BOAT LIFE: Staying Legal, Anchoring, and Costs [Q&A with E&C]

Joe Fp asked us how we decide where to anchor our sailboat, and what's involved in checking into a country and going ashore? What are the costs? Here's our answer.
We talk about how to check into a country through a port captain, immigration and/or customs, how to find the best places with cruising guides and other cruisers, plus the costs of anchoring, mooring, storage and bringing our boat to marinas.
P.S. We have been having issues with our main camera, so this is not as high-quality as our usual videos. We hope to be back up and running with the regular DSLR soon.
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[@vincentf9568]

Some vlogers do a 1/2 hour video of them going through that process, which is nice & entertaining BUT I dig your straightforward informative approach! Excellent info!

[@MrSafetyForever]

You provide Amazing practical advice in layman's terms! Thank you for the notations in the video! Take Care

[@MakingCentsInTrucking]

You guys are inspiring my wife and I to the lifestyle. Many thanks for sharing. Blessings

[@EmilyAndClark]

You two are very welcome. -C

[@seawhaturnissen]

Always a great show! Tell me more about making my own morning? Is that a thing? we are around the tarpon springs area FL and see people building all kinds of things on the water. keep up the good work

[@magleeventures2246]

Thanks for the amazing tips emily and Clark! This is an amazing guide! Our goal is to eventually get a sailboat and live out of it 😍⚓️

[@magleeventures2246]

Question: how do you keep your boat safe from being stolen?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Generally thieves practice in the place they know. Being on a boat is out of their comfort zone. The only real crime on the water is the theft of outboard motors. In short we are safe from crime because we have a moat.

[@magleeventures2246]

@@EmilyAndClark Very good points! I feel much more comfortable now! Happy sailing guys!

[@gusoliverbar9392]

Thanks guys

[@gabbyvg.9067]

OH MY GOSH!!!! I cannot believe I am first! Love the videos!! I've watched so many others: Sailing Uma, La Vagabond, SV Delos, Zatara and you guys really make me feel at home. I am currently a full time camper saving for my 1st liveaboard and I am determined to sail the world. But 1st, I have to get into some classes. Just to lock myself in, I purchased Jimmy Cornells book. Any advice on buying my 1st boat/home???? I would LOVE a Fountaine Pajot catamaran, or even a nice sized Hunter but I am not as wealthy as I wish to be.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I'm not an expert on cats. Just not my thing but I know a lot of people who love them. I'd avoid the hunter. They aren't really blue water boats. Fine for coastal sailing though. I really like older heavy boats made before 1973. Plastic classics. They can be had for a song. The hulls can last forever and once fixed up they can carry a lot of weight anywhere. Temptress is a CCA period design. 50 years old and going strong. -C

[@supertom8552]

Thanks you too , you’re the best, love the videos, hope to join you some day !

[@EmilyAndClark]

Hope to see you out here.

[@jgatkinson744]

I’ve watched Emily and Clark for a long time great couple they do a great job narrating all their videos good to see you two are doing great keep up the good work . And there’s nothing wrong with their age except it’s him and not me LOL

[@carbidegrd1]

The last time I was in Antigua, a group of live aboard cruisers rowed in and passed by me. They stunk! I saw (or smelled ) this again on Bonaire and again at the Annapolis boat show. It occurred to me that possibly hygiene was suffering because as a group, the crews where getting used to a lower standard. It is easy to find a set of boobs on a sailing channel but difficult to find out about the reality. No one talks about the effort required to stay clean and wash clothes. The best things to wear and if washing in the ocean works.

[@EmilyAndClark]

We're have a video on doing laundry aboard. I like to think we don't smell. We have a watermaker and a shower. Sorry you had a bad experience. I think it's rare actually, even crews on boats that have water restrictions swim a lot. -C

[@carbidegrd1]

@@EmilyAndClark I watched it just now. Thank you, did you build your own watermaker?

[@EmilyAndClark]

No it's an early Spectra. If I had to do it again I'd just build my own or maybe buy a rainman. The Spectra is too expensive and their customer support has gone to hell.

[@zen.passion.adventure7765]

- jump overboard in ocean to get wet - climb out and rinse once with fresh water - lather up with soap - jump overboard to rinse off - REPEAT the freshwater rinse - lather - saltwater rinse - climb out and fresh water rinse one more time - dry off - lotions - deoderants - brush teeth - done i use less than 1/2 gallon of fresh water for this shower above, but newbies should start with 2 gallons and work their way down.

[@ya2121]

nice, good coverage

[@robstelar]

HI! I like your Q&A section, very instructive :) I have few questions around one topic!: boat living and aging. You are in great shape now and sure for long but how about when you get really oldie. Do you think you could stay living in a boat? Do you have any sort of plan in the far future to sell the boat and settle in a house? specially if get old and maybe with less strength to endure a boat life? :) All the best Thanks Cheers!

