
Money. Cruising. Is there enough? Can we afford it?
Always big questions and Nica’s podcast this past week really resonated with a lot of people. It’s called “What If We Run Out Of Money?” (listen here; read here) and gives voice to that fear that we all have and provides some serious answers. If you haven’t already listened/read, I highly recommend it.
If you are trying to develop your own cruising budget, my article “How Much Does It Cost To Cruise?” is a discussion of the many factors that will determine your expenses.
Almost every cruiser I talk to says that the first year of cruising was considerably more expensive than expected, generally due to unplanned repairs or upgrades that suddenly moved into the urgent category. A few others found themselves making unexpected trips “home,” whether to tie up loose ends, help parents or kids, or just homesickness. It pays to have a substantial reserve fund for such items.
Living on a boat and cruising is a wonderful way of life in my opinion. And it can be done on almost any budget. But that budget has to be developed with your eyes wide open and the tradeoffs fully understood. And then you can figure out how you’ll fund it.
Remember, nothing says that you have to leave the dock with all the money you’ll need in the bank. There are plenty of ways to work as you go!
P.S. Want more info on making ends meet?
- Seven Budget Lessons (by Nica) podcast or read
- Working As You’re Cruising (by Lin Pardey) podcast and transcript both
Be sure to subscribe to The Boat Galley newsletter to keep up with what we’re up to and get helpful tips and encouragement from the water.
Flatten the learning curve with practical how-to info that gives you the confidence to step into life aboard.
Start Learning Today

Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Leave a Reply