The Spare Boat And Some Velcro
Here’s how it breaks down this month…but I ask why. Why bother posting this? I think the reality of it is worth illustrating. It’s not really about how I can save more money on groceries. I certainly could avoid higher priced options, but I didn’t. I could learn to cook some more-cost-effective meals; I will. I could eat more beans. I do love beans. I could shop in bulk - oh no wait, I can’t… the basement floods often. But I’m more interested in this month’s data because I had a few unexpected expenses. And you have to expect the unexpected.
A fellow named Steve, who I shared a mooring with in Velcro Beach aboard a 28 O’day named Searcher said it best. After my starter finally gave up the ghost, on a Friday afternoon, I was complaining that there’s always something that needs fixing, and how I wish I had a spare starter aboard to avoid the delays of a rebuild. He replied with,”Ya know what the secret to successful cruising is? Carrying a spare boat.” That tickled me. I got stuck in Velcro Beach because of my starter, not because of the mandatory raft ups on the mandatory moorings, the 9:05 #1 bus, the Publix, or the food court. But it’s not a bad place to get stuck I suppose.
The unexpected:
1. Group 31 battery meltdown. ($194)
2. Bad alternator bearings. ($140)
3. Going for an accidental swim with my phone in my pocket. ($19.49)
4. Flipping the dink and sending my bike to the bottom of the Ashley River. ($12 for the diver; the bikes… well…we didn’t recover them)
5. Starter armature meltdown ($150 - not a Nov expense)
I love that you spent more on postage and caulk combined than you did eating out.
You should spend more on Laundry. I bet that you’re really dirrrty.
I have read and heard it said, that the first year that you go cruising, your expenses might be less, because you haven’t used up all your spares, and you can eat and use up your pre-departure provisions.
Like, when I arrived in French Polynesia, and was astounded at the prices there, I lived almost entirely, for a few months on my pre-departure provisions.
There are some exceptions to this rule, of course, but not many. The longer that you are out, the more that boat and equipment costs, increase, eventhough food costs may decrease.
Everybody does agree though ,,,, that you spend what you have !
I’m horribly cheap so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I stumbled upon a cheap ‘dollar’ store in the town where we first took possession of our boat. We were to make a 7 day trip (it took
from Massachesetts to Maryland and we had NO provisions. I found spices like onion and garlic powder for 50 cents each, olive oil, $1.00, Toilet paper, paper towels, bath mats (we have 2 heads) for a couple of bucks. Sponges, buckets, soap, garbage cans and bags, coffee, even a coffee pot. Then off to the grocery store. I think I only spent a little over $200.00 (total) and that’s not bad for such a trip considering I was cooking 3 meals a day for 4 people.
We had hot meals everyday which was good because we had a cold, wet passage that May, and I ended up living a bulimics dream for a couple of those days!
We are now looking at a summer live aboard date, and I’m enjoying your trip as you’re going to a lot of areas we intend to go!
I have no idea how an emoticon worked its way into my comment! It took us 8 days to make our trip, mostly because we ran aground once. And our boat only draws about 2 feet!
Hi Ben,
How far south have your gotten? Your photos in Flickr seem to indicate you are around the Miami area. Are you settling there? Inquiring minds would love to know.
Fair winds and Merry Christmas,
David
I expected to see this at the end of your list.
All the experiences and memories….Priceless.
Hi Ben,
I’ve been following your site for awhile. I just checked up and to my surprise found you in Charleston where I live. I have boat down at the city marina. I’ll be down there this week and may go sailing. I’ll look for you. If you need anything let me know, I’m free mon-thu every week, wether its a ride somewhere or a shower and room shoreside for the night. Take care. Brandon Snider 843-616-3124
Hi Ben, I’ve been writing Teresa and I asked her a question the other day that I should have asked you… I was just wondering why you traded your Nor sea for the BCC? I think I have a picture of your old Nor sea as my background here at work, Chamois. I’ve been trying to come up with a good boat for my wife and I and I always go back to the Nor sea. You now have me looking at the BCC. What are your pro’s and con’s on the boats? I’ve enjoyed both your blogs. Being land locked in New Mexico I can almost smell the sea when I read your blogs.
Thanks