What it Cost to Sail for One Year

[@tomtastic]

THANK YOU for saying the final number right at the beginning and not hiding it through the video like most people do to force you to see the whole video! You are a good man.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Ha! That was actually intended as humor, but glad it worked for you ...

[@Pat.Mustard]

Finally, someone with a definitive answer. Haha.

[@Retro-Future-Land]

Good to hear this, it's not impossible for a working-class guy or gal who works to do the cruising thing. You are the Survival Mariner!

[@millzee60]

Thank you for your candor, it really helps those of us considering a similar life style.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by, Colin

[@paulgarcia1147]

Kevin, You have the most honest sailing channel on the net bud. No freakin women in bikinis with everything hanging out to get clicks. Thanks for the honest info and stay safe.

[@RiggingDoctor]

The beginning was short and sweet! Thanks for the deep dive :)

[@markthomasson5077]

A significant slice of your budget goes to maintaining a lovely old wooden boat…a good to you. Of course if you had a boring grp boats, lots of this would be saved. Twin fin keels, you could lay up on a beach, another saving. And I would have a junk rig, cheapest and easiest to maintain

[@joshlower1]

Aluminum hulled, will last forever.

[@spikeafrican8797]

Thanks a lot for doing that. Go simple go small is looking more and more appealing! Really interesting to hear about your background too. Much appreciated.

[@patricklaine6958]

Kevin, you overlooked a very important cost category. I was not able to listen to this due to travels, so turned on the subtitles. It appears that you have "3.5 whores outboard". Why did you not mention that substantial cost?

[@svamandolin3546]

its in there. $151.17 per year for Propane and Gas for Outboard.

[@redreuben5260]

@@svamandolin3546 there was a joke there that went right over your head.

[@svamandolin3546]

@@redreuben5260 time for my medicine and bed. I get it now.

[@lifewithglee]

That's hilarious. I missed out by not having the subtitles on. Seems like if it has boobs, wheels or sails it's going to cost you. I'm on a tight budget and can only afford one... so I'm single.

[@TCGE08]

I won’t give a donation, that sounds like a charity...but I will compensate you for your time and knowledge. Thank you, good sir!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thank you!

[@gene5057]

Let's be careful and not commit the sin of charity.

[@windsweptfilms]

So good to see such honest analysis. Thank you.

[@shnboardman1]

You have a lovely boat and i wish you all the best

[@jonnysdronezone1654]

Most amazing sailboat channel I've found. Wow! The information! Thank you so much. Your videos are phenomenal. I've been looking for a channel like this for a while.

[@mikeh720]

Nice to meet you tonight! Look forward to seeing you again somewhere out there.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Ahoy Mike, good to meet you as well. Fair winds mate ..

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Brilliant. You are one of the best on youtube . Fair winds :)

[@mrtbrocks5664]

Thank you for sharing some of the history of your life with us.

[@jasonomaramusic]

Great video. Thanks for your transparency. It’s really helpful to those thinking of making a change in lifestyle. You’re an inspiration.

[@mrc1539]

Just goes to show ,that with dedication, self control, and hard work , dreams can come true. Congrats to you !

[@seickhorn]

Best breakdown I’ve seen yet! Thanks!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by, Stephen.

[@crippledkitty863]

Lol, I originally went on to KZbin today with the intention of learning more about sculling oars and their use. Six videos later I've discovered a new sailing channel to subscribe and binge on. I will add you to the list sir!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Happy to have you onboard!

[@jerrystott7780]

Very informative, reminds me of all the hidden costs from running boats on the ocean fishing in the eighties, the incoming money was great, but so was the outlay. Thanks for the great video.

[@914va]

Could you discuss the Anchorage situation for your years trip? Difficulties??...accessibility etc.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Hmm, that's an involved topic. The short of it is that I anchored almost everywhere, except Key West. The bigger issue with anchoring is often shore access, where to land your dinghy. Sometimes I end up taking a mooring just for that.

