5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

โ–ถ Check out my gear on Kit: https://kit.com/followtheboat In this frank discussion, we let you in on the secret hell of owning a boat, sometimes alluded to but seldom covered in depth by most sailing channels. ๐Ÿ‘ If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE, your feedback gets us noticed by YouTube and helps people discover us! Thank you. There are lots of videos telling us how to buy a boat, but SHOULD you? Sometimes boat life is not what it's cracked up to be. We have met many sailors who liked the idea of the dream, but were brought down to earth by the reality of living aboard 24/7. Even if it's only a weekend boat, or for spending a few months a year on, boats will gnaw away at your patience. ๐Ÿ”— VIDEO LINKS: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A BOAT: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA25 HOW TO BUY A BOAT: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA22 HOW TO BE A LIVEABOARD CRUISER: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA21 In no particular order, here are the five subjects we urge you to think about before taking that leap into boat world: 01:20 Boats go wrong all the time 03:14 Boats kill relationships 04:18 Boats are never clean 05:47 Boats change the way you look 07:28 Boats eat money If you are still sure that cruising life is right for you, then we wish you nothing but peace and fair winds! ๐Ÿ•ฎ E-BOOKS: 1. HOW TO BECOME A LIVEABOARD CRUISER! 2. HOW TO BUY A BOAT! https://followtheboat.com/product-category/publications/ --- ๐Ÿ›’ FOLLOWTHEBOAT SHOP: https://followtheboat.com/shop โœ๏ธ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEBSITE FOR DISCOUNT CODES: https://followtheboat.com/contact/ --- ๐Ÿ™ SAY THANKS THROUGH THE RUM FUND! http://followtheboat.com/THANKS/ ๐Ÿ™ SUPPORT US ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/followtheboat --- LET'S CONNECT! ๐Ÿ“ท INSTAGRAM http://www.instagram.com/followtheboat ๐Ÿ‘ฏ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/followtheboat ๐Ÿ“ฑ TWITTER https://twitter.com/followtheboat ๐ŸŒŽ FTB WEBSITE http://www.followtheboat.com ๐Ÿ“ง JOIN OUR MAILING LIST: http://bit.ly/GET_EMAILS --- OUR GEAR: ๐Ÿ“ท NEW CAMERA (Ep 68 onwards) Panasonic GH5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RdIZyP7OEE ๐Ÿ“ท OLD VIDEO CAMERA (Ep 1 - 67) Olympus OMD EM-5 Mk2 http://amzn.to/2s6TA5F ๐Ÿ“ธ MAIN VIDEO CAMERA LENS Olympus Zuiko 12mm prime http://amzn.to/2s6w0WF ๐Ÿš 4K DRONE DJi Mavic Pro http://amzn.to/2rfI0qN ๐ŸŽฅ LIZ'S 4K CAMCORDER Sony AX53 http://amzn.to/2s6EQn3 ๐ŸŽค MAIN EXTERNAL CAMERA MIC Rode VideoMic Pro http://amzn.to/2s6qeUL ๐ŸŽค LIZ'S CAMERA EXTERNAL COMPACT MIC Rode Video Micro Compact http://amzn.to/2rfpsXC ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ MAIN EXTERNAL FIELD MIC Roland R-05 http://amzn.to/2rfpdMk ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ SECONDARY EXTERNAL FIELD MIC Zoom H1 http://amzn.to/2qs6yNR ๐ŸŒŠ WATERPROOF CAMERA Olympus Tough TG5 http://amzn.to/2quDykH ๐Ÿ‚ MAIN 4K SPORTS CAMERA GoPro Hero 4 Black http://amzn.to/2quLF0F ๐Ÿ‚ SECONDARY 4K SPORTS CAMERA SJCAM 5000X http://amzn.to/2rfnVki ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป EDITING SOFTWARE Adobe Premiere Pro CC http://amzn.to/2rfrkQ8ons --- ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ FOLLOW OUR MOVES WITH MMSI/AIS http://www.marinetraffic.com https://www.vesseltracker.com MMSI number: 235026188

5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23 sentiment_very_dissatisfied 60

Sailing 6 years ago 64,132 views

โ–ถ Check out my gear on Kit: https://kit.com/followtheboat In this frank discussion, we let you in on the secret hell of owning a boat, sometimes alluded to but seldom covered in depth by most sailing channels. ๐Ÿ‘ If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE, your feedback gets us noticed by YouTube and helps people discover us! Thank you. There are lots of videos telling us how to buy a boat, but SHOULD you? Sometimes boat life is not what it's cracked up to be. We have met many sailors who liked the idea of the dream, but were brought down to earth by the reality of living aboard 24/7. Even if it's only a weekend boat, or for spending a few months a year on, boats will gnaw away at your patience. ๐Ÿ”— VIDEO LINKS: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A BOAT: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA25 HOW TO BUY A BOAT: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA22 HOW TO BE A LIVEABOARD CRUISER: http://bit.ly/FTBQandA21 In no particular order, here are the five subjects we urge you to think about before taking that leap into boat world: 01:20 Boats go wrong all the time 03:14 Boats kill relationships 04:18 Boats are never clean 05:47 Boats change the way you look 07:28 Boats eat money If you are still sure that cruising life is right for you, then we wish you nothing but peace and fair winds! ๐Ÿ•ฎ E-BOOKS: 1. HOW TO BECOME A LIVEABOARD CRUISER! 2. HOW TO BUY A BOAT! https://followtheboat.com/product-category/publications/ --- ๐Ÿ›’ FOLLOWTHEBOAT SHOP: https://followtheboat.com/shop โœ๏ธ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEBSITE FOR DISCOUNT CODES: https://followtheboat.com/contact/ --- ๐Ÿ™ SAY THANKS THROUGH THE RUM FUND! http://followtheboat.com/THANKS/ ๐Ÿ™ SUPPORT US ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/followtheboat --- LET'S CONNECT! ๐Ÿ“ท INSTAGRAM http://www.instagram.com/followtheboat ๐Ÿ‘ฏ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/followtheboat ๐Ÿ“ฑ TWITTER https://twitter.com/followtheboat ๐ŸŒŽ FTB WEBSITE http://www.followtheboat.com ๐Ÿ“ง JOIN OUR MAILING LIST: http://bit.ly/GET_EMAILS --- OUR GEAR: ๐Ÿ“ท NEW CAMERA (Ep 68 onwards) Panasonic GH5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RdIZyP7OEE ๐Ÿ“ท OLD VIDEO CAMERA (Ep 1 - 67) Olympus OMD EM-5 Mk2 http://amzn.to/2s6TA5F ๐Ÿ“ธ MAIN VIDEO CAMERA LENS Olympus Zuiko 12mm prime http://amzn.to/2s6w0WF ๐Ÿš 4K DRONE DJi Mavic Pro http://amzn.to/2rfI0qN ๐ŸŽฅ LIZ'S 4K CAMCORDER Sony AX53 http://amzn.to/2s6EQn3 ๐ŸŽค MAIN EXTERNAL CAMERA MIC Rode VideoMic Pro http://amzn.to/2s6qeUL ๐ŸŽค LIZ'S CAMERA EXTERNAL COMPACT MIC Rode Video Micro Compact http://amzn.to/2rfpsXC ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ MAIN EXTERNAL FIELD MIC Roland R-05 http://amzn.to/2rfpdMk ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ SECONDARY EXTERNAL FIELD MIC Zoom H1 http://amzn.to/2qs6yNR ๐ŸŒŠ WATERPROOF CAMERA Olympus Tough TG5 http://amzn.to/2quDykH ๐Ÿ‚ MAIN 4K SPORTS CAMERA GoPro Hero 4 Black http://amzn.to/2quLF0F ๐Ÿ‚ SECONDARY 4K SPORTS CAMERA SJCAM 5000X http://amzn.to/2rfnVki ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป EDITING SOFTWARE Adobe Premiere Pro CC http://amzn.to/2rfrkQ8ons --- ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ FOLLOW OUR MOVES WITH MMSI/AIS http://www.marinetraffic.com https://www.vesseltracker.com MMSI number: 235026188

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Most popular comments
for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

Stefano Padoan
Stefano Padoan - 6 years ago
My dad once said: "I could give you many reasons why not to buy a boat but they would be pretty much the same reasons not to have a child. And you're my greatest joy."
Ananda Maรฑana
Ananda Maรฑana - 6 years ago
Bingo. Life itself is a pain in the ass. Enjoy it!
johnnyohness
johnnyohness - 6 years ago
To many babies are born for the exact wrong reason. Pregnancies used to trap a man..... pregnancies used as a deflection to a bad marriage...In the olden days people had kids to get free labor on farms. Today many are born to have someone to love "them"...they need a unconditional friend...or they want a "mini me" it's an ego thing.....I say get a dog. Many unattractive people with bad genes....have better looking dogs than their kids or them....lol Kids are not free or even cheap....just wait until they turn to teenagers and start screwing up. They can cost you a fortune....and age you terribly... There's education....then marriage...then"they" have kids and the cycle starts all over again. You know what? I think I'd rather have a boat.
Mrs.Bubba Bubba
Mrs.Bubba Bubba - 6 years ago
Love this comment!
Josef Roesler
Josef Roesler - 6 years ago
Stupider is a legitimate word. Anyway, I've got bumper stickers that say, "Please Don't Breed." Nothing worse than people who shouldn't be breathing precious air making babies.
smithysmithy1
smithysmithy1 - 6 years ago
Well said!
TheBuckStopsHere
TheBuckStopsHere - 6 years ago
Stefano Padoan that is the most wonderful response to this type of video I have ever read.
Motarded421
Motarded421 - 6 years ago
The irony of you using the word "stupider" made me laugh way too hard.
toddmellott
toddmellott - 6 years ago
lm almost speechless, l can just agree. really, Really nicely put...
SV Amandolin
SV Amandolin - 6 years ago
best boat comment ever
Randy Bryant
Randy Bryant - 6 years ago
A wise man for sure!
Double Fun Charters Double Fun Charters
Double Fun Charters Double Fun Charters - 6 years ago
What a smart and accurate reply.
Wandering Knapps
Wandering Knapps - 6 years ago
Great great school of thought.
ll ll
ll ll - 6 years ago
At last, a definitive unbeatable answer to "is it worth owning a sailboat?"
SV Barry Duckworth
SV Barry Duckworth - 6 years ago
Haha! Exactly. If you sit down and think about the advantages and disadvantages of having children it is a wonder anyone has them at all in the end. A smart person would put it off until they are more economically stable, and limit the number of children they have to just one, or maybe two replacements for the parents. Perhaps maybe even not having any children at all would be the most advantageous. I guess that might explain why the human race seems to be getting stupider as the world becomes more and more over-populated. ;)
Ian Molesworth
Ian Molesworth - 6 years ago
I like your dad! Clever bloke :)
JazlDazl
JazlDazl - 6 years ago
Sage advice. Sailing could be better known as fixing or wealth displacement ;)
Francee Marie Esposa
Francee Marie Esposa - 6 years ago
all that things need a maintenance even a car,evry things u have to maintenance
Richard and Jennifer Stevens
Richard and Jennifer Stevens - 6 years ago
Not a sailor, but nicely said. Great advice
Aloha,
Richard
Jack Richter
Jack Richter - 6 years ago
I don't care about the cost or work, I will buy a boat to get my family out of my country.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I can think of easier ways to leave a country! But sailing is the nicest...
WATER-MAN
WATER-MAN - 6 years ago
1. b.o.a.t. break out another thousand.
2. the two happiest moments of a boat owners life: The day he buys it, and the day he sells it
3.because of other boat owners....
4. the time you actually use it will be inversely proportionate to the amount of time you will be working to pay it off.
5. you don't own a boat, you marry one...
Wilfred Darr
Wilfred Darr - 6 years ago
It's ok. The rats eat the cockroaches right? ;-P
Capt Larry -
Capt Larry - - 6 years ago
If you use a Tit Shot as your thumbnail on YouTube and beg on Patreaon.. you don't need to know a god damned thing ! People will pay to watch your every stupid mistake..hangovers and all .
Capt Larry -
Capt Larry - - 6 years ago
'Sailing will change how you look"ย ย  Too Right !.. you can have the facial skin of a 70 year old in less than 20 years.. maybe it 6 or 7.ย  The sun is not kind.ย  Some of you will lose and ear or a nose..to skin cancer.. most will just wrinkle quit nicely.ย  "Sailing will Cost You"ย  Most of you will insist on the 39 footer with the trash compactor, and not the 25 footer with an operating expense 1/8th as high.. because you don't know that costs for every single thing ย increase with the square of the boat size.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I think most people are aware that costs go up as the size of the boat increases. If they're not then hopefully your comment has educated them on one of the basics of boat ownership.

10. comment for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

Capt Larry -
Capt Larry - - 6 years ago
living in a marina is like living in a trailer park,ย  you have about the same privacy, legal rights, protection against drunks and scumbags, funky public showers, parking lot and trash issues... plus there is always going to be some crack pot who decides a bucket full of rice hulls is a "composting toilet"ย  and starts depositing bags of human waste in the trash receptacles !!ย ย  Full blown alcoholics in numbers much higher than the national average, fire protection that is a joke, and fire/explosion risk which is both extreme andย  real, and gimcrack yo-yo electrical atrocities that can and will destroy and sink your boat.ย  If you are cruising.. living aboard it fine.. if you are just beating the cost of rent.. chances are you are part of the high ย DoucheBag Quotient at the marina.ย  The farther you are from services, and any kind of town.. the better the chances that the dock you tie up to is worth being at.ย  No wildlife ?ย  No Thanks !ย  Of course if you have a wooden boat, you don't have any choice but to live on it.. if you want to keep it floating and in good shape.ย  Most Power boats are floating crap games.. so good luck
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Capt Larry - Blimey, you've been in some bad marinas, haven't you? Liz
Capt Larry -
Capt Larry - - 6 years ago
Add meeting badly tattooed chicks to the list.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Larry, we're happy to read your insightful comments but desist with the personal attacks and lazy sexism, please. You're on youtube, you have a public-facing channel, and with that comes a certain level of responsibility and respect. I would not expect this level of rudeness if I met you face to face. I'd like to think we could swap a tale or two cordially over a beer.
Capt Larry -
Capt Larry - - 6 years ago
Boating: a hot/cold damp, cramped, dangerous way to get skin cancer at great expense.
tdk1246
tdk1246 - 6 years ago
It's amazing you have to say this, that people don't put more thought into this activity before doing it. The potential sailor should buy a small boat, store it at a marina and learn everything they can about sailing. Less of an investment and pain and suffering and less abandoned boats at marinas. Too many sad boats lying around.
tdk1246
tdk1246 - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat Glad you posted this. I've witnessed this phenomenon first hand. Buying a big boat after retirement with no knowledge of sailing. They hated it. Sailing is not for everyone. I hate seeing the unloved and abandoned boats at my marina, so sad.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sadly, some people with little or no knowledge of boat life believe it is all palm trees and parties. I'd hope anyone seriously thinking of buying one would get plenty of experience first. We posted this to redress the balance. Thanks for commenting! Liz
Geoff Beach
Geoff Beach - 6 years ago
Great video guys. However, one could say the same thing about marriage.
J Roger
J Roger - 6 years ago
My Racer/Cruiser is only 28' long. She is my back yard on a very large trailer (4.6 ' keel). When the ice goes, we sail her in The North Channel of the Great Lakes. She can sail to wx like a witch and can handle anything the Channel sends her. She is the perfect dimensions-you can always have a hand hold when heeling in a long distance races etc. She can sail in light wind and is very easy to sail fast. When I row away from her on the buoy, I sometimes have to do an extra lap. Picked up two lightly used Kevlar headsails for a boat buck. I cyl diesel and a lovely SS wheel. Rig-unrig seasonal means I know the boat like the back of my hand. Ain't ever gonna sell. Like to take her down ICW/Cuba. For more exotic sailing hope to fly/charter. I thank the folks that built my boat (same country).
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
She sounds absolutely amazing! I'm glad you found her. Peace and fair winds! Liz
J Roger
J Roger - 6 years ago
I've spent a lot of money on boats...the rest I've wasted.!
C Lee  Shannon
C Lee Shannon - 6 years ago
Thanks for your honesty. Not everyone will hear what your saying, but you can and will reach some before they are homeless and destitute.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
C Lee Shannon We love living on a boat and would encourage others to do the same, but to go into this way of life aware of the drawbacks and pitfalls. Cheers! Liz
menthou
menthou - 6 years ago
Passion killers. Your title is Misleading. The title should be 'Why you should not live a board a boat '
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Fair point, but we also think much of what we say applies to simple boat ownership. And judging by the comments I'd say quite a few boat owners agree! Not passion killers, by the way, we demonstrably love living on a boat! Liz
Charles Vandeursen
Charles Vandeursen - 6 years ago
Thank you for your candor.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
We didn't want to sugar coat it.

