Liveaboard Speedboat???

http://www.aquacruise.com/yachts/motor_y...p;Search=Search

What's to go wrong? I want to earn £5000 a year.

I appreciate all advice given but I seem to have not made myself clear...

I don't want a living out of it, i don't expect or desire to make any money at all out of it.

I just want £5000 a year, I've already been assured by a charter agent that (dependant on a higher than average commission, i read into it) that we would expect that the boat could be 'well chatered' as they call it so long as we were available from the South of France e.g. St Tropez on short notice.
That side is not an issue.

Please would people advise me, what's it like living on a boat.

Re; Lady Jessie, please refer to the above link and reconsider your allegation of credibility.

This boat is, according to the agency at the end of the link, 'well chartered'. I must sound like I haven't a clue, and I regret that.

Perhaps, someone would be good enough to respond to my query or at least appreciate that we don't have any delusions of grandure.

Thanks to those who have extended me the coutesy.
 
Obviously appears I have been somewhat unappreciative of everyone's effort to respond.

I deal with employees all day whom to speak to is like banging one's head against a suitably substantial wall.

I brought that short temper home, and I would not in this or any other occasion wish to be as rude as I have been.

I was frustrated as I asked for advice about the emotional side of being on board long term, about the people you encounter, and if anyone has any experience they can share about legislation, or behaviors in other regions different to ours which could hinder our plans.

I did get this advice, in a fashion, but did also get a lot of people just dogging whole the idea with information of which i already have evidence to the contrary.

I would appreciate any further advice anyone has to give, including shut up and be nice.

Thank you.
 
we stayed in Cannes for s couple of weeks this summer . There are loads of British flagged boats for charter here on a daily or weekly basis. I suggest you try and find out some of those who charter from here and see if you could do the same. I noticed that it wasn't just the new super yachts for charter but also classic boats both sail and motor, but not sure where you could begin to look for information on how to charter from here, so I wish you luck.
mo and roj
 
thanks guys, we've contacted half a dozen agencies (they all have mostly the same boats) to ask what their customers want (with a view to modelling the interior accordingly). The agencies seemed to like this and (generally) were forthcoming with marketing, positioning and pricing advice.
We will, once the boat is complete, be inviting all these agencies to the boat as a sweetener and offering a higher than average commission in order that we will be remembered when it comes to promoting the boat to customers. the clincher is being available short notice, and positioning around the high density areas of the South of France. Contrary to advice above we have been told by more than one agency that we cannot offer the charter at a less than competitive price as people will just assume they're getting what they pay for, and people with that sort of money can afford to get the best. From what we understand, and we're lucky enough to have friends who have chartered yachts themselves, if you can afford it at all, you don't chose the cheapest on offer. our strategy, as consultation advises, is to be different, to appeal to the market by offering a striking boat, a fast boat, try to get the custom of the folks wanting something for once, without a fly-bridge that just looks like it was made to thrill for the afternoon.

but, I digress. This is all matter of fact, and the lid is mostly closed on this. What we know very little about is what it's like living on a boat, and travelling waters, and meeting folk and eating out all the time etc

thanks again, esp Mo n Roj and havent_a_clue!! V funny.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Lady Jessie, please refer to the above link and reconsider your allegation of credibility.

[/ QUOTE ]Dear rustyc, you need to do a lot more research on your target market than just a web search. When you do; you will find that there are lots of these webpages with 'asking prices' that does not have any relation to what is really paid. This is a very tough market with a lot of more 'supply' than 'demand'. No one in their right mind would pay 15 000 euros for a week in a boat like that in St Tropez, if they knew the market. It has been a buyers' market for many years and I guess the present recession will just make it more so.
 
That's the kind of advice we need, people who know seeing through what we can see being amatures in this field.

That corresponds with what we were told would be a good strategy, to advertise the boat with a competitive price and when and enquiry comes through, to for the agent to advise that there may be a 'special opportunity' coming up around the time you want to travel... in order to secure the deal, let it go for a sum significantly less, well we'd be happy at a grand a week but they don't need to know that. work 5 weeks a year holiday the rest of it. Sounds good to me.

Aquacruise agent has bee quite helpful in our requests for information, i think he was after a free holiday!

Thanks for your response.
 