[@richard21995]

Thanks for another very informative and excellent video. Kevin could you make a video of your routine for setting the boat up in preparing to sail through the night ?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Interesting, yes, that's a good topic. I will discuss my "drill" for preparing to head offshore in November.

[@utrubeuser]

Kevin. Thank you for your openness and what a great insight into living aboard. I’ve been living for three yrs now ( Australia) on my 30’ steelie and even that( because of the expenses) has been sending me backwards, supplemented by working for income. I’m inspired by your spreadsheets to do the same to get a tighter handle on my budget. Thanks again. Love your vids Jim ‘Sayshell’

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Good to hear that you are staying afloat nonetheless, fair winds mate.

[@utrubeuser]

Ben M I’m in SE Qld and have just got off the hard at Redland City Marina, Moreton Bay. They are fantastic people who don’t mind live-aboard.

[@lifewithglee]

What a great video. Seems many people are shy or secretive about this topic. Thanks for the great and rare information.

[@georgecanakis1075]

Thank you truthful and spot on. This really helps to understand if someone can do it or not. Ofcourse you had to tease is with those drone shots of your beautiful boat. Cheers.

[@williamobrien2107]

This video was huge help. Thank you for doing the work to break down the spending for a year. This video was well done. One thing that I learned is that it can be really expensive to have a wife and kid. They are crowding out my ability to have a boat...

[@NYWaters]

Nice breakdown of your costs. I think you are saving quite a bit by sailing without inboard diesel engine. I noticed my maintenance expenses also went down quite a bit when I ditched the diesel and converted to electric propulsion.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Interesting, electric motors appear to be gaining popularity with cruisers.

[@NYWaters]

@@howtosailoceans1423 I'm glad I converted. But, my hats off to you for sailing without an engine.

[@dasimparmy2289]

Best breakdown of sailing expenses I have seen yet.

[@philsmith7398]

Thanks Kevin, that was a very useful breakdown and the image of a Merryl employee on a mattress was laugh out loud! THAT'S the way to make the system work for you. I've left you a tip, not huge, but by your standards, a pretty sweet night out 😂

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for the support, Phil! Yes, when people get high paying jobs they often immediately entangle themselves in big mortgages etc. Fine if that's what you want, but it's a trap if you're not careful. Though many of the people I knew at Merrill could buy houses in cash. They liked to talk about sailing around the world, but they were really just addicted to money.

[@philsmith7398]

@@howtosailoceans1423. You're totally correct. I saw the same thing in healthcare but they could not see the opportunity cost of their choices. I remember seeing a graph of equity returns over the last century and had my eureka moment. I went all in, and despite three expensive kids and a wife uninterested in saving, quit work early and I'm now doing up my old 9m boat to sail the Atlantic. Thanks for a great channel.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@philsmith7398 Yes, Jeremy Siegel constructed a stock index for the US going back about 200 years, and it grew around 7% in constant dollars, so the real value of an investment doubles about every ten years. After about 12 years, stocks are also less risky than bonds. You just have to be disciplined not to sell during the crashes.

[@58singleman]

you may want to try a strong electric outboard like the bass fishermen use. Attached to your hull on a retractable bracket, you could have some power available for maneuver or whatever. Recharge the deep-cycle battery with the solar cells. Just a thought.... Thanks for the excellent content.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

My first outboard was a Torqeedo. It failed after two years. Much happier with the Tohatsu eventhough it means dealing with gasoline, oil, etc.

[@SailingCorina]

I am on the smallest budget imaginable with no saving or secure income. Because of this, I live on MUCH lower expenses but this is also much more possible in different areas of the world. In Mexico's Sea of Cortez, I am able to live fulltime on a budget of only $550 USD a month! Food is much less expensive, anchoring is free and haul out and bottom work is included in my monthly budget. No, I do not get to go out for dinner and I do not drink alcohol but I am still able to enjoy all the free things in life and actually live life instead of working it away.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Excellent! Fair winds and following seas mate.