20. comment for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

David Wootton
David Wootton - 6 years ago
The best ever description of a boat that I came across was..........."A boat is a hole in waterย surrounded by wood into which one pours money". Setting that aside, this is not for everyone. I think I spent more time doing maintenance than actual sailing.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Agreed. Sometimes that balance isn't in the right direction and can be frustrating.
Bob Simmons
Bob Simmons - 6 years ago
Great video. I appreciate your honesty. I have a small sailboat, a Catalina 18. I don't live on it; but it just occurs to me that small boats are a lot cheaper to maintain. From what I see, here in Florida, most of the people with larger boats are not sailing in the open ocean, so they don't really need such large boats.
Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshall - 6 years ago
"alluded to" (sorry, not meant to be mean)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Not mean, correct! Where was that? In the captions? Liz
Mark Biddy
Mark Biddy - 6 years ago
thank you thank you thank you...this should be your disclaimer prior to any more videos, lol. thanks much.
carbon acid
carbon acid - 6 years ago
If you have a steel or aluminium hull, you need to learn welding as well.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
And carry the gear
Christian Frezza
Christian Frezza - 6 years ago
Like owning a home...
John Doe
John Doe - 6 years ago
Cockroaches !
One of the best benign roach killers is cheap borax powder.
Or diatomaceous earth.
But it would have to be kept dry to be effective.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Liz uses borax but really has to stay on top of it.
Randy Owens
Randy Owens - 6 years ago
Like! Very honest.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
We try to keep it real. This wasn't about putting people off, just setting out that it's not all rainbows and unicorns! We love our life afloat... Liz
Walkertongdee
Walkertongdee - 6 years ago
Right stay home stay a fat couch potato, live in unrecoverable debt and most of all don't follow your dreams.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You can do whatever you want to do, that's for sure. We love living on a boat more than anything, and wouldn't have it any other way, as is self-evident by our 12 years afloat! Liz
Ricky Bates
Ricky Bates - 6 years ago
All very good points. Nearly 9 years sea duty USN I guess is partly why it works so well for me. And I'm only 8 months of the year on my 22'. Also quite handy and working on version 2 of DIY autopilot. That's one of the reasons I have the boat. A handy single clown like me needs a project and wow is a boat ever a project. The never ending love/hate.
Thanks for the video
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Aaaah, you speak from the heart! Peace and fair winds! Liz

30. comment for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

Liberals are Icky
Liberals are Icky - 6 years ago
We have Cockroaches here in America, ... we call them Democrats!
oswald Burga
oswald Burga - 6 years ago
Well done Good Show
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thanks for the pat on the back! Glad you liked it. โ˜บ๏ธโœŒ๏ธ Liz
moejrbig
moejrbig - 6 years ago
I have been sailing for 50 years and I love boating. I love to tinker, love to clean my boat and get along perfectly with my wife!
stormcup
stormcup - 6 years ago
I find it annoying when people speak to me and I can't see their eyes.
stormcup
stormcup - 6 years ago
ha ha yes quess your right
99corncob
99corncob - 6 years ago
I owned a 30' keelboat for seven or eight years and sold it because my new wife was not interested in sailing. During that time, I spent far more time working on the boat than I did sailing it. I enjoyed the tinkering for a while but the expense wore on me after a while. When there was a storm, I spent my evening at home worrying about the boat on its mooring. When I was sailing, the responsibility for everyone sailing with me was wearing, as well. The best situation is to find a good friend who owns a sailboat and needs a sailing partner. I didn't believe this until I bought the boat. One of my good friends sold his boat because he had decided it was more pleasant to stand fully clothed in a cold shower, tearing up $20 bills. I loved my boat. But I was happy after it was sold.
Sailing High Seas
Sailing High Seas - 6 years ago
Very good video.
jim page
jim page - 6 years ago
Number 6 if you get sea sick watching the boat in the background you might not want to buy a boot
Poppa Bear
Poppa Bear - 6 years ago
Lived in the tropics heat and humidity - not conducive to romance.
Free Conomics
Free Conomics - 6 years ago
Thanks for the warnings, I'll stay single, keep my atomic 4, and keep my boat very basic or minimalist.
Don Bailey
Don Bailey - 6 years ago
didnt watch it all should have know, as i said your sitting on one.
i have lived aboard ships i oun a 30 foot i call our lady of malta
but iam on a river , i go out take pictures come home and do paintings.
took John paul the greats call for christian artist to farther the gospal as my sailing orders.
spend some time on board when i can , get land sick if its to long ashore, need to feel the deck rock.
Don Bailey
Don Bailey - 6 years ago
land lubbers, you got 5 years not to buy a boat but your idenity is somewhere ashore.
I hear you bitching but your sitting on one.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I don't understand the first part of your comment... Of course we're sitting on a boat, we've lived aboard since 2006. Not "bitching" at all (did you watch till the end?) just pointing out some of the downsides to those who don't know, and to those who know only too well. Demonstrably, we love boats. Liz
Wave Dancer
Wave Dancer - 6 years ago
Good advise! Chartering for some months a year is a good option probably for most "would like to be cruisers".
Roadghost88
Roadghost88 - 6 years ago
Sounds more like boat manufacturers are building junk. Someday the Japanese will get into the game and make it reliable.
quosmo1
quosmo1 - 6 years ago
The two happiest times for a boaty is when you first get your boat, and again when you sell it. lol.
quosmo1
quosmo1 - 6 years ago
Aye Aye... I didn't believe it the first time, 3 boats later there is some truth in it to my ears lol - though again now after a few years not having a boat i again yearn for the sea ... one can never be truly happy i guess!
Bud Manthey
Bud Manthey - 6 years ago
I hope my wife never sees this vid.
Andrรฉ cb
Andrรฉ cb - 6 years ago
Hi! Nice subject. I am trying to sell a boat that I bought with some friends. So, is there any options for enjoy the cruiser life for a year without having to buy a boat? Rent? Share?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
We know people who share, but don't know about long term rental... Some people regularly charter during the season, all over the world, that might be an option? Liz
sean d'epagnier
sean d'epagnier - 6 years ago
All of the "expenses" are optional. As an engine-free cruiser who traveled to many places over 40,000 miles, I can say engines are a common mistake. I never used plumbing either except a bilge pump, and electric is optional, but it's so easy to twist wires together. Rigging can be cheap if you use galvanized wire, and unlike stainless it can last 50 years as well. My (used) sails cost $20 - $50 and last several oceans.
Marie M.
Marie M. - 6 years ago
Flying cucarachas ok im out.
nyiesah
nyiesah - 6 years ago
No different to owning a house and a car we own 190 year old house and a Porsche both of which are either really expensive to maintain professionally or we have to learn on the go we also are infested with Cockroaches rats and flies every summer sometimes we win the battle sometimes we lose
nyiesah
nyiesah - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat most boat sink because of poor seamanship but then if I drive my car poorly or don't maintain it properly I will crash
Lawrence Anderson
Lawrence Anderson - 6 years ago
You have FAILED!!!!! --> To deter me. Gluttons for punishment, the lot of us.

I do have a question though. Do those cone-looking things that attach to mooring lines actually keep out rodents? Or do those buggers jump aboard from the docks anyway? The Mrs can handle cucarachas, but rodents just won't do.
Lawrence Anderson
Lawrence Anderson - 6 years ago
Oops, forgot about your feline Millie, sorry love. :-)

50. comment for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

Bruce Burns
Bruce Burns - 6 years ago
I found exactly the same issues owning a house , the happiest day in my life when I bought it , the second happiest day when I sold it , I started a business so I could get the money to refurbish the house , next I had no time because I had the business , next 10 years goes by and the house had been abandoned because I was never there , so a boat after a house experience seems a lot less to maintain , ย smaller area to clean , and all the good things that come with being able to change your address and environmentย and a great social life , the lesser of the two evilsย , I now live in a factory with all my tools and car and Harley and too old to bother doing anything too worn out trying to get the money to finish the house , but now good to finance my retirementย , if only we lived for 300 years we would have it all worked out in time .
Bruce Burns
Bruce Burns - 6 years ago
I thought that someone would have sent in the old summary of owning a boat and that isย  ย "A hole in the water into which you pour money" .
jasper wyoming
jasper wyoming - 6 years ago
everyone knows boating comfortably and correctly costs money. living on a boat without money means work and worry. its a good life if you can drop about a million (or more) on a new motor yacht and keep it in diesel. fuck that sailing shit, especially on a smaller used sailboat. you are buying an already opened can of worms.
jonathan bacon
jonathan bacon - 6 years ago
The supercharger on my volvo diesel is $14,000CA. Starter was $900,00CA... New Volvo supercharged 230hp engine is $60,000CA.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Our chugalug Beta was around ยฃ9k all in. Liz
sklenars
sklenars - 6 years ago
Old sailing ship saying.....If it was that easy, we could get the women to do it for us....
sklenars
sklenars - 6 years ago
I remember an old Peyton cartoon from PBO many years ago, which depicted a yellow welly yachtie talking to the marina manager as they walked to the pride and joy, which went......There's only one skipper on my boat and he makes all the decisions. My wife just decides where we go and when we go.....
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thank goodness we live in more enlightened times. Liz
Benters
Benters - 6 years ago
I'm told boat means BRING OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND
Mrs.Bubba Bubba
Mrs.Bubba Bubba - 6 years ago
This is a great video. Good points. You two are really cute!
maxim jones
maxim jones - 6 years ago
If you can afford it, it's a great lifestyle. Yes, it may be a lot of work, but you're not working to pay taxes to the Government, or paying a mortgage to the bank, paying bills every month, and homes have costly maintenance too. Sailing on a boat gives you a life of FREEDOM, and owning a house gives you a life of serfdom. I would love to live on a 50'-60' catamaran...I can afford it, But I'm terrified of crossing the ocean especially if I get caught in a storm, I have a fear of deep water. Maybe if I take scuba diving lessons, I would be able to overcome my fear of deep waters.
spudboy1328
spudboy1328 - 6 years ago
Maxim - forget the 60' cat.
Get yourself an older, little, (mono) boat around 25' and try sailing. Buy a common/popular make of boat in your area and when you sell it you'll get back about what you paid.
If you don't like it, you haven't lost much.
If you love it, you can move onto something bigger.
johnnyohness
johnnyohness - 6 years ago
Yes there's nothing to fear....but fear itself.
maxim jones
maxim jones - 6 years ago
Thank you Liz for your encouraging words. I just recently started watching your videos, it's very uplifting and inspiring to see all these amazing and beautiful places we have on our God given Planet that we can go and enjoy. I also want to thank you and Jamie for your work in uploading these videos for our enjoyment. I will take your advise to overcome my fear of the ocean by taking baby steps in learning how to sail, but the hardest part in everything we do in life is the first step.
Nefer Gongs
Nefer Gongs - 6 years ago
Great honest information! Curious if different makes/brands of boats make any difference?ย  Cheers!
Ron Hunter
Ron Hunter - 6 years ago
I still want a boat. But it has to be pushbutton or I have to have crew. I am or more correctly was a mechanic for almost all my 59 years. That is until I got hurt. I can still do things but it takes me alot longer. I changed the water pump on my jeep. What should be a 3 or 4 hour job took me 3 days. It turned out fine but still. Very professional and very fine job. So, realistically a sail boat probly isn't the best choice for me. I guess it will be power, and a crew. And lots of money. It's the crew that bothers me. What fun is it to pull into a nice secluded cove when the only people there are you and your employees. I would rather it be me and friends or family or just me. I guess i could hire an all female crew. Lol. No, that wouldnt work. Too bad. O well. Until I buy that 200 foot expidition yacht it is YouTube videos for me! Be safe!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yes, that's a really great plan. Amels are fantastic cruising boats. If I was going for power and had loads of money, I'd go for a Nordhavn motor sailor. Peace and fair winds! Liz
Ron Hunter
Ron Hunter - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat Thank you Liz. I look forward to watching them. Your Q&A videos are great but I must admit, the videos that show where you go, the people and places make me want to do this all the more. Just this evening I was looking very closely at a Amel 53 mellinium edition. It isn't quite a single handed boat but the 54 and 55 look like they could be. Most likely it will be power though. I'll have to wait and see. South Asia sure is appealing atleast from what you're showing. I can envision a trip thru the Caribbean and over across the South Pacific. Yes, that's what I think would work.
jacktheripped
jacktheripped - 6 years ago
Waaaa, I have to WORK on the boat...awwww forget it....
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Just a l'il bit... โœŒ๏ธLiz
Brad Taylor
Brad Taylor - 6 years ago
almost sounds like my life living in my travel trailer
wavepropulsion1
wavepropulsion1 - 6 years ago
You mean not to live in a boat and expect to have a normal life anymore. Half of the problems you mentioned as maintenance is solved by having an smaller boat. And a traveller must travel light. Is not what retired couples today wants. To me was an improvement to go from the backpack to the 19 foot powerboat I did myself and powered with a little outboard, with wich travelled for years in Europe with my dog, working here and there. I like to build another boat in the next years, and I tought 8 meters is too much, I will like to do a 7 meters if I will put a girlfriend inside. Probably with a little auxiliary diesel. Doesn't matter the size of boat, the sea is my backyard, anyways the long passages are downwind in the right seasson. For the price you change the sails, I build a new boat with a new engine I suppose, or close to it. Nice video, you are a very sympathetic couple. To me is a compromise of comfort and simplicity.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thank you for sharing your insights. Like a lot of things in life, size doesn't matter if you're happy. Peace and fair winds! Liz
pipercub37
pipercub37 - 6 years ago
I have a small boat, and it is work, but well worth it for me. After all, without a boat how would I get to the island?

