and love hearing peoples comments. Yes wanker is a good word. Good to see you two are still smiling. Life is good and fair winds to you

[@DaveAdams308]

Just stumbled across your channel and must say, thank you...THANK YOU! glad I found your experience, balance and knowledge. Will be following avidly. Respect

[@followtheboat]

Thanks, Dave. Hope you find the videos useful and entertaining!

[@jginmt]

I live in the Rocky Mountains I am a realtor and property manager. Every house I know spends $35k and more a year on maintenance and upkeep. If the paint can says it is good for 20 years you will be lucky if it is good for 10 years. I would never buy a used car from Florida for what the salt in the air does to them. I got on a boat and sailed Turkey for 6 weeks to test myself if this was the life for me. I spent some time in Grenada and volunteered in the shipyard to help people to test is this maintenance in God-awful heat I am willing to do. Hopefully, after this summer I will be in a position to fulltime shop for a boat to live on.

[@followtheboat]

Happy boat hunting! Liz

[@heimslach]

You're both wonderful and clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. Dont waste your time engaging with idiots - it only encourages them. Just know that your wisdom is picked up by those in need and ready to hear it (those of us in the real world) - everyone else can just jog on :-)

[@followtheboat]

Thank you. Although we find engaging with the idiots quite funny occasionally 😉

[@mikefetterman6782]

Just wondering, when was that last time that chap drove his "van" to Komodo, Thailand, the Philippines,, ect. Driving to the pub is not the same thing.

[@mikefetterman6782]

I have an OCD lifestyle with cleaning and tinkering, are my hobbies and fun and socializing and partying is a much harder thing to do. I am dreaming of a small lottery win or such, and to solo circumnavigate for life.

[@followtheboat]

Exactly that, Mike. The marine environment can be harsh. I hope you get that win and go live on the water. Good luck 😃👍

[@SailingRegulus]

Funny, true story. Years ago, we owned a 31' O'day Sailboat. For one reason or another we didn't go to see the boat for a couple of months. I went there one night, and as I turn the light on, I saw thousands of little roaches dissapearing from sight. Now, I do not mind snakes, or rats or bees, and mostly any critters don't bother me, with the exception of roaches.....can't stand the sight of them. Anyway. In order to eliminate the infestation, I decided to take everything off the boat....I mean everything, so, we started.....Kim on the companionway, while me, downbelow, passing "stuff' up, and fighting the many thousands of moving targets.....it was terrifying!!!! these damn things would crawl up my legs and arms, and to be completely frank.....I was fricking out....and Kim, on the cockpit laughing her head off, telling me, that I sounded like a little girl, screaming off the top of my longs.....but, would she volunteer to come to the roach nest to help??? nooooooo! anyway, we laugh now, but at that moment my thoughts were more of the "give me some petrol and torch this boat with the roaches down to the waterline". We took all our stuff to a garage, and decontaminated everything and washed everything really well. The pest control tech, took care of everything else! Boats are a constant care enterprise....I'm there every other day, looking after the batteries, scratching another item of the list of repairs and adding another couple of things, and so forth. Our home and garden and just about the same. Yes, the marine environment is far more corrosive, and unless you are very attentive and do not let things go for a long time, or the costs of bringing tasks to a manageable condition, would be very high. So, the moral to the story is, keep on top of it, as much as possible....no matter if your boat is new, or 50 years old.

[@followtheboat]

That is the stuff of nightmares, Jaime. I'm not sure you'd have got Liz even as far as the companionway! What is it about roaches?

[@mogrevatt4115]

Comments are making me laugh- don’t you just luv key cupboard warriors- yep - just put a new boat in the water - evan at this early stage of the boat going in the water - it’s clean clean clean the sea water takes its hold - as you know - and as Mark Twain says - Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

[@francoislancon798]

Very informative and very true. They says the best day of your life comes when your purchase your boat and also... the day you manage to sell it! I did that twice, no regrets! Fair winds to you two!

