another cost to consider, if you decide to resell your boat, expect to lose 20-30% of what you paid for. if its brand new within 1 year you might lose 10%, 2 year old might be 20% , 5-10 year old boat can be 30-50% . best way to start small and then keep upgrading if you still like it. but if you dont like it straight away your losses will be small ( smaller insurance, smaller maintenance , smaller loss on resale). eg say you got 50000$ spare cash to spend on a boat (not even considering borrowing from bank) , you should expect boat cost initially 50k$ then 10$k maintenance and if you decide to sell it in 12month , expect to sell it for 40k$ and it still might take couple of months to sell and you might have to keep paying mooring fees , insurance etc. so by the time you sold it you might spent 60-70k$ on it and got back 40k$ back.
You realize you just crushed a dream of buying a Gozzard 36 and sailing off into the sunset on just my SS check! Seriously though, thank you for a realistic breakdown of expenses. I've watched countless videos on boat expenses, but yours has been the most helpful.
Life long sailor here and snowbird cruiser. I watched this because we are getting to an age where we must consider power instead of sail. Your information is spot on. Well done! We are frankly shocked at the size boat first time buyers opt for. Working your way up in size is important especially as you add systems; AC, generators, electronics, engines, power sources etc.
Not boring. You both do a great job. Nice mix of video and information. I love it. Glad I found your site and will continue to follow. So great job keep it up. Thanks
I would say a boat that is seeing constant but light use will cost less in the long run than a boat that just sits in the water and used occasional. Good video by the way and highly useful for anyone thinking of making the leap into boating.
Live aboard in a heartbeat and the one thing I said i'd do before life is done with me. Kodiak, Alaska in summer and Mexico in winter. I'm in no hurry to get anywhere and rest assured I am going to be comfortable. Lordy Lordy I need a Nordy!
Very informative. I'll throw a heavy wrench into the discussion that applies to boat and RV purchases. I would only buy a New boat or RV to get full warranty, full knowledge that you are the first user removing any concerns of user abuse, and getting strong dealer support during and, hopefully, after the warranty period has expired. We went that route with our rather expensive Airstream travel trailer purchase. We waited, saved, and delayed the purchase for several years until we saved enough to purchase a new trailer that was current in all of its features and inclusions. btw, that delay offered us additional time to think and rethink this purchase decision and question it over and over. The ownership has been a success thus far. We have used it a lot. We don't full-time in it. That was never the plan. We have made two 4-week trips each year, a 1-week trip each year, and probably a half dozen weekend excursions each year since purchasing the trailer. That's a lot. You can see a lot and experience quite a bit through that many trips. Obviously, boats are a different experience. They don't compare as boats and RV's offer a uniquely different, amazing lifestyle. We want a boat and hope to get one sometime in the future. I have some boating experience - enough to know that we would love to own one. The warranty on our trailer has run out as we have had it for a number of years, yet we continue to receive excellent dealer support. That was researched heavily!!! (ask other buyers from that dealership - we required a list of buyers and their email address) when we were shopping and comparing dealerships and brands. We simply told the salesman to contact buyers and ask permission to share their email with us. Only one dealership refused to produce a buyer list. We didn't buy it from them. Boats and RV's have a lot of expected issues. They just do. They are moving homes, and the obvious wear and tear on everything is inescapable. Starting with a new one and being the first user offers a huge upside in terms of preventive maintenance and intelligent use. And, be sure this is a long-term purchase as others have stated due to the depreciation you will face when trying to sell it. Obviously, unplanned events can force a sale earlier than expected. That's a given. That's fate. But, selling due to a lack of use and/or a decline in interest is a financial disaster. We see MANY RV's parked in yards collecting tall grass next to their tires as they rust away, fade, and deteriorate. We see MANY boats that seemingly never leave the dock as they fade in the sun, rust away, and deteriorate. A delayed purchase like we required/experienced may have helped those people and redirected their interest before making the purchase.
Great video. First video I've seen from you guys. I love the Nordhavn boats. I've been around boats and ships since I was a kid, have the D5LA and can relate to most of the points in the video. Here in Europe the taxes and fees are more extreme. Insurance usually runs up to 15% of the value, and yearly tax can easily be 10% of value, depending on your country. Diesel is also very expensive, although some countries have tax-free diesel for off-road use. Internet is getting easier with Starlink. Boats need to be used. If not used, expect more maintenance. Thank you for making it. The Nordhavn 47 is a nice looking boat that handles well and has most of the stuff you need for living aboard. Greetings from Norway.
Way to go guys.This video was just what the doctor ordered.Yes the boating lifestyle is amazing but it's not cheap.I spend a fortune just maintaining my 29 ft. Rinker that is only used 5 months a year.
Yes We were on our Nordhavn 40 for 8 years , going from Dana Point ., California through the Panama Canal to the East Coast.It was wonderful, but everything can go wrong on a boat, because the ocean is a harsh environment. You really need a lot of knowledge to handel different projects on the boat and often in the middle of the ocean or in a hot marina or at anchor. But on the other hand it was a wonderful experience that I would never wanted to have missed for all these years.
Really enjoy the videos you share. Thank you for adding the fun to the work required. This is our first year on our 54’ MV. The first six months of ownership we worked hard fixing and getting to know the boat, and, have it right for all the cruising we wanted to get to. We have made it up to Princess Louisa Inlet twice, then Desolation Sound, onto The Broughtons and just as far as Rivers Inlet. It has been thrilling being on the water and seeing so many places. I am sad that our border keeps us away from cruising the beautiful Puget Sound area right now. My husband and I are many years older than you two! I congratulate you both on making it happen for yourselves! 👍🏻❤️👍🏻
Suzanne Bowen that’s great to hear and great that you’re enjoying so much cruising so far. We, too, can’t wait for the borders to open to enjoy BC. You guys really do have the best boating 👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing this and congrats on your live-aboard voyage. Your info is bang on. Bought our first boat in 1999 and owned our current boat for 16 years. It's an adventure for sure.