[@fa7842]

The video was very clear, thanks for that. What interests me is how to register a sailboat without an address. I mean, if you've been at sea for a year and you've got an address, you still have to pay for the apartment and then there are taxes and other things. Again, if you no longer have an address (you are deregistered from the municipality and from the state) you can not register a vehicle? Greeting

[@Retro-Future-Land]

I think he pays a dockyard where he goes once a year for an address there.

[@fa7842]

@@Retro-Future-Land That is a good idea. Thanks!

[@Steve-ul8qb]

Hey Kevin, you in that hurricane path? Stay safe mate!!! You have inspired me to go engine less my friend!! My old diesel pooped its self and its not getting replaced. On another note, I'm not sure how you don't have 50k+ subscribers. Wont be long now and it will take off for sure!! Stay safe!!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks Steve. I am in Baltimore at present, last check on Windy.com looks like maybe 20 knots out of the north on Friday morning, so not too bad. Southern part of the Bay may see gale conditions.

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Kevin thanks for the great breakdown of all the expense for Ruth Avery. One question. What about boat insurance. Since you own your sailboat free and clear are you required to maintain liability + any other coverage on the boat. Especially when hauling out in the boatyard & sitting on the hard for weeks doing boat projects. Thanks in advance for your reply. Great channel.

[@dolcevita5411]

Brilliant and frugal, hope people will learn from your life story. Finding true satisfaction is what you just proved. Thank you, I really liked the honest breakdowns as well as your explanation about former income/investments. Salude! 🍻🍻🍻

[@riverrat4631]

Thanks for another great video. You showed people they can live a good life for under $1,500 a month. And get to see the world. A nice simple well built boat is the way to go. Thanks Kevin

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for tuning in Joe, and yes, I agree, although I do sometimes wish that I had a little more stowage space ...

[@riverrat4631]

How to Sail Oceans I subscribed to your channel at 600 subs. It just keeps growing and you keep getting better and better. I always thought you had the best Sailing Channel. So happy to see you growing

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@riverrat4631 Thanks Joe! I keep at it here, nice to know it's appreciated.

[@petewilliams4289]

Great cost breakdown and the intro was interesting

[@ucheakwubaii6291]

Key is he is frugal and does a lot on his own also he has no inboard engine to cry over. Either way, I love this series and the insights. God bless you and be safe

[@gking5522]

Kevin, you have confirmed my plan... As a 'Pensioner' with similar investments as yours, a simply equipped 30 ft monohull with a recent refit, I won't starve or sink (hopefully). See you out there!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Bon voyage!

[@alcooper944]

Thanks Kev a really honest breakdown of costs when living aboard, it would be interesting if someone did a similar breakdown of yearly homeownership costs.

[@marianoschaller9066]

Mennnn!!! Your videos are great!. I don't want to say they are the best because they are on the same page of C. Williams and Patrik's videos. Your videos, like the names before, should be shown in all the yachtmaster's classes.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks Mariano! Being on the same KZbin page as Williams and Patrick Laine (or Childress) is a huge compliment.

[@chappyd5109]

Once again a great and useful video. Be safe.

[@oceancowboy6981]

I love your sailing channel so very practical love it thanks

[@osmommy2396]

Thank you!

[@maj21093]

Once again, you have produced an informative video that gives us a "real world" example of what can be done to make a life long dream come true. Thank you for sharing!

[@scottvannederynen6429]

Thanks for doing this episode. You had me laughing when you just gave the number. It did appear that you live very frugally. We should all learn that and what we really need to live. Myself included Please keep these coming. I look forward to each episode.

