Some thoughts

• How much it will cost us per month to maintain and live on our future boat

Ask at the marina you want to stay at (rate/ foot) they will nail you for 41ft +/- (if you think you want to anchor out all of the time instead,  please check into other boats, as they are a better choice)

Ask at the marina what the live aboard adder is (and what is the waiting list length is)

Ask the yard;  but the total Haul out for me runs from 1.5K to 3K  and are done 2 to 3 years apart. = 100/month +/-

general upkeep runs 50.00 to 100.00/month (varnish, fixing, laundry, toys etc. etc)

elec power is about 1/4 of the usage on land but the base rate is the same +/-

elec is great way to heat the boat.

I would guess 800 to 1100/month for rent calculation compare. (no boat loan, food, or transportation included)

ie. 300 slip fee at oh my god I can not believe it is soooo cheap.

ie. 100 for the haul out

i.e 100 for the monthly maintenance

ie. 140 for live aboard fee

i.e. 85 for the oh my god this is the best deal ever on insurance.

so it could be almost free or 725 but more likely  800 - 1100

OH (make sure a 8K+ "did not see that coming" will not kill you) stuff like engine replacement, new sails, lost mast there is just lots and lots and lots of stuff that can go wrong. but it normally does not.

• Reading books to understand the vernacular of sailing

Don't worry to much about this (pointing almost always works). But it is a great way to spend time. (it is called dreaming; oh I mean reading)

• Finding a WestSail 32 we can live in from day 1 without too many major repair

They all fit this statement. Well all that are floating do.

What you need to know, is how ready is it to sail 500 + ocean miles, and is the boat and its systems in good general shape. Ask the owner about what extras are needed for him to moving the boat 500+ ocean miles to it's new home, if he talks about weather timing and food without a second thought, then you are there. but in most cases they will be happy to have someone else move it = Not ready and needs work or if they are old they are the part that is not ready.

 For one that is ready you are in the 48K+/- range. please note: there are very good deals on the w32's as owners get older, so 48K now beets the heck out of 60k back in the 1990's

• Are there other things we should be looking for?

1. It is not the same as an appartment that you come home to, open the door and your only worry is what is on TV.
2. ask your selves why you want to do this. If it is to live simpler and on less $$$ then you are going the wrong way.  living aboard is the same cost.  and you will be incharge of the Elec Power, the water storage and pumping, the sewer, the paperwork, filing for permits , the weather reporting, the time keeping, the maintenance scheduling, checking dock lines, finding someone to check the lines if there is a storm while you are away, checking anchor, safety systems checking, and fueling and sailing. ETC. ETC. ETC.
   
3. If you want to live small, mobile and in charge of your whole world; but are aware that there are regulations on anything and everything you will do, and where you can go. Then a W32 is a pretty good choice. As compared to other boats, it is bigger inside, cost less, can be maintained and single handed ok. And in my opinion a pretty darn good boat.
   

Tips on how to do it right

• Sail at least 10 times a year (keeps the boat a boat)
• be kind to others (they may still treat you as second class, for living aboard but you have a boat)
• don't dump stuff at the shore toilet or in the bay (pump outs are reasons to go sail)
  
• plan what you do (sail, maintain or even take a shower) good planing is a good thing!
• Dock party's are the best! but don't be to loud or stay to late (naked may or may not be OK, hard to tell the first year; best to try to keep the clothes on)
  
• Try to keep your dock area clean (not a bunch of toys etc.)
• KEEP IT DRY AND WARM!!!!!!!!!!!!
• KEEP THE ZINKS IN GOOD SHAPE
• Check that you are not leaking current (elec) or oil!
  
• Towels and clothes dry in the dryer on shore. not on the lifelines. (exception: when you are away from the dock for more than a day and are at anchor)
• If you need to put up a blue tarp (please list the boat for sale on the spot)
• Do not put a frig on the dock!
• remember eating out keeps the boat DRY. (if you need a reason.)
• The storage locker is a good way to transition from land (where stuff is all around to a boat which should be neat and operational)
  

Hope this helps

Hi Norm! Thank you so much, I am filling my notebook with all of those nuggets of wisdom.

If you could tell me in little bit more details what you mean by "regulations on everything you do and where" that would be greatly appreciated.

Does it depend on which countries waters we are sailing on?

or does it depend on where our boat is registered?

How much regulations compared to a plane or a house?

We are not fans of governments in general and we generally just want to be left alone but we understand that in this game, we are the mouse and they are the cat. Better comply with the people with guns and fancy uniforms.

If we are looking for a more "laissez-faire" environment, where would you suggest us to sail to? ;-)

Renaud: 

Norm and Dick have posted great information .. besides Dicks blog check out Dani and Tate blog at http://sundownersailsagain.com/  .  They refit S/V Sundowner over the last 5+ years and are now cruising south and post great stories and pics.  

As far as which boat to choose - of course a Westsail -- and there are W42 W43 also but the cost goes up by the length... but so does the room for a shower/storage/work area/washer etc. 

Pam and I don't live aboard -- but Pam does appreciate our small house when we return from a few days on s/v Pygmalion a W32...  

It's all a trade off of how you want to live - and I'll assume that motion sickness isn't an issue or you have found a solution.

PS cruising in your area - is in my bucket list and very near the top:)  Now to find the time and $$.

Jay Bietz - my photo albums

  

Just a suggestion for you.  The Pacific NW Rendezvous is happening in August, check the website for specific details. If you have the chance to drop by and tour the boats and meet other members you'll be very enlightened.

Bud Taplin generally attends, he can answer all questions.  Dave King is another great source of information on boat projects and racing the WS 32.

Diane