Some drone video of my boat in the islands:
https://youtu.be/-PgR01ax5Gw
Bob Medeiros
Bob Medeiros - 6 years ago
It is like having children, it pays off with smiles! fair winds!
Laurence Whited
Laurence Whited - 6 years ago
Clear eyed report! Thanks for a great video!
srm 666
srm 666 - 6 years ago
What wise guidance. Great job! Thanks much.
Simon Sargent
Simon Sargent - 6 years ago
Donโ€™t by a boat, but you did and are earning a fortune from YouTube which finances a very comfy lifestyle. You should publish your YouTube earnings.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Where did we say 'don't buy a boat'?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
And that's all you are going to say about this video?
Tell you what, my friend, you show us your earnings and we'll show you ours, haha!
You're delusional if you think we're earning thousands - I wonder if that cheers you up, or makes you crosser?
Peace and love, peace and love - a bit of each makes the world a better place. Liz
Andrew Baumgartner
Andrew Baumgartner - 6 years ago
Boats go wrong all the time - I'm one of those that just love tinkering around with stuff. I'm a mechanic by trade and have built, repaired and serviced machines all my life. Living in a rented apartment drives me nuts, I'm not allowed to do anything myself and always have to let the janitor or a tradesman do everything.
Boats kill relationships - Been solo for several years, nothing there to kill
Boats are never clean - Been solo for several years....
Boats change the way you look - I've always been a bit scruffy, probably one of the reasons I've been solo for years....
Boats eat money - Guess why I'm a solo landlubber....
Spyridon Christodoulou
Spyridon Christodoulou - 6 years ago
Andrew Baumgartner iba
Fkmehardy
Fkmehardy - 6 years ago
I worked at sea and always wanted my own boat but an old bosun once told me that if you don't like somebody, buy them a boat, hence I've borrowed them, helped friends rig and sail them, fixed them but I'll never buy one.
Talhern
Talhern - 6 years ago
Growing up on a river we had always heard the same acronym Boat = Break out another thousand. :)
Paul Howe
Paul Howe - 6 years ago
Very good talk. Lot's of people just see the "sparkle" of the good times. When in reality it is hard work, whether on land or sea. Thanks Jaime and Liz for the reality check.
robert cooper
robert cooper - 6 years ago
Problem is that you apparently donโ€™t think the people at home setting in their recliners are having any problems. Hot water tank gone bad, facet leaks, furnace needs replacing, on and on. And what about snow and the lack of beautiful sunsets. Itโ€™s called life, problems no matter what you are doing.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Oh, we're fully aware of that too, Robert, that's why we got out. But that wasn't really the point of the video. We weren't making a comparison or turning it into a competition.
S/V Happy Mondays
S/V Happy Mondays - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat that's fantastic thank you went to tk max and found said towels in the sale section 6 bath sized secured for ยฃ30 been using them in the gym and so far spot on Genius idea guys thanks
Terry Baty
Terry Baty - 6 years ago
Hi you two. At this present moment I have this romantic idea of sailing off into the sunset. My questions. Do you guys have a property of any description to return to when you are too old to sail? Do you have a retirement plan? Thanks, happy days.
Jon Wilmot
Jon Wilmot - 6 years ago
All you new unsuspecting newbies take a long walk round some real boatyards (not the gin centres) and sea the fields of dreams that will never be any more than a ruinous nightmare. you need to be a Plumber. Carpenter. Electrician.Engineer. and general handy person. Alternatively be VERY rich ! I'm subscribed .very good public information video !
Hammer Rocks
Hammer Rocks - 6 years ago
I think the boating industry is where the car industry was in the 50s, 60s & 70s. Producing unreliable and inconsistently built quality products. What is needed is a boat manufacturer the equivalent of Toyota. Designing and manufacturing extremely reliable and well built boats. Then hopefully this will reduce a lot of the unwanted maintenance, and reliability issues faced by boat owners.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
No matter how good the boat, these rules still apply. You have to maintain it, relationships can go tits up and all the other stuff. There may be fewer large failures to begin with so huge expenses might be minimised.
Besides, there are lots of excellent new builds, and lots of fantastic older boats out here. Don't be discouraged! Liz
Francisco Neto
Francisco Neto - 6 years ago
Reasons not to buy a boat
robert cooper
robert cooper - 6 years ago
Some folks see the cup half full, some half empty. These folks are the latter.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Exactly that, K.IJ. We like to think we're pretty balanced in our videos. Two weeks of perfect cruising, then two weeks of engine woes. We tell it like it is. But even after all that we were still pulled up on the fact we weren't telling the whole story. We're aware that there are channels out there who only show the unicorns and rainbows. If we're not careful, every man and his dog is gonna go out and buy a boat because it's just all perfect, right? Not so, as both you and most of the commenters here know. I don't think the OP watched the video.
K. IJsvogel
K. IJsvogel - 6 years ago
robert cooper
Well, there are several reasons you might have for stating this:
-Youโ€™re quite wealthy, so you donโ€™t really care (but this doesnโ€™t prove you are right) or,
-You donโ€™t own a boat, therefor youโ€™re more or less ignorant or,
-Youโ€™re too young to bother, which is essentially the same as before,
I appreciate this video very much, as this actually describes what every boat owner/ live-aboard already knows,
but nobody will tell you. All you here is romantic stories and how nice it is.
It IS nice, but....
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Haha. And you, my friend, are demonstrably wrong, have clearly not watched our videos or bothered with this one. The first thing we say is that this video was made to redress the constant upbeat videos we put out, in particular the 'How to be a liveaboard cruiser' and 'How to buy a boat' episodes with accompanying e-books.
We've been living aboard since 2006 and have not regretted it for a second. Liz
George HIlbish
George HIlbish - 6 years ago
I want a Nordhavn trawler. Very different and big expense when it comes to just about everything. I hear people you should budget for the year 10% of cost of boat to maintain the boat. That doesnโ€™t include โ€œrunningโ€ it. Still want one, a 52 would be nice. A 55 nicer.
George HIlbish
George HIlbish - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat....Nordhavn is a very fine made boat and are true blue water boats. They took one around the world, a forty footer 10-15 years ago. What I have studied about them, online only at this point, is that they donโ€™t embellish their crafts. Everything has a purpose, ompared to some other boats that look and feel like a camper. Look great at first and then starts falling apart quickly. I guess if you want true quality youโ€™re gonna pay for it thru the nose. A 52 footer โ€œnewโ€ is in the 3+ million range. Just money, right? I really wanna get on one. Iโ€™m in the Carolinas so hopefully Iโ€™ll find one in Charleston etc. to go look at. Dreams are fun. Be safe.
g. stephens
g. stephens - 6 years ago
I've always believed that a boat is a hole in the water into which one pours money! LOL
g. stephens
g. stephens - 6 years ago
I agree...been sailing for over 60 years! Wait, 60 years, holy crap, how did I get that old?!
Luke
Luke - 6 years ago
You can watch a million DIY videos on how to do, make, and fix things but there is one thing I just CANNOT teach (and don't even try), and that is basic hand-eye coordination and the general ability to do neat work. ย It does not matter if you aren't an experienced mechanic, electrician, plumber, carpenter etc.; if you have the fundamental capability to utilize tools, understand the proper materials and general principles of things then you can learn what you need to know to do boat maintenance properly. ย Sadly, there are people who just can't draw a straight line, turn a wrench, paint without runs and the like... they are just generally uncoordinated slobs and mostly daft when it comes to fixing or keeping up with anything. ย I just can't 'teach' that fundamental baseline into a person no matter how much they want to own a boat. ย You have to be honest with yourself; if you lack that baseline of basic DIY skill, have no ability to work with your hands (along with your brain), then you have no business owning a boat (unless you are rich and can afford to hire someone to do everything).
Jon Wilmot
Jon Wilmot - 6 years ago
Luke well said. I've taught plumbing and other skills in college's. And you know what ? I'm never gonna play my guitar at The Albert Hall, and some people will never be able to bend a pipe or cut wood straight. The smart ones are the folk that accept it and find a different strength. I also promise never to give you tax and investment advice!
C Pratt
C Pratt - 6 years ago
Biggest problem is most boats are two feet to short.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Haha!
Patrick Kavanagh
Patrick Kavanagh - 6 years ago
Well I tell you my little 25 foot sailboat is just a fantastic cottage
And my other money pit is my 1930 Chrysler it's only money and life is to short
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas - 6 years ago
I've got most of those problems (except the roaches) in my 100 year old house. Now if I could convince my wife to not get sea sick in a bathtub I might have a shot at living aboard a boat. I predict solo sailing in my future.

Nice video, I subbed.
Life On The Mold - Building a 40 Foot Catamaran
Life On The Mold - Building a 40 Foot Catamaran - 6 years ago
Love the honesty guys.Shame it's too late for me.Cheers
bdennis
bdennis - 6 years ago
B.break
O. out
A. another
T. thousand $$$
C Pratt
C Pratt - 6 years ago
bdennis , a hole in the water to pour money into.
I love all my boats.
john hayford
john hayford - 6 years ago
Now lets look at this with the economists hat on, from the perspective of a house dweller.ย 

Before we retired we were sending roughly ยฃ7,000 pa for a 3 weeks holiday, usually chartering. Nothing fancy, just a 32-36 footer in the Med.ย 
No allowances made for inflation here. (pre-2005)
When we first retired we wanted to spend more time in warmer climates, so knowing the costs of chartering we tried the short term rental market, usually a 2 bed house in nice places, California, Melbourne etc. Over 4 years we went through around ยฃ18,000 pa just in rentals. That was before the GBP collapsed.ย 
So back to the drawing board. 2 Years back we spent ยฃ120,000 on a 2nd hand boat, and kept it in the Med until recently. So far its cost ยฃ13,000 in running costs including some Spanish Taxes, and ยฃ11,000 in upgrades/improvements. Most of the maintenance has been done by yards, while I have done all the upgrades as I have the skills. I could do the maintenance but so far have not had the time. Next year.
During this period we have spent 4 months on "holiday" using the boat as a base in Spain and Portugal. Now if we had chartered for this period we are looking at around ยฃ37,000, or ยฃ17,000 for a rental home for the same period. (Based on what we used to rent. I did check). I have not included flights food etc.ย 
As for the boat value so far the same boats are going for slightly more than we paid for it, so no deprecation as yet. There is loss of interest on the ยฃ120,000, but obviously that's not much as yet.ย 

So overall owning has saved us a lot more than the alternative, not to mention the fun factor. ย Plus we have almost unlimited holidaying in the future. It would have been cheaper to rent for the 4 months, but not if we deduct the upgrades as (hopefully) they will not be reoccurring. It's not often the electronics have to be changed and the boat did come with a spare set of sails).ย 



What cruisers have to consider is that the alternative way to live and travel the globe is going to be very expensive, without considering the utility cost of the fun. Which is priceless.
Don B.
Don B. - 6 years ago
Interesting video to provoke thought and discussion.

I bought a small coastal cruiser a year and a bit ago and agree with most of your comments. As I enjoy tinkering, either at the house or on the boat, I always have projects on the go, and they all cost money. So if I need to spend a day or so, and a few dollars fixing something on the boat it's OK.

When staying for extended periods on the boat I do miss long, hot, daily showers. Hard to get around that one, but I make do with what I have and live with it.

As for the money, if I wasn't cruising I'd be spending money on other recreation and although I haven't done the math my sense is it is a wash. Short of staying inside, in one place, most recreational activities cost money.

Unwanted pets invading the boat? Yeah I've become a fairly good hunter of annoying insects. Fortunately, to date, I have stayed on top of them. All of my port lights and hatches are screened and that helps, but keeping the freeloaders out requires constant vigilance.

Keeping the boat clean has not been a big issue for me. As it is a small space the first pillar of my solution is to not pack too much crap on the boat. Keep what you need and nothing more. Keep it all organized and in its place. I'll do a sweep at least once a day putting stuff away.

As for the constant need to put money into the boat, well if you are full time cruisers and live aboards factor in all of the expenses associated with maintaining a home you do not incur. Ever replaced a heating/air conditioning system for a house? Easily the cost of a rebuilt engine for a boat. Sure boats do not appreciate as a home typically will, however if well kept they can hold their value over the long term. Further if you are renting your home, the right boat is a far better investment.

Bottom line if you are able to adapt to a minimalist lifestyle, know your way around a set of tools, like to travel without a rigid schedule and are really good friends with your crew mates, cruising is a viable option. Thanks to videos like this one the pitfalls are well known. Thanks for posting.
bilyd333
bilyd333 - 6 years ago
I have just discovered your wonderful series. Sadly, I have yet to watch every video...yet. lol. I am curious about something that I have not found in the 20 or 30 vids I have watched so far. How do you pay for things? What I mean is, do you use cash? Plastic? Obviously checks won't work. If you pay by cash, where do you get the cash? ATM? Banks? I see that you visit many out of the way locations. Places that don't have ATM's or Banks? And with all the different countries you visit it must be difficult carrying all the different currencies. Thank you for your response in this area. Love your vids! Keep up the good work!
Catamaran Channel
Catamaran Channel - 6 years ago
5 reasons not to buy a "small" boat.
MrGraziano1
MrGraziano1 - 6 years ago
can you speak obaut parachute ancor end how to slow down the boat ?
Mike Sharkbear
Mike Sharkbear - 6 years ago
Thanks for the realistic points of owning a liveaboard...
marco hanse
marco hanse - 6 years ago
For insects! i use boric Acad. For rats. I sprinkle chilly powder every where. Money i can't help you with. Get six spoons of boric Acid and mix with 12 spoons of water. Now get a cup of water and boil it and throw the boric acid and sugar in. Wait till it cools down and spray around doors and windows especially in the kitchen. This will cost you fifty cents and kill all your insects including termites.
marco hanse
marco hanse - 6 years ago
Try chilly power with pepper. Rats can't stand it!
Charles Thomas
Charles Thomas - 6 years ago
Then there are hidden reefs, sudden storms, and drunks trying to ram you when you think you are safe in a marina! Not a part of the dream. And they certainly don't tell you that the boat gets smaller, the longer you are on it. โ˜บ
Tim Lamarre
Tim Lamarre - 6 years ago
Please. No more of this talk. It's 2 am and I just finished working. I need to sail away now.
Colin Kelley
Colin Kelley - 6 years ago
Thanks. Very good. Really really helpful. I had a friend tell me once: "The happiest day of my life was when I bought my boat. The other happiest day of my life was when I sold my boat." I am retirement age. I have designed, and have been thinking about building a custom cabover camper that can quickly become a houseboat for lakes and rivers. It is a really cool floor plan with a basement and three pop outs, and a pop out deck. I was thinking that living on a lake for a week or two (in the summer) would be a fun way to "boondock" and save some money and try to live off Social Security. I have lived in a camper for the last couple of years on a ranch (and commuted to work) -- to learn how to do it, and see if I can do it, and like it. I really learned a lot. But I think the romance of it just wore off as a houseboat. I can get a forest service senior pass and camp next to a lake, pump up an inflatable boat, go fishing and come back. I had a small sailboat as a kid and was surprised how much work it took to maintain it. Something was always going wrong. I had forgotten about that. -- Or I am going to have to improve and upgrade and harden my design. Thanks again.
Michael Dean Ballard
Michael Dean Ballard - 6 years ago
Befriend a boater, they are the salt of the world.
You have to love it. Try being on a small boat for a couple weeks or more you'll see.
Things that are different on a sailboat: rain patters loud on the deck and the wind rocks you as the waves lap the hull.
In a house you might hear the fridgerator pump and the heater vent or some street noise etc.
In a sailboat you can smell when your food is done the space is so small and everything to be discarded is given a second thought that it may have some other use.
In a house cooking may be safely relegated to a timer and trash is a few steps away in gigantic bins not carted off the boat.
In a boat you are closer to and affected more by nature. You pay more attention to everything around because especially at sea resources are critically finite for survival and you may be the only person available to keep the thing afloat and stay alive in relative comfort.
House on the grid you just pay your bills/call a repair person. On a boat especially at sea you must learn to repair most of the things around you. So by default you are in charge of navigation, engineering, electrical, plumbing etc.
It's a physical life being on the water. You don't have to be, and, it doesn't make you a hard body but you get tough and sensative at the same time. Just what boat life makes you do.
You should please learn to keep your wits about you though some very unwitting people operate boats and I guess only have luck on thier side. Better to have luck and some wits though. A healthy respect for mother nature is helpful along with having some grace of people skills in close quarters maybe lots of travel or camping skills helps.
BenjaminFranklin99
BenjaminFranklin99 - 6 years ago
When stuff goes wrong a thousand miles offshore, you fix it or do without. Make your anchoring gear, rudder, hull and rig 100%. You can do without the rest.
Chango de la Porcelaina Canada
Chango de la Porcelaina Canada - 6 years ago
I like the saying โ€œevery man (woman) has a vice. โ€œWhat I discovered abt boats is if you buy the cheap part , you will probably pay a lot more for its consequences down the road. And quality costs a lot. Ie wichard deckware or ancor brand electrical.
Oh well ... everyone needs a vice. If it were easy..... the anchorages would be more packed!!!
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
It is very hard to get to Fatu Hiva without one.

100. comment for 5 REASONS NOT TO BUY A BOAT! - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Q&A 23