[@louiskoella9255]

@ 10:16 mark: March/April 2019 Dockage fee of -$166.10 throws off your total, which should be $1,150.49, not $984.39. Your spreadsheet deducted it from your total fees. However, I greatly appreciate your thorough breakdown! I have greatly enjoyed your channel.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

The numbers are correct, I should have explained. That negative number was the returned security deposit on the mooring at Key West. I had to pay for two months ($340); the additional month was returned when I left after one month.

[@louiskoella9255]

@@howtosailoceans1423 No worries! I sent you $5 via paypal, as a small thanks for your making our days nicer!

[@flightplan1000]

Thanks, Kevin. Thanks, Kevin.

[@laurenceholden]

Thanks so much for your candor. Very helpful in planning!

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Those cost figures seem pretty reasonable to me. I would think if you were living on the land your costs would probably be more. You didn't talk about the cost to buy the boat, or replace it, but the costs probably would equal out to paying rent for an apartment and/or keeping a car. If you had a cabin cruiser those costs wouldn't be anywhere near the same as the sailboat. Thanks for sharing and happy sailing.

[@mikewoodard6984]

Very concise. Very well done. Beautiful boat. just finished reading "License to Lie". What a shameful thing the DoJ did to Arthur Anderson AND to those few Merrill Lynch guys that worked on early financing of some Enron deal. Glad you were able to finance your desired lifestyle out of your corporate experience there.

[@Sailor_Dave]

Thank you, that was very informative! Your videos are great, keep them coming please.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by, Dave

[@foundatsea3483]

Great episode. Thanks for sharing. Health Insurance costs?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I don't carry any health insurance.

[@Retro-Future-Land]

@@howtosailoceans1423 True self-reliance right there!

[@kennymartin3416]

Love your channel. No engine and no health insurance,you sir are living on the edge, I hope u never need either, if it were me I would at least buy catastrophic insurance,and a used outboard. I've been in the breakers a few times in my life,it's not recommend. Stay safe ,slan

[@gjferg]

I notice there was no "haircut" budget...Thats alright. The DIY buzz job looks fine!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

That would have been in cash withdrawls. That barber cost $12, which goes in the win category by my lights.

[@mhn3773]

Really good to hear the insurance did come through for the dingy. It seems you are always out a little when dealing with insurance though.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, indeed.

[@somedayblue9197]

Good info, Thanks! If you mentioned insurance, I missed it? Do you carry insurance? I'm not living on my boat yet and keep it at a marina, which requires me to have insurance.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

No I do not carry insurance. If a marina requires insurance, I sail on.

[@navytruck]

Kevin great video thanks again

[@twelvedegrees5019]

So informative, thanks K.

[@richardhalstead8317]

Another great video!! So helpful as I am nearing retirement and hoping to shove off in a few years. I did not see a monthly cost for health insurance. Rolling the dice on that one?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, insurance is a tough question. As I get older, I may look for some health insurance that covers "catastrophic" events, but right now I pay cash for medical and dental.

[@rickhalstead8990]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Thanks. It is indeed a big expense. Wishing you good health!!

[@rensburgworks7907]

Great video, honest feedback, thank you

[@914va]

Thanks friend!! Very interesting.

[@davidbrown2806]

I did not notice any accounting for insurance nor immigration/cruising fees.

[@gking5522]

Ooh, good question on the immigration fees.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I do not carry insurance. I've also kept within US waters lately. Yes, immigration/cruising permits can be expensive. Last time I spoke with Fatty Goodlander he told me that these costs have really gone up in the South Pacific, sadly.

[@jamesdriver8131]

That's totally doable boothby. I make just over 13k annual being retired early. Being said I'm cheap so I could probably do it for a little less.

[@MiQBohlin]

Great man. Nice new tune. 👍🏽

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks MiQ! That new tune has been driving me nuts all summer, so I finally just finished it out of frustration. I don't plan on doing any more arrangements of classical guitar pieces anytime soon ...