Rustyc you are obviously a dynamic and enterprising guy and I wish you only the very best of luck. On the question of wether you can live on a 60 foot boat ? of course you can , if you are the right type of people.

My wife and I have lived on our 40 foot yacht for coming up to18 years and we love it! but it doesn't suit everybody soIthink youare asking an unanswerable question but good luck and give it a go
 
For what it's worth my view of this kind of market is that it mostly comes down to the character of the captain and crew. You will have to be all things to all men. Provide 24/7 charm and bonhomie. Cater to groups of people who may be determined to be bolshy, and all with charm and grace, wit and elegance.

rather you than me..

however if that fits your personality profile have a go, the experience will no doubt be character forming!

www.gerryantics.blogspot.com
 
Give it a try, many people will say it will not work simply because THEY haven't the ability or the vision to make it work. However there has been some good solid advice too. Simple things can cost more than you think ie paying for a lift in and out evey 12 months for antifoul and anodes could be another £1000 for a boat that size. Seacock replacements, toilet breaks, flares extinguishers and liferaft dates expire, this is just scratching the surface and believe me I know an old boat costs more to mantain than a new one. If its your dream I say go for it after all as you say failure if recognised soon enough will only result in it being an expensive holiday and if it's successful your dream becomes your life GO FOR IT but with your eyes open ( SOME advice on here has been good) BEST OF LUCK
 
Hi Rusty, we spent nearly 6 weeks cruising croatia last April/May from Sukosan near Zadar, as far south as Lastavo, as far west as the kornatis and as far east as Skradin and the Krka Waterfalls. Details of the trip have been posted in Noonsite - Countries - Croatia - Five Week holiday. We used the 777 Pilot Book and the Croatian Cruising Companion everyday and found the combination of the two very helpful. We also posted a lot of photos on our blog we did at the time and happy to give you whatever info we have if you P.M me. We found that staying at town walls a bit cheaper than marinas but the cost was getting up there and like the other fine posts in the forum, there are a lot of good anchorages about. One method is heading into a town / village, advise the harbourmaster that you need to reprovision, sightsee for an agreed time and then head off for an anchorage, that way you can get to have a good look around and do shopping etc without (usually) having to pay an fee, this does not apply of course if you happen to try and fill your tanks / recharge power. We loved Croatia, loved the people and the small courtesy of learning enough Croatian to be polite, make small requests etc is really appreciated. It is not a hard thing to do but the rewards are worth it.

Cheers,
Sparxsea
 
(She's old so while the boat (we are anticipating) is in good condition, the interior needs a full refit.)

I lived on a boat from the UK to the Med and back and believe me upgrading an interior will take you three times as long as you think and cost four times what you buget. At the least double what you think it will cost and half what you think your income will be. Never enough time or money. But good luck mate and hope to see you out there.
 
Living on a boat of that size? No problem. Living in the much smaller crew quarters? No problem for some people. Running a boat of that size on the budget you suggest? Highly improbable. A figure frquently quoted is 10% of new cost per year. I would be surprised if you can keep costs below £50000. Obviously if you can generate twice this in income you have a viable business. NB have you actually got a berth in Malta at that price or are you planning on joining the 470 boat waiting list for Msida?
 
[ QUOTE ]
NB have you actually got a berth in Malta at that price or are you planning on joining the 470 boat waiting list for Msida?

[/ QUOTE ]

It may well be too big for Msida and will need to go around the corner to the Paseo - you know, where all the Cottagers hang out in the shrubbery.

I would also check the Malta Maritime Authorities position on foreign charter companies operating from their facilities.
 
Dear Alorwin:

Think you are a bit presumptive to suggest that people are negative because the don't have the ability or vision.

What about the people who have spent many years in the charter business and many years sailing in the Med and seen many inexperienced people arrive with cockamy ideas like this man only to watch the plan fall apart.

Of course the supposed agent is going to support his idea especially if he is on the "make" and looking for a free holiday.

In the end "a person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still".