This was not boring at all. Great info as boating is expensive and lot of work but oh so worth it. PS I lived in Thousand Islands for two years and you definitely need to add it your bucket list. One of my daughters was born there in Alexandria Bay, NY. Spectacular boating up there.
Glad you mentioned electricity. The port of Seattle nails you for electricity. There is definitely a higher than uti!ity rate cost. My summer moorage is 40% cheaper than Seattle.
Nice job covering the cost of boat ownership. One aspect that cannot be overstated...they are not like cars or homes. Boats require constant maintenance and repairs.
Great video! Anyone thinking about buying a boat needs to see this video, you nailed it. We have a Ranger Tug 27 that we keep on a trailer but now we have to add storage, trailer maintenance and maintenance on our diesel truck to tow it. I can’t even imagine what the cost of ownership would be if I didn’t do the normal maintenance myself, not sure we would even own a boat at that point. Keep up the great videos!
The mistake I made was comparing the cost of distance traveled by boat to a car. That is shocking when you see the cost of one nm traveled. The KingFisher I want uses 80 litres @ 30 knots which when compared to your previous boat makes me feel less sad. ;)
I'd Did hope the emergency boat didn't blow up, I'd rather it inflates! Great video, great information, I always look forward to new episodes, could your captain do a video on getting his captains license , hope you don't mind me mentioning 3 other boat related UA-cam channels that your viewers might enjoy, CruisingTheCut, Aquaholic, and Lorna Jane Adventures.
One thing to consider is how much surface needs to be polished. LOL Your fuel consumption rate is impressive. In my family boat years ago, we had a 226ci flat head 6cyl with 90hp and it burned two gallons an hour in a 40' boat weighed about 12 tons. Your rate has to be delivering more power and has more weight to move, so I'm definitely impressed. That says a lot about getting a Nordhavn.
This is such an interesting video. For some reason, I was expecting a much more life of leisure. I can see how it would be very easy to get behind on maintenance until one feels overwhelmed.
Have always heard there are two great days of boat ownership - the day you buy and the day you sell - airplanes are my passion and it's much like a boat $$$$$ but fun
I greatly appreciate this informative video. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, my Dad had a number of cruisers/fishing boats. I always remember 3 things, ALWAYS maintain your motors, pulling the boat in and out of the water for storage when we were not using it. Dad commenting on his 2nd boat only burning 12 gallons an hours compared to his previous boat burning 18 gallons an hour. My wife and I are debating on getting into a bigger boats however the costs of what things REALLY cost is the regular discussion at our house.
Thank You for this video Hi Im Ben from Seattle Wa USA and Im going to retire and thinking about buying a boat use to do some boating when I was young with my dad a commercial salmon boat about 45ft.hook and line did that for 3yrs but no pleasure boats so thak you for the information about new boats and what I have to look forward to it would be better to learn here in the NW before taking some long trips thank you look foward to your videos especially your matinance videos learning alot on there too 😀 😊 😉 😄
Had to break comment 111 to 112. 1111 keeps reoccurring in my life. Great explanation I always heard the 10% rule for upkeep and ownership. Great information, we love your stories and your upfront ownership analysis.
Another great video, your framing, and composition are always first-rate. I am a former editor and now handle post for many TV series and features. As mentioned in the past, you two really know how to capture, post, and deliver a consistently great product. I would have hoped you would have been more specific in your costs, just saying! I am working on a new series, short-form, automotive theme, maybe you can do the editing for me!
I see a lot of folks recommending charter before you buy. That sounds good ~ also Coast guard training and also hands on captain training. Ask Capt Chris has a great channel and great information. If I ever had the funds ~ I would definitely do both.
Thanks for sharing the info, don’t have a boat but do have a caravan and tour around Australia in it. Like boating every thing for caravans seems to be 2 to 3 times the cost of one for our house. Stay safe
Excellent Excellent and very factual. Having done very similar in boat purchases over 12 Years and each boat we call "TWOFOOTFEVER" until the last was a Monk trawler which was called "SHIPMONK" We live on the Great Lakes and we would spend the whole summer on it into late fall living on it.You must enjoy this life but it comes with a lot of maintenance which you cannot put aside and boat owners have to realize that. Thank You for a great and informative video that all people considering this life should watch.
I've GOT IT! Another side gig for ya. After my wife and I purchase, we pay ya'll for a weekend bootcamp on "Proper" boat maintenance. You bought a beautiful boat But you maintain to near perfection.
Hello From Montreal, my first boat was a 19'.....it was a kayak.........Last week we bought a 28'...1991 Carver 28......hoping to buy a Nordhavn one day....... Keep up the great Video !
Thank You, Yes many od not know what they are getting into when buying a boat. Research for sure and most of all find only what you can afford. You both are smart and have shown the breakdown of the cost. You oick a wise boat to finally live abord. Plenty of room and capable of traveling long distances in cofrt and safety. Thank you for sharing and i look forward to more Q& A's as you travel the sound and sorround shorlines along the west coast. Keep safe
Boats are expensive to keep going... People talk about land yachts (RVs) being expensive, but that's the tip of the iceberg compared to the expenses on a boat, depending on the size of the yacht you've chosen. My best to you!