[@marclawyer2789]

Having clicked on the "be nice" pop up... I'd like to say your videos are fun, bit like a gossip session, so more power to you. Having just finished (nearly) getting our Westerly Berwick refitted (rebuilt rudder, cockpit area, refitting keels etc) we're looking forward to living aboard this summer in the Bristol Channel... schools out for summer ⛵🌊🌞💪 Having redone houses several times, boats aren't an awful lot worse as they are ALSO a means to a 'holiday lifestyle' (this is my first, although I've jumped on plenty of other people's over the years) Keep your sense of humour alive with more videos 📷

[@miketdyer6577]

Your objective boat ownership presentation is sobering, yet, wonderfully delightful. Thank you!

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, Mike 😃👍

[@kevinmcgann1372]

Love this video! Thank you for it, it's wonderful. What amazing folks you are, lovely. An honest assessment from folks who truly walk the talk. Love it! You're the best!

[@followtheboat]

Yes, too many talk but don't walk... 😃 Liz

[@feversol]

My home needs caulking along some windows. If I continue to not perform this task for several month, or until the weather is more pleasant for working outside, no serious harm will occur. I’d bet if your windows need caulking, you need to get it done. I might suggest the cost comparison is much less important than the need for expediency with your issues. A small leak in a home can be a real annoyance (we had one in a home in northern Illinois) and I finally identified the cause and fixed it after two years. Your leak just can’t wait that long. Fixing things in your environment is far more an imperative than in mine.

[@followtheboat]

So true! We tried to get that point across, but you've put it succinctly. Cheers! 🙏👌👏 Liz

[@followtheboat]

Do you (or have you ever) lived for any length of time on a sailboat as your permanent home? Did you travel the world? In your opinion, what are the pros and cons?

[@SailingSarah]

I pretty much live on my boat now. It's miserable here on the Texas coast with no air conditioner. 🤣🤣🤣

[@baltering9674]

I've lived on my boat while fixing her up. Never got to leave the yard though, as hurricane ian knocked me off the stands a week before splash day. Almost there again though. Guess I'll find out soon!

[@LydieBaillie]

Yes I lived alone for about 2 years on my 22 foot sailboat as my home. I can only agree wholeheartedly with all your pros and cons . Sharing such a confined space with another person has to be a critical choice for it to work .I would add remaining in good physical shape , not just thin but good muscular and skeletal shape is a big issue and you need space for that.

[@martinsaunders7925]

Full time liveaboard now for 37 years and on my second boat. Had most skills needed for this life before I made the move. First sail at 13 with the Ocean Youth Club to Channel Islands. The biggest problems I encounter are the owners,not boats. I've been in the boat repair business for 40 years. The one thing I've learned is that I haven't learned enough,and never will.

[@stevenplancich6449]

I follow about 20 Sailing Channels & Everybody seems to have their “Grin & Bear It Moments” But also have those “Golden Days” that seem to make it all worthwhile😜

[@followtheboat]

It's a balance, Steven. Hard days of shit, and amazing, incredible days of new experiences.

[@ozwrangler.c]

Do you have insect screens on hatches? If so, does it help with mozzies etc

[@followtheboat]

Hi. No, we found all screens do is hold in the mosquitoes as you'll never be able to exterminate them all. Better to have the boat completely open and create drafts with fans and/or wind catchers.

[@timlamarre8680]

Have not watched in a while. Liz, your current hair style looks great. To me, it is incredible what you have done. I have been working for three years to cast off the lines. Still intrigued by how you were able to train Millie to use the head. Is a cat on board more expense and complication than it’s worth? Thank you for posting.

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Millie passed away quite a while ago. 😿

[@followtheboat]

We would never have changed having Millie. She brought us great joy and we still miss her, but having a pet on board does tie you down in the same way it does on land. Cats are pretty inexpensive!

[@rustimmurphy1338]

love your channel very honest. Some absolute dreamers out there! I have a 1973 Yacht and like all constantly fixing things. I fully agree that if you are going to get into sailing and have the pleasure of owning your own ship you will undoubtedly will have to get dirty. In addition- the Expat with the 6 boats. 😂😂 I pixxed myself! Keep up the great work! Stay safe! Rus- Heather of Mourne

[@followtheboat]

I've never been to Mourne, it looks stunning! Enjoy your beautiful 1973-er. 🙏👍 Liz

[@janaka861]