Patrick Franz
Patrick Franz - 6 years ago
You guys are the greatest!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thanks for the kind words! Liz x
Jake
Jake - 6 years ago
I will only own a boat which fits on a trailer. That alleviates most of what you have just listed.
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Good for you! I will follow you. Be careful. Not real wild about this area of the world. My wife and did this for only 3 years.
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Well of coarse you do not want to run aground. If it happens you need to recover. Most boats can be severely damaged from grounding. I have no experience with a ketch, but they seem fine. SV Delos, an Amel, is a ketch. Are you thinking of circumnavigation?
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Well I am not sure that is true. The same systems are on all Blue Water boats. The Willard has an iron keel the full length of the keel. It can ride up on coral and will not stick. It has refrigeration and a very strong auxiliary motor. A cutter rig is a big plus. My wife and I got caught in huge seas in this boat and just cruised through. Also very cheap.
Jake
Jake - 6 years ago
I think the key is to get as small as boat as you can live with. Small boat, small problems.
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
I have been in big seas in a Willard Crealock 35'. Very stable and safe. This boat is 30' at the water line. Nick named the 8 ton cruiser. That is as small as I would go for Blue Water. But people have sailed 24' boats around the world.
Jake
Jake - 6 years ago
That's the challenge. I have a Bayfield 25 right now. Full keel, very capable two ton ramp launchable boat. The only thing I might trade her in for would be a Pacific seacraft Dana 24. Twice as heavy but a true blue water boat.
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Do you really want to blue water sail a boat that fits on a trailer?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
That sounds like a good idea! Liz
Athanos Kerensky
Athanos Kerensky - 6 years ago
Great video, my wife and I have been living on our boat for 6 months now, everything you said is spot on. We love the freedom.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
FREEDOM! That's it in a nutshell! Liz x
g0fvt
g0fvt - 6 years ago
Sometimes it is just blissful to pay extortionate hire fees for a few weeks use of a craft and to have zero worries, bills etc for the rest of the year.
Will Sawtell
Will Sawtell - 6 years ago
I still love living on my boat!
Josef Roesler
Josef Roesler - 6 years ago
Looking forward to getting out there so I'll have an excuse for not bathing for a week. Right now, it's just because I'm a lazy and antisocial...
smithysmithy1
smithysmithy1 - 6 years ago
Great clip thanks.
A Twogun
A Twogun - 6 years ago
Hello. Repairs aside what are your average living expenses?
A Twogun
A Twogun - 6 years ago
OK thanks.
A Twogun
A Twogun - 6 years ago
I see. So berthing in a marina is considered an expensive option. Are there times when you have no choice and you have to berth or can you normally always find a natural shelter to anchor? What are the reasons for finding a berth? Somewhere to settle for a while? I like the Caribbean and in particular the BVI but have only island hopped by land.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
No such thing. It depends where in the world we are and what we're doing, if we're in a marina or if we're sailing. A month in a marina in Turkey is ten times the cost of a month anchoring in the Anambas. If you're considering becoming a cruiser look at the first sailing ground you intend to go and work out what you'll need to be comfortable (or just survive). The work out if your income will cover it. That's what we did. Good luck! Liz
Mike OBrien
Mike OBrien - 6 years ago
I tell people I'm "Independently Poor" I was independently rich and then I bought a boat LoL
Danny Nabors
Danny Nabors - 6 years ago
Do you think sail boats motors are under sides ,I think this is why a lot of sail boats motors burn out so fast ,like pulling a house with a VW
Jimmy Clark
Jimmy Clark - 6 years ago
You two are the real deal. Your candid and frank synopsis is first class . . . I certainly subscribe to all of your observations and would reinforce both parties must embrace the lifestyle . .. hense a compromise being bareboat sailing . . . works in my life . . .
Lorrin Barth
Lorrin Barth - 6 years ago
Sailing is a skill I enjoyed learning. Want to visit another country, its cheaper to fly. Need a place to live, its more comfortable at home. I sail for the pleasure of sailing.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You're not alone! Cruising is more about a lifestyle change, and the sailing is secondary to the travel. Fair winds, friend! Liz
Sten Erling Juliussen
Sten Erling Juliussen - 6 years ago
Well! We sold the house, a cabin and one of the cars and bought us a catamaran and a small apartement. To be honest! We havn't regret a singel day since. To invest in our future is the greatest thing we ever could have done! period...We love to sail around when ever we can and still have money left..
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Exactly the same as us! Sold everything to buy a flat and a boat. We haven't regretted it for a second! โ˜บ๏ธ Liz
W C Emmons
W C Emmons - 6 years ago
A Boat is a hole in the Water for which you throw your money, your video is Absolutely true. Thanks for sharing the truth.
W C Emmons
W C Emmons - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat. Not near as much experience as you folks.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You sound like you have experience..?
Fredrick Rourk
Fredrick Rourk - 6 years ago
Very sorry but I have to leave YouTube. They are forcing me to leave bye!
Patricia Brooks
Patricia Brooks - 6 years ago
Could not agree more. We have been sailing for decades and know exactly what you are putting across.
We recently came across a sailing channel 'Sailing Kittiwake' a young couple who have been out for only a few months but offering advice on how to make money and what it costs to sail.
They quote all the well known sailors and many authors some of whom we know and have spent time with such as pardys and Tom Cunlif to prove one can finance their sailing by writing or some other way as they go. I tried to point out to them the difficulty of doing what they proposed but was blown off.
What they and others fail to realise is these well known people were successful over 30 years ago and things have changed. I do not like to encourage young people with very little money to embark on what is in fact a fantasy in many cases to find the real world is quite different. The sailing life in most cases is nothing like that publicised in popular publications and sailing in the Mediterranean is some of the worst although it is portrayed as glamorous.
Years ago one could cruise on an inexpensive lifestyle but now it is very hard as most countries will extract the maximum they can from the yachting community and they do not like working boat bums who often to not have a work permit.
Good to see a down to earth post.
Elisa Sagramoso
Elisa Sagramoso - 6 years ago
Yes, I totally agree with you.
Jon Wilmot
Jon Wilmot - 6 years ago
Spent many years talking unsuspecting folk out of financial suicide and break up caused by boats. It's NOT a house on water ! Great video.
Michael Dean Ballard
Michael Dean Ballard - 6 years ago
This for everyone and after the first paragraph isn't directed to anyone in particular.
I compare to a house because most people live on land but it's more like a space ship to a landlubber.
Most people look out over the water feeling the magic dreaming about our lives in the water.
If it strikes you as a possible life path dig in. Try it, just don't drive/captain without knowing what's going on among traffic and pedestrians (other boats with various sets of rules and/or swimmers, Fisher people etc).
You can make it your lifestyle but you wouldn't unless you love the reality of your experiences with it.
I used to say that it's cold wet and expensive so people would not clog the waterways.
Isn't necessary with motion sickness and people who don't think/live outside the box, and people who are just too used to regular land life to ever seriously consider getting thier feet wet so to speak.
Fixer upper boats can be had for free and If you're frugal and walk into the Chandlery or anywhere really and talk to people about figuring it out, maybe get a tiny place by the bay and make the boaters your friends; you're there. You'll find a way, anyone with half a brain and the will can do it and it will enrich your life even if you get a little chilly once in a while.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
It isn't a house on water, it's a full-time home, a job and a hobby all rolled into one. A boat is more demanding than a house in that you can't leave the repairs till you feel like tackling them, otherwise you won't go anywhere, or you won't be able to use the toilet or you'll sink. It is a passion and a love affair. โ˜บ๏ธLiz
Ric Gaston
Ric Gaston - 6 years ago
If you want to live on a boat; You have to: BUY THE BOAT; PAY FOR THE BOAT; KEEP PAYING FOR THE BOAT; NEVER GIVE UP THE BOAT; EARN MONEY FROM SOMEWHERE, BY DOING SOMETHINGย OTHER THAN LIVING ON THE BOAT; Of course this is just basic. New sails? $30,000?Complete refit - in Thailand - $50,000?Of course you have to keep eating, and paying port fees, and anchor fees, and import fees for every time you enter another country with your BOAT. Break Out Another Thousand. You really have to be a millionaire to do this, don't you?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
The Australia thing is out of the question now that we've taken Millie to Indonesia, she'd be euthanized.
Why the rant? I don't know anyone who hasn't worked bloody hard to become a cruiser. And those who may have had it handed to them on a plate I have no right to judge, good luck to them. Resenting their good fortune isn't going to change anything, all it achieves is self destruction. Cheer up! Liz
Ric Gaston
Ric Gaston - 6 years ago
I mention import fees because of the recent talk about why you will not go to Australia - Millie is not welcome. Of course I am speaking theoretically because there would be a fine to travel to Australia which you are not willing to pay, and in the context of this, I am curious as to other countries youย may beย avoiding, or have avoided because of this type of "fee". There is much more to this, and I don't expect these questions to be answered here. I've been paying for my life - and others -ย  all my life, and don't expect anyone to pay for my future, but it is very discouraging to see others "make it" with so little effortย while they claim they gave everything. Rant over.
francois MyChannel
francois MyChannel - 6 years ago
Ric Gaston i
Justin B. O'Brien
Justin B. O'Brien - 6 years ago
Thanks ... Great episode!
Eric Antrim
Eric Antrim - 6 years ago
Love your advice. Wish Iโ€™d heard more of it before buying my live aboard. :)
Steve Bergkamp
Steve Bergkamp - 6 years ago
I really love this. I wish the other channels would be this honest. THANK YOU!!!
Kenneth Duborg
Kenneth Duborg - 6 years ago
Depressing and at the same time thoughtful true. But I think there's a difference between being Live Aboars and CRUSING Live Aboards, which you belong to. Having a floating "cottage" down in the local harbor undoubtedly wears less than a boat in the harsh weather, high concentration of sun and salt and heavy strain on sail and rig as challenged by full-time cruisers. No doubt that a boat is a bad investment. Maybe 20 years back, someone could actually make good money on a trade. What a beautiful Hallberg Rassy in the background! Thank you for another nice video!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Well spotted, Kenneth. She's a well - kept 36 HR from Seattle. Lovely couple, too. Yes, you make a valid point about the difference between liveaboards there.
Naomi Wheble
Naomi Wheble - 6 years ago
I enjoyed your video and agree wholeheartedly with every single point. Alot of people buy boats blindly for the 'dream' of freedom and adventure, let alone the belief it's cheaper than renting. It rarely lands up being like that once reality hits!
paul young
paul young - 6 years ago
Why are people scared to say how much they paid for boats........

We paid ????
No it's worth ?????

We paid out ??????

Still luv channel but why be embarrassed
Giles Theriault
Giles Theriault - 6 years ago
Right on guys! I love my sail boat and I know I'm lucky to have a wife who loves to cruise.
ysesq
ysesq - 6 years ago
best compromise is to have a small fast boat you can park in your back yard and bareboat charter+airplane tickets to make up for the destinations you cant reach.
Serveck
Serveck - 6 years ago
buying a boat was the worst financial decision of my life. i now own 4 of them...
j.j. Buescher
j.j. Buescher - 6 years ago
Thanks Liz,itโ€™s one reason I consider you folks really good mentors and great cruisers.
j.j. Buescher
j.j. Buescher - 6 years ago
Thanks again! A peaceful day for you.
JD Blackwell
JD Blackwell - 6 years ago
I agree with Stefano below... and I'd like to make one point, re boat ownership, costs. May I ask, if you own a house do you not have ongoing costs? Is there no maintenance that needs doing with a home? Big ticket items such as fixing/replacing air conditioning and heating, fixing/replacing the roof, the fridge, the stove... my ex and I did a full house window replacement (upgrade) and you do NOT want to know what that cost!

My point is... if you own a boat AND a house then yes, the 'costs' to own a boat can seem extreme and a luxury, BUT... if your boat is your only home, then all those costs are simply "home maintenance". The amount we spent together on our house over 16 years would have bought me a small yacht by now. It's all in how you look at it. How you subjectively perceive the costs paid out to the benefits received. So no, I do not see the costs of maintaining a liveaboard yacht as part of the secret hell... far from it.

The rest however... yea, yer pretty spot on there. Us yachties are weird bunch man. =/|)=
JD Blackwell
JD Blackwell - 6 years ago
Oh. You mean you made this for people even weirder than us? Oh... (find myself at a loss for words)... =/|)=
LOL
joe miller
joe miller - 6 years ago
great lol seems to fit
big ed
big ed - 6 years ago
sounds a lot like truck driving.
Gary Leonard
Gary Leonard - 6 years ago
Food for thought. Thank;s for sharing
Life is Like Sailing
Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago
Thank you and very well stated realities of boat ownership and the liveaboard lifestyle! I'm with you both and still wouldn't trade it for anything!
Wilfred Darr
Wilfred Darr - 6 years ago
I'm going to get a crossover episode of my favorite two channels! Brilliant!
Life is Like Sailing
Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago
That would be AWESOME to meet up and definitely ask me any questions you have!! ย Canada's west coast is an amazing part of the world! ย You can direct message me at alfy@lifeislikesailing.com or on FB if that is easier! ย Or if you have good wifi at we can have a Skype call to answer everything you need to know! ย Alfy
Geezergamers
Geezergamers - 6 years ago
I have saved up $550,000 for boat purchase, have a fund for $12,000 per month while sailing for 36 months, and have an emergency fund of 1.5 million dollars US. I am thinking of setting out with my brother who is a licensed electrician and plumber, he is an EMT and also retired USCG. I am a practicing Emergency Medicine physician and ave training in SCUBA and wilderness medicine. Both of us have sailing experience chartering boats and have taken the ASA classes. Do you think this is sufficient to circumnavigate in three years? I am thinking of a catamaran or trimaran, 45 foot length. We are both very fit in our late 40s.
requin13
requin13 - 6 years ago
+Geezergamers it's a joke, right??????
BenjaminFranklin99
BenjaminFranklin99 - 6 years ago
You seem well prepared, but over reliant on classes and certificates. Your certificates and classes mean nada to the ocean, which often acts as though it wants to kill yachties.
Mauser M03 Blog
Mauser M03 Blog - 6 years ago
Geezer, you and your brother are better prepared than 99.9% of the others who are already out there having adventurous fun. If all you're waiting for is for someone sensible to say, 'Get on with it, now!' and fire the starting gun, I'll be that person. Ready, steady, bang!
TheBuckStopsHere
TheBuckStopsHere - 6 years ago
Geezergamers Start!!!
Geoffrey W. Blee
Geoffrey W. Blee - 6 years ago
You lucky buggers, go for it, enjoy it, your set up.
ysesq
ysesq - 6 years ago
hiring a captain is always a bad idea. the only way you get experience is if you make the life and death decisions yourself. coastal hopping is sufficiently safe so you dont need a captain. i would do at least one atlantic and one pacific boat delivery before you do anything else - those come with captains and its usually a month or less and they go the fastest route they can. just take a month off and do a delivery and see how you like it. 40+ knots on a working boat is meaningless experience - real experience comes when your sails are shredded and your engine is flooded and youre in a 40 knot storm. or when your caught in a reef area with 15 foot waves rolling in. the best way to really get into and out of these situations is on someone elses boat. you can afford to have someone else bear the burden of making your mistakes.
Geezergamers
Geezergamers - 6 years ago
I think that is a brilliant answer, my wife has suggested the same (suspicious >.>). I have sailed before off the coast several miles and made 50+ mile passages but no big open water experience. We live just outside Washington DC, and the plan was to hire a captain to watch over us as we sail the coast (not in the ICW) to Florida. Haul out and inspect, decide to continue to hire a captain or go it alone, provision, and Dec thru April do the Caribbean. In April go thru Panama and join the Pacific Puddle jump to Marquesas. If we don't have enough experience by then, I don't think we ever will. As an aside I have sailed in 40+ knots and other adverse conditions. I am a consummate over planner, probably die before this ever gets out of the Marina because I micro manage everything.
ysesq
ysesq - 6 years ago
i would say no. sure you have the numbers but it isnt gonna mean much unless you have experience on blue water. how about looking at boat deliveries - try getting on a atlantic and pacific boat delivery so you get the experience crossing on someone elses boat before you do it on your own. much better that way.
Geezergamers
Geezergamers - 6 years ago
Hehe I used to do that too, just for family, never seems to work out well! In all seriousness though those are my qualifications and numbers. I have been working on this goal since July 20th, 2003. I am so close. I guess you can never be 100% ready, but I aim to be 99.9%.
rhirwin10
rhirwin10 - 6 years ago
Cockroaches? ย Try Advion Syngenta gel bait. ย Wide spectrum pesticide for all cockroaches., ....all prevailing pest species of cockroaches, including German (also gel bait-averse), American, Australian, brown, smokybrown, Oriental, brown-banded and Asian cockroaches. ย Professional stuff -forget the boric acid and bombs. ย  This is used by the pros. ย They can't resist the stuff
93mikep
93mikep - 6 years ago
great video guys.... very honest feedback that it is not all sunsets and rainbows.
panther5bit
panther5bit - 6 years ago
Worst of all is not much time on land . I could,nt stand staying on the sail boat all day or many days. Make me want to quit sailing and get the f..k off off it
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Then boating definitely isn't for you! Liz
drx1 xym
drx1 xym - 6 years ago
Love the break down and links in the description! ย You have a good take on it!
Darren Clare
Darren Clare - 6 years ago
BOAT = Bring Over Another Thousand
SV Amandolin
SV Amandolin - 6 years ago
I tinkered with a crappy 22ft Tanzer before I chopped up in pieces with sawzaw and discarded after stripping the Stainless hardware. Was suggested to me by some old salts that learning boat work would save me tens of thousands over my boating career. Rule 2? no payment! would take away from the enjoyment and passage to freedom. I love my boat and gives my family and i so many memories and engagement with nature.
windrider65
windrider65 - 6 years ago
I'm 53, and would love to live on a boat sailing the world, its always been a dream of mine, With my wife's medical problems, the only way for it to happen is to leave her, and that is something I will never do. Till death do we part. I take my marriage serious, and will never give up on it. I know she would move on to a boat to make me happy, but it would be her death, and I could never do that to her. Stay safe and fair winds.
windrider65
windrider65 - 6 years ago
Thank's Liz, we can only be who we are, its what's in a person's heart is who they are, the body is just a shell. True love and the passion to work through the hard times are what make a marriage last. Take care and stay safe and fair winds. I'm Charlie.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You are a wonderful and kind man. โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ Liz x
Jay Rummage
Jay Rummage - 6 years ago
I am so excited to get on the water in a few years when the kids are a little older but I need some clarification. To put it in perspective could you give a quick estimate of what you spend on the boat yearly? Thank you much!
Jonathan Tithecott
Jonathan Tithecott - 6 years ago
Amazing. Welcome to my world. Live aboard for 3 years but know a lot more about all the nooks and carmines than is normal ,
Todd P
Todd P - 6 years ago
You can't take money with you to your grave...it won't due you any good.ย  May as well spend it on something you enjoy and love....
bob yandell
bob yandell - 6 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1DcdljeBqY this is the product to look for Liz. get the blue cap for roach control as they make a red cap tube for ants. the most important thing is you can place tiny dots in places that Millie cannot get to plus its simply the best treatment on the market. we place the dots of product on post it notes stuck in the bilge and cabinets. good luck
Jack neff
Jack neff - 6 years ago
I totally agree witha allyouve said.
Robert Morris
Robert Morris - 6 years ago
Good advice. I am still saving o buy a sailing boat. Your video reminded me tobrush up on on some skills in the meantime. Thanks.
Majestic Mark
Majestic Mark - 6 years ago
I am not sure of the actual statistic of how much of our population lives by water but it is very high. 80 or even 90 %.. Those who truly love boats take living by the water one step farther and live on the water which opens up a world of possibilities for travel. In the end I think it ends up being perspective and attitude in how one deals with issues that make them successful. Keep up the great attitudes and you will still be on Esper in another 12 years. ^_^
Dick Dixon
Dick Dixon - 6 years ago
To solve your roach problem get yourself some Bengal roach spray. Spray your entire boat with Bengal and I assure you the roach problem will go away. Spray it about once every six months to keep them away. When you first use it and see the slight fog that comes out of the nozzle, you'll question my sanity for suggesting it....but believe me it works! Try it and you'll be thanking me later.......
Ruthie Henderson
Ruthie Henderson - 6 years ago
Hereโ€™s another possibility for those of us who want the live aboard life in an abbreviated way... We live in Michigan and sail the Great Lakes. My aging parents live with us so we can care for them, so at this time, selling everything isnโ€™t an option. So we sail as much as we can close to home. Our business is flexible and we can do the majority of it from our boat. The drawback is, our season is relatively short (five months at best), and oh how it hurts when we have to haul her out each season, and of course, itโ€™s not the Caribbean. But the benefits are: fresh water doesnโ€™t deteriorate things as quickly, the off season provides about 8 weeks of ability (four weeks before and four weeks after the snow) to get boat maintenance done, a profound appreciation of the sailing season we do get, the unparalleled natural beauty of the Great Lakes. Weโ€™ve talked to cruisers who come from everywhere including the Caribbean and they tell us theyโ€™re stunned by the crystal clear water and the natural beauty found here. In the off season, we watch sailing vlogs like yours and dream of becoming cruisers in the tropics.. but in reality, we have it pretty darned great. So for those who canโ€™t quite sell their land life and move aboard, you can have a little of both worlds. We love your channel and it eases the pain of our off season to watch and dream. Iโ€™m curious as to if youโ€™ve ever been to the Great Lakes or sailed any of them? Thanks for the video!
Roger Mace
Roger Mace - 6 years ago
Great Vid as always, but I have actually made some money on all my sail boats,ย that is ย how I eventually had enough money to buy a ocean going yacht.
Stephen Lediard
Stephen Lediard - 6 years ago
Couldn't agree more with what you're saying here.
AnneAndJim King
AnneAndJim King - 6 years ago
Excellent summing up. We lived and cruised on our boat for 10 years, during which we did an Atlantic circuit, and had the most fantastic time. Boat now sold as my husband no longer wants to live on a boat, but we now live full time in a caravan 'land cruising'. I have rejoined my old sailing club to get my sailing 'fix' in.
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago
I do not really agree with the boats kill relationship. I understand what you say, and yes can see it putting a more tremendous strain on a relationship than what normally may have been. But to outright say it kills relationship is just not totally realistic for many reasons. Old saying goes one test before you marry is to take a travel trip. Living on a boat is sort of this test and more. As said I can understand why you say this, but ultimately imho that relationship was never meant to be in the first place if this is the case. I seen one channel where unmarried couple, both were wanting to sail. At first the woman loved it, but over time she no longer did and became unhappy. Making more trips back to land. In the end, their relationship but was fine, but they both had to admit they had to let each other go, as neither wanted to see her unhappy. A shared dream and goal had become different one. Point is that even though they both still loved each other and had no problems in the relationship, it apparently just was not meant to be. One can find new houses all the time on market cause new couple got divorced. Idk. To warn about it I understand, just that I do not really agree the boat itself actually kills the relationship. Still loved the video btw, just giving my 2cents and feedback.

