SUPER LOW BUDGET CRUSIING - Ep 236 - Lady K Sailing

Can we got cruising after buying a sailboat, outfitting the sailboat fully, and then heading to the Bahamas in 2023 with a total budget of just $30,000? We talk abut which sailboats will work, installing anchors and solar and a fridge as well as navigation and depth.
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[@Tom-ln9ic]

First. Humbly request a video on top 10 low cost upgrades when you first get your boat.

[@rosswohlert8792]

Cost to add air conditioning

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

@@rosswohlert8792 Well, used AC window units are almost free, so I wonder if they can be used for a budget build? Also, because high temperatures correlate with sunlight, I wonder if solar panels and AC are a good match? Although, I suspect AC is more important at night, for sleeping (at least for me).

[@peterbyrne652]

@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 You'll struggle to mount that kind of A/C on a boat and it's AC, not DC. You need a large battery bank and inverter to handle those A/C units. I wouldn't do it. On shore power maybe. Google how to calculate your energy needs for Off Grid and you'll see what I mean. That $100 A/C will be the most expensive thing you buy. If you add a generator you could do it. But that's $$$ and you need a boat big enough to put one in. If you want those kinds of things, I'd raise the budget to something closer to $60-100K and find one that has what you want and doesn't need as much work. These boats are at the very bottom end of 'minimal' as the title says.

[@peterbyrne652]

@@rosswohlert8792 $1000s. You'll need big battery banks, big solar, and the the marine A/C is expensive and complicated. You may not even have room to add it on most of the boats mentioned here. IMHO you'll need at least a 34ft boat.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

@@peterbyrne652 That's what I suspected, but I assumed the worst case scenario was a generator to make it work. A generator would be useful for many things, and I've seen several people using the very popular/portable red Hondas on boats (they're not really that large). I have no idea... but it seems like having a redundant source of power makes it worth considering... Those Hondas can be had used for $400, and parts are commonly available. Used window ACs go for $15-$100. What's a typical price for an AC made specifically to install on a sailboat? $1,000? $2,000? I have no idea. But this is a budget video, anyway.

[@WojciechP915]

Sam Holmes has proven that you can do San Diego to Hawaii on a 23 footer and Palm Beach to the Bahamas on an open deck catamaran, so I think we should rate our factor of safety as a "factor of Sam". I would generally prefer a 2x Sam, for which I will need a budget of $82.76.

[@textickulartrauma8287]

Just purchased a new/upgrade to us 41 CC Ketch. Will be selling our awesome 1986 34' Catalina- engine rebuild, less than 50 hours on her. Sitting pretty in Spannish, Ontario (Primarily fresh water sailed in Lake Huron with a trip tofrom Bahamas). Fantastic layout- will be on market shortly... just saying!

[@sailingonabudget]

Hey ! That's my Endeavour 32, and I can assure you she is clean ! She's also off the market because I've decided to keep her !!

[@JayPerrypersonal]

Read your comment on the cruisers forum, so popped over to look at this video. To be fair he didn’t slag your boat, he said it’s a good boat but needs a clean! From the photo in the advert that is all he has to go on, the gel coat could definitely do with a polish! That said is this guy experienced sailor? A qualified surveyor etc? His videos are all from a house?! None from a actual boat!? That said chill out Old Man, he didn’t slag off your boat, he simply said she needs a clean on the hull.

[@sailingonabudget]

@@JayPerrypersonal I know, it just bugged me. It felt personal. He said it was filthy, and it just ain't so ! 😁 I'm a picky guy, I keep her clean.

