The Allure of Owning a Sailboat

The allure of owning a sailboat is strong, so much so that people buy them with little or no sailing experience. That allure, coupled with the fact that sailing is one of the most expensive ways to travel, has given rise to a massive industry that thrives even though it may be one of the least practical modes of transportation available in modern times.

The first thing new sailors need to understand about owning and living on a sailboat is that it will take work. Every boat, no matter how new or well-maintained, will need work done to it at some point. And that’s not a bad thing, because it’s all part of the process of becoming self-sufficient on the water.

In addition to the obvious need for mechanical skills, there are many other things that must be taken into consideration before buying a sailboat and starting down the road to self-sufficiency on the water. It’s generally estimated that a new boat will cost 10-20% of its purchase price each year for maintenance, repairs and upgrades.

For those who are interested in making the leap, there are several options for minimizing those costs. One is to share ownership with someone else, but be sure you have a legally enforceable agreement in place before jumping into this. Another option is to start small and work your way up, learning as you go along. Regardless of which path you choose, there is no doubt that the rewards will be great!