As to the makeup, this in my opinion is a plus. Although I am not a female, but I just hate makeup 24/7, just huge waste to that lucrative industry. Fine for special occasions or night out maybe, but all the time is just unnecessary. I prefer au naturel look anyway. Sure it can make someone pretty, but the real beauty is in the person and makeup can hide and mask that.
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago
Idk, maybe. Been thinking about it more since I first posted. Thought of completely different scenario where couple loses a kid for example. It can either make them stronger or utterly destroy and end the relationship. Maybe I was focusing too much on dreams and goals aspect and not other things such as added stresses on daily basis. Anyway, still loved the video and it is nice to see something different and make people stop and think and be prepared it might not work out.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
That's the title, but we're not saying boats kill ALL relationships, these are merely pointers! We're asking couples to try to imagine this new life together, and truly decide if it will be right for them. We know couples who were married for decades but couldn't hack the new life, some ending in divorce. It is a real thing. But we know many more who flourish. Liz
realulli
realulli - 6 years ago
There is a corollary in the second reason. If you dream of buying a boat, you could also try to find your matching soulmate solo sailor who originally wasn't.

What do you think?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sounds like a a good idea! Liz
M Brouwer
M Brouwer - 6 years ago
great video rv cost less
Obit 123
Obit 123 - 6 years ago
Have to disagree with you on that....I have been RVing for over 50 years and a full timer for over 30 because of my work. RVs used to be built a little better but never intended to be live in. The new RVs are a bunch of crap no matter the price tag, they push them out as fast as they can and let the warranty and the dealer fix all the issues. A boat is a very simple thing to work on with only a few systems that have to be done by a specialist with the right tools, RVs now are so complicated and poorly built that they spend a good deal of time in the shop and are a money pit. Trust me on this, I do know what I am talking about, I currently living in a 1998, 40 ft motorhome now but I am transitioning to a 1995, 40 ft sailboat for a lot of reasons.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
If we ever give up sailing, it'll be an RV for us! Liz
Peter Free
Peter Free - 6 years ago
In other words don't buy a boat and intend to sail the globe unless you have a reasonably good bank account and or you can earn an income as you go. The trouble with a lot of these sailing channels is you never see very much of the downside of owning a boat instead what you mainly see are the pretty sunsets, the exotic islands and the dolphins chasing the boats. Boats are a wonderful toy but they suck money into a black hole never to be seen again. What they don't tell you is you can sell your home, your cars and whatever else and sink your money into a cruiser and watch it disappear. The boat will depreciate over time but a home on land will appreciate. Too many couples are drawn in by these sailing channels but they never see the downsides of sailing. Cruising the globe is something I want to do myself but I wont do it until my bank account can handle it. To cut a long story short don't choose this life changing style unless you know you can afford it. Then once you can achieve that then by all means do it. Thank you Sailing Followtheboat for being so honest and thank you for a great channel love your work.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thank you for the considered response. You sound very sensible to me, and I'm sure you're going to love this life. Peace and fair winds! Liz
John
John - 6 years ago
Hi better boating than working for the man
Frederic Koning
Frederic Koning - 6 years ago
I had heard this before from others but never put so bluntly and comprehensively. I wish I could afford a new and durable boat. I've been told there is no such thing. Listening to your video, sadly, I believe it now, there is no such thing.
Frederic Koning
Frederic Koning - 6 years ago
Agreed. I am not deterred from buying a boat!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
There is no such thing... But with a positive attitude there's more joy than pain. Much more! Peace and fair winds! Liz
angelodaddazio
angelodaddazio - 6 years ago
I love the peacefulness & romance of a sailing boat. But at 53, I reckon I'm too old to start now (13' Hobie Cat doesn't count right?...no) ;) My thoughts is to buy a 37'-40' FourWinns Vista (or similar). Very pricey, but am I right to think this would be 'easier'?
Casey Immoor
Casey Immoor - 6 years ago
Agreed on all points. I would only simply add that owning a rental property is fantastic practice for owning a boat as it makes you more comfortable with those situations where 10k suddenly leaves your coffers. For the greater good of course - keeping your "investment" humming! I own a triplex and a boat and I treat them the same, the difference is one provides me with cash flow, and the other with many hours of great enjoyment (and at times, frustration, and humbling real world education).
Corvus E.
Corvus E. - 6 years ago
Coastal and lake sailing - if you really want to buy the boat, make friends with a neighbor that already bought the boat. - former boat owner
Tim Latta
Tim Latta - 6 years ago
Thanks! Have just told her to throw all the makeup in the garbage, wish me luck!
Will Kirkness
Will Kirkness - 6 years ago
After sailing our old coastal boat for a few years we thought, why save for the big ocean boat for ten years? We decided to go into debt for the big boat now and sail it while paying it off for the next (hopefully) less than 10 years before hitting the horizon. We just finished the purchase last week and she is in fantastic condition. Luckily we are very handy and can handle most repairs ourselves to - as you say - stay on top of it! Also luckily, my wife is dedicated to the cruising dream and is very supportive. This is not the formula for everyone, but after careful consideration this is what works for us and our jobs support this well. Thank you for the ongoing inspiration. We aspire to be as good a team as yourselves.
A WET PATH
A WET PATH - 6 years ago
So is there a time of year that's better to look and buy a boat?
Jeffrey Wood
Jeffrey Wood - 6 years ago
5 reasons to buy a boat :)
Thanks for another great video :)
Ronald Johnson
Ronald Johnson - 6 years ago
I like what you said it is so true.ย  My boat when first bought it I walked by it many time in the boat yard loved it.ย  Iย  could afford it toย  I through being a little green ,ย  then had to out fit it the takes everything off of it for his new boat an the boat quickly became a money pit. all the little thingsย  you need for a boatย  really added up.ย  T the next one bought I was a lot wiser.ย  I loveย  sailย  an dislike the noise of a motor very much.
j.j. Buescher
j.j. Buescher - 6 years ago
Realistic observations. The romantic side of sailing is completely driven by the pragmatic. I think if people would go on smaller steps they might find it more enjoyable. For example, I hear the uninitiated exclaim letโ€™s go sailing around the world. Thatโ€™s usually the man, but this is a gigantic Leap. Iโ€™d like to see people purchase their boats and spend time on them in a relatively low stress circumstances. Rather than a big sail to Hawaii , A more modest trip allows a couple to become acquainted with the issues. Either you fall in love with your boat over time or you get rid of it. Itโ€™s a lot like any relationship.

By taking some time, a lot of those projects are spaced out and not quite so stressful. They will always be there, and hopefully they become more fun. And they actually can be interesting and challenging. Too much too soon is too stressful. Your viewers like the way you handle the stress both on your boat and in your relationship.You are both pretty smooth and make decisions together. Better to break things down into smaller components over time? We all fall out of love with our boats only to fall back in love shortly.
But just like any relationship, the pragmatic will rule. Just an observation from an old time boater still in love,But with a wrench in one hand and a screwdriver in another. Thanks again for your terrific insights.
Braavos
Braavos - 6 years ago
Boat : A Hole in The Water , You throw Money in . lol
Harry Bloom
Harry Bloom - 6 years ago
What is the old saying again... ? "Your happiest day in life is when You buy a boat. The second happiest day in your life is when You sell the boat!" Something like that...
Sirocco sails
Sirocco sails - 6 years ago
Almost 9 years live aboard here, left my wife for a brand new life .Guess I've been fortunate in that time, cruising the Queensland coast that not much has gone wrong..only now things are popping up. As you say keep on top of them.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yes, keep on top of them and expect some things to eventually come to the end of their natural life, salt is a corrosive environment! Peace and fair winds! Liz
NetCerpher
NetCerpher - 6 years ago
Seriously if your second thought is how much... forget the idea of boat ownership
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Haha!
Jeanette Lamb
Jeanette Lamb - 6 years ago
These reasons are the same for those of us cruising in "land yachts" too.
The maintenance, the upkeep, the break downs in the middle of no where. But when you're travelling down the road, with Uluru looming ever larger through the windscreen, it's all worth it. :)
Amir Hadziahmetovic
Amir Hadziahmetovic - 6 years ago
On land you are spending money on home ,cars, garden, pool....and only what you haw is stress level going up. On Ocean a least you have nice view and you can relax after bad day fixing a boat......
You still did not convince me I'm still going to buy the boat.
"No shoes No shirt no problem " Cheers....
I wish you fair winds and following sea, you guys are Awesome
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Love your attitude, go for it! Liz
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Good point. There WILL be disasters, but they can be prepared for. It's how you react and deal with them that counts. โ˜บ๏ธ Sounds like you have a good life. Peace and fair winds! Liz
Terry Harms
Terry Harms - 6 years ago
Well said and i am the master fix it guy, I have fixed all over world from
China to Indonnesa, right now rebuilding a motorhome from 1975 to off grid power system and then off to find a sail boat,, cant wait LOL Thank you so much for sharing
Terry
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sounds like a fantastic plan. Peace and fair winds!
Sandra Watkins
Sandra Watkins - 6 years ago
Said to hubby "Lets buy a boat!" he looked at me and said 'Money Pit" nope...oh well I have seen enough on Youtube love to but NO...but when I see those out of the way places you go e.g. that one with those Kids that was just so awesome...thats why you buy a boat...
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Exactly! We love this life; the good times outweigh the bad times! โ˜บ๏ธLiz
jjaus
jjaus - 6 years ago
Good to hear the honest appraisal. I enjoy your (and others) videos - particularly the remote and beautiful places you go. I have learned that without doubt, sailing is not for me/us. However, I still want to go cruising, so motor yacht is the only option. I know it's expensive and will eat into our old age money pot, but it's that or nothing. I can't deal with not being clean and tidy. A 70'+ yacht is the only solution. Engine rooms you can stand up in (I'm 6'4" and err, cuddly) and sealed living areas with aircon. Must have a flybridge, so lots of outdoor space so you don't feel confined - as well as spare cabins you can escape to when you give each other the shits.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
There are some great motor boats out there. So much space and I love the idea of an engine room you can stand up in.
Sam Hamilton
Sam Hamilton - 6 years ago
A boat is a hole in the water that you fill with money.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yep
John Bowden
John Bowden - 6 years ago
Like the content, the sunglasses just dont work for me .....you dont connect imo
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Appreciate that, John, and I thought the same thing when editing it. Unfortunately the only time we could do that recording was midday (after which the sun is in the wrong position) so we didn't have much choice. We'll try and get the lighting right next time!
Espen Erlien
Espen Erlien - 6 years ago
True story
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Aye
Davoc McArthur
Davoc McArthur - 6 years ago
We have sold our 30ft boat and now looking for a larger one around 40 ft to get ready for in a year or two renting our house out for a couple of years? and go cruising around New Zealand where I live, and pacific island and then who knows I have been watching your videos for a will now and have picked up a lot of good advice so thank you for sharing. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thank you, Davoc. It's nice to know you get something from our videos. Good luck in your venture and keep us posted.
John Beskow
John Beskow - 6 years ago
Don't beat yourself up some people bet and win others lose !
Keith Masey
Keith Masey - 6 years ago
I'd like to have a sailboat one day, I know it is a lot of work on the maintenance side and expensive just like kids! I can service a winch, run a mouse line, patch sails, clean decks and windows, go up the mast on a Bosun's, and do various other bits and bobs. Plumbing, electronics, engine maintenance are three vital areas where I'm pretty clueless. I don't have any kids so at least I can go for a smaller boat and will have more money.

My biggest worry would be about the guitars and musical equipment I own. Good quality guitars often appreciate in value over time if you choose the right ones, but the marine environment is a harsh one. I'd have to leave my favourite instruments onshore in a climate controlled environment. So I couldn't play them regularly and they'd get knackered if I took them out for too long. Instruments and their assorted gear also take up lots of space so I'd have to limit myself to one electric (carbon fibre) guitar, one acoustic (cheapo beach style or expensive carbon) and Uke (small) a Mandolin (small), a mini keyboard (small and cheap), minimal effects, just a few mics (+cables and stands). All that clobber takes up a lot of space so the smallest boat I'd consider would have to be 10m+

Smaller boats are obviously far cheaper to maintain and I've never been into fashion so don't care about wearing clothes until they are really nasty or I'm a little smelly! I guess the nice thing about the tropics is that you don't need lots of big thick bulky warm clothes. When I did my Day Skipper in Malaysia and Thailand I wore shorts ,a cap and sunglasses 90% of the time and I'd only bother with shoes and a t shirt if we were going ashore.
Keith Masey
Keith Masey - 6 years ago
Book sales are non-existent as I want the book and the website to launch at the same time, there have been some complications in that regard as I have been too busy with the job that pays me money and my web developer has been also busy on other projects. If you want to have it, it is free for you guys, just don't pass it around is all I ask. A big file of PDF goodness is yours for the asking. PM me on 'bookface', or send me your email account address and I'll send you the files.