[@JayPerrypersonal]

@@sailingonabudgetI get it, but that photo, I presume you posted on your advert, of the stern port side, definitely looked green and dirty. Nothing that won’t clean off but does show neglect maybe! Again I don’t know what this guy’s qualifications or expertise is. I just checked out his website, he offers his experience and expertise for sale…..yet he doesn’t state anywhere what his experience or expertise is, or what his qualifications are etc. Only that he bought his boat “Lady K” in 2016. So all I can deduce is 7 years of boat ownership.😢 Myself I have been sailing over 40 years, ex RYA instructor and full time live aboard all year round for the last 8 years. Several boat refits and tens of thousands of hours and nautical miles. However this guys advice seems sound and better than many KZbin channels out there. Anyway best of luck, fair winds. Enjoy your Endeavour 32, nice boat. He also did I think a video on best blue water sailing boats ( I think it was this guy, either Lady K or Learning the lines) where they slagged off my boat….an Amel Super Maramu, probably one of the best boats ever designed to sail around the world on!! 🤣😂⛵️

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

That’s a good budget option breakdown. Have you ever tried sleeping in a hammock on the boat? I’ll be a solo cruiser, mostly, and setting up a hammock seems like the simplest solution to rough weather sailing.

[@jamesmccourt1419]

I love the positive frame of mind of this video. Instead of being sad you can't afford an electric windlass, celebrate the opportunity to get your morning exercise manually winching up the anchor.

[@bitsurfr46]

Tim does a good job at identifying what sailboats are available at different price points. But I want everyone to understand that buying a boat is only the beginning of the responsibility you will have as a boat owner. There is an old saying, "The best days of a boat owners life are the day he bought one and the day he sold it." Think of it as adding a new child to your family. I own a 30 feet Pearson and in even in the best months I pay around $400 to pay the mooring fee and insurance premiums. Of course if you watch these KZbin sailing channels long enough you will want to upgrade your boat with the latest gear. This month I spent a $1000 to add a 200AH Lithium battery and a device to keep it charged. Last month I paid $300 to have a diver clean the hull. I never quite understood why you need your hull cleaned if your bottom paint is good, but you do.

[@arizona8855]

Do you have a checklist to help newbies to cover all of the items needed for cruising successfully?

[@ZekeChanguris]

Have you done a video explaining the different kinds of boat insurance?

[@CPTCleoTorris]

I have a Cat 30 with 600 watts solar, 400 AH trojans and augment with 300 AH lithium portables and I cruise the great lakes. My water heater is even a 750 watt one that I can heat with the inverter, Costway 300 dollar freezer the OZ fridge and hope to hit the Bahamas. Of course I want a bigger boat but I am happy with the confirmation I can do it in my little Cat! Great video as always!!

[@grantogard2271]

If you don’t mind sharing, roughly what have you spent all-in to get your Cat 30 to its current state? Your setup is just about what I’d be looking for, and there’s so much uncertainty with various costs to get a boat cruising-ready.

[@wb2pcv]

Tim, I suggest you spend some time deep-diving into the auxiliary motor thing: Diesels are safe, generally easy to service and repair, but you can find mechanics who can work on the Atomic Four all over the world. Lot to be said for that. Also, the A-4 weighs max of 335 lbs, vs. a Beta 16, at 210 lbs. Depending on the size of vessel and engine placement, the difference could have an impact on vessel trim. Just thoughts...

[@williamclay]

A good video...way better than that video about the french garbage boats.

[@nickgoodall578]

So you recommend setting sail across the Gulf Stream with 30 year old standing rigging and 10 oil filters? Cool. Cool cool Cool.

[@matthewmuente1363]

I was looking at that Tartan 30 today. I'm in Milwaukee, and I may actually buy it.

[@brazosrio2850]

Just bumping the algo. 🎉

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid, dude. Thanx.

[@0PsychosisMedia0]

As I am in a situation where I can't go or do anything, I'm in endless research. Can't forget a pre-purchase inspection/survey. That will help on what you are getting into right off the bat.

[@k5kensails]

Best ever video. That Islander 36 looks like the way to go.

[@smacksman1]

While she is out of the water it is a good idea to check the sea cocks. Good bronze ones are expensive but are the best. Also check rudder bearings and cutlass bearing and stuffing gland.