Great info...looking to be a full timer but going with the weekender model at first...project boat none the less...just a thought. How bout doing a video on your maintenance days...a day in the life of. All the good and bad. you know, the reality of it...thanks for all the time you put into your videos
Well done guys! The one other expense you could add is travel to your boat. I live in Edmonton, Alberta and my wife and I either fly or drive to Ladysmith several times a season.
Well done, this was the probably best episode I have watched regarding the information that you have provided in term of cost and living onboard and travelling. We were contemplating to buy a boat and live on board with my family, but I have to say you have changed my mind. :-)
Brother-n-law launches his 35 foot Bayliner with an old airplane tug in Des Moines Yacht cub. They launch up to 50 foot boats for day use. Craziest thing I have seen in a while.
We just bought a 28 ft boat & have spent almost what I paid for it on upgrades, repairs & maintenance & I'm doing all the work myself. Looking forward to getting it out to the San Juan's next month. Maybe we'll see you cruising around there this summer. Been watching your videos since I got the boat.
Hi from Bulgaria! I've been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks, love MV Freedom! I second one of the other Q&A questions about the Med. I'd really love to see that, it would be an epic trip!
Gananoque, Ontario = Gan-a-noc-kway - 10 miles from where I dock my sailboat on the New York side of the St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands - We stay at some of the Canadian Park Islands on the Ontario side, and an island that our Syracuse, NY Power Squadron owns at Gananoque - Great area you guys need to explore some year
Very good videos. I enjoy watching them. My question is surrounding electronics and the helm. Watching other videos of products coming out, they appear to be always increasing in functionality, compatibility in that they talk to each other, and ease of use. But one of the videos states that once you buy, say your plot charter, you are kinda locked in for many years just do to costs. If you could just pull money out of your pocket, what would you replace in your helm (and associated senders, receivers, engine, etc)? The second question was what was the process to get your captain's license? Jim from Michigan. You should come to visit the great lakes.
I can answer captains license details. You start off with a simple Recreational boaters license and then can step up into Yachtmaster/Commercial classes based on tonnage. 100 ton, 200 Ton, 400 ton and so on. If I recall correctly it take 50 hours of Combined Overnight passages to qualify for Commercial/Yachtmaster certifying. So you need a well kept logbook of your trips. There is a cost associated with each level you seek to reach. Safety courses you need as well. (STCW95) common title, also referred to as BST basic Safety Training, which recently was updated. USCG or Transport Canada provide all your programs. A Marine first aid is also needed.
Excellent video! Gives one lots to contemplate when considering the boating lifestyle - I'd love to be there but it's probably not financial feasible for us. As a RV enthusiast, I have a question about getting maintenance done. In the RV world, it can be quite tough to find a good place to have one's RV serviced, and long term relationships are always best to have. Trying to get in on short notice is often nearly impossible. How is the availability of maintenance and yards to the live-aboard boater? Do you book long in advance? Where do you live temporarily when you haul the boat out of the water? Thanks so much for sharing your lifestyle and advice with all of us.
Good question! So far we’ve had luck with getting into yards but typically like to plan a month or 6 weeks in advance. Now living aboard, we could either live on the boat in the yard if it was a few days or maybe stay in a nearby hotel.
The new paint applications like F11 is a good option for a consideration on outside maintenance.....im old and it helps support you while you keep up with your washing. Cheers
Boating requires a dedicated committment to the boat which requires, mostly time but money expenses is also there. With committment, it can be a very rewarding endeavor... One other thing, you really should have money you can afford to waste should it not be the thing you're looking for. If it's the right thing, it will provide a world of memories. I know, I was there.
To make it short if your pockets isn't deep enough better not to have a boat like the one in the video or équivalant, just choose the tow capable. For me if i cant make it moored infront of my house water ways (if i have it one), i'll just keep it in my dream list.
As a sixty-year old cancer survivor, I can think of nothing better than to spend the rest of my days cruising around New Zealand on a Nordhavn! I guess the question to you would be do you run lithium Ion batteries, and do you ever intend to install solar panels to help reduce running expenses?
Wow good for you to have beaten such a horrible disease. We’re doing what we’re doing since life is too short and health isn’t a given, so NOW is everything. We don’t have lithium batteries but with so many folks going that route for solar we’re definitely going to look into it for the future. We’ve got about 4 more years on our current battery bank so maybe then it’ll make sense to make the investment.
The subject of different state's taxes is rarely brought up and is hard to get one's head around. I once cruised through california, and 4 yrs later a county tax assessor sent me a bill (thousands of $s) for a marina I stayed at for 1 week (Moss Landing). The marina mgr left my name on the books for years to cover up who was actually staying there. I sorted it out with the tax assessor over the phone.
What a sobering but realistic outline of the recurring costs of boat ownership. Another important expense is depreciation if you move from boat to boat often. A brand new 2021/ 2020 Nordhavn N41 will cost approximately $700K at retail price. How do you resist the temptation to go to new boat shows?
We like boat shows but at this stage we’re totally content window shopping. And good point on the HUGE expense it is to buy/sell boats frequently. We got lucky twice and actually made money on boats...must’ve been Shawn’s OCD waxing and buffing 😉
Wow, I always wanted a boat. This is the most informative vid I have ever seen. To old and disabled to do what is required. Other people I care about. So I guess I will stay on land, and live vicariously though you. Love your vids. 😞😞😍😍
Sean, could you expand on getting this Capt. license? We’re 4 years before on the water and we would like to get as much under the belt as possible. Picked up on some gyrations info.
Enjoying your channel, you refer to MV Freedom as a trawler, I live in the UK, where a trawler is a fishing vessel. Did Freedom start out that way and was she refitted?