When I move onto a boat I'll mostly use carbon guitars I reckon. Parker Guitars are CF and they are good guitars. For the acoustic option I'd like to get an Ovation. Ovation are well-made guitars and they make many models in CF
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Hey Keith, nice to hear from you. We know plenty of liveaboard musicians but I suspect their instruments become sacrificial. String instruments and electric instruments can suffer. Can you get carbon fibre guitars? I didn't know that! How are the book sales, btw?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
A big income would be nice, Andy.
shayson1357
shayson1357 - 6 years ago
but wouldn't chartering the boat for live-aboard crewed trips for divers and whatnot recuperate some of the running costs of the boat throughout the year ?
might be able to pay for the boat's upkeep but not it's original purchase price that way no ?
inkydoug
inkydoug - 6 years ago
I laughed when I saw the title of this vlog. I loved the boat I once owned, but I have a permanent sense of relief from being a non boat owner.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I think I understand. Don't wish to be in that position yet though. What do you miss most from your sailing days?
Alex Munro
Alex Munro - 6 years ago
I loved this video. And it did not discourage me because all the negatives you stated I can live with it only strengthened my dream.
Alex Munro
Alex Munro - 6 years ago
I apologize this is your first video I have seen however I follow a lot of sailing channels and am working toward following my dream of living and sailing on a boat. I myself have also started documenting my adventures as well. VeteranVenturer and recently got back from Sailing in the Gulf of Thailand.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
That's the right attitude, Alex. I think some people are watching this having never seen any of our previous episodes and therefore missing the general positivity we like to put across. We had a specific agenda with this video which we explain at the beginning, but Liz wraps it up nicely at the end with your sentiment. Fair winds to you.
Steven Russell
Steven Russell - 6 years ago
When i purchased a used 24 Foot 5L V8 inboard speed boat I moored it up at Brighton Marina and a fellow boater then told me owning a boat was like ripping up a ยฃ50 note up in the shower every morning, unfortunately he was not wrong at all, however you soon forget about the huge expense for all the amazing times on the boat, I kept it for 5 Years.....PS when someting goes wrong think of a number and then triple it!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Couldn't agree more, Steven. Say hi to the UK for us!
David Leatherbarrow
David Leatherbarrow - 6 years ago
Hi F T B.

I guess you guys are aware of Oyster going out of business and the problems the owner of the 85 ft had with them.

I have seen Oyster owners phone them up for technical advice, now that is gone.

Very sad that they have gone under.

David. Down Under.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Hi David. Yes it is sad news. I help run www.oyster-owners.com and we've seen a big uptake in membership since this happened so we have a solid support network.
Cigarmann
Cigarmann - 6 years ago
Good points.....the heart often trumps logic.......
WASWE
WASWE - 6 years ago
Your firends reasoning is wrong - I live in a 200 ft wooden boat called my house. It costs $150 a month in electricity, $120 a month in water. To live in the house I have to pay $2000 a month mortgage. I run two cars -hire purchase costs $700 a month - same as a boats engine or two. Each 3-4 months they require a service - $300-400. They use petrol daily - $30. Insurance house and cars - $170 a month.
Then I have to pay rates and taxes - $500 for three months. Now the house being wooden costs a paint job every 3 years - $5000. Then on top of that there is repairs to the electrical system - about 2 or 3 a year - each a minimum cost of $150. And on top of that plumbing - well I just wont go there. My pool costs about $50 a week to run. So compare that to running a boat. A boat wins hands down. And I cant move my house every other day or whenever I want to. So if you plough all those costs into a boat instead of doing the cheap charlie thing of leaving it - maybe to later I can promise anyone out there you will have a fine boat. A house deposit is 10% - minimum decent house cost here in Australia is in the region of $400,000. So you have to have $40,000 upfront. I know what I would choose. To run a house, cars and all the rest about $4000 a month.
WASWE
WASWE - 6 years ago
Its an interesting debate - I am planning on buying a boat and sail a bit. I don't agree with the house bit - Lived in Rhodesia , lost my house to the government (no compensation), lived in South Africa - ex wife got the house so lost that. Live in Australia had a house - just broke even 6 years later. For all that I could have owned and sold four large boats and made a better return.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Useful breakdown of figures there, thanks for that. The difference between a boat and a house is that you'll never make your money back on a boat whilst a house has more resale value. Spend money on it and you'll potentially increase its value. Not so with boats. The day to day expenses are far fewer on a boat though.
Richard Collins
Richard Collins - 6 years ago
I like fixing things, been a mechanic before. I'm Single. I'm messy. All my cloths are in a single chest of draws. I don't wash for days as it is. The only thing I'm missing is money, a boat and to know how to sail. LoL
Jake
Jake - 6 years ago
Wind is free, anchoring..free.
Gerard Pickett
Gerard Pickett - 6 years ago
BOAT = borrow on another thousand .
shades2
shades2 - 6 years ago
Break Out Another Ten-thousand. SV Delos needed a complete rigging re-fit and some sails, they economized and did the work themselves, and had little change out of $10k USD.
NetCerpher
NetCerpher - 6 years ago
Boat = break out another thousand
Gerard Pickett
Gerard Pickett - 6 years ago
i too have been researching for awhile mind you still looking but, mainly when i get one will be to cruise down the coast from here in west Donegal and onto the Med and who knows perhaps a bit further .
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yep!
Al Smitherman
Al Smitherman - 6 years ago
Bust Out Another Thousand! All good advice!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You got it, Al.
Fred Fadungy
Fred Fadungy - 6 years ago
Grubby as hell.. sounds good to me..
Ben Coles
Ben Coles - 6 years ago
What really doesn't make sense, in my opinion, is buying an expensive yacht for occasional use. If you are a liveaboard then the maintenance and everything else is part of the lifestyle. It's basically a full time job and the burden is less than if you're only sailing every second or third weekend but still have to somehow keep up with the maintenance. Another approach which makes a huge amount of sense is to join a partnership or a club. I'm a member of a club that owns a 40 foot catamaran called Even Keels (feel free to check out the website at evenkeels.org.au). It's the perfect solution for people who are still working or have other commitments as cost and time are shared with 7 other members. Each member still manages to cruise for 4-8 weeks a year in fantastic locations like Tasmania, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. It works brilliantly so long as the club has a good constitution and you find the right people.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Points well made, Ben. Yes, there is a huge difference between being a full time liveaboard and weekend sailor and the shared solution is a good one when it works. Fair winds to you.
Nemm Mjuuk
Nemm Mjuuk - 6 years ago
Not clickbait confirmed. Thanks for another great episode :)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thanks, Nemm! Hope you are keeping well.
Jeff Griglack
Jeff Griglack - 6 years ago
Damn. I wish I had seen this before I bought another (larger) boat. :)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Hehehe. You know you'll have fun anyway.
John Bosse
John Bosse - 6 years ago
I know some people remove the paper labels from all cans (and label the ends with a sharpie pen) and never have cardboard boxes on board. Get rid of the roach food and you should have less roaches. Lots of plastic bins.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yes, cardboard is the main culprit but when you have to tie up next to a fishing boat infested with them there's no avoiding them.
Shaun Toomey
Shaun Toomey - 6 years ago
A friend told me how he was with pen and paper at the table trying to show a caravanner travelling around Australia how it didn't make financial sense with columns for fuel, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, park fees, loss of income etc etc.
Satisfied with his logic and costing proof he was met with the response. "You forgot the value of the Fun column".
Case closed I guess. Life has many perceptions of value and worth.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Couldn't agree more, Shaun. Nice little anecdote, thank you.
Andy
Andy - 6 years ago
Humm...ok but on average ,per month what are your out goings,or rather what kind of income should u have...
lisa evans
lisa evans - 6 years ago
Thanks for the info....I say..if your blessed to afford maintainece...and it's a dream..give it a GO!! You three stay safe!! You are truly the pioneers of today's utube liveaboard's!!!! THANK YOU!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Kind words, Lisa, thank you. Best wishes to you.
stan stanton
stan stanton - 6 years ago
I've been watching various channel s because i was seriously thinking of buying a boat when i hopefully retire in a few years but i definitely wount be now and instead will charter is summer for a months sailing thankyou for that much appreciated
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Our aim is not to put you off, Stan, but we want to be realistic. We've seen many dreams broken for these reasons and more, but watch our Anambas episodes and know that that is the flip side to owning a boat. Thanks for commenting and have fun out there, whichever way you go.
Mark Hazelden
Mark Hazelden - 6 years ago
We met a couple while cruising and asked about where they've been and their plans. ย The wife hissed, "It was his F..king idea" as she climbed down the companionway and pulled the hatch closed. ย I'd bet they aren't still cruising.
Mark Hazelden
Mark Hazelden - 6 years ago
Upon talking with the husband, we learned that he was dreaming of tropical beaches, palm trees, rum drinks, and half naked women. ย He admitted to forcing her into his dream.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I don't want to laugh because I feel for her, but... We've seen this scenario a few times and it's a little sad. Funny story though, it made us laugh!
zbigniew463
zbigniew463 - 6 years ago
Thanks
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Our pleasure
David Ascher
David Ascher - 6 years ago
I am familiar with renting a boat for a couple weeks - we've done it four times in the last 20 years, but I have never heard of a long-term rental. Is that happening? Who is generally responsible for what? My wife and I are currentlyย planning to becomeย  "full-time cruiser owners", however maybe we'll switch our thinking towards becoming "full-time cruiser renters."
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
One option to consider is a boat share, David. That can work well though you won't be on the boat full time. Not sure about long term renting.
celticridertraining
celticridertraining - 6 years ago
nice to see some practical advice on owning a boat, do you have any advice on how to convince your partner it will be great :)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
celticridertraining Take your partner on a charter holiday to somewhere gorgeous!? โ˜บ๏ธLiz
Alex Gray
Alex Gray - 6 years ago
Regarding budgeting, one suggestion, talk to somebody who has experience with owning and operating an aircraft. He will tell you about fixed and variable costs and how to manage them. Since you have years of experience with your boat (hopefully you also have the data) you should be able to manage and predict almost all expenses and costs for your specific boat make and size. Talk to an aircraft owner ... you will learn a great deal about predicting and managing costs and expenses.
Fredrik Wallinder
Fredrik Wallinder - 6 years ago
No worries; establish a cash flow from your company and install satellite broadband to manage it onboard. And buy a large enough boat so you can take employees and crew along with you.
Obit 123
Obit 123 - 6 years ago
Sounds like taking with you all you were trying to get away from.
haha
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sounds good, Fredrik. Just a little outside our budget!
ll ll
ll ll - 6 years ago
the fact that you have to spend time being a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic is not linked to the fact that you're in a boat per se....Imagine that you would own a second house in a country whose language you don't speak...well, it would be the same, you would have to rely on yourself...Trust me, this is what I'm living right now...and I spend lots of time on it (because I'm not a professional contractor as you"re not a professional shipyard)
Your best video (in my view) till now.
But, to be honest, most of your issues are linked to a tight budget.. triple your income, and you would probably see things differently... so the problems you may encounter are not linked to buying a boat, but not having enough money to buy a boat which would avoid you the hassle you went through.
So to conclude, the title of your video should have been "why not to buy a boat when you're not awash with money"..to be accurate ;)
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago
True .. or even living off grid in remote area. But although you will have maintenance in house and things will break down unexpectedly. I doubt it will normally be as often and longer lifespan when it does than a boats.
bob yandell
bob yandell - 6 years ago
Liz, buy a tube of Dupont Advion roach killer. your roach problems will disappear literally overnight. its cheep, easy and leaves no mess other than dead roaches. in the states a tube cost about 10 us dollars. accept no substitute.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
If I see it over here, I'll buy it! There's a great local product we use. Liz
Sailing S/V Slipstream
Sailing S/V Slipstream - 6 years ago
Perfect sounds like my world I wear the same shirt for days know,,,,cheers
Paul Ouellette
Paul Ouellette - 6 years ago
A very honest accounting of things !!! It echo's Lynn Pardy's advice..."go small, go simple, go now."
Sails
Sails - 6 years ago
If you want female company..... go big, get a watermaker.
Daddio Rick
Daddio Rick - 6 years ago
Very few go simple any more...
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Now there's a woman who knows what she's talking about! โ˜บ๏ธ Liz
Edward Hart
Edward Hart - 6 years ago
I find all of your negative opinions completely wrong. I have been sailing for over sixty years
and I am enjoying every day of it. I think you have a bad attitude. Why did you even make this clip? What did you think you would accomplish?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
We explain that quite clearly at the beginning of the video. We are full time liveaboards ourselves and if you read the comments from our viewers you will see how positive we are normally. But we also tell it like it is and we wanted to be honest about the downsides to boat ownership. Great to hear you have 60 happy years of sailing under your belt. Fair winds to you.
Amy Faith
Amy Faith - 6 years ago
Balance in all things, good one!
Alex Donici CAD-CAM Dental Restorations
Alex Donici CAD-CAM Dental Restorations - 6 years ago
Love you guys !!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Haha! Love you too. โค๏ธ Liz x
Shao 210
Shao 210 - 6 years ago
Ive thought about a lot of these issues and Ive weighed the pros and cons..(pro to a wiring repair con, I know how to wire up a boat..my brother taught me and he's a marine electrician..con of it ... havent messed with it a bit so I will need to refresh myself on a few things to feel warm and fuzzy about it) sails and sail repair...Ive made sails ..for other people of course ..plus they werent for large boats, and I do plan on getting a boss mechanical sewing machine to repair my sails (it can also double and a quick fix for clothing repairs and salon cushion making (another way to make money while in port somewhere)..helps that my mom was a seamstress and did all sorts of random work....I was her asst for yrs and have a few weird tales that I should keep to myself on odd requests from customers lol) engines...now here is a great pro to a con....I was the only girl in my HS to ever take shop class (4 yrs in a row) in that class I rebuilt multiple car as well as boat engines ( my senior project was to repair and install a old ferry boat engine that had locked up, and it had to run for at least one hour and actually move the boat up the Mississippi river .... it worked lol..from what I found out that old Ford ran on my repairs for 3 yrs before it went in for a new check up) shhh dont say it, I know...Im a bit of a oddball in my skill choices..if its different from the everyone else.......I want to do it lol. But I can fix my own car..cook my own food, make my own clothing as well as other things, and last but not least since I have had a multitude of "iffy" landlords......I can do a lot in repairing and replacing plumbing issues...now money..Ive held a ton of job...and tend to get them when I need them most..(I have a income from a few wise investments but if I need a bit extra I tend to find odd jobs and do pretty well at it ...and Im frugal as hell lol ...I enjoy a good life but Im always conscious of spending and how to get the biggest bang for my buck.) Ive always been considered the gypsy of the family, never settling in one spot for more that a yr or so...usually only a few months, I love change and to see whats around the next corner (Im a bit like my gramps on that....he was a merchant marine for ages so he could ramble the world and see whats out there...I think he would approve of what Im planning .... even if the rest of the family thinks Ive gone and lost my marbles..they dont understand what its like to want and need to see new things and meet new people( Ive done the backpacking across Europe and Ive spit off the Great Wall of China ...but there's more to see of this world by water)....there's nothing wrong with a healthy bit of skepticism or fear..but you cannot let in run your life..I don't, I have been wanting to see more of the world and frankly I hate flying so this is the best way in my book to just sail) I love that you made this video so it wakes a few up and to the good and bad of making this choice for a life ............. and I still can wait for my new travels to begin..(I think I may have found a seawitch that needs some love but still has a lot left in her ... Im off to see her in 2 weeks and I am going to be brutal on my personal "servey" of her...make a pro and con list to see if she's worth my time and funds to get her off the hard and back into ship shape. (she's been on the hard for a couple of yrs due to health issues of the owner sad to say ) sorry to be so long winded ...keep up the great work you two...
Antonio Leitao
Antonio Leitao - 6 years ago
Shao 210 do you want to get married and go sailing with me?
Craig Smith
Craig Smith - 6 years ago
This video is so right in so many ways... I've sunk way more into my own boat, than I actually paid for it. But so right that when it's all working as it should, it doesn't matter.
And you learn SO much fixing everything!
D Cook
D Cook - 6 years ago
also all of the "X-factors" of bottoming out...hitting rocks / objects in shallows. Prop damage on small inland lake in Michigan was my biggest fear.! Great channel mates...top 3
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yeah, good point. Anything to do with the drive system is one of my biggest fears.
Snake Plisken
Snake Plisken - 6 years ago
"We should be warning you aren't we"...haha.as soon as I heard that all I wanted to do was go on my boat haha! but yes people just need to know what they are getting into. For us, the smallest boat that was big enough was the perfect boat in the end.
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
All good reasons.
My reasons not to buy a boat are: 1: Boats sink. Yes they do. Infact, my last boat did just that. Cost me a lot of money. They truly can be a hole in the water you throw money into...
2: Boats stink. Yes they do. Diesel fumes, human waste decomposing under your bed in a plastic tank, hoses that permeate with the smell of human shit, paint fumes, cleaners, acetone, oil, varnish, etc. It can be managed, and you kind of get used to it, until you wander on someone else's boat and think... what's that smell? 3: Boats are a constant source of worry. Want to leave and go off for a bit? What about the storm that might come, or thieves or a hole in the boat that will make it sink ? Yes you will worry about that. 4: You won't know scared until the storm come up and lightning and thunder is going off all around you, wind is howling in the rigging, waves smashing on deck and the worry that lightning will strike your boat and kill you and all your newly bought very expensive electronics... 5: Sun exposure. If you hate the sun, and wind, like to hang out in air conditioned comfort with ice in your drink, and a grocery store a mile away, and electrics piped into your house, with fast internet, ah the list goes on. The joys of living in a house will not be the joys of living on a boat. Different joys, but if your addicted to all that comfort, a boat may not be for you. And finally boats move. All the time. the waves move it, the wind, the tide and current. and other boats too. Make you move all over. Sometimes violently enough to make you hurl your lunch across the cabin. And it goes on and on for days or even weeks at a time. And when you finally get on land, and think, thank god im off that boat, the land will move... and you'll feel like omg when will the moving stop....
But imo its worth it. Most of those things are something you will get used to, and some hopefully will never happen. The Sinking hopefully will not happen, stink can be fixed, don't worry be happy, just roll over and go back to sleep in the storm, get a good bimini and dodger and plenty of sun screen and who needs fast internet anyway? and the motion hopefully you will get used to....
Liz you look marvelous dear without all the crap on your face. And a good shorty wet suit is better than those dresses you used to wear with the high heels that were bad for the feet....
Fair winds.
rachel moore
rachel moore - 6 years ago
very well said. the very reason why you should buy a boat....... I rest my case M'lud
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
Not to mention the constant barrage of advertising in the form of a "message". Yes so will I.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yeah, there's a freedom to cruising we've never found anywhere else. โœŒ๏ธLiz
Evan Tee
Evan Tee - 6 years ago
Still beats living in suburbia inย a four cornered room in front of the little black zombie box which the system will try and hypnotiseย you withย programming into who to love, who to hate, who to fear, what to buy, who to vote for etc etc with their hideous propaganda to suit their agendaย as theย regime keeps the sheep in a constant state of fear to conform with authority just to be another number amongst the herd. No Thanks, give me all the "problems" with a boatย any day :)))
Dan Whiteford
Dan Whiteford - 6 years ago
Thanks for your candid thoughts on this matter, it is certainly cause for serious reflection.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
It is, but we hope we haven't put people off. Just telling it like it is, Dan. Fair winds to you.
Leonardo Cossio
Leonardo Cossio - 6 years ago
you guys are awesome
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Aw, thanks Leonardo. You are too!
The crazy man from Ireland.
The crazy man from Ireland. - 6 years ago
Super video thanks for sharing love all your videos :)
Elvis 99
Elvis 99 - 6 years ago
I have just bought a 43 foot Slocum, immaculate condition of course when first purchased, 10 months ago. Has done 2 circumnavigations and I intend to take if for the third. Had it for 8 months and then the anchor winch gave out while cruising up from Brisbane to the Great barrier, so then I am having to bring it up by hand, which means I was reluctant to out to much out as it is bloody heavy, and I was solo. I waited for 5 hours at one spot, seemed fine and as soon as I went to bed it ended up dragging so I let it all out as my arms were falling off. I have been in the gym for 20 years but if I was 10 years older and solo, trouble. Spent 2 days trying to fix that one. New Muir and 80 metres of half inch chain โ€“ $6k. The old chain is 10mm and imprinted on the old winch which has had it completely.
Then an issue with the inverter, not long after that an issue with the piping for the toilet, then the fridge, then the batteries. This is after I had been in it for months with no issues and I splashed out on new radar, sat, RFD, because nothing else seemed to be astray, till 2 months later. I was prepared financially for this though as I expected to invest 20% of the purchase price.
Relationship broken up. I was expecting that as well.
I was a carpenter for 20 years before I became I did a law degree and headed for office life. For me it feels good to be back doing something where I am learning how to control my environment, but it is a huge learning curve all the same.
I came down to see Esper early one morning in Telaga. I had just finished my yachtmasters exam and was flying out that morning. Too early to introduce myself. When I first bought my yacht my mother asked me what would happen if things went wrong, I showed her Millys rescue. I told her if things went pear shaped I am going to be like Milly the cat and survive. I too have a cat, which showed up one day on my doorstep, sold that doorstep to buy the boat. Has not been introduced to the boat yet. Donโ€™t want that relationship to break up. We ended up watching a lot of your vlogs and all your remedial work on the boat and my mother just commented it was back on the tools for me - and it has happened already to me, but I love the fact that I am back in charge of my own environment and back wearing some of my old shirts I was wearing as a carpenter.
You guys have the best music by the way. Maybe thatโ€™s because I am your vintage and am friends with deep house djs and an old raver, so of course our generation know the best music.
Milly picked herself a good crew. Keep up the good work and see you out there.
Good spirits and health to you.
Sean (SV Cintana)
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
Slocum is a good boat. Will keep you safe offshore. But like any old boat will need a lot of upgrading. I figure that I will spend roughly 100% of the purchase price to refit my boat (when I get her). Old boats need work, and time, and love. But in the end it's worth it. Even a new boat costs a lot to commission it, and and things it won't come with. People say 20%, but to me that is way to low for a older boat. Of course you could keep going without the windless. Who needs radar anyway? Use a bucket, your relationship will down the toilet anyways.... and a fridge is overrated. The only thing you really need is good batteries and solar panels and a working autopilot! And service those winches too... but then I'm joking. A little..
e kont22
e kont22 - 6 years ago
Hello What you say is right, but only in part. Tex the one who lives in an apartment, paying rent. Without having a special experience. Sail... Also in the apartment there is sail. But they are called curtains. Mm similar things. The question is whether "living in a boat" is more expensive? Maybe cheaper.
Dave O
Dave O - 6 years ago
Great advice. ย  You have to do it because you love it.
Tommy Sollรฉn
Tommy Sollรฉn - 6 years ago
Very refreshing and honest. Thank you :)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
We try to tell it like it is! Glad you liked it! Liz x
Mario Sales
Mario Sales - 6 years ago
Your totaly right!
Only disagree with boats always need a lot of work...
If you by a Simple production boat with more or less 10/15 years old, you dont need be always working on it like with a 25 years old Sailboat....
May be it wil not be sutch a stifness boat to sailing In heavy seas, but with the right and well prepared boat, im shore you can do it, most important than the boats is the Sailor capacities...
Its my opinion.
Far winds!
Wish the best.
Fredrick Rourk
Fredrick Rourk - 6 years ago
Mileage May Vary
Mario Sales
Mario Sales - 6 years ago
Bob Fomenko yes Thats it!
The perfect boat did not exist, so what we need is sailing and respect the world and the Next...
Wish you the best!
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
All true Mario. And if it works for you then great. For me, most boats in the 10 year old range will either cost way to much money or are production boats with little appeal. My first boat was a 27 foot Nor'sea, a Lyle Hess design and a great boat. to small for us though. (btw Liz I made some money on that one selling her) 2nd boat a 40 foot Endeavour, made in the US, a production boat built for coastal cruising and not built very well imo. Would have been fine if not for some stray current somewhere that ate a hole in one of the thru hulls and she sank. My next will probably be a 45 year old fiberglass boat. Truth is, the rigging, sails, electronics and occasionally engines and tanks will all have be replaced on most boats. But the older boats, will be worth doing it to. The newer ones maybe not so much. Older boats do not appreciate anymore. In fact you will pay the same price or more what one cost in 1975 or so. Of course many times that will be invested in it by previous owners and yourself in your time with her. But in the end they all cost money.
Cleaning a boat is not that hard to do. Just takes a lot of time and energy. And painting and sanding. You can make a old boat look like new, just look at Esper. Just takes time and money.
The production boats like the Bavarias have a place, but I am not sure off shore in one is the place for them. And good offshore boats are expensive. Twice what a coastal cruising boat is. In the end its what makes you happy that matters. Most boaters never leave sight of land. And that is fine. But you can't get to Thailand that way, unless you start there....
Fair winds Mario.
Mario Sales
Mario Sales - 6 years ago
Bob Fomenko you dont need to by a new boat, In fact This is not afordable for the most Sailor...
What i meen is a Nice build 10 years old, its a clean and easy mantain Sailboat, Al things more acessible...
The most problems its because old boats are always difรญcil hard and expensive to mantain...
My first boat, Was a german 1977 old boat, my second a 1980 swedish 31 feets, a jeanneau Sun Liberty 34 1990, and now i have a Bavaria 38 from 2003.
I sailed since my 9 years old...
I love This clean and strong Sailboat, and yes it is a Bavaria!
Most people who talk bad about This boats, never have sailing In One.
Wish you the best,
Far winds Bob, bem carefull with pirates
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
I agree that new boats are not necessarily the best buy. Whats a 40 foot new production boat cost these days? Say 400,00. Then add stuff to commission.
In a short time you will be breaking stuff for sure. Take a 40 year old 40 footer, pay 60K, add 60K and your good for a bit. Pay 6K per year to keep it that way, and your good to go. Hopefully.... never know if the pirates will get you.
ralph holiman
ralph holiman - 6 years ago
It's really like a love affair, or a good martiage if it works, in that it's loving the good and the bad equally. I can't tell you how many people I've known, who just buy boats for the joy of tinkering on them, and fixing them up, who really don't even want to take them out of the slip. A good friend of mine is like that and. he has the most beautiful sailboat, that never goes anywhere, that you have ever seen.. But, it makes him happy.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Love it, we know someone like that. Whatever makes you happy! Liz x
LinuxUser119
LinuxUser119 - 6 years ago
The biggest expense of owning any boat is mooring fees, avoiding marinas by anchoring has saved me a small fortune in the past four years.
That being said boats have a limited lifespan, and trying to extend that lifespan by throwing money at them is always more expensive than buying a newer boat. This is why I do the minimum maintenance required, and in another five years will be quite willing to walk away from her and buy another boat.
As for relationships, if they breakup in the confined space of a boat, then the relationship probably wasn't any good to begin with.
LinuxUser119
LinuxUser119 - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat I know because my boat is 53 years old, and I have the 9 original sails, but they're good for a 100 years, unlike the rudder, mast and bulkheads which have a shorter life expectancy.
A new rudder or mast for my boat would be far in excess of the boats value.
Any boat GRP/Steel Wood etc over sixty years old will likely need the bulkheads replacing.
Some people get attached to boats this is when the throwing good money after bad starts, hence you still see people at regattas with vintage wooden boats, they call it a labour of love, I call it a waste of money.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
There are plenty of 30, 40, 50 year old boats carrying very happy owners around! Liz
Norman Boyes
Norman Boyes - 6 years ago
Now that was a very refreshing honest appraisal that does hit all the right buttons. Just to add ;-)
1. Salt water and salt laden air are vicious taskmasters and will corrode and undermine material some people know that of course - but most kit that is put in boats is not particularly
designed to cope with it and the only Marinisation that it has - ย is the price tag.
2. Maintenance and replacement costs - the rule of thumb I have heard is 10% of the cost of the boat (EDIT - PER ANNUM) which seems to be borne out by your experience.
3. I would love to own and live aboard but my wife although happy to do 5 or 6 weeks onboard wants to do other things too - so its charter for us and we do not spend any time at all on maintenance!! But I still dream.......
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago
To some extent yes. Guess it depends on parts and system you are talking about, many of which are sitting in salty air exposed to the sun, so yea. But others like engine which does not have run time or some electronics not being used, prolly not. I have never done such, but I would think would not be any more expensive than doing charter boat route, which includes all those costs to cover companies expenses. As to marina, depends on location where you are talking about, but from where I have seen long term marina slip costs in lieu of rental or house ownership costs are just as cheap or cheaper. Again I am sure this will vary widely depending on location, but look into it, it may not be as expensive as you think compared to living on land which is also big part of ones expenses. Many of which can also include utilities. This should help offset some of the higher boat maintenance costs some. Even if it does end up cost a bit more overall, isn't that small price to pay to having part access for your dream? All I was saying is it might be an option and is worth looking into at least, results might be surprising ... or not. But you will not know until you look into it.
Norman Boyes
Norman Boyes - 6 years ago
Kevin Fisher But if you want to do it safely all of the systems and equipped have to be maintained/replaced at the same standard and boats do not fare well if they lay dormant. So you have all that expense amortised over fewer sailing days. Plus of course your model suggests paying for many more Marina days and that is a whole load of cost.
Kevin Fisher
Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago
One can always still live on a boat in one place so that can do all those other things on land. But also allows for weekend trips out or the occasional vacations out. But guessing the downsizing bit is part of it all for her too.
Steve ANGLER
Steve ANGLER - 6 years ago
Jamies tools all over the bloody boat, so funny ...luv you liz :)
onemanoutfit
onemanoutfit - 6 years ago
I very rarely comment but this video rubbed me the wrong way.
Talk about negative!!! Do us all a favor and go live in a shed somewhere totally controlled by the government. Stop begging for money from Patreon and other social media and get a proper job! Typical BRIT Attitude to adventure.
01:20 Boats go wrong all the time | Correct .. Life is a challenge and that leaves the beauty and satisfaction of finding solutions that YOU Can deal with yourself instead of depending on others. It's called developing your Skills

03:14 Boats kill relationships . | No! Money and peer pressure are the main cause of break ups or being with the wrong person in the first place and for the wrong reasons. Sailing the oceans together creates Trust, the bond of Looking after each other, A platform to Build a working relationship and to share responsibilities.

04:18 Boats are never clean | My yachts were ALWAYS Immaculate! If your boat is infested like you say then it reflects in your total lack or marine knowledge with respect to cleaning, provisioning, regular inspections, and personal hygiene.

05:47 Boats change the way you look | No! A boat can change the way you see yourself, and that leaves how you then present yourself to others. If you choose to use YouTube as a fashion channel you are in the wrong place Honey! You are both clearly lazy people because I see you go ashore in the same clothes that you work in. you are surrounded in water so why aren't you washing yourself for days???? Fresh water management it an Art and conserving water is a science. Learn It!

07:28 Boats eat money | No No No!!! People WASTE Money on boats. Things break because people don't use them correctly or maintain them. They watch channels like yours instead of listening to experienced sailors, boat yard workers, sailmakers and trained mechanical technicians. I lived and sailed for years on yachts as a skipper and owner and never lived cheaper on shore PERIOD. I had my portable sewing machine, Navigation bag and sextant, toolbag, climbing harness and handheld VHF. (Which I still have 20 years on). Every boat I left was worth more than it cost because I knew what I was doing. I have sail 6 Trans Atlantics BEFORE GPS was invented or laptops and internet were a must. SO what are you spending so much money on...??? Oh I see Camera Gear!! Happy sailing
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Hello Mark

Perhaps you missed the beginning of the video? We explain that after writing a couple of e-books with accompanying videos on "How to be a liveaboard cruiser" and "How to buy a boat", a few fellow cruisers said that this life is not all rainbows and unicorns, and that we should prepare newbies for the downsides. Hence this video.

Anyone who has met us or watches our channel knows that we love living on SY Esper and happily look after her - she is our home. Contrary to your judgement of us, we are always upbeat about life.