[@cwmaxfield2000]

I'd like to see a video on specifically outboard motors. I see you have a Tohatsu. Are they really that good. I'm leaning towards a Merc or Honda. But really not sure which direction to go. The cost skyrockets. And service is everything. Are the Tohatsu dealers readily available and dependable world wide ? Also Props. From researching a three blade prop, though not for speed offer a lot more power and less cavitation

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I like the Tohatsu. They're a bit more clunky but easier to repair. The small Hondas (2 hp) do not have a good reputation. I think the small Mercs are now made by Tohatsu.

[@rbishop12399]

great information, thank you for sharing!

[@lumberpilot]

So beer and ice goes under the hardware/marine supplies category.? I'm confused.

[@sharkmentality9717]

I've watched many expense reports by live aboards. Zero understandable info. Hiding the reality and generally suck. Thanks for a thorough and inspiring update.

[@kwbarnes1]

Under "Dockage", you show a credit of $166.10 for March/April. Your commentary doesn't mention anything about a "credit". Where did the "credit" come from, or was that a mistake? If the credit was a mistake, the dockage totals would be $1,316.59 annually, or $109.72 per month, significantly more than the $984.39 (annually), or $82.03 (monthly) shown. Just curious, as I have inadvertently changed a debit to a "credit" in a spreadsheet a couple times myself. Luckily (for me) I discovered it before submitting the documents to the CPA.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

No, that was not a mistake, should have mentioned it. In Key West I had to pay one month's rent ($340) as a security deposit. It was returned when I left, hence the negative number for March/April.

[@cnc75adventures49]

You hit the nail on the the head I too had asked and not that I cared about your financial situation but because of your financial responsibility I am going to retire to this life style and I’m just a average guy I’m not into a lavish life style thanks for sharing this👍👍

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Happy to give you a nudge, Chad. We only live once, as far as I know ...

[@billmead5052]

Great stuff - thanks!

[@HankHill757]

Just like a land house, your “housing cost “ was 36%. Do you catch fish to save some money for your grocery bill?

[@MrReyRomantico]

Hey Captain, thank you for your videos. I sent you something to contribute to your voyage. I hope that God will give me the ability to do what you are doing. Stay safe Brother and thank you for all that you do!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thank you !

[@Skarletbloom]

I live off 11k a year on my 26ft Pearson and have sailed from Michigan to key west. money is only important for comfort level.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Indeed, well done mate.

[@karstenboyenielsen4576]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@mauriciogonzalez1689]

Luxurious sailing 16kwow

[@maritimetees2315]

Thanks for opening up on your expenses. Your very frugal. Lol

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yep, frugality is probably one of the common personality traits of long time cruisers. Which is why so many people in the marine industry hate us ...

[@mrmrlee]

Hope you and your ship are safe! Are you prepped for the hurricane?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Forecast models this morning showing about 15 knots tomorrow just outside of Baltimore harbor, so not too much concern up here. The southern part of the Bay might get some wind, however.

[@Pembquist1]

Like your videos. I have a question though, what do you do about the risk of health care costs? Do you have health insurance?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

No, I do not. I pay cash for dental cleanings. The last time I needed medical attention was for swimmers ear, which cost me about $200 US.

[@sailingeden9866]

Great video. You should write ebooks. The drama of having a mermaid girlfriend. Sea monsters. Underwater aliens. Pirates. Demons that visit while all alone out at sea.

[@georgecumming760]

Nice analysis. I see you don't insure and can understand not doing that but what happens if your boat goes down or you sink or damage another boat? I'm about to buy a boat and am interested in its worth. Also do you use sat phone or just not travel oceans?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

My savings and investments are my insurance fund. I now have a Garmin InReach for offshore communications, and still have the SSB receiver.

[@rwess]

My claim to fame: Circumnavigated on $14.66/day (budgeted $20) over 6 years = about $32K total = $5351/yr. That's with one haulout included. The boat cost $12K and is not included. This was in the 1990's.

