minimum boat cost, size and average maintenance cost

water gypsy

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Hello :)

This is a very general question but what's the smallest size you could live on, also the least amount you could spend on a boat, don't mind spending more on it or doing it up etc

Any lastly how much a month do you end up spending on maintance?


I really want to live aboard a boat at Brighton marina. I looked at a 1974 vivacity 24 but since then have spoke to my farther who has informed me it's a stupid idea :( so wanted advice from people Doing it!

I also used to live in a van so I'm okay with smaller spaces :)

Thanks xxxx
 

purplerobbie

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You need to ask yourself how big is the smallest you could live on. It's different for everyone. Some people will need a 40 footer and one on here was doing it on a 22 footer. So how big do you need?
Go and have a look at some boat.

Cost on maintance is dependant on age the newer the boat the less maintance. if you buy an old wreck that needs an engine and sails then you will be spending thousands. Or if you don't want to sail or motor leave it tied to the dock and have it as a floating caravan

It's all your choice that's why very few replies.






Hello :)

This is a very general question but what's the smallest size you could live on, also the least amount you could spend on a boat, don't mind spending more on it or doing it up etc

Any lastly how much a month do you end up spending on maintance?


I really want to live aboard a boat at Brighton marina. I looked at a 1974 vivacity 24 but since then have spoke to my farther who has informed me it's a stupid idea :( so wanted advice from people Doing it!

I also used to live in a van so I'm okay with smaller spaces :)

Thanks xxxx
 

Tranona

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10 Nov 2007
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Hello :)

This is a very general question but what's the smallest size you could live on, also the least amount you could spend on a boat, don't mind spending more on it or doing it up etc

Any lastly how much a month do you end up spending on maintance?


I really want to live aboard a boat at Brighton marina. I looked at a 1974 vivacity 24 but since then have spoke to my farther who has informed me it's a stupid idea :( so wanted advice from people Doing it!

I also used to live in a van so I'm okay with smaller spaces :)

Thanks xxxx

Depends on your discomfort tolerance level. Under about 25' is one up on camping or living in a van. Bigger gets you standing room and often more than one cabin.

As to cost, berth fees in Brighton will dwarf your other costs and unlikely they will tolerate living on a tired old boat there. Perhaps more important than the boat and maintenance is working out the practicalities of living in a confined space with no toilet facilities, rudimentary cooking and keeping it warm and dry throughout the year. Having done it for a year in a 26' when young I can say it is best if you have hermit tendencies.
 

jordanbasset

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Hello :)

This is a very general question but what's the smallest size you could live on, also the least amount you could spend on a boat, don't mind spending more on it or doing it up etc
Thanks xxxx

As others have said it does depend on you as to what you can live on. Myself and my wife had a 40 foot boat, which we found comfortable and more than big enough. Others find 50 feet necessary, others 30 feet (talking about couples here)
As to buying a boat and doing it up be careful there. It may seem a cost saving to buy a doer upper but often the cost of such refurbishment will be much more than if you spent a little bit more in buying a well found yacht in the first place. Even doing the work yourself, boat parts can be very expensive.
 

water gypsy

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Thank you for all your advice. I'm definitely going to live aboard. I'm 100% sure I want a sail boat even though there is less cabin room then a cruiser I want to be able to sail her and be out on the water :)

Still looking at boats but I think my budget won't get me more than a 24 foot boat so its that or nothing. It's only me after all :)

Thank you xx
 

lindsay

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Just go for it! People have crossed oceans on boats this length. Look up Webb Chiles at inthepresentsea.com. he is 73 and on his 6th circumnavigation on what?.....a 24 foot yacht. You are presumably not contemplating a life on board as a sea gypsy for comfort? Frankly, if you are by yourself much of what you hear as "necessary" can be ignored.
 
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