What a great video! You just burst my bubble. Fortunately, my wife and I make a good living, but now I'm seriously considering whether I really want the headache of a boat. I might stick to a nice land yacht instead.
For those of us in BC, when we come to Washington on our boat we need to pay a fee at customs for the privilege of cruising in Washington. It is only $25 USD annually though that can easily increase, but it could also apply to someone from Oregon or California or someone coming from the East Coast or Alaska. One marina in Vancouver BC is a strata, you buy the slip. These slips have metered power, cable and telephone connections as well as water and pump out. The issue of live aboard, the strata charter denies anyone living on their boat, a weekend or two a month ok, more is not. The civic marinas in False Creek are removing ALL live aboard slips, a friend of mine has been forced from his long term slip because of this. Insurance, one uncle is restricted to daytime only and 150 miles distance from home port by his coverage. That is the lowest rate policy available, it drastically increases when you want more distance or to move the boat at night.
@@mvfreedom I'm not positive on when it started, but I heard about it last year. paying a 1 time of 25 bucks for an annual sticker or a couple bucks every time we cross over, the unrestricted fee quickly becomes lower cost if you live near the border and cross fairly regularly. Lets just hope BC doesn't copy them, since everyone from Washington would need to pay to get to Alaska.
Wow, now I know why they came up with the old saying, " The two happiest days you'll have when you own a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it." I never thought I'd say: "airplanes are cheaper!". So I guess I'll just sail along with you two!
Mr. Sully, as you are a second mate or second dog as you are introduced every video, you need to ask the captain a question for me. If you don’t mind that is? I have so many questions however having just watched a Q&A segment where one of the safety questions asked, and I believe that question was asked by the captain’s older brother? Captain Shawn referred to the inflatable life raft out on the upper deck locked up, chained down in a holding bracket. If the boat capsizes I think Shawn said it will self inflate? Really? Locked up, chained down, in that locked up chained down box? What happens then if Freedom doesn’t capsize and let’s say she just sinks, lord knows we don’t want anything to happen to you or the rest of the crew or Freedom for that matter. I will say I have been following you folks for some time and you have taken me on many an adventure that I would not have gone if not for you. I was going to say I don’t have a boat, however that would be wrong as I do have a ten foot kayak set up for fishing. Okay so enough about me, Shawn I don’t wish to add to your work schedule however where I am sitting and after having watched the fantastic job you both did on the cockpits wooden trim? Well sir it looks to me like some of your windows trim is maybe showing a little wear around the edges. Oh and great job on the headliners. I could go on yada yada yada. Bernie De is coming to you from sunny Southern Alberta, Canada. Thank you by the way for all the memories, of which I have added to many of my own.
You must be happy you have Shawn the engineer instead of Shawn the lawyer. The boat I worked on was 1,000 ft. long and used about $10,000 per day in total fuel.
![30 Hours Underway on the North Pacific Ocean + Weekly Q&A! [NORDHAVN 43]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/udh68bkj-xY/mqdefault.jpg)
![30 Hours Underway on the North Pacific Ocean + Weekly Q&A! [NORDHAVN 43]](/img/tr.png)
![Here's the TOTAL COST $ breakdown of our haulout & how we saved a BOAT LOAD of cash!!! [MV FREEDOM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P2okxzt-81Q/mqdefault.jpg)
![NORDHAVN 60 Trawler - [Talk Through Tour] - SOLD!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WuhaazBEE3w/mqdefault.jpg)
![Installation and Review of our new BARNACLE (BRNKL) Yacht Security & Monitoring System [NORDHAVN 43]](/img/n.gif)
another cost to consider, if you decide to resell your boat, expect to lose 20-30% of what you paid for. if its brand new within 1 year you might lose 10%, 2 year old might be 20% , 5-10 year old boat can be 30-50% . best way to start small and then keep upgrading if you still like it. but if you dont like it straight away your losses will be small ( smaller insurance, smaller maintenance , smaller loss on resale). eg say you got 50000$ spare cash to spend on a boat (not even considering borrowing from bank) , you should expect boat cost initially 50k$ then 10$k maintenance and if you decide to sell it in 12month , expect to sell it for 40k$ and it still might take couple of months to sell and you might have to keep paying mooring fees , insurance etc. so by the time you sold it you might spent 60-70k$ on it and got back 40k$ back.
This is super helpful. Soul destroying but super helpful. Love the channel!
Lol
Not boring at all. Part of the success of vlogging is getting to know the people more and learning from their experiences. Love the videos.
You realize you just crushed a dream of buying a Gozzard 36 and sailing off into the sunset on just my SS check! Seriously though, thank you for a realistic breakdown of expenses. I've watched countless videos on boat expenses, but yours has been the most helpful.
Life long sailor here and snowbird cruiser. I watched this because we are getting to an age where we must consider power instead of sail. Your information is spot on. Well done! We are frankly shocked at the size boat first time buyers opt for. Working your way up in size is important especially as you add systems; AC, generators, electronics, engines, power sources etc.
Not boring. You both do a great job. Nice mix of video and information. I love it. Glad I found your site and will continue to follow. So great job keep it up. Thanks
Thanks and welcome!
I would say a boat that is seeing constant but light use will cost less in the long run than a boat that just sits in the water and used occasional. Good video by the way and highly useful for anyone thinking of making the leap into boating.
Live aboard in a heartbeat and the one thing I said i'd do before life is done with me. Kodiak, Alaska in summer and Mexico in winter. I'm in no hurry to get anywhere and rest assured I am going to be comfortable. Lordy Lordy I need a Nordy!