[@briancox2721]

Tip for any boat you are considering: inspect all hoses and wiring for ANY signs of chafing before you buy. I was on my friends' 36 foot Catalina in the middle of Lake Michigan last summer when a raw water hose rubbed through to the wire reinforcement and punctured the oil filter while the motor was running. After a quick engine shut down and a mad scramble to hoist the sails, I spent the next hour chasing down the oil leak, replacing the filter, topping up the engine oil, and improvising enough of a repair to get us back into the slip. The rest of the day was spent hunting around parts stores for new hose. Luckily, I'm an engineer and we had a filter and oil on board, but it wasn't the most fun I've ever had on a boat. But if we'd spotted and fixed the hose before it punched a pin hole in the oil filter, we'd have spent the afternoon sailing and fishing.

[@waltobringer2928]

Thanks again!

[@user-pg8qe3zs8h]

Thanks - Mauro

[@CalmWatersLiving]

Fantastic Information. Thank you for your persistence. Love the channel.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@sergest-pierre6160]

You forget to mention that you will need a $1000 of tools and another $1000 of spare parts. You did mention that you need to be willing to fix the boat yourself and be able too. On a recent boat, you will need one day a week for maintenance and cleaning (new to 10 years old). On an old crappy boat like suggested here, you will spend half your time fixing it or looking for parts to fix it. Yes you will have weeks not fixing anything but you will also spend months in boat yard once in a while. Yes, you can do it with but I would not. Your choice.

[@smacksman1]

While fixing my old boat my neighbour had a lovely new boat. After he sailed her every weekend, the next week he had someone on board fixing problems or making upgrades. Maintenance never stops.

[@peterbyrne652]

Yup. I'm not sure this presented the full reality of a sail boat. With the budget and boats shown, you'd better have owned a boat before and know how to fix them, or your dream is going to become a nightmare in possibly life threatening situations. Yes you can sail anywhere in a small boat but the overall condition matters a lot, and you're ability to evaluate the condition even more. I get the impression that most people here are completely new to sailing and boats.

[@peterbyrne652]

@@smacksman1 True, but these boats as described need a refit not maintence.

[@jessefalsone1247]

It's taken me years to identify and accumulate the spares and tools I need for longer term cruising. This channel consistently blows rainbows and unicorns up the arse of the uninitiated.

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Great shares - I think you help people avoid the Tyranny of Perfection. A sound boat with respectable standing rigging are the basics. A reliable engine? You really have something there. Clean or at least cleanable, check. I sense a big movement (no pun intended) to changing over to composting toilets. A little novel, but I hate the thought of the black-water nether regions of a boat, the traditional holding tank. To me it's the ticking time bomb.

[@mattlynn558]

Bacon Sails is the best! I shop there all the time to find kit for my ancient Yankee 28.

[@HamiltonMechanical]

hey, freaking cool man, you just gave a mechanic an engine that he's never heard of! universal atomic 4... yup, checking it out now! and I thought I knew all the odd engines :) hell yeah brother!

[@visiongrouplive4384]

Nice choices!

[@1jamesgraham]

Love this video. I'm going to show it to my wife, and....off we go....?....

[@christopher2386]

Haha. Just saw your video in my feed and saw you featuring my boat. Mines the cover 😂. Love my Catalina hope she finds a good home.

[@jasonjenkins-ferris]

I know it's crazy, but I love learning from you even though I'll never own a sailboat. If I ever had the money and got healthy enough, I'd go the motor route. But you have a great way of speaking and the topic is interesting.

[@user-co7tp3oi4i]

wow Sailor,👍

[@robgrune3284]

excellent advice.

[@expeditioncalypsowind]

Awesome Sauce ! 😀

[@stevenm6592]

I have an 85 Tartan 34 MK2 I'm in a refit on hopefully by 2024 cruising season I'm ready.

