If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing off into the sunset on your own boat, many people will tell you that you’re making a big mistake. However, if you’re truly passionate about living your life on the open seas, there are some great things to think about when looking at this idea from all angles and choosing whether or not it makes sense for you personally. In order to see both sides of the coin, let’s look at the pros and cons of sailboat cruising as well as what it takes to get started in this kind of lifestyle.
The joys of sailing
There’s nothing quite like living on a sailboat, whether you’re doing it full-time or just as a hobby. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or it’s your first time out of port, you’ll enjoy what sailboat cruising has to offer, from relaxing in port towns (there are often few tourists) to exploring exotic ports of call.
And even though these boats aren’t designed for comfort, we’ve found that in general they’re actually pretty comfy—especially compared with their high-tech (and incredibly expensive) counterparts.
The sea views are unbeatable, sailing is exciting and peaceful at once, and if you love cooking on vacation there is no better option than preparing all meals aboard your own boat! Plus, if you have kids, being able to spend every day together without having to be in a rush can be wonderful. But before you commit, consider some of these cons too:
Inevitably one person will do most of the work: Because there’s only one engine and one set of sails, it means that everyone has to pull their weight on board; so ultimately one person ends up doing most of the work.
While some couples find that works well for them – after all not everyone wants to clean – others struggle with feeling overworked or underappreciated by their partner.
The pitfalls of sailboat ownership
If you’re thinking about taking up a new hobby like sailboat cruising, you might not want to hear any of these points. However, if you’re at all interested in yachting or sailing in general, be sure to take them into consideration before making your decision.
Despite their reputation as dream vacations—and in some cases hobbies—the realities of sailboats can be pretty miserable. It takes a lot of work and time dedicated toward keeping up with all maintenance. And even then, things can go wrong—your gear could break down on an adventure in the middle of nowhere (if it doesn’t already frequently), meaning having enough boat knowledge is important when on board a yacht.
Working on a boat vs. in an office
If you’re dreaming of a better work-life balance, it might be time to switch your high-rise view in favor of life at sea.
What are some cons of sailboat cruising?
When we first told our friends about our plan, most thought we were crazy.
If you decide to switch your office chair for an engine room bench (or, even better, if you can persuade your boss that working on a boat is part of your job description), here are some things you should know: Most yachts run off diesel or gasoline engines rather than solar power.
Take note: The engines make noise! In fact, you might find yourself shouting into your cell phone if there’s much background noise.
Your internet connection will likely be slow—and expensive. The good news is that many boats have satellite connections; however, satellite service tends to be slower and more expensive than traditional land-based internet service.
Challenges that come with living full-time on a boat
For many of us, work is a fundamental part of our daily lives. And for some, it’s an enjoyable part—so much so that we can even turn work into our favorite hobby.
But what about making a living on your boat?
The truth is, it’s not as difficult as you might think—even if you don’t have an online business or are otherwise working from home.
That said, living on a boat poses certain challenges that should be addressed before jumping in headfirst.
How much does it cost to live on a sailboat?
There are many things you need to consider when it comes to living on a sailboat. A major consideration is cost of living on a boat.
One misconception about living on a sailboat is that once you get out there, sailing around, the adventure will take care of all your expenses. Not true!
Your biggest expense by far will be fuel, water, marinas and power (for appliances).
Food will also be costly because you’ll need enough calories but not so much that your produce goes bad. Once you have what you need aboard your boat, no more trips to stores or markets!
Everything has its drawbacks…but they can all be worked around if they don’t appeal to you or seem like deal-breakers.
Advantages, disadvantages, issues – final thoughts
Advantages Living on a sailboat might be different than what you’re used to—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you. If you have experience living on a sailboat, or if your job demands frequent travel, then sailing is a great option.
If your priorities lie elsewhere, however, then sailing isn’t as great of an option as some may make it out to be. There are many disadvantages and issues that come with working on a sailboat and living in general on one; safety should always be at top of mind when venturing into new territory—especially if it’s uncommon territory.
How much does it cost to live on a sailboat?
Living aboard a sailboat is not cheap. It costs about $1,000 per month to maintain a small sailing vessel, according to Sail Magazine. That includes everything from mooring fees to insurance premiums to maintenance costs.
