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The Sailboat Cruiser: Your Monthly Newsletter, Issue #81
November 02, 2025
Hi

The Sailboat Cruiser

It's often said you should never sum up the annual costs and expenses involved in owning a boat. Even more importantly, you should never, ever, divide that sum by the number of days you use the boat. That would be just plain silly.

So, take a deep breath, and read on...

The 10% Myth: Why Your Sailboat's Budget Needs a Major Overhaul

You've got the sailing experience, the passion for the open water, and perhaps you're planning that next big purchase or trying to rationalise your current outgoings. But for many sailors, there's one figure that always remains stubbornly out of reach: the real, definitive cost of keeping a sailboat afloat.

The initial purchase is just the beginning; it's the annual and long-term financial commitment that catches many by surprise, turning the dream into a budgetary headache.

I’ve pulled back the curtain on the finances of boat ownership, moving beyond the simple 'percentage rule' to give you a clear, realistic financial roadmap.

What You'll Learn:

  • How the infamous 10% annual maintenance rule stacks up against the reality of major long-term replacements.
  • The three key factors that make mooring fees the single largest recurring cost for most owners.
  • A practical breakdown of long-term replacement costs for critical components like standing rigging, sails and engines.
  • Identifying the hidden costs, from depreciation to mandatory safety equipment servicing, that can silently drain your cruising fund.
  • Don't let unexpected bills put a damper on your sailing dreams—
  • Click here to read the full article...

    All the best


    Dick McClary

    Go to Sailboat-Cruising.com's Home Page...
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