As real-life cruisers, “if you were going to offer ONE piece of PRACTICAL advice to a new or would-be cruiser, what would it be?”
This is the question we asked our friends, supporters and viewers across social media, and just under 150 real-life cruisers came back with their cruising advice… Some of their answers may surprise you.
Watch or listen to find out more, and to learn the multitude of ways cruisers think and prioritise. Remember, these people are out their actually doing it, and most don’t even have YouTube channels! 😀
Thinking of Living on a Boat? Top Tips from Experienced Sailors
For anyone dreaming of casting off the lines and sailing into the sunset, the prospect can be as daunting as it is exciting. Where do you even begin? We turned to their community of experienced sailors to answer that very question.
In our podcast, ‘Casting Off’, we asked their audience: “If you were going to offer one piece of practical advice to a new or would-be cruiser, what would it be?” The response was overwhelming, providing a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering a life on the water. Here are the key takeaways.
The Mental Leap: Just Do It!
One of the most common themes was the importance of taking the initial leap. Many experienced cruisers agree that the hardest part of the journey is often just making the decision to start.
As commenter Jason Jernigan put it, “Just do it. You’ll figure out what you need along the way. The hardest part is leaving.” This sentiment was echoed by many who believe that once you’ve made the mental commitment, the practical steps become more manageable. The key is to stop talking about it and start doing it.
Reality Check: It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
While the cruising lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not always the picture-perfect postcard you might see on social media. It’s a life that involves hard work and unexpected challenges.
Tim Roos noted, “It’s more wonderful than you can imagine, but more work than you’d expect.” Another cruiser, from the channel ‘Sailing with the Gales’, advised newcomers to “live your own dream because what you see on YouTube is not what you get in reality.” This highlights the need for realistic expectations and a willingness to embrace both the highs and the lows.
Budgeting for the Unforeseen: The Financial Realities
A significant amount of advice centred on the financial aspects of boat ownership and cruising. A clear consensus emerged: it will almost always cost more than you think.
One cruiser from ‘Por Dos’ offered a simple rule of thumb: “Whatever you think it’s going to cost, triple it.” Another, Jeff Andrews, suggested a detailed approach: spend a year tracking every possible expense in a spreadsheet, and then add another 30%.
Key financial tips included:
- Budget for more than just the boat: The initial purchase is only the beginning. Ongoing costs for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, insurance, and mooring are where the real expenses lie.
- Don’t spend your entire budget on the purchase: A common piece of advice was to spend only about 50% of your total funds on the boat itself, keeping the rest in reserve.
- Avoid debt: Many strongly advised against borrowing money to acquire a boat, as the maintenance costs are what truly impact your finances.
Before You Buy: Practical Steps and Considerations
Before you even step aboard your own vessel, there’s crucial homework to be done.
- Gain Experience: Don’t just dream it, try it. Get out on the water by taking sailing courses, crewing for others, or chartering. This will not only build your skills but also confirm if the lifestyle is truly for you.
- Define Your Purpose: What kind of sailing do you plan to do? Coastal cruising, blue-water ocean crossings, or weekend trips? The right boat for one is not necessarily right for another. Make sure the boat you choose is fit for the job you need it to do.
- Become Self-Sufficient: As cruiser Peter Claerhout advised, if you have no technical knowledge or can’t improvise, the lifestyle will be difficult. Learn as much as you can about boat systems—electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.
Life On Board: Day-to-Day Practicalities
Once you’re out there, a new set of challenges and joys begins.
- Embrace Flexibility: Ditch the rigid schedule. As multiple cruisers advised, “Never sail on a schedule.” The weather is in charge, and you must be prepared to wait for the right conditions. As the saying goes, “Hurry slowly.”
- The Partner Factor: Cruising is an intense experience, especially in a small space. It’s vital that everyone involved is equally committed. Be honest with each other about your desires and fears before you set off.
- Master the Basics: Simple skills are crucial. Understanding your anchoring system is paramount, as you’ll spend most of your time at anchor. Get to know the sounds your boat makes; they will tell you when something is wrong.
- Engage with Local Cultures: Don’t just sail past—immerse yourself. Be open to trying local foods and learning a few basic phrases in the local language. A simple “hello” and “thank you” can make a huge difference.
The Philosophy of Cruising
Ultimately, the advice transcended mere practicalities, touching on the very soul of the cruising life. The legendary sailors Lin and Larry Pardey’s motto was quoted: “Go small, go simple, go now.”
It’s about embracing freedom, finding joy in everyday moments, and being fully present. As Hélène summed it up, “Open your heart to the ‘be here now’ moments… the good, the not so good, the amazing, the astounding.”
Living on a boat is an adventure filled with challenges, but for those who are prepared and open-hearted, the rewards are immeasurable.
- Whatever you think it’s going to cost, triple it
- Get some experience before you buy
- You can go anywhere or anytime, but not both
- Make sure your partner is as keen as you
- Explain your rules to all crew
- On Passage – ditch the rules?
- On Passage – hasten slowly
- On Passage – it’s not comfortable to check your phone on the toilet
- Boat Maintenance – Do or DIY
- Keep a keen eye on the forecast; these days misery is optional.
- In sketchy harbours keep an anchor watch
- Don’t be in a rush; explore each stopover
- Never sail with a goat; they are greedy and bad with knots
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a new cruiser?
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