Great video guys. Think chartering is the way for me to go. Such a realistic POV. Thank you.
Very informative. I'll throw a heavy wrench into the discussion that applies to boat and RV purchases. I would only buy a New boat or RV to get full warranty, full knowledge that you are the first user removing any concerns of user abuse, and getting strong dealer support during and, hopefully, after the warranty period has expired. We went that route with our rather expensive Airstream travel trailer purchase. We waited, saved, and delayed the purchase for several years until we saved enough to purchase a new trailer that was current in all of its features and inclusions. btw, that delay offered us additional time to think and rethink this purchase decision and question it over and over. The ownership has been a success thus far. We have used it a lot. We don't full-time in it. That was never the plan. We have made two 4-week trips each year, a 1-week trip each year, and probably a half dozen weekend excursions each year since purchasing the trailer. That's a lot. You can see a lot and experience quite a bit through that many trips. Obviously, boats are a different experience. They don't compare as boats and RV's offer a uniquely different, amazing lifestyle. We want a boat and hope to get one sometime in the future. I have some boating experience - enough to know that we would love to own one. The warranty on our trailer has run out as we have had it for a number of years, yet we continue to receive excellent dealer support. That was researched heavily!!! (ask other buyers from that dealership - we required a list of buyers and their email address) when we were shopping and comparing dealerships and brands. We simply told the salesman to contact buyers and ask permission to share their email with us. Only one dealership refused to produce a buyer list. We didn't buy it from them. Boats and RV's have a lot of expected issues. They just do. They are moving homes, and the obvious wear and tear on everything is inescapable. Starting with a new one and being the first user offers a huge upside in terms of preventive maintenance and intelligent use. And, be sure this is a long-term purchase as others have stated due to the depreciation you will face when trying to sell it. Obviously, unplanned events can force a sale earlier than expected. That's a given. That's fate. But, selling due to a lack of use and/or a decline in interest is a financial disaster. We see MANY RV's parked in yards collecting tall grass next to their tires as they rust away, fade, and deteriorate. We see MANY boats that seemingly never leave the dock as they fade in the sun, rust away, and deteriorate. A delayed purchase like we required/experienced may have helped those people and redirected their interest before making the purchase.
Hello from Cincy! Great show, great info...we’ve had boats mainly sail...your 100% right it’s pricey.
Be safe sorry for your out of control state!
Thank you!
Great video. First video I've seen from you guys. I love the Nordhavn boats. I've been around boats and ships since I was a kid, have the D5LA and can relate to most of the points in the video. Here in Europe the taxes and fees are more extreme. Insurance usually runs up to 15% of the value, and yearly tax can easily be 10% of value, depending on your country. Diesel is also very expensive, although some countries have tax-free diesel for off-road use. Internet is getting easier with Starlink. Boats need to be used. If not used, expect more maintenance. Thank you for making it. The Nordhavn 47 is a nice looking boat that handles well and has most of the stuff you need for living aboard. Greetings from Norway.
Way to go guys.This video was just what the doctor ordered.Yes the boating lifestyle is amazing but it's not cheap.I spend a fortune just maintaining my 29 ft. Rinker that is only used 5 months a year.
Yes when we boated in WI we hated having only 6 months to enjoy them with another 6 months having to still pay and maintain them.
Yes We were on our Nordhavn 40 for 8 years , going from Dana Point ., California through the Panama Canal to the East Coast.It was wonderful, but everything can go wrong on a boat, because the ocean is a harsh environment. You really need a lot of knowledge to handel different projects on the boat and often in the middle of the ocean or in a hot marina or at anchor. But on the other hand it was a wonderful experience that I would never wanted to have missed for all these years.
Really enjoy the videos you share. Thank you for adding the fun to the work required. This is our first year on our 54’ MV. The first six months of ownership we worked hard fixing and getting to know the boat, and, have it right for all the cruising we wanted to get to. We have made it up to Princess Louisa Inlet twice, then Desolation Sound, onto The Broughtons and just as far as Rivers Inlet. It has been thrilling being on the water and seeing so many places. I am sad that our border keeps us away from cruising the beautiful Puget Sound area right now. My husband and I are many years older than you two! I congratulate you both on making it happen for yourselves! 👍🏻❤️👍🏻
Suzanne Bowen that’s great to hear and great that you’re enjoying so much cruising so far. We, too, can’t wait for the borders to open to enjoy BC. You guys really do have the best boating 👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing this and congrats on your live-aboard voyage. Your info is bang on. Bought our first boat in 1999 and owned our current boat for 16 years. It's an adventure for sure.
This was not boring at all. Great info as boating is expensive and lot of work but oh so worth it. PS I lived in Thousand Islands for two years and you definitely need to add it your bucket list. One of my daughters was born there in Alexandria Bay, NY. Spectacular boating up there.
Glad you mentioned electricity. The port of Seattle nails you for electricity. There is definitely a higher than uti!ity rate cost. My summer moorage is 40% cheaper than Seattle.
Nice job covering the cost of boat ownership. One aspect that cannot be overstated...they are not like cars or homes. Boats require constant maintenance and repairs.
Great video! Anyone thinking about buying a boat needs to see this video, you nailed it. We have a Ranger Tug 27 that we keep on a trailer but now we have to add storage, trailer maintenance and maintenance on our diesel truck to tow it. I can’t even imagine what the cost of ownership would be if I didn’t do the normal maintenance myself, not sure we would even own a boat at that point. Keep up the great videos!
The mistake I made was comparing the cost of distance traveled by boat to a car. That is shocking when you see the cost of one nm traveled. The KingFisher I want uses 80 litres @ 30 knots which when compared to your previous boat makes me feel less sad. ;)
I'd Did hope the emergency boat didn't blow up, I'd rather it inflates! Great video, great information, I always look forward to new episodes, could your captain do a video on getting his captains license , hope you don't mind me mentioning 3 other boat related UA-cam channels that your viewers might enjoy, CruisingTheCut, Aquaholic, and Lorna Jane Adventures.
One thing to consider is how much surface needs to be polished. LOL Your fuel consumption rate is impressive. In my family boat years ago, we had a 226ci flat head 6cyl with 90hp and it burned two gallons an hour in a 40' boat weighed about 12 tons. Your rate has to be delivering more power and has more weight to move, so I'm definitely impressed. That says a lot about getting a Nordhavn.
This is such an interesting video. For some reason, I was expecting a much more life of leisure. I can see how it would be very easy to get behind on maintenance until one feels overwhelmed.
Have always heard there are two great days of boat ownership - the day you buy and the day you sell - airplanes are my passion and it's much like a boat $$$$$ but fun
I greatly appreciate this informative video. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, my Dad had a number of cruisers/fishing boats. I always remember 3 things, ALWAYS maintain your motors, pulling the boat in and out of the water for storage when we were not using it. Dad commenting on his 2nd boat only burning 12 gallons an hours compared to his previous boat burning 18 gallons an hour. My wife and I are debating on getting into a bigger boats however the costs of what things REALLY cost is the regular discussion at our house.
Great video with wonderful content! I love watching your travels and adventures in beautiful Freedom. Continued safe travels and joy!!!
BTW... my brother’s family has a hobby farm in Gillett. Very lovely country and wooded areas!
Amy Boxer Owner if we weren’t water people, or maybe later in life, we’d LOVE a hobby farm!
Thank You for this video Hi Im Ben from Seattle Wa USA and Im going to retire and thinking about buying a boat use to do some boating when I was young with my dad a commercial salmon boat about 45ft.hook and line did that for 3yrs but no pleasure boats so thak you for the information about new boats and what I have to look forward to it would be better to learn here in the NW before taking some long trips thank you look foward to your videos especially your matinance videos learning alot on there too 😀 😊 😉 😄
Had to break comment 111 to 112. 1111 keeps reoccurring in my life. Great explanation I always heard the 10% rule for upkeep and ownership. Great information, we love your stories and your upfront ownership analysis.
Another great video, your framing, and composition are always first-rate. I am a former editor and now handle post for many TV series and features. As mentioned in the past, you two really know how to capture, post, and deliver a consistently great product. I would have hoped you would have been more specific in your costs, just saying! I am working on a new series, short-form, automotive theme, maybe you can do the editing for me!
I see a lot of folks recommending charter before you buy. That sounds good ~ also Coast guard training and also hands on captain training. Ask Capt Chris has a great channel and great information. If I ever had the funds ~ I would definitely do both.
Thanks for sharing the info, don’t have a boat but do have a caravan and tour around Australia in it. Like boating every thing for caravans seems to be 2 to 3 times the cost of one for our house. Stay safe
Excellent Excellent and very factual. Having done very similar in boat purchases over 12 Years and each boat we call "TWOFOOTFEVER" until the last was a Monk trawler which was called "SHIPMONK" We live on the Great Lakes and we would spend the whole summer on it into late fall living on it.You must enjoy this life but it comes with a lot of maintenance which you cannot put aside and boat owners have to realize that. Thank You for a great and informative video that all people considering this life should watch.
I've GOT IT! Another side gig for ya. After my wife and I purchase, we pay ya'll for a weekend bootcamp on "Proper" boat maintenance. You bought a beautiful boat But you maintain to near perfection.
Perfect!
Didnt bore me love your videos I want to be a skipper myself always have been working on tickets atm.I never knew shaun was a skipper .
Simple answer... YES!!!
Hello From Montreal, my first boat was a 19'.....it was a kayak.........Last week we bought a 28'...1991 Carver 28......hoping to buy a Nordhavn one day....... Keep up the great Video !
Thank You, Yes many od not know what they are getting into when buying a boat. Research for sure and most of all find only what you can afford. You both are smart and have shown the breakdown of the cost. You oick a wise boat to finally live abord. Plenty of room and capable of traveling long distances in cofrt and safety. Thank you for sharing and i look forward to more Q& A's as you travel the sound and sorround shorlines along the west coast. Keep safe
Boats are expensive to keep going... People talk about land yachts (RVs) being expensive, but that's the tip of the iceberg compared to the expenses on a boat, depending on the size of the yacht you've chosen. My best to you!
Older Bayliners/Meridians have household fridges in refitted vessels. Those are great for new boaters looking for live-boards on budget.
You're not wrong. The 459 is an incredible liveaboard.
I'm not sure about buying a boat, But if Elizabeth were my First Mate, I would pop for a 60 footer! Something sporty like a Targa 65 GT! ...:)
Great information! I bet those who bought a boat did not know this. Going to have a lot of used boats in the future. (miss my Boat).
Great info...looking to be a full timer but going with the weekender model at first...project boat none the less...just a thought. How bout doing a video on your maintenance days...a day in the life of. All the good and bad. you know, the reality of it...thanks for all the time you put into your videos
Well done guys! The one other expense you could add is travel to your boat. I live in Edmonton, Alberta and my wife and I either fly or drive to Ladysmith several times a season.
Let's Go Outdoors yes good call, we know a lot of people who fly or drive long distances to their boats which adds a lot of time and $$$
Well done, this was the probably best episode I have watched regarding the information that you have provided in term of cost and living onboard and travelling. We were contemplating to buy a boat and live on board with my family, but I have to say you have changed my mind. :-)
Thanks for this! Looking for a 40 foot live aboard. Quite the different world from our 27 foot day sailboat!
You Both are Terrific!
😉
Brother-n-law launches his 35 foot Bayliner with an old airplane tug in Des Moines Yacht cub. They launch up to 50 foot boats for day use. Craziest thing I have seen in a while.
I am looking into buying a boat. I am in Washington on the Columbia. Thank you for all the videos.
We just bought a 28 ft boat & have spent almost what I paid for it on upgrades, repairs & maintenance & I'm doing all the work myself. Looking forward to getting it out to the San Juan's next month. Maybe we'll see you cruising around there this summer. Been watching your videos since I got the boat.
Hi from Bulgaria!
I've been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks, love MV Freedom!
I second one of the other Q&A questions about the Med. I'd really love to see that, it would be an epic trip!
Gananoque, Ontario = Gan-a-noc-kway - 10 miles from where I dock my sailboat on the New York side of the St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands - We stay at some of the Canadian Park Islands on the Ontario side, and an island that our Syracuse, NY Power Squadron owns at Gananoque - Great area you guys need to explore some year
Yacht world is a DANGEROUS place! 😉😅
Very good videos. I enjoy watching them. My question is surrounding electronics and the helm. Watching other videos of products coming out, they appear to be always increasing in functionality, compatibility in that they talk to each other, and ease of use. But one of the videos states that once you buy, say your plot charter, you are kinda locked in for many years just do to costs. If you could just pull money out of your pocket, what would you replace in your helm (and associated senders, receivers, engine, etc)? The second question was what was the process to get your captain's license? Jim from Michigan. You should come to visit the great lakes.
I can answer captains license details. You start off with a simple Recreational boaters license and then can step up into Yachtmaster/Commercial classes based on tonnage. 100 ton, 200 Ton, 400 ton and so on. If I recall correctly it take 50 hours of Combined Overnight passages to qualify for Commercial/Yachtmaster certifying. So you need a well kept logbook of your trips. There is a cost associated with each level you seek to reach. Safety courses you need as well. (STCW95) common title, also referred to as BST basic Safety Training, which recently was updated. USCG or Transport Canada provide all your programs. A Marine first aid is also needed.
Great video guys! Was very informative and interesting...
Thank you for the video. Most likely I will never own a boat but it is interesting. Like your channel. Good to see videos from my neighborhood.
I'd like to see that whole dry stack storage thing work for a fleet of Nordhavns.
Excellent video! Gives one lots to contemplate when considering the boating lifestyle - I'd love to be there but it's probably not financial feasible for us. As a RV enthusiast, I have a question about getting maintenance done. In the RV world, it can be quite tough to find a good place to have one's RV serviced, and long term relationships are always best to have. Trying to get in on short notice is often nearly impossible. How is the availability of maintenance and yards to the live-aboard boater? Do you book long in advance? Where do you live temporarily when you haul the boat out of the water? Thanks so much for sharing your lifestyle and advice with all of us.
Good question! So far we’ve had luck with getting into yards but typically like to plan a month or 6 weeks in advance. Now living aboard, we could either live on the boat in the yard if it was a few days or maybe stay in a nearby hotel.
@@mvfreedom Thanks. I look forward to seeing a video of a haul-out experience.
The new paint applications like F11 is a good option for a consideration on outside maintenance.....im old and it helps support you while you keep up with your washing. Cheers
Very valuable information ... thank you guys!
this is your best video so far, i learned alot! thank you
Boating requires a dedicated committment to the boat which requires, mostly time but money expenses is also there. With committment, it can be a very rewarding endeavor... One other thing, you really should have money you can afford to waste should it not be the thing you're looking for. If it's the right thing, it will provide a world of memories. I know, I was there.
Hey it's good to see everybody with smiling faces including the happy little puppy just checking in
To make it short if your pockets isn't deep enough better not to have a boat like the one in the video or équivalant, just choose the tow capable.
For me if i cant make it moored infront of my house water ways (if i have it one), i'll just keep it in my dream list.
As a sixty-year old cancer survivor, I can think of nothing better than to spend the rest of my days cruising around New Zealand on a Nordhavn! I guess the question to you would be do you run lithium Ion batteries, and do you ever intend to install solar panels to help reduce running expenses?
Wow good for you to have beaten such a horrible disease. We’re doing what we’re doing since life is too short and health isn’t a given, so NOW is everything. We don’t have lithium batteries but with so many folks going that route for solar we’re definitely going to look into it for the future. We’ve got about 4 more years on our current battery bank so maybe then it’ll make sense to make the investment.
Have you ever considered to cruise the “great loop” - M/V Freedom would be the perfect vessel for such a trip. Cheers from Whitehorse/Yukon
Sadly we’re too tall to make the Great Loop 😏
@@mvfreedom well, in one piece...
but the plus side is, think of all the cool maintenance Shawn would get AFTER hitting the bridges!!!
The subject of different state's taxes is rarely brought up and is hard to get one's head around. I once cruised through california, and 4 yrs later a county tax assessor sent me a bill (thousands of $s) for a marina I stayed at for 1 week (Moss Landing). The marina mgr left my name on the books for years to cover up who was actually staying there. I sorted it out with the tax assessor over the phone.
Water Trails wow that’s crazy!
nice vlog 👍🏼⚓️ keeeep going on and up guys 👍🏼 still watching u from kuwait 😄
Tony & susan here, thank you for all the great info, 23 months til we castthe lines
That’s exciting, it’ll go fast!
Great information guys. TY. Almost a public service announcement. If you have one; you might consider a spreadsheet as a download! :-)
Thanks for the great video, lots of things to consider, some I'd already known about, others new.
Very interesting getting yout honesty.
Learning about marina live aboard availability, all the lawyering, and taxes involved I will probably continue to be a Nordhavn’T
rightsideup you could always register in the Cayman Islands and not stay in one place for too long to avoid much of that like the mega yachts do 👍
by the way those toenail clippers they advertise work fabulous really really good
Mr. Sully says hes the captain and not the second mate
Very true, our bad!
Really great video! Love learning all about boat life! John from Big Bear CA
What a sobering but realistic outline of the recurring costs of boat ownership. Another important expense is depreciation if you move from boat to boat often. A brand new 2021/ 2020 Nordhavn N41 will cost approximately $700K at retail price. How do you resist the temptation to go to new boat shows?
We like boat shows but at this stage we’re totally content window shopping. And good point on the HUGE expense it is to buy/sell boats frequently. We got lucky twice and actually made money on boats...must’ve been Shawn’s OCD waxing and buffing 😉
Love your videos. Be well stay safe.
Wow, I always wanted a boat. This is the most informative vid I have ever seen. To old and disabled to do what is required. Other people I care about. So I guess I will stay on land, and live vicariously though you. Love your vids. 😞😞😍😍
Great solid info & advice. Thanks guys!
I don't know anything about boats, but I did hear of a saying that boat is a acronym for Break Out Another Thousand. Is that true about owning boats?
Thanks for sharing your story and the helpful tips on cost etc.
Fantastically informational and anchored in reality!
Sean, could you expand on getting this Capt. license? We’re 4 years before on the water and we would like to get as much under the belt as possible. Picked up on some gyrations info.
Gyrations was supposed to be “great”. Sorry
Just a quick hello... Thanks for the fun videos. Keep them coming, give Sully a scratch.
Love the safety question/answer
Enjoying your channel, you refer to MV Freedom as a trawler, I live in the UK, where a trawler is a fishing vessel. Did Freedom start out that way and was she refitted?
What a great video! You just burst my bubble. Fortunately, my wife and I make a good living, but now I'm seriously considering whether I really want the headache of a boat. I might stick to a nice land yacht instead.
For those of us in BC, when we come to Washington on our boat we need to pay a fee at customs for the privilege of cruising in Washington. It is only $25 USD annually though that can easily increase, but it could also apply to someone from Oregon or California or someone coming from the East Coast or Alaska.
One marina in Vancouver BC is a strata, you buy the slip. These slips have metered power, cable and telephone connections as well as water and pump out. The issue of live aboard, the strata charter denies anyone living on their boat, a weekend or two a month ok, more is not.
The civic marinas in False Creek are removing ALL live aboard slips, a friend of mine has been forced from his long term slip because of this.
Insurance, one uncle is restricted to daytime only and 150 miles distance from home port by his coverage. That is the lowest rate policy available, it drastically increases when you want more distance or to move the boat at night.
That’s all so sad and unfair. We had no idea WA charged a fee, is that new? But doesn’t surprise us, they nickel and dime every chance they get.
@@mvfreedom I'm not positive on when it started, but I heard about it last year.
paying a 1 time of 25 bucks for an annual sticker or a couple bucks every time we cross over, the unrestricted fee quickly becomes lower cost if you live near the border and cross fairly regularly.
Lets just hope BC doesn't copy them, since everyone from Washington would need to pay to get to Alaska.
Wow, now I know why they came up with the old saying, " The two happiest days you'll have when you own a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it." I never thought I'd say: "airplanes are cheaper!". So I guess I'll just sail along with you two!
Mr. Sully, as you are a second mate or second dog as you are introduced every video, you need to ask the captain a question for me. If you don’t mind that is?
I have so many questions however having just watched a Q&A segment where one of the safety questions asked, and I believe that question was asked by the captain’s older brother? Captain Shawn referred to the inflatable life raft out on the upper deck locked up, chained down in a holding bracket. If the boat capsizes I think Shawn said it will self inflate? Really? Locked up, chained down, in that locked up chained down box? What happens then if Freedom doesn’t capsize and let’s say she just sinks, lord knows we don’t want anything to happen to you or the rest of the crew or Freedom for that matter.
I will say I have been following you folks for some time and you have taken me on many an adventure that I would not have gone if not for you.
I was going to say I don’t have a boat, however that would be wrong as I do have a ten foot kayak set up for fishing.
Okay so enough about me, Shawn I don’t wish to add to your work schedule however where I am sitting and after having watched the fantastic job you both did on the cockpits wooden trim?
Well sir it looks to me like some of your windows trim is maybe showing a little wear around the edges.
Oh and great job on the headliners.
I could go on yada yada yada.
Bernie De is coming to you from sunny Southern Alberta, Canada.
Thank you by the way for all the memories, of which I have added to many of my own.
Very informative! (Dan in New Hampshire!)
Well done you two for keeping it real! And honest so refreshing. Looking forward to more great videos.
Kindest regards from the North if England.
Yes , I really want a boat , a 43 footer
You must be happy you have Shawn the engineer instead of Shawn the lawyer. The boat I worked on was 1,000 ft. long and used about $10,000 per day in total fuel.
Sounds like you were on a CV, but the OPTAR was actually $500K per day in those days.
Great informative programme
Very helpful information. Thank you.
I think within the next 3-4 years there will be some real deals as people will be sick of making payments on boats that haven’t moved in two years
Just a fishing boat here, but my wife wishes I could stay under 10%!
Another great video very informative full of good useful information thank you