I used to build yachts. I owned a 55ft yacht for demonstration purposes only. We scheduled 2 men to spend a whole day on the yacht each month PLUS a crew of 5 to spend 2 hours a week to clean and do the bright work (if you didn’t keep up with it your cost to maintain sky rocketed). The punch list was never ending and we built them! These were luxury world cruisers. Quick example - brand new engine with less than 40 hours on it started leaking oil and for the life of us we could not figure out why. Manufacturer’s engineer couldn’t figure it out. We had to pull the engine (incredibly expensive!) and found that internal fasteners holding the head on were never tightened to specs. Marine electrical is beyond complicated depending on the material the yacht is constructed with AND (most especially) the systems it interacts with which cause polarity issues. My parents sailed one of my yachts for 10 years. With my experience building and owning yachts I came to the conclusion that if you plan to sail full time it can possibly be worth it if you have the patience and skill to maintain a vessel. What my wife and I do is charter a captain and crew for a few weeks each year and love every minute! God bless the full time sailors. Love your channel. Best, Peter Jones

[@gavinflorence9416]

Aww the both of you should not have to explain yourselves! I enjoyed both videos great advice in both. Thank you!!! I’ve been considering buying a boat to live-aboard for quite some time. I understand it will be a life long investment. I am hesitant because I have little no sailing experience, or really Maintenance/ upkeep experience. I agree with you that you’ll need to be part carpenter, plumber, electrician and so on these are things I am not! But I am eager to learn! Again I am highly considering and need all the advice I can get, and your opinions and experiences is a joy can’t wait to listen to the Podcast! Again thanks!

[@bandols]

I'm very new to getting into boating. Why don't people use a standard radiator and coolant that you would use on a car?

[@followtheboat]

Standard coolant IS used but the heat exchanger needs to be marinised to cope with the salt water.

[@EnglishLawyer]

You are both authentic and know what you are talking about. Good on you. You are absolutely correct. I am a qualified Commercial Skipper from NZ and know what I am talking about. 50 years of experience. The negative comments are mostly from "Arm Chair Admirals "who don't have a clue and don't actually own a boat. The guy who said he has two large boats and it only costs a few pounds per year to maintain is a complete liar. He doesn't own anything that floats. How many of them have any experience yet alone the experience I have. They are mostly liars and dreamers and have watched the "Dream Life" of most You Tubers and think that is reality. Like you said, most You Tubers don't tell the truth and tell it is the way it is. They don't have a great time24/7. In reality, they are over 50% of the time either wet, frightened, out of money and begging from Patreons, tired though lack of sleep, or simply just fed up but have to post on You Tube to make money to keep them alive. DON'T take any notice of the losers who make negative comments. They don't know shit from clay. They have only navigated a rubber ducky in a bath tub and think they know it all. It would be great to get one of these "Admirals" on your boat for a week and watch them want to jump overboard because their "knowledge" would soon be found to be less than their ability to wipe their own arse.

[@montyscooter1965]

I watched the first one back in the day and lots more. Thanks for sharing your insightfulness and heartfelt truths. Stay safe and enjoy.

[@followtheboat]

Thanks, Mike. Appreciate the comment and support 👍

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Love you guys. And watched your original film. I think you are a little hard on the other channels... I can't think of a single channel I have watched which has not been honest over issues with the boat. La Vagabond is a good example... superficially maybe all B roll and bikinis but Riley has pretty much written a book on issues with catamarans. And not sure how long since you lived in the Uk but we downscaled and even now our house costs us over £25K a year in costs. Do you watch James on Tritea? He was recounting just this week a mate of his who got a brand new boat and they had countless issues with it. I aim to get a live aboard soon and I have spent many years looking into it... I am ready for the issues... and I actively enjoy maintaining things... and I am looking forward to getting to know every system so I can keep up with maintenance. For me it's a mental thing too... I have struggled in recent years and being on a boat is the one place I feel ok and being able to focus on maintenance and repairs is like meditation for me... and if that is on a boat and is all about keeping me safe and afloat then that work is something I will actively relish. Hard to explain LOL. But I think you have to enjoy working on things to have a boat.

[@reillyjensen2304]

Excellent, thank you for honesty. We have considered sailing blue water oceans. Main reason would be freedom of open ocean and thinking no property taxes killing us as property owners.

[@maxfox3399]

Enjoy your videos. I live in a Motorhome - many similar issues. Including being a mass murderer and doing in a hoard of mice. Have been thinking of changing the truck for a yacht.. maybe I'm mad. You''re right there's always something to do.