[@libertyforamericanow]

We have to keep money coming in to live in the Bahamas every November. Even if we work six and off six, i have to keep my business phone answered. Im a sole proprietor but people call all year. Slowest season is after November till march. Im in lawn equipment repair. Customers aint gonna be happy if my voicemail says im closed till march.

[@BuzzKill67]

I bought a boat once that was a 20k below market and 20k later and countless wonderful hours in a KW boat yard I had seaworthy boat (except for that green engine and sail drive)

[@chip9177]

Ok Tim, what is the cost per year to be cruising? Saint, haul outs, food, booze, etc. Ballpark of course

[@10lauset]

Cheers.

[@pacole5926]

Hi, Enjoying your videos. How about a video on Gemini Catamarans, both the 105 MC and Legacy? For example compare to the smaller Prout model you reviewed awhile back.

[@jackwalby6257]

As far as your spares comments i agree about filters but as far as yanmar belts just cough up the money for yanmar belts, NAPA belts apparently have a different v cross section and the pulleys just eat the belt. Ive done napa thing so know from experience and I've seen yards do it as well and it just ends poorly.

[@IamPreacherMan]

30’ is tight and 10k is kinda skinny. But I like the thought. I think 35-36’ and a heavy 10k for outfitting.

[@themcpeters]

We just looked at a cal 34 in Michigan yesterday. We are vanlifers that have DIY’d a sprinter. Full marine grade wiring, lithium, solar etc. Prepared to DIY everything on the boat we can and learn what we can’t. I am struggling to pull the trigger because it’s a long way to Florida from Mackinac Island. Plus I’ll need to redo the electrical for safety…Romex AC outlets 😢 I’ve watched your videos of you going from St Clair and on. I keep hearing go simple and go now and these videos are dropping at the right time! Needless to say, but thank you so much for the information!

[@charles.neuman18]

I really like this format -- looking at ads and seeing what can be done on a small budget. Of course, you've discuss many of the ideas before, but here you showed us how to put them to use for real boats for sale. At some point I'd like to see more of these. Pick a few current ads and discuss what can be done with those boats.

[@AORD72]

Great information, however I wish people wouldn't talk in amp hours. Amp hours does not tell us how much energy is inn the batteries because the batteries could be 12 or 24 Volts. Everybody should talk in Watt hours to be accurate, or say amp hour and voltage.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

For me, and I think you have covered similar. Is a small, big budget if that’s not a contradiction. I’m in the UK so work in pounds. But I am thinking… world cruising, ocean crossing… Must be 38ft or over, CENTRE COCKPIT, have two heads… Budget $200k for boat and insurance and to add or update navigation, water maker, freezer, hot water, hydrovane and solar. And maybe air con. And have enough left to cover first year of costs. I think it can be done. As long as you don’t spend more than around $120k on the boat leaving $80k to cover the rest and allowing for doing work yourself.

[@HairHoFla]

Doing it for a fraction of $30k Bought a 1979 S2 9.2 aft. For $2500 All it needs is compass and depth replaced...and bimini or dodger...and tiller pilot....a S2 9.2...is basically a Catalina 30 minus 400 lbs and a set of keelbolts

[@johngrabowski2957]

That’s friggen AWESOME!!!!

[@guittarmaster]

Do you have any thoughts on a sailboat for a couple that wants wants to scuba dive? Would need a way to fill air tanks but any other modifications / equipment/ special considerations? Maybe the concept could make for a few fun episodes, "Buy this sailboat if you want to "X" while sailing".

[@johannesbartlett7110]

You inspire.....

[@user-tj6tj7nj3z]

Can you do a video about cc vs aft cockpit and why someone would consider either option. Why are most cockpits located aft.

[@heather2087]

Sound advice!! We want to start small and cut our teeth in the bahamas and then eventually move up to a big boat. This gives me hope that a smaller boat will work 🙂 We are currently on a Hughes 26 in Toronto so moving to a 30 or 36 is the goal for now.

[@Trajectionable]

I remember the Tartan Ten. You could see light through the hull.

