Cruising Prep Expenses, June 2020
So, what does it cost to get ready to go cruising? There are expenses big and small, and though everybody’s level of finish and level of DIY is individual, it might be helpful to anyone reading to think about the details we are facing as we do a full refit on our 28’ Bristol Channel Cutter.
Another month of coronatime, another month of cruising prep expenses that are frustratingly low.
We’re stuttering along, even though we’ve spent almost no time at the boat (except for one weekend where we went down and pulled her out of the water, giving up the slip we’ve had for over 10 years) and projects in Charlottesville have necessarily been of the house kind.
It’s amazing, though, what still manages to add up. Oy.
(As always, these are expenses directly related to the boat and cruising prep. Household costs related to the brick-and-mortar house are not included here; if we had any housing costs for down by the boat, those WOULD be included.)
GRAND BOAT MONEY TOTAL FOR JUNE 2020: $3288.40
Boat project total: $256 (normally consumables required to complete boat work; this month, all of it is required boat maintenance and associated expenses)
hauling the boat at True North Boatworks
Paying Brad Miller to scrape the prop so we could motor around
Boat gear total: $2614.94 (tools and boat parts)
winch handle
Miscellaneous total for June: $417.46 (slip/dues, storage unit, insurance, gas to get to the boat)
Hours spent: 16 (prepping her to be left on the hard for a few months)
Here’s something to consider: every month there are costs, even if we don’t get to be down there. Things like insurance, slip fees - those are constant. Some of it (the storage unit) is of our choosing, but chances are better than good that if you have a boat that you’re getting ready to take off with, you will be paying for insurance AND paying for some place to keep it. Keep that in mind.
Want to see previous posts? (They’re more fun. Once upon a time, BC (BEFORE CORONA), we actually got to work on her. We’ll get back there. Really.)
Given that we’re headed to Vermont for the summer as soon as we get the house cleared out, I am putting this series on hiatus until we come back and get working in earnest. During the next couple of months, the “miscellaneous” expenses will be consistent: yard storage fee, yacht club dues, storage unit fee, and insurance. Should be a total of $306.50 each month.
So I’ll be back in November, is my guess, with an October report. There will be some expenses along the way but I’ll put them all together.
Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy.