Post: #26

I didn't even have to know these existed to know that they existed and Google would deliver:

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/12211

Post: #27

Granted, there are plenty of horror stories about maintenance/repair costs, but that's often because the sort of people that typically own large boats are those who are accustomed to parting with large sums of money without much thought.

Imagine there are two identical yachts, maintained to an equal standard.
Owner number one has a grey beard, a battered cap, and a crude faded anchor on his leathery forearm.
Owner number two has gold chains, an Audi, and a post wall wife with big fake tits.
Who do you think pays more for maintenance and repairs, even if using the same tradesman for exactly the same job?

Post: #28

(07-27-2016 11:46 AM)General Stalin Wrote:  Not sure what your financial situation is like, Suits, but I'd also like to recommend you seriously weigh the costs of running your own boat. An actual sleeper craft with an inboard or even inboard/outboard is not just pricey to buy, but also pricey too upkeep. That's where the "gotcha" is with maritime living.

It would be a little cheaper to own a sailboat as the fuel/engine costs would be far lower, but you still need to pay to store it (which is expensive if you want to dock/moor in a nice port city) and other general upkeep. Every few years you will also need to dry dock it and restore/refinish the hull and other such huge pain in the ass and expensive projects.

Not trying to talk you out of it because being out on the ocean on your own ship (especially one with a lot of space and really baller creature comforts) is amazing, but it certainly has it's downsides.

I did a ton of reading on the subject back when I was in my very early twenties. At that point, I was deadset on eventually living on a sailboat.

At this time, I see it more as one of many interesting options, but I'll only seriously pursue it if the numbers are right with plenty left over.

I'm a big proponent of developing a lifestyle where the girls come to you to some degree, as I don't see it as an ideal goal to still be doing street approaches in ones 40's.

I just turned thirty, so I'll let you know how it all turns out one or two decades down the road.

As it turns out, just as I leave my 20's, I've reached a stage where I'm very aware of what my strengths are and I believe that I have serious earning potential as a small business owner. I can earn a comfortable living on the service side already ($50K+ with no need for a car or any major expenses aside from housing). I'm using my surplus income to develop a line of products that will reposition me from service provide to legitimate business owner.

If I fail completely, I'll still be earning an easy $60K or more each year working for myself. A sailboat would a stupid choice at this income level.

If I succeed at business, the sky is the limit. Even then, I don't want anything longer than a bluewater capable 32fter. That'll do the job and any additional feet, no matter the purchase price, will quickly increases the expanse and challenge of maintenance jobs.

It's completely reasonable to expect to be able to manually lift sails on a 32ft boat. It's less reasonable on a 50ft boat, depending on the sail plan. The last thing you want on a boat is one more essential component (such as a power sail-lift) that is liable to break down at the most inconvenient moment.

As far as long term goals go, I just want the best lifestyle possible. I'm definitely not going to sacrifice everything just to have a boat. If it's the most efficient means to an end, then I'll seriously consider it.

Post: #29

Aren't there marinas where you can rent boats to live on just to try it out? I have seen Craigslist ads in the San Francisco bay area for houseboats to rent in Sausalito to the north, and every now and then someone rents a smaller boat to tenants.

Something like this costs $1000 a month in the Bay Area:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/apa/5703922309.html

Quote: I have two well equipped sailboats available for rent as a live-aboard. One is an a 30' Islander for $1200/mo and the other is a Ranger for $1000/mo. Please see the pics for both. The marina is very quiet and a special oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city equipped with a private shower and bathroom facility and laundry room. Wifi is available at the marina with an adapter and all utilities are included as well as basic cable with Showtime.

Post: #30

There used to be another guy round here (besides Suits) who knew everything about buying and running boats, and girls, and China....but I think he's "out to sea" at the moment.



...

Post: #31

(07-28-2016 02:43 PM)Mercenary Wrote:  There used to be another guy round here (besides Suits) who knew everything about buying and running boats, and girls, and China....but I think he's "out to sea" at the moment.



...

Rimshot.

G

Post: #32

How hard is it to get a hot tub in china anyway? They must have millions of em stored away in some warehouse. You could just rent on the first floor of your apartment building and then no worries about breaking the bottom floor with the weight right???

It's been three years please tell me you have found the solution to this problem.

Post: #33

(07-28-2016 11:32 PM)Jackreacher Wrote:  How hard is it to get a hot tub in china anyway? They must have millions of em stored away in some warehouse. You could just rent on the first floor of your apartment building and then no worries about breaking the bottom floor with the weight right???

Not really. There are basements with service areas or even parking garages under the first floor of most buildings. Even if that isn't the case, getting your landlord to approve it would probably be unlikely.

The best solution is to rent a place inside Ring Road 2 with a courtyard (there are plenty), but even then, you couldn't have any wild parties, because the noisy would piss off your neighbours.

Quote:It's been three years please tell me you have found the solution to this problem.

I've spent the past three years finishing my university degree, building a business in China and generally remaining flexible regarding the future. I'm not going to be able or willing to settle down in the next five years to a point where a boat or hot tub would make sense, so it's a problem that doesn't need to be solved any time soon.