One day back at work and slept like a log last night for six and a half hours! Yay 🙂
OK, time to start figuring out with a bit more confidence how much I would need to budget. I have been working with a vague memory of someone telling me $30KAUS per year for a couple on a 38 foot Bavaria, with some marina docking and at least one flight home per year. But how long ago was that? Have costs gone up? Was that really what they told me or is that just wishful thinking/remembering on my part? Google to the rescue again…
Most recent result I found with a quick search (2013) … http://www.cruisingworld.com/how-to/living-aboard/jimmy-cornell-what-it-costs-to-cruise
Dated from 2006, but with a good spreadsheet of detailed costs… http://thesailingpodcast.com/costsofcruising/
All in all, it seems like the $30KAUS estimate isn’t too far off, provided:
the boat is fully equipped, stocked with spares and ready to go,
anchor to avoid marina fees as much as possible,
minimise expenses on eating out and doing expensive shore visits
maintain and do all minor repairs myself.
Particularly if I stick to a boat under 40 foot, perhaps a little more if I go up to the 44 footers I’ve been thinking about. Definitely monohull not a cat. Will need to do a more accurate budget as plans get more concrete. Need to investigate cost of internet access if that is essential for generating income.
Ideas for generating income:
- Freelance writing
- Translations
- School of the Air for children of cruising families
- Teaching/tutoring when we pull into port
- Remote instructional design/project work
- Flying home to contract for 2-3 months a year (not the first preference)