[@EmilyAndClark]

The current plan is to sail until Clark feels he only has a few good years of hard labor left. Then build a Swiss Family Robinson style treehouse or other off-grid or sustainable home and retire there. Maybe raise some kids (by kids we mean goats). But we will still living intentionally, frugally, and as sustainably as we can, with a bit of adventure, too.

[@robstelar]

​@@EmilyAndClark I knew that a conventional house wouldn't be for you anyway lol :) Cheers

[@donutmuncher666]

Finally some useful info on these topics! All these channels are going and doing but not telling... Lame!

[@EmilyAndClark]

We try to be different then the beaches and bikini channels. Thanks for noticing. Do you have any questions for us?

[@donutmuncher666]

@@EmilyAndClark weight distribution on the vessel. We are saving for a heavy craft prefer steel full keel. We are planning on bringing hopefully a year's worth of dehydrated and canned food to keep out of marina life. Wondering how to figure dry weight say 40000 lbs and how much loaded weight we can carry, gear food ect. Sure water and fuel but those should already be considered

[@EmilyAndClark]

I've logged your question. I like heavier boats that can carry a lot of cargo. We have a lot of provisioning videos in the works. We dry and can a lot. We took off this trip with about 2000 lbs of food.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Which cruising guides are your favorites?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Completely depends on where you are going.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

@@EmilyAndClark I was thinking about the Caribbean if there are a few you like best.

[@andyadams1222]

Thank you Emily / Clark .. Would it be Carey 2 , 3 , 4 , thousand cashfor emergencies or just cash to spend , Thank you ..BeachboyAndy

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks for becoming a Patreon supporter. I have really never had trouble using my Schwab card at a local ATM. We seldom carry more then $300us or so worth of local currency.

[@JCs-Music]

Love your content, keep it up! Soon as I close on my boat, going for survey on 4/3, I'll be supporting you. I've been hearing various things lately about Patreon..........which works best for you....Paypal or Patreon?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Jeff, we really appreciate that. Patreon takes a larger cut but it is such a nice system for communication and convince that it's our favorite. We are trying to post all videos to patreon first. And post some stuff there only. Hope the survey goes well. What are you getting?

[@JCs-Music]

@@EmilyAndClark Not exactly your typical cruising boat, if there is such a thing, a Fisher 30. Will start out on southeast coast and Gulf of Mexico. Wife's health is an issue so I'll be single handling and will have to take it slow while I ramp up. Wasn't even on my radar until I started adding up the features that seemed to fit us the best.

[@EmilyAndClark]

The Bahamas are so close and quite easy. You should think seriously about crossing the gulf stream. We have a video cruising guide to help.

[@JCs-Music]

@@EmilyAndClark :-) it is on my radar for sure! While I'm in SC getting things together I'll check it out. That's been my ultimate destination but I'll have to make a few runs to see how she does (Boat & Wife). Wife has some real physical needs that I'll have to make sure are addressed on the boat. Is the guide on your channel or ....It's 4:30am here in SoCal so getting ready to head out to work. June is my last month of work. Let me know about the guide and I'll go through your channel later today. Thanks

[@JCs-Music]

@@EmilyAndClark Watched both videos! Really enjoyed them. Hopefully everything will go well and we'll run into you two :-)

[@Junkyardnedreck]

So, do I have to fill out all the paperwork if ur just stopping in for fuel & water, or only if ur gonna stay on land for awhile

[@EmilyAndClark]

If you get off the boat you check in

[@brabrabo]

and another one: are there implications with costal guards and other military on your experience while anchoring or otherwise?

[@EmilyAndClark]

In the US YES. Elsewhere not really.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I'm sure Europe is even worse but I don't know. Generally I like the second world.

[@brabrabo]

@@EmilyAndClark cool. how do you work around those kind of people, and how do you know they are what they say they are? Are they to offer their badges or something?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Like I said out here it's seldom a problem. In places like key west they are decorated with millions of taxpayers dollars of boats, badges and guns. No mistaking them.

[@brabrabo]

hey Clark and Emily, I was looking for exactly the answers you put the light on, thanks so much. Quick question though, speaking on your statement where "things go bad in marina" (vs "things go bad on anchor") kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6vHd5-niqyjpJI , are there real example that "things went bad" in marina that you heard of in real life on your real experience?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure when a hurricane comes through some boats are likely to drag anchor and bump. In a marina even if no one breaks free there will be chafe damage and if the storm surge takes the floating docks above their pilings everything (boats and docks) piles up on the downwind side of the basin.

[@brabrabo]

@@EmilyAndClark auch.. thank you for your response guys!

