Would it be worth keeping a boat in the Ionian...

[RichardS]

I'm glad I started this thread. I've learned so much. Realistically, I think we are two-three years away from doing this but there is a lot to think about while I wait. I am the sort of person who reads Practical Boat Owner and feels totally daunted by some of the boat jobs that other owners take for granted they can do themselves, but I reckon I could learn given time and as Donheist says, by getting someone to show me the first time. I am really inspired by everything people have posted on here about the difference between chartering and having your own boat and now I have a bit of a plan forming about how to get there!

Depending upon how long you are prepared to wait, you might consider yacht ownership through The Moorings or Sunsail or others. You will take ownership of your own boat in six years time so she will only be six years old but, of course, will be well used. During the six years you can use her virtually free of charge for 4, 5 or 6 or more weeks, although this will probably be restricted to only 2 of those weeks during July and August. You can also "trade" your time on your own boat for time on another boat in another country or even another sea! Once again, apart from travelling costs, there is little expense.

Like you, we were chartering every year anyway and we could afford to wait 6 years. The amount we have saved over 6 years of chartering plus what the boat is worth now virtually equates to what we paid out! We also get a boat which we know very well and have sailed 3 or 4 weeks every year - the fact that it was named after our two boys (they are much bigger now!) right from day 1 has also been very gratifying!

Ask the charter companies for their yacht ownership brochures via the web if you wish to consider.

I don't work for either company!

Richard

 

[Bradders]

I'm with Sunsail on their yacht ownership scheme, if I can help in anyway way feel free to PM me.

Stewart

 

[TRUNDLETRUC]

The original posting was from a teacher. We were both teachers and now own a boat in the Ionian. We looked at the yacht management schemes but they are useless for teachers as the "points" for the use of the boat are very high in school holidays. When we looked (some years ago) we would have only been able to use the boat for 2 weeks!

We originally bought a yacht share on an ex charter boat. If you have any pride in a boat I would advise thinking seriously about not doing either! Charter boats are often run into the "ground", hastely maintained, and people on charter often don't care too much about the gel coat!
We have had to do serious work to get our boat up to "scratch".(New engine gearbox, etc.) Good job I am practical. If you do decide to buy an ex charter boat have a week's charter on it first. Also having a shared arrangement also limits any improvements you want to do to the boat.

 

[Cariadco]

Getting the Bug????

Owning a boat is quite different. I bought ours last year knowing nothing about buying, owning and fixing. Have a 1989 oceanis 390. Costs (gbp) are 4k mooring in gouvia marina, about a grand for unavoidable maintenance - lift out, anodes, engine consumables etc. I estimate other maintenance working out same again but lumpier - rigging, batteries, sails etc, as they need doing. This is based on doing non-specialist jobs myself where I can. Takes longer but learning is part of the fun. Tend to get someone to help me do each job the first time then I know how to do it right.

Insurance 500 quid.

Then there are bound to be costs when you first get it - getting it just the way you want it...

It has caused worries, but build a network of handy folk and it helps - I have found the Ionian to be the most welcoming place on earth.

But best bit is the feeling is totally different. Like being a resident rather than a tourist. Walking along the dock seeing people working on their boats is great. Being able to leave gear means you can fly with just carry on gear. Books, waypoints, life jackets that fit, all waiting for you. Don't have to go shopping for salt, pepper, earl grey tea as soon as you arrive. can catch convenient or cheap flights, holiday starts on arrival. Fitting tv, BBQ, other comforts which won't stand up to charter crews means a comfier boat. You'll spend less on eating out I expect as your boat becomes a more personal space you enjoy a g and t onboard that much more. I'm fitting an optic this season.

Best is that you get to know the boat - how she manoeuvres, performs, in all conditions. You can fix things that go wrong without having to call the man. Makes you a better sailor IMHO . I just think it extends the feeling of responsibility of being a skipper which I enjoy.

It probably barely breaks even on a cost basis for less than 6 or 8 weeks. There's also a week of maintenncce to factor in. But the experience is not like for like. E baying bits and bobs, planning and researching jobs extends your pleasure all year. And being an owner and meeting the chandlers, sailmakers etc deepens the relationship with the community you're visiting.

Be realistic about the money but if you can afford it, do it.

Brilliant post, so true.
That's exactly what I went through, oh about a million years ago. Ok I've taken it a step further, having built a house there, and moved up to a larger boat.......beware, you might get the bug as bad as I did.

Regards,