[@shawnee0011]

The Catalina is in my town😊 but I haven’t seen her around the marinas before. Seems like a great buy. If she has balsa core anywhere you got to make sure they are dry, wet freezes around here and boats don’t like that

[@georgeburn961]

Liking the classier backdrop - nice production!

[@svmagnolia]

Navionics is nice with it's auto routing feature, which saves a lot of time plotting routes, but Aqua Map is better for the ICW because of it's Corps of Engineering soundings, as well as built-in Waterway Guide and Active Captain points of interest (marinas, anchorages, hazards, etc.). I use both Navionics and Aqua Map, using Navionics' auto routing then exporting it to Aqua Map for the actual navigation- works great and is very simple. Aqua Map also has the gold standard Explorer Charts for the Bahamas available, which is a big plus. Great video!

[@svmagnolia]

@@artsmith103Yes, I used OpenCPN on a touch screen laptop to cruise to the Bahamas and back to the Chesapeake in 2018/19, plus still have it on two onboard PC's. I used NV charts for the Bahamas, which are very good and worked well, but I understand Explorer charts are now available on OpenCPN. I prefer Aqua Map and Navionics now for the reasons I already mentioned, but really like the way OpenCPN allows me to overlay my Simrad Halo+ output on the charts and control the radar from within the app. I see no reason not to use all three apps.

[@jockneyranger]

Would like to hear your take on which boat is the minimum to buy for a single-handed crossing of the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean and back. 👍🏼

[@peterpersson4216]

I got myself a C&C 30e for 2000$ this week :D i think that should do just fine to

[@reellove6710]

Good advice Tim. Thanks.

[@sabbott8415]

I am really, really enjoying your videos . Jam packed with great useable info Thank you!!!

[@wallyrunnels]

Good video, you make a lot of sense.

[@Patriotsounds]

Good video

[@stanparsonstreeinc]

Cool info

[@scottr6944]

Great episode, sound useful info that is much appreciated. 👏🏼

[@tomelerding1399]

Brilliant! No excuses anymore anyone! Here’s the roadmap. There are some dangers-most particularly buying an old boat that won’t cost you a mint to keep it operating safely

[@DrJohn493]

A thorough survey cannot be emphasized enough when buying a budget sailboat. We spent some money on a survey when we bought our Morgan 32 in the early 2,000s but it was money well spent. I've always thought the Endeavors were as bullet proof as a sailboat can get. Had the opportunity t sail around the Bahamas with friends on their 42 and it was a good ride in various sea and weather conditions. Suggestions for topics: 1] what's involved when someone buys a sailboat has has to have it transported a substantial distance; 2] how to find a qualified surveyor and what to expect him or her to do and the detail of the report written up.

[@williamherring6376]

it is a 1979 westerly with twin keel

[@ashleysmith3770]

Id love to hear your opinion on drop keels/ centre boards. 🤔

[@LorienDrechsler]

I wish we lived next to each other. I'm stuck in Oregon and my sailing options are really limited unless I change my job and move somewhere where sailing is convenient. But your videos are ALWAYS informative and very appreciated. Thanks Tim!

[@steveburke7675]

Islander 36's are very affordable....compared with an Islander FREEPORT 36 which is very much in demand and hard to find under $40k

[@colrodrick8784]

Ive said this before, your advice is excellent. For boats down here in Oz? We don't exactly have the great lakes right here. But I enjoy your videos mate.

[@mariuszkijowski2180]

Aa always - great video! Thank you very much :)

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

You sir are awesome. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[@SV_Sangha]

great little how -to-get-out-there video!

[@timothyrawson920]

Have you done a video on sailboat financing for all credit levels and boat lenders for them

[@andrewdavies4604]

With Starlink....you can even work from the boat..... Yes, that is exactly what I am aiming at.....