Have a good day

Squeaky
 
Hi and Welcome.
If you truely dont intend or need to make a lot money in your venture then you will be fine.
The old boating adage-To have a small fortune from boating you must start with a large fortune made from any other source.
The art of living on a boat is to be happy that you are on the boat and realise the differences to living in your 2 bed apartment. If you are in a marina the differences are smaller but still there, living in close proximity to your partner can become less than enthralling very quickly and the romance of living on a boat can also wear thin if you do not appreciate the good things everyday.
We have lived full time on our 36ft cat for 6 years and still wake up and smile about that fact, if you can do that then all else pales.
The charter business is cut throat dont underestimate what the established locals will do to make sure you dont get a slice of their pie.
The maltese are friendly but when it comes to money they are just as hard core as anywhere else and there will be some one somewhere that will have a serious talk with you about taking on a local "Partner", been there been intimidated that way.
The down side of high end charting is the guests can be complete Baaaaars when it comes to what they want and when they want it, the fewer choices they have the happier everyone will be.
If you offer an open bar then you have to offer everything and top shelf, you will have fun learning what do and how to control the people that you are legally responsible for.
It is fun but can become overwhelming just how spoilt and petulent some folks get when they have hired you for a day or two (they own your soul).
Not all wealthy people are horrible, but many are used to getting what ever when ever and no excuses, the kids are usually the worse if this occurs.
Have fun.
PM me if you need more info on charter guests.
Life is short go for it, you will regret not trying.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Dear Alorwin:

Think you are a bit presumptive to suggest that people are negative because the don't have the ability or vision.

What about the people who have spent many years in the charter business and many years sailing in the Med and seen many inexperienced people arrive with cockamy ideas like this man only to watch the plan fall apart.

Of course the supposed agent is going to support his idea especially if he is on the "make" and looking for a free holiday.

In the end "a person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still".

Have a good day

Squeaky

[/ QUOTE ]

You don't read so good and your attitude is not much better if you care to read my post again you will see if choosing to look through open eyes this time that I said "some people" in my opinions and certainly not ALL people as you seem to imply, I also said some good and sound advice had been offered already . I am also no stranger to the marine industry and I find your comment of cockamy ideas about the original poster quite rude, everyone has to start somewhere and he only asked for advice not ridicule and criticism
You obviously have had a bad day. I will not respond to any more of your posts on this subject as I see so many childish arguements develop on this site and don't want to be a part of it.
 
Hello again...
I seem to have brewed a bit of a storm in here.

Most people in here have wished me luck , which we need, and good advice. Thanks to those of course.

Saying an old boat costs more to maintain than a new one seems logical, and scary. Adv we were given by a Marine Engineer is that it would likely be like a car in that respect. A new boat will have little snaggles go wrong which cost a bomb to repair - tens of thousands a year in some cases, and an old boat will have the odd major thing go wrong which actually won't necessarily cost that much as it's usually something an half decent mechanic can fix with a coke can and a big hammer for beer tokens. Practice you would never entertain on a newer boat obviously.
If we make half what we expect, and it costs twice as much then it's more expensive than we thought, but we're not talking a variance of tens of thousands, if we expect to make five grand and we expect it to cost five grand, we're £7500 out of pocket. Expensive, but not fatal, it'll still be there in years to come. Unless the locals sink it.
Re; cockamy ideas, I think most people have gone in with costs up to the clouds to make profits up to the stars. We're not like that, regarding the 'business' side of it, all it has to do by chartering is cover the costs of the charters themselves, everyone must agree, that's not hard. We would like it to make enough money on top to pay mooring and costs accrued due to chartering like the odd toilet breaking, and charter insurance, and the SCV tests and updating the existing coding (if legislation changes), and yes we were going to join the queue, but at the easy end of the year and not necessarily at Msida, although they do take boats over 18m.
Thanks to everyone. including pms Had stuff to look at which has turned out things we didn't know.

We're quite looking forward to the lifestyle change, but i guess you can't predict if people will get on when they're stuck together, so we'll have to see if we still get on after a few months, luckily we'll still have lives to come home to if we don't like it!

Thanks again...
 
oh, and the guests... Well, if we don't like being treated like dirt on our own boat then that'll be the end of it. The missus doesn't put up with nonsense like that. Bit like a young version of thatcher in that respect. but, she's also very very professional and we think that we will be able to seperate our 'work' lives from our home life when we close the door to our tiny room at night and think to ourselves, well it's only one week and we haven't got to do it again for a couple of months.
anyone got any funny or terrible stories about having guests on board?
 
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