We consider ourselves to be tolerant people, and while we appreciate all comments, we draw the line at xenophobia.
Captain Crusty
Captain Crusty - 6 years ago
You forgot to mention the bloody things never stops moving
Uk Gamer
Uk Gamer - 6 years ago
For some reason I thought boats would be cleaner and would be free of rodents and insects. Thanks for the info guys.
Uk Gamer
Uk Gamer - 6 years ago
Thanks for the info. I'm going to build an underground bunker somewhere and live there there.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
They can fly in (been hit by them a few times), cardboard is the main culprit or from another boat near by. Or from land.
Uk Gamer
Uk Gamer - 6 years ago
Lol I would probably be like that. Living in london everyones seen mice etc but I can't stand anything thats not supposed to be there and just thought there would be no way anything can get on a boat thats not let on there(pets and humans). How do roaches get on a boat?
symon smith
symon smith - 6 years ago
Hi. A friend of mine just got his 1st boat, a 55 foot yacht, (ยฃ90,000) he set of from Scotland heading to Jersey Channel Islands. about 10 miles of Ireland his engine broke down. He has never sailed a boat before. he put up his sails for the 1st time and headed back to Scotland. when he got to the marina, he had a problem! as he had no engine was not working, he ended up running aground on the rock's , luckily no damage. cutting a long story short. he had a new engine fitted (ยฃ9500) but it has taken time.
NOW. The boat is still in Scotland. he wishes he never got it now.
Personally, i'm hopping to fined a good 30-35 foot not just to sail but live on.

all the best to both of you, and your cat.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Thank you, Symon. That's unfortunate and I feel for your mate. Hope you have better luck. Keep us posted on your progress and fair winds to you.
Steve Wright
Steve Wright - 6 years ago
It does surprise me how jury-rigged or just plain flimsy many boats are. Also there is a lot of "it's always been done that way" approaches still reused today, and I'm really against that, personally. I think there are plenty of more robust or just plain cleverer ways of doing things that are ignored because they'll face some disparaging remark from someone 'experienced'. I certainly wouldn't want to be on a vessel that a liability - it's just no fun to begin with, and then there's the safety aspect. Simple things like battery switches can be really dangerous - I saw a man burn down his $100k homemade aircraft because of a single mistake in his battery wiring - he helplessly watched it burn to the ground in ten minutes flat.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I enjoy the electrical side of things but I am forever paranoid I've done something wrong. When something goes wrong on a boat it's almost always electrical!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Well said, Graham.
David Fildes
David Fildes - 6 years ago
Probably more like 500 reasons why not. The other side of the coin if you don't one might spend time thinking about what you missed out on?
Been there done that and can say that it was a great learning experience even though must have spent more time on mtce etc than sailing.
A lot of people dream of sailing with balmy breezes and anchoring off palm fringed shores...unfortunately we do not want to think of blocked heads, blown out sails, fouled props yadda yadda...
Certainly I never thought ...... when I dropped anchor in the idilic waters off Patong Dec 25 2004..
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Too right, and oh so true. Liz x
W. Tay Moss
W. Tay Moss - 6 years ago
Agree with all of that! I haven't been a live-aboard, but even just having a weekend boat I can tell you lots of hilarious stories of things-gone-wrong. You really need to be okay with the downsides to move forward with this fantasy. That said, if it really is what you are suited for, nothing beats the floating life!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Oh the stories! Sailors are made for telling yarns! Yes, you have to accept the bad times and just get on with it - not always a quick and easy lesson to learn! Peace and fair winds. Liz x
Steve Wright
Steve Wright - 6 years ago
My wife and I very very few things we like to do together toward retirement. Perfectly fair for each of us to do what we'd hoped to do in our retirement - why wouldn't we...
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
If you're happy doing your own thing, while the other does theirs, then why not? Sounds good to me! Liz x
Oxnate
Oxnate - 6 years ago
Need more space? Say it with me now: Catamaran!
warp21drive
warp21drive - 6 years ago
Oxnate do you follow
โ€˜ gone with the wynnsโ€™ they often show their speed and 10knts is not in their regular life!
I donโ€™t see cat cruiser going 10-12knts. What am I missing? Cheers warren
NetCerpher
NetCerpher - 6 years ago
Cats are not sailboats. They are condos with double everything.
Oxnate
Oxnate - 6 years ago
warp21drive: I follow a bunch of cruising cats and almost as many monos. All the cats have hit 10 knots easily but they usually start to reef then and they try to stay below 12 knots. And then I see monos cheer at hitting 7 knots when surfing down a wave. This has left me with the distinct impression that cats are quite a bit faster on most points of sail.
warp21drive
warp21drive - 6 years ago
I agree you can find performance cruising cats....but are they any good for a liveaboard life style?. to keep the performance you need to keep it really light....a proper mono hull can hunker down and sail close to the wind in crappy conditions the typical cruising cat will bog down and most guys start motoring ....
don't get me wrong I would love a performance cat
Blasting around at 10-15 knots would be great but you just don't get to do that in 90% of the cruising cats and its also hard work because going up wind at 15 knts in 20 knots of trade wind is like sailing in half a gale all the time , wet and wndy! cheers warren
Ben Coles
Ben Coles - 6 years ago
Cats have a lot more space for people but not necessarily more storage space. Modern cats have a lot of watertight bulkheads which can't be used for storage. On the plus side that also makes them "almost" unsinkable. I have to disagree with the comment that they perform poorly - certain production cats will perform significantly better on most points of sail than monos of comparable length.
warp21drive
warp21drive - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat ......BUT you have double the hulls, double the systems ( 2 or 3 heads) , 2 engines, rudders etc etc. also all that room filled with crap, sorry vital stuff, make the boat even heavier , destroying the already poor sailing performance of the typical cruising Cat, so you will motor more in a boat that will not motor well in rough conditions wearing it out and breaking stuff. It goes on, chance are you will travel less .....which is really what you want to be doing.
Really good film guys! If you can remember K.I.S.S. And give up a lot if you want to travel on a boat.
Cheers Warren
Sergii hood
Sergii hood - 6 years ago
hey guys, in a context of budgeting.. is there anywhere on internet a comprehensive list of all the major boat part expiration dates and their depreciation scale? Just to cover the most expensive ones...
Sergii hood
Sergii hood - 6 years ago
Thank you Liz
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Never seen one. But each bit of the boat has its parts, different on all boats, so you'd have to get that information for each part. Engine manuals usually come with a calendar of checks for you to follow. Best of luck! Liz
Med Sailing Couple
Med Sailing Couple - 6 years ago
Its true that its a massive initial expense that you both need to be agreed upon, the type of sailing you will be doing as well as how much time you agree to take off sailing to go see family and friends back 'home' When you are onboard we are fixing things all the time, there are expenses never accounted for, but; these are more than made up by the time together, creating moments, doing lots, doing nothing, meeting new friends, seeing new places or revisiting places we love and doing things we can do now
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Totally agree. Liz x
the sloop Image
the sloop Image - 6 years ago
Great video, sound advice. One wonders if a boat is fit for purpose some times, from my experience doing repair on my boat I have found that if you look under the surface of its construction there are some very bad practices carried out ( to save money ??)and forethought in design can be very flawed . Poor materials used in such an hostile environment is commonplace, so yes you need to be aware of these pitfalls.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Maintenance, vigilance, repairs - all so important. The advantage of living full time on a boat is that you are aware immediately if something is wrong. Nice comment, thanks! Liz x
Colin Jones
Colin Jones - 6 years ago
I don't know really I have been a live aboard for 3 years now. House or boat hmmm I have more money now than I ever did living in a house. I wish I had started living in a boat in my early 20's I would be retired at 35. The best part is I own my boat, I do the maintenance myself, I never want to live on land again it's too expensive.
Andy name
Andy name - 6 years ago
Liz, so did I, but the data (USA and UK) says that on average property investors lose money Vs passive investing in operational businesses. Also, there are professional brokers that make a lot of money buying and selling boats. But for a typical live-aboard on a boat for 10 years Vs living in a (UK or US) house for 10 years... assuming you could earn the same income... at the end, you would be richer on the boat. Am I making sense?.... Mind you keep it quiet otherwise they'll all be selling their houses and crowding the seas!!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
I made my money through buying and selling houses for huge profit, sometimes tripling the original price. Can't do that with boats... Liz
Andy name
Andy name - 6 years ago
SFTB, happily you're wrong about a boat as an investment... in an odd way. If you buy a boat rather than a house and invest the difference in equities by the time you retire you would be much richer. For every 35 year period since WW2 the COMPOUND growth on property has never exceeded 3%. The same for a broad portfolio for equities is 5.9%. So you'd be twice as rich!! Off course you're unlikely to spend as much on a boat as a house... so you'd be much, much... much richer. What do you think?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
That's how we feel, cannot ever imagine a life on the turf. And I agree that I should have done this years before I did! Peace and fair winds! Liz x
windmill1965
windmill1965 - 6 years ago
With the increase of maritime electronics you also need to be a software engineer these days.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Yup, add that one to the list! Liz
Sven S.
Sven S. - 6 years ago
I am not rich and I am far no mechanik but I want to buy a boat this year.
By the way I am searching for a female sailingpartner for going around the globe;-)
I am German,....Greets
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Fair winds to you! I hope you find your perfect boat. Liz x
Dale Buckley
Dale Buckley - 6 years ago
cockroaches , i'm out .
Sailing Lucky Bear
Sailing Lucky Bear - 6 years ago
Live in Thailand, have yet to stay in a house or condo in 15 years that did not have ants and cockroaches...... They are not fun
Bob Fomenko
Bob Fomenko - 6 years ago
I live in Texas, and have lived in Florida. Cockroaches are a fact of life here. You never get rid of them, just keep them under control. But they don't bite, sting, smell, or make you sick. Just look ugly.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Haha! They fly in, crawl in from fishing boats you're tied up to, hitch a lift in a pineapple or come on as eggs in cardboard. But not too difficult to eradicate and keep off once you're at anchor. โœŒ๏ธ Liz
Leonard Bottleman
Leonard Bottleman - 6 years ago
Funny, but for me this too was the only off putting thing from the list of "five things".
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Nasty little suckers. They really are horrible. Liz x
abdullah alsulaiti
abdullah alsulaiti - 6 years ago
If you chose the right boat you can minimize most of the 5 (REASONS) you mention in your episode, even though you can MAKE MONEY, people like your experience thousand of flowers willing to book with you for a week or so to sail an learn from your knowledge , on the other hand you will break your routine and make money.
Only if you have the right boat (space and comfort).
Hans Quistorff
Hans Quistorff - 6 years ago
boat =a structure which makes a hole in the water into which you pour money.
S/V Adma
S/V Adma - 6 years ago
I know a guy who bought a boat 6 years ago for 2750 euros, fixed her up with great care, traded it for a derelict traditional dutch pleasure boat from the 1930ties. After 3 years of hard work launched er, got an offer he could not refuse 3 days later, and bought house from the proceeds..... But yes, it is rare.
drx1 xym
drx1 xym - 6 years ago
Well, if you do some homework and taxes are not too high, one can make money on a house ... depending (or lose - yes!).
If you do your homework, are handy and are extremely careful and have backups (for just about everything) - you will still lose money and or time on a boat.
--- Then again, you can not sail your land based house around the world's oceans, seas, lakes, waterways and byways!
--- property taxes? ย maybe register in Delaware or Caymen Islands!
Sailing Lucky Bear
Sailing Lucky Bear - 6 years ago
House = a structure which makes a hole in the land into which you pour money.
Sergii hood
Sergii hood - 6 years ago
LOL :)
GroverTN
GroverTN - 6 years ago
Great video. Not that I own...or plan to own...a boat. But I watch a lot of videos. All of them relatively new sailors. It would be interesting to see where they are 10 years from now. Thanks for a bit of reality!
topgallant32
topgallant32 - 6 years ago
Hi folks. Been following your site for several mo now and enjoy them. Have done some sailing where you are now. Am cruising the pacific north west, Canada and Alaska currently. Have been cruising now for 19 years with short stops to work for money as well in the boat. Iโ€™m in the health care field and can fix people so feel very good about fixing my boat
Cheers and fair winds
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sounds fantastic! We might well bump into you if our Patrons vote to send us to N America via Japan! Liz x
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
And there you go... immediate maintenance, haha! Very best of blue skies and fair winds in your new boat! Liz x
William Gross
William Gross - 6 years ago
I found a free boat on craigslist this week and was first to call on it. It was a Landfall 39, a big fat double ender. If I was in my thirties, I'd have taken it but I did decline and when I did, the guy who was showing it for his friend said, "Your a very smart man".
William Gross
William Gross - 6 years ago
Yeah, it would have been a unique boat and recognizable in port. But....... you know........ I wasn't sure about how deep she sat in the water. hahahahahaha
Sea Travel
Sea Travel - 6 years ago
Great video! As all things in life, if 60% of the time it is great and only 40% of the time the sucky jobs pile up it is well worth it. Freedom is the reward for hard work. Your honesty is refreshing!
SailnBlue
SailnBlue - 6 years ago
The quote was something like, "I spent most of my money on booze, broads and boats. The rest, I wasted." Seriously, you have to be a lunatic to buy a boat, enjoy working on it all the time, make or have enough money to fix it all the time, have it totally take over your life, always spend time looking at other boats, or think that after having one boat, what you REALLY need, is another one. So of course, I found all of this to be a perfect fit. That said, I'm a pretty frigging happy lunatic and would rather spend time doing the crappiest job on the boat than lounging around on shore. That, and I have also found other sailing lunatics to be great company. There is a camaraderie among sailboat folks that is wonderful.

A point you touched on is critical. You must learn to make most of your own repairs. No matter what your money, anywhere "out there" means you had better know how to keep critical systems going. With the new, high tech yachts, well, if you are loaded with high-tech gizmos, what exactly are you going to do 2000 miles from anywhere?
Chief Via
Chief Via - 6 years ago
Liz and Jamie thanks for keeping it real. I consumed a whole plate of nachos while watching this episode. And they were hot enough to make y'all happy
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Comment of the day surely, Liz?
Liutauras Kiลพys
Liutauras Kiลพys - 6 years ago
true!
Liutauras Kiลพys
Liutauras Kiลพys - 6 years ago
there is no "bad" experience. You know ;)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
You sound like you speak from experience! Liz x
Sailing Catamaran Diving Adventures
Sailing Catamaran Diving Adventures - 6 years ago
Best video I have seen in a long time
Paul Smyers
Paul Smyers - 6 years ago
The best boat to have is the one someone else makes the payments on.

Problem is, they also pick where it goes!
benc65753
benc65753 - 6 years ago
21 years in 5 submarines got me to where I can sleep on top of diesel engines, use hydraulic oil to comb my hair with and wash my hands, and shower every other week. You know, you can get 4 weeks wear out of one T-shirt. Week 1 - wear it regular. Week 2 - turn it around and wear backwards. Week 3 - turn it inside out and wear front-ways. Week 4 - Inside out, backwards. Of course, the arm pits do get a little crunchy from time to time. hehe. Love the video and the soul searching questions you put in it because I don't think a lot of people really consider the "really togetherness" thing, water rationing affecting hygiene, etc. Thanks for taking time to do it.
Kelvin Waters
Kelvin Waters - 6 years ago
benc65753 dude your killing me! Lmao
captainandthelady
captainandthelady - 6 years ago
What does it cost? Everything you have...plus 10%.
S/V Adma
S/V Adma - 6 years ago
That is the only accurate formula with a percentage in it :-)
Terry Baker
Terry Baker - 6 years ago
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, it's a RICHMANS WORLD. Can't put a value or logic on love.
SV Barry Duckworth
SV Barry Duckworth - 6 years ago
A boat, and the cruising lifestyle simply costs whatever you have. If you have less money, you spend less, and live smaller. If you have more money, you spend more money...
yellowbenchmovie
yellowbenchmovie - 6 years ago
I know. they told me the same thing about marriage .... :-)
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Completely politically incorrect, that had me laughing out loud!
SailnBlue
SailnBlue - 6 years ago
Compared to my ex-wife, the boat is a bargain. At least, the boat can actually be fixed and has built in limits.
Paul Copeland
Paul Copeland - 6 years ago
Toooo late just brought one :)
johnnyohness
johnnyohness - 6 years ago
Not much wood?.....neither does a floating bleach bottle.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Sounds marvellous!
Paul Copeland
Paul Copeland - 6 years ago
Yes I have brought a Hanse 531 -2006 from the Netherlands :) so we are very busy selling all the stuff we no longer need. We will fly out to our yacht on the 27th march, my teenage son and I.
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Well I think it is good that you are laying it on the line for people. There is a lot to know before you set out. On the West Coast, the Baja Ha Ha is a good first blue water sail. Lots of help and people to go with. Or just join the Picton Castle and sail around the world on a tall ship.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
A lot of people don't have the experience. Cool that you have very few issues! Not much wood on SY Esper either... Liz
Distance Shooter
Distance Shooter - 6 years ago
Anyone with sailing experience knows that you are going to work on sailboats constantly. The newer boats have less wood and better systems. Actually my Crealock has very few issues.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
Hahaha! That means you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Peace and fair winds to you! Liz x
Craig Lawrence
Craig Lawrence - 6 years ago
B.O.A.T. = Bring On Another Thousand
Bosco Bob
Bosco Bob - 6 years ago
Any chance that you'll ever do an audiobook for us "vision-challenged" types?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 6 years ago
No plans at the moment, we simply don't have the time, but it's something we might try in the future. I do spend a lot of time getting the subtitles to work and make sense, does that help? Liz x
Jesse Reed S/V Matador
Jesse Reed S/V Matador - 6 years ago
I love my boat regardless of her need for my attention and money ,haha cheers !
Jesse Reed S/V Matador
Jesse Reed S/V Matador - 6 years ago
Sailing followtheboat haha good one , cheers !
irrelavant13
irrelavant13 - 6 years ago
I was always told a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money in.
Willem Duitemeijer
Willem Duitemeijer - 6 years ago
It may well be a very true statement ( not yet experienced to say it is), but for quite few; so is the stock market and some of government pension schemes. I know where I would prefer to put mine, and it isnโ€™t the last two!

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