[@jeffwatson4908]

Locally in southern Ontario sailboat asking prices are out to lunch ( not launch). They are usually over 40 years old and show it with blown sails and over the hill rigging. The owners almost always describe them as in good condition ready to go, but of course they are not. Most are closer to giveaways than what their value relative to their asking price is. That is very discouraging. One thing that does not get much discussion is the cost of replacement sails. You might want to do a session on retail pricing. While you mention that you can ask local racers what they might have or go to boat fests the latter are generally concentrated in coastal areas with lots of local sailors. In areas like ours where sailing is not remotely the prime activity on the water such options are rather distant.

[@Robert-xm2kz]

Really good information and reasoning for the basics ,very helpful for a complete novice…Thanks! Always enjoy!

[@garettcline1365]

always love your videos!

[@user-kh7yy5jh7d]

Suggestion for an episode: boat for tall people! Which boat has enough headroom for a 6’3 plus?

[@JayPerrypersonal]

Amel Super Maramu

[@jackchamberlain5993]

This is one of your best videos, a doable roadmap on how to get out on the water now. I have been looking for awhile and I agree with all your boat recommendations. What's more, I have run across comparable examples of all of those boats looking around the east coast for less than your examples. All the other advice is excellent, and here it is in one video. It's so good I had to watch it twice so far.

[@scottpilgram696]

This is what im talking about, great job partner! Any experience with marina auctions? Iv seen some good looking 30fts go for like $300. Even if it needed work tour starting at such a low point. Or what if your boy here wanted to live and sail in the med? Killer deals on euro boats from what i hear

[@happyscottman]

Thanks again for the advice brother. 🙏

[@livinthedreambrighteyes2032]

Gday m8,u asked in ur last vid about surgestions of videos,i am looking to retire at 55 ,,in 5 years time and would like a review on the 37 Snowgoose,yes a Cat but that is what i am looking at to sail the world with m family,i currently have a Macgregor x 2002,tia

[@bellwether9496]

Nice one!

[@midnightwalker4642]

Thanks for another great video Tim. You asked for ideas for future episodes. Can you tell us about any of your followers who got into sailing after they were inspired by your channel? I would love to hear their experiences.

[@mojoneko8303]

Thanks for the video.

[@kevio6868]

great stuff as always Tim thanks again!

[@bigdaddy7054]

Great video and great advice.

[@wow.sailor.]

Hi, I am from South Africa and this last two videos help me a lot thanks for all your knowledge that you share with us. I would love to go sailing one day and if I get the opportunity I will make sure to have your videos on hand. Thanks again 👍

[@markamsterdam539]

Nice video

[@dansraspberrypisoftwarecla1690]

Great message, all good data and wise advice! I did my Columbia 8,7 same way and she had everything needed to do it as you tell it. After 5 years I just sold her ready to go south for 8.5k. Now on the other hand I did spend close to 100k to buy a gozzard 36 that I sailed from USVI to Chesapeake bay 1500nm of it non-stop. I plan on heading south in the witer this time maybe the Bahamas or the windward islands.

[@buzz-es]

Great stuff..... do some more...

[@jlmendezg1296]

Uauuuu, your best video for sure ...Thanks a lot

[@ChristianCastleman]

Great to see you include my boat. I have an Islander 36 in SF Bay. Absolutely love her. Effortlessly fast spacious, 6ft+ headroom everywhere, big VBerth, handsome too. Mone has a betav38hp...which is also great.

[@thomasmcmullen4523]

Have you ever checked out any of boat angle sail boats ?

[@seanbibby3898]

This was more of what i been loking for. Tips were great just need a slightly bigger boat

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

Prices for solar are falling ridiculously fast. We're almost at 3W per dollar.

[@AlAliEhab]

love your review and still waiting for your opinion on the Rustler 44

[@samuelthomas9758]

What about the Bristol 29.9? I like those boats

[@Morrisfactor]

Well-made and fairly good looking but very short waterlines and hence, rather small interiors.

[@samuelthomas9758]

@@Morrisfactor Nah these aren't big overhand boats at all the new age Bristol's are not like the classics at all