[@followtheboat]

There's much crossover, Max. You should find boat ownership less of a shock than most 😉

[@louadk]

We are a Little family thinking of going for for at Long Term Sail and i do like and have the knowledge to tinker and i think we will go weth an older boat that will need alot of fixing from the start in sted of one that's "ready to go" to really get to know the boat as we fix before we start fores adventure but what will you recommend?

[@followtheboat]

Each boat has its peculiarities, old or new. And they all demand constant attention, old or new. I can't advise, other than to say good luck and enjoy the experience! Liz 🙏👌

[@peterreynolds8146]

“Break out another thousand “ well, a friend of mine has a Lotus Car. Lotus stands for….. Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious! Gr8 video ❤

[@followtheboat]

😂😂 love it

[@micahgawin9691]

Appreciate the candid attitude towards some of the comments, another great video! :)

[@followtheboat]

We take no prisoners! Most of the comments we get these days are positive though, so it's all good 😊

[@meshedgears2794]

Oh man, When you said "do you like tinkering then boat life is for you" I smiled. I love that, now I have to reconsider going to sea...:) -MG

[@followtheboat]

I'm assuming from your user name you like to tinker!

[@meshedgears2794]

@@followtheboat Yes sort of falls right inline doesn't it. I do electronic design and I have built a house or two. So carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and electronic-design are all on my list of things I have done recently. I have finally seen some consolidation in marine-systems lately, hence my renewed interest. Your comment got me thinking harder about giving it a go. I am still waiting for oil filters to be remote mounted, along with the hyper clean oil filters used on trucks and cars. I know one builder is using remote mount oil filters now, but making it more common would be better. I am also waiting for the automated spin down filters to be added for water makers, I had one for my pool and it kept the grit and larger particles from clogging the media to quickly. The most important part is the cost and purchasing a depreciating asset, but man the pictures you have make cost less of a deterrent. -MG

[@followtheboat]

Our oil filter is remotely mounted, albeit on top of the engine instead of underneath. Certainly makes changing it a lot easier!

[@meshedgears2794]

@@followtheboat That's good to hear I think boat builders should do it as a standard. Given the marine environment, I think I would use the parallel oil filter systems as well, these clean the oil to a new sheen. The micron filters clean the oil so well it's like new. The tube going from the filter to the oil cap makes you take a second look, but the filtration is very slow and needs a separate path. Lots of fun and many things to consider. -MG

[@ozwrangler.c]

It’s great that you share a more realistic experience. People are happier when their expectations are exceeded. Anyone who doubts the harshness of the marine environment 😂 Even living on the coast, you have additional maintenance

[@sailingsomeday5975]

This comes down to what you guys have talked about before……very high, highs….a very low, lows….you hope the highs outweigh the lows…..

[@followtheboat]

Yes, that's the balance. If it tips the other way, we're doing something wrong.

[@michaelmeinberg2696]

It is of course a tradeoff. My cousin "lent" me his 37 boat for the winter and I have enjoyed it immensely, however I have had to fix two tears in the jib, replace the battery as it would not start after sitting for a few days, and fix a holder for the jib feruling line that came out of the boat fiberglass. And that is just 6 months’ worth. But the days on the San Francisco bay are all worth it! Now I want my own boat (although I don't think I am a 'sail across the ocean' kind of guy...) So of course, especially with an older boat, things are going to go wrong. And often you are somewhere where you can't call "Joe the fix-it guy", like in the middle of the ocean! You have to be willing and capable of taking care of those issues, as not doing so may mean you cannot move, or even worse, you might sink! My sprinkler line just burst in my house, I can turn it off and fix it later, that may not be an option on boat… This is a great video, and as you stated, you having done it for 17 years clearly you think the positive outweighs the negative. And there are lots of positives! After spending a night anchoring out in Santa Cruz in front of the Boardwalk and next to pier - I woke up with a nice cup of coffee to sea lions, sea gulls, all making a wonderful racket, and the water just calm as can be with a nice rose / orange glow as the sun rose, watching people open up the pier and the Boardwalk - just heaven! There is one thing you said that I think is really true too: Being together with someone, no matter how great you get along, in such a small space (and you can’t exactly take a walk if you need apart time…) I am sure can be trying.