[@peterwillems3806]

Does this also counts for Europe? (Mediterrane)

[@EmilyAndClark]

I imagine so. Always more rules in Europe though

[@jimgeldhof9563]

How do you deal with internet connection on a boat? Clark I heard you were in software, possibly you could tell me if living on a boat would be possible as an online marketeer? Cheers

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yes in the Bahamas it would be no problem. Most places have cell phone based internet. Just have to get a local account whenever you travel.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Also have you encountered corrupt officials anywhere and how did you deal with that?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Fairly little. I just don't pay, it's always gone fine.

[@zen.passion.adventure7765]

are you allowed to leave your boat at most anchorages? (...and go onshore for more than t hours or overnight to visit friends?) i had my kayak stolen by the police at dana point CA last week because i went onshore to see a friend for more than 5 hours. ...$200 later to get my kayak out of jail - they told me that i could be anchored there but i was not allowed to leave my boat unattended. has this happened to anyone else?? rough way to learn a lesson. BEWARE IN SOCAL!

[@EmilyAndClark]

There is the law then there are cops. Cops don't really care a bit about the law when it comes to boats in the US. The rest of the world is MUCH better.

[@zen.passion.adventure7765]

man have i ever experienced that! hahaha. im being regulated out of my own back yard. lol

[@EmilyAndClark]

I seem to remember that there are two handy CA laws. 1 if there is a small craft advisory a marina has to give you a free night. 2 something about if there was shore access before building a waterfront project there has to be a free dinghy dock. I met people who lived on their boat in Catalina and came to the mainland on small craft advisory days for groceries.

[@820e4cf7jh]

How much is the zahr pay?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Usually free. $50 in the Bahamas last I checked.

[@pakratunloading]

I'm looking to retire in 10 years or so and I am considering a cruiser life style, if I can convince the wife. We live in Muskegon, Michigan about a mile from lake Michigan and I am a true newbie. I don't even sail and have only sailed once with my daughters 20 years ago. Anyways, I have a friend who has a sailboat he is wanting to sell. The boat is an Alberg 30, 70's model and I hope to see it soon. Would that be a good first sailboat to learn to sail on and start cruising with? I have lot's of questions and about ten years to get everything in place, plus learn to sail!

[@EmilyAndClark]

I've never sailed one but people like Albergs. 30 feet might be a bit on the small side for a full time live board cruising yacht, but people do it. But to learn to sail and play on the great lakes 30 sounds just right. 10 years is quite a bit of time. If you get a good deal it might be worth starting with it then upgrading in 8 years or so. You could also buy closer to your cruising grounds. Florida has a lot of boats for sale. Where are you thinking about going?

[@pakratunloading]

@@EmilyAndClark Thanks for the quick reply. I am hooked on what I have learn and viewed on KZbin about sailing and the whole life style. I want to see the world and I can't think of a better way to do it.

[@pakratunloading]

Goodnight, this third shifter is off to bed.

[@EmilyAndClark]

There isn't one

[@Nerd3927]

Noonsite.com ? Very useful if it is not to outdated.

[@EmilyAndClark]

There is also Active Captain.com. I don't use either but should look into them again before I head off to Panama next season. I've been to the Bahamas a lot so I haven't needed info much lately.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Also, are you in if our patrons? We are putting together a spreadsheet to keep it all straight. If so please send us a message on Patreon.

[@sailinggaia3582]

what specific cruising guides do you recommend? thanks

[@EmilyAndClark]

That depends on where you are going. What's your plan?

[@sailinggaia3582]

@@EmilyAndClark going down the Caribbean from Miami.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Bruce van Sant's guide is important to understand the hispaniola part if you go the normal way. Our video cruising guide will get you to Georgetown. Once you get past Porto Rico you won't need much beyond a chart.

[@EmilyAndClark]

To go deeper it's more a Patreon kinda discussion.

[@sailinggaia3582]

@@EmilyAndClark Thank you !

[@flip0345]

Imagine theres no countries

[@RustyParadox]

Could I suggest you don't have your hair over your shoulders when you have the mic on. I know it's been raised before as a bit of an issue, but it really does make it hard to listen. And I do love to listen to these informational videos. Either that or maybe put the cable under your clothes (can't tell if you have or not, black on black), the noise is most likely your braids rubbing on the cable not so much hitting the mic.

[@EmilyAndClark]

It's the braids. We are watching it with new videos we film. Learning every day. -C

[@thepensmith1]

isn't she a bit young for him🤨

[@seoul2k11]

the dude seems so nice and chill but the women... yikes. Does she ever smile?

[@JessaJayVlogs]

simgie She doesn’t need to smile for you. She can do whatever she wants.

[@seoul2k11]

@@JessaJayVlogs If the goal is to not get more subscribers, then yes, yes she can.