[@philsmith7398]

Incredible! Congratulations!

[@gking5522]

One haul out in 6 years? You must be able to hold your breath well during bottom cleaning!

[@rwess]

@@gking5522 a) Yes, I was a competitive swimmer and the boat was only 33ft. b) I anchored up rivers when I could (prevents growth). The haulout was in New Zealand.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Well done! Fair winds, mate..

[@paulputnam2305]

Thanks Kevin‼️ 💪💰👊

[@cartern2207]

THIS HELPS ME GREATLY. Thanks!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Good to hear Nate! Fair winds

[@Bradley_Clark]

Very well done, and helpful, thanks! I'm impressed with your dedication to sail. Do you think it would be possible to maintain your current live aboard style, and at a lower cost? Or are you pretty much at minimum? Thumbed!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, I could tighten the screws further if need be, but I'm living, not surviving ...

[@AlexB-tt5di]

Very good Info !

[@RVLifeNOW]

Good video...enjoyed. In our earlier years when we barely had enough money, and no income, that’s just about what our budget looked like. Funny...when we started having income, our budget went up about the same. Bottom line...you spend what you have :) -Rebecca

[@AlejandroErickson]

Very detailed breakdown, thank you! What would you say you "paid yourself" to keep up your boat?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Well yes and no, I do my own work, but I work for free ...

[@nickjones6127]

Hi Kevin I'm greatly enjoying your video series, one question asked in ignorance, why so much movement allowed on the tiller when self steering wouldn't be better to have closer to midships? Thanks again Nick Jones U.K.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

If I crank down on the shock cords too much the windvane may not be able the get the boat back on course should the wind pick up, or a wave knock her off course.

[@walterweckers771]

I have a couple of questions after this informative and detailed segment. First, it seems you carry no liability insurance. Second, you did not stop in any location (e.g. Bahamas) where you are required to purchase a license to hang around for a while. Finally, no health insurance. It occurs to me that many would-be cruisers may have to consider these expenses in addition to those you have detailed. And, finally, in spite of living frugally, I do suspect the IRA does get something from you every year...... but perhaps that was not part of your "brief" when adding up your "running costs". Regardless, your account is straightforward and tells the true story - the boat itself takes the lion share! Keep sailing!

[@Econautical]

Have you ever sailed the gulf, and if not, ill get you a slip locally if when you come. After some life changing events, ill be starting on a new path back into sailing.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I've crossed the Gulf of Mexico, from the VI's to Galveston, TX.

[@Econautical]

@@howtosailoceans1423 very nice, I'm around port arthur. The marina in Sabine if nice.

[@karlaharrington1]

very useful. thank you for sharing. :))

[@tomriley5790]

Bottom line - invest rather than saving and learn to live frugally. Wish I'd learned this earlier!

[@Yeaitstemp]

Do you think I could find places aroumd the world and find boat work and save till i move to next location

[@solosailorsv8065]

Life Styles vary widely. A smaller boat is a very wise choice. "If you can't fix it, it shouldn't be onboard", 'forgot the wise Old Salt that I heard that truism from. Most long-term Cruisers I've met talk of more cash flow, than more boat size. (my few decades concur) I met one couple who "couldn't go" until they had $10M usd. (still on the dock 15 years later) And a guy who averaged $80/mo over five years sailing the Sea of Cortez. (great spear-fisher, cook, and an avid careener ) Now since the world is "closed", I'm content to stay where I am, which is also cheaper than sailing the Caribbean or Oceania's islands. To each their own.

[@elbob3631]

$80 per month - wow

[@joeharter7498]

Ha! Great beginning to the video.

[@deborahdoyle6743]

Just curious since you are rarely at the dock how do you fill your water tanks?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Five gallon Scepter water jugs and a dinghy.

[@nolemons]

Time to buy a new tuner😂🤣😆 just kidding love your tunes and vids.