[@followtheboat]

You paint a wonderful picture with those sounds of nature. Last night we watched thousands of fruit bats fly over Esper at sunset.

[@shaigill1]

Regarding the first reason not to buy a boat - the constant maintenance, I am actually looking forward to moving on the boat. We live far away from our boat and we only sail once a month at best, so when we go there is absolutely no time to work on the boat. I am looking forward to just living on the boat and taking my time with projects, doing something small day, rather than crazy long days that I have right now.

[@followtheboat]

Yes, we met a sailing couple who lived in Australia, but kept their boat in Thailand. They'd come out for a month or two, but got so fed up with spending 50% of their holiday time doing boat work that they sold the boat. It's much easier to stay on top of the maintenance by doing little and often. 🙏👍 Liz

[@coldnorthadventures5905]

l been sailing and fixing boats for 10years, you are saying everything so right and 100% agrees with you.

[@followtheboat]

It's those of us who do it, who really know... 😄 Liz

[@Neil-pr1rb]

since i lived in houses, I have had one thoughtless thug neighbour after another. Every time I have to sell and move, the legal fee's, stamp duty and legal costs add up to between 30 to 50 thousand dollars. Then there's the removalist. Then all those engines from wiper snippers, mowers, blowers, trimers, the car engine, I'm only half way through this list. I tried pulling the anchor up last night when the new neighbours rode quad bikes till midnight. You just can't up and go in a house and maintenance is greater if you have gardens etc. My 38 ft boat cost me less and is way more fun and peaceful. Pure and simple.

[@valeriesorrells]

was raised boating in salt water environments... thank you for being 100% honest. Our motto was, "open the wallet, fix the problem and enjoy the experience".

[@followtheboat]

No truer word spoken... Liz

[@davidupton4730]

Good heavens, we owned a 60’ narrowboat for 8 years on the inland waterways in the UK, they need a fraction of the maintenance and cost in marinas than a sea boat, in those 8 wonderful years the boat cost us £50,000 before we went anywhere in it, multiple that by 3 or four for a sea boat.

[@johan8724]

Washing clothes: buy a 60 liter blue plastic drum with black srew on top, throw clothes in and water and soap, throw it on a long line behind the boat and it will bounce over the water for half a day and your clothes are clean. 5 kg clothes and 20 liters of water, still air enough to keep it jumping over the water behind the boat.

[@followtheboat]

I keep saying to Jamie that the hand-washing part is easy and doesn't use much water, it's the rinsing that eats into your water reserves. He doesn't like seawater for laundry. 🙄😃 Liz

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Think of the twisting forces on a boat. The hull is being torqued by the mast and stays - repetitions of stresses in the thousands. Things gradually soften up, especially if there is water intruding in all the little micro crevices. Not just stress, but shock as well. The sea wants to be inside your boat!

[@followtheboat]

So true... Liz

[@jyzilvz]

Did I hear you say there is red sea podcasts? Or was it just blogs?

[@followtheboat]

Yes, from Turkey to India! You can get our podcasts through the usual channels, or via our website.

[@jeromehebert3184]

I think that when i was younger I would have probably jump on a boat and sailed around the world a heart beat; however, as I get older and with certain health issues arising I prefer to be closer to healthcare facilities than in the middle of the ocean. That is just my thoughts today.

[@followtheboat]

Thanks, Jerome. I understand this sentiment as my parents feel the same. Yesterday I had the symptoms of my prolapsed disc twinges while sailing and it's not a nice feeling to know you're miles from medical help.

[@claremaccarthy7308]

Jerome, that is certainly something to consider. And Jamie/Liz - watch that back🙏 Our boat is a midget 27ft but trying, stupidly, to pivot its three tonnes around a mooring pole against a headwind some years ago, caused two slipped discs and three months of pain. Don’t take any risks with lifting and keep doing exercises. Five years on, I put on one of those big, stretchy elastic belts at the first hint of a twinge. They’re now a must on the boat. Happy sailing to you😊

[@roryharri]

Thank you for such a fair and balanced video that was most pleasant to view! You two have a wonderful attitude, wishing you all the best!

[@followtheboat]

Thanks, Rory 👍