Saving & Sailing: How to keep Liveaboard under budget? 

Many adventure lovers love the idea of having a life filled with uncertainty and excitement. one reason why they prefer taking off-beat steps and choose a liveaboard lifestyle. Living on a boat is a fun experience, whether you live with your friends, partner, or family. 

However, one must remember living on a boat is not convenient or straightforward. By taking this decision, you will be bringing significant changes to your way of life and personality. Furthermore, taking such a decision requires checking your financial power.

You will have to consider the following aspects:

• In what region are you?
• What is the size of your vessel?
• What type of boat do you have?
• What is the overall boat condition?
• What are your dietary habits?
• Will you cook on the boat or not?
• Do you like to DIY or prefer someone working on machines?
• Do you consume beverages/ drinks/ alcohol? 
• What are your Hobbies (in on-ground or off-ground activities)? 

Also, another vital factor to consider is whether you are a spendthrift or not. On the ground, spending slightly over budget can be neglected to some extent. But, if you are following liveaboard, then you should maintain a strict budget plan. Here is why you need to be frugal- 

Which is better On-ground or Off-ground? 

When we look at the major cities, like ‘The Big Apple’, San Francisco, and Seattle, living in a small apartment starts above $1,000. To save some extra bucks, aspirants consider having a life aboard. With the increasing expenses on-ground, liveaboard sounds a viable option for many.

Moreover, they can enjoy the sunsets with their dear ones and stay connected to a large community. Many Liveaboard communities live in the center of the city, making it easier for the members to access basic amenities. Also, since owning a “Waterfront Property” has been a trend for many years, this is a budget-friendly option. 

Additionally, many retired residents love this option to keep their post-retirement life zestful and lively. Many young graduates also prefer this as this helps them save extra for paying their Student Debt.

Is following Liveaboard inexpensive?

Now, living on a boat, as said above, can bring many changes to your lifestyle. The first one being- it will teach to be cautious while spending money. Since boats are automobiles and you live in it 24/7, they demand constant maintenance and repair. 

Your expenses will depend on the below-listed factors. We suggest you go through all of these and assess whether Liveaboard fits you or not. 

Here are the necessary costs: 

• Insurance: Whether you get a floating home or a luxury vessel, you must get insurance for liability and loss claims. There are many reliable providers and financial institutions that provide Insurance options. However, the rates for getting insurance for your boat will be higher than the normal land ones. 
• Mooring & Anchorage Fees: This is one of the most significant expenses you will encounter when you opt for Liveaboard. There are many Mooring & Marinas that allow people to park their boat on a rented space. The charge paid here generally covers laundry & bathroom services, water taxi service, and even free holding tank pump-outs. 
• Slip Fees: If you have decided to use Marina or already have the experience, you would know that they charge a Slip Fees; this on a monthly, daily, or weekly basis. The fee is decided based on the size of the boat and local/regional tariff. This tariff can also include the services provided by the Marina. Furthermore, if you have a smaller boat, you might miss out on a typical house's rooms. The Marinas will have a solution for that as well. 
• HOA Fees: HOA stands for Homeowners’ Association. It is a group that organizes and regulates the liveaboards. The HOA also defines a basic rate for accessing or using the services provided by the Dock. The HOA fee covers the expenses for the Dock’s maintenance as well'; it is similar to the Slip fees; however, slip can be rented or owned. 
• Utilities: Boats are fastened to the dock by using permanently linked utility services and adjustable mooring arms. Like being in a land home, this also provides sewage, internet, gas, water, and electricity supply. The Lines are installed under the docks, these are covered in Slip, and independent meters are provided. The docked vessels and their users rely on the providers for power and other services. The bathrooms in boats are much like RVs; therefore, you will have to adjust accordingly. 
• Maintenance: Living in a boat is different than owning a boat. When you move to a vessel, you will have different types of cleaning duties and chores. The boat's current condition defines its value in the market and long life. Therefore, you will have to be vigilant in taking care of and maintaining the vessel; this means adding extra tools and equipment to your conventional tool kit.

How to follow a Budget?

We all know the importance of making a budget and following it for the defined period. It is a crucial factor in determining whether Liveaboard is right for you. Your monthly or weekly "budget" must cover all possible expenses. Most of these are listed above; you can include them while making your budget plan. 

But! Here are three easy steps, following which will make making a budget easy for you: 

Knowing the Expenses: The expenses of living on a boat are very different than a typical home. It would be best if you considered factors like: 

• Boat Size
• Essentials & Necessities 
• Choice of Moorage 
• Traveling Plans
• Regional Weather

You wish to travel and have a large yacht; then, your expenses will be higher than others who stay in one dock. Also, knowing these will keep you ready to face the unforeseen circumstances. 

1. Making the Budget

Make sure that your budget has these two categories: 

• Boat Expenses: These include purchasing costs, insurance, gas, maintenance, etc.
• Provisional Expenses: These include electronics, food, bills, and other utility expenses. 

Some other expenses are:

• Winterization
• Commissioning
• Waste management
• Property taxes
• Safety equipment
• Boat registration
• Storage fees

Remember that the taxes on utilities and property cost less when living on a boat. Maintenance and docking add on to the basic payment requirements of the user. Furthermore, you will have to alert about your boat’s condition, the parts and machines should run properly. 

If you slack on this, purchasing the spares or replacements can cost you a lot. Also, focus on making smaller repairs by yourself; this will help you save some extra bucks from hiring a professional. 

1. Collect the Funds

Knowing what your budget is will help you stay composed and not spending extra on unnecessary expenses. For buying a boat, you can start saving or use your pre-saved amount. If you wish to make extra income, you can lease or rent your old home and start freelancing; this will help you save money and ensure a stable income inflow. By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure that your Liveaboard experience is smooth and hassle-free. Also, we advise you to start watching more videos to learn the necessary repairs to the boat machinery. 

If you follow this hack, you can make small restorations by yourself. For students, we suggest getting Work Experience working at a Marina or enrolling in courses; this will make your resume look diversified and get your life's experience and knowledge. You will become self-reliant and can work for the same while following Liveaboard yourself.

Overall, it is a win-win situation for you. Also, living in a boat requires a lot of patience and physical compatibility. Whether you have a Yacht or Sports Boat, you can prepare yourself to keep up with the challenges once you know what you are selecting. 

Think Wisely, Choose Well

Before you make a rushed decision to join the Liveaboard community, you must consider different factors. One such factor is your Financial state. If you are planning on shifting to a floating home, then you must have sufficient savings. Finance is a determining factor in Liveaboard. 

To know if you are compatible enough to become full-time, you can rent out a boat first and take a vacation/ getaway; this will get you a demo experience of what to expect and how to act. Many online platforms provide boat rental services; you can check them out and select the best deal. 

You will have many options to choose from, like sailboats, yachts, cruisers, and houseboats. If you feel you are ready to opt for this lifestyle, then the Liveaboard community will always welcome new members. With the right guidance and budgeting, the experience can be enjoyable, as we see in movies. But, if you have decided to start Liveaboard, then have fun, make lots of memories, and follow the budget! 

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