Summary of "The True Cost of Sailing Lifestyle After 7 Years (The Numbers May Shock You!)"

Overview

Steve and Essie (with their dog Gus) left the UK in 2019 aboard Cordelia (a Venus ketch) to cruise full‑time.
Refit costs are excluded and will be presented separately.
Their 7‑year totals:
- Total spent (7 years): £135,706.58 (≈ $162,847.89)
- Average per year: about £19,386 / $23,263 for two people + dog
Their conclusion: they consider the lifestyle worth the cost.

“It’s possible to live afloat year‑round for under £20k per year for two people plus a dog if you are frugal and self‑sufficient.”

(They note individual budgets will vary and initial years can be more expensive.)

Lifestyle rules and preparation (their “budgeting rules”)

Anchor almost everywhere; only four marina stays in seven years (one due to COVID).
Do all boat maintenance and repairs themselves:
- Steve handles mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and rigging work.
Avoid non‑essential spending: few expensive meals out, no unnecessary hotels, minimal luxury extras.
Pre‑cruise outfitting to reduce long‑term costs:
- Watermaker
- Solar (expanded later)
- Generator
- Lots of spare parts purchased before leaving

Major cost categories (7‑year totals, GBP)

Total large items (summed separately): £47,222.21 (≈ $56,666.65)

Boat insurance (third‑party with Pantaenius): £3,512
Marina fees (4 marinas: lockdown + 2 winters in Ragusa + haul‑out in Motril): £8,078.40
Haul‑outs / lifts (Ragusa and Motril): £1,081.81
Flights home (family visits, some extended stays): £12,840
Property costs for their let property in the UK: £12,060
Car purchase / hire while in UK: £6,196
Guardianage (Le Marin, Martinique — 10 months): £3,454

Daily living expenses (food, fuel, gas/diesel, electricity, medical/dental, outings/meals, vet & dog food, country entry/visa fees, etc.): £88,484.37 (≈ $106,181.24)

Key takeaways / practical advice

Living afloat year‑round for under £20k per year is achievable for two people plus a dog if you are frugal and self‑sufficient, but results vary by individual choices and locations.
Expect higher spending in the first couple of years; costs often settle after the initial period.
Doing most repairs yourself and pre‑outfitting the boat (watermaker, solar, generator, spares) reduces long‑term costs.
If you want this lifestyle, don’t delay—Steve and Essie wished they’d started around age 50.

Travel highlights and experiences

Many great times: British Virgin Islands, Caribbean anchorages, Rio Dulce (Guatemala), and more.
Tougher moments: mechanical breakdowns, very hot conditions, lee shores, and the need for close weather‑watching.
Atlantic crossing preparation included a haul‑out in Motril, Spain.

Notable locations, products, and speakers

Speakers: Steve and Essie (and dog Gus)
Boat: Cordelia (Venus ketch)
Insurance: Pantaenius (third‑party cover)
Locations mentioned: Rio Dulce (Guatemala), Le Marin (Martinique), Ragusa (Sicily), Motril (Spain), British Virgin Islands, UK home visits
They are currently mid‑refit and mention Patreon and Ko‑fi links for supporters (they thank named Patreon and coffee contributors).