| Of all the ways to retire early living aboard a sailboat is | | | | max) or walked, we all need regular exercise, to go to |
| probably not on your radar. | | | | the store, have lunch, etc. |
| Some think a sailboat is a pleasure craft you take out | | | | Why is this one of the cheapest ways to retire early? |
| on Saturday. The rest of the time the boat sits at the | | | | Think about how little you need when your home |
| dock...right? | | | | floats. No heating AC, the sea breeze takes care of |
| Wrong...a cruising sailboat is a floating home, one my | | | | that. No clothing costs, we wore swimsuits and T shirts |
| wife and I lived on for 8 years in the Caribbean. We | | | | and cover-ups. No temptations to spend money unless |
| cruised from Venezuela to the Virgin Islands, making | | | | the fishermen have fish or lobster to sell. We ate 90% |
| stops at virtually every island in between. No we didn't | | | | of our meals on board, exception of Venezuela; a nice |
| get off at night and stay at motels. The cruising | | | | meal for 2 there with drinks cost less than $10, so we |
| sailboat is fully equipped for "liveaboards". | | | | ate ashore more there. |
| Of all the ways to retire early, this was the most fun | | | | I am not talking skimping either. Thanksgiving meant |
| for us. What did we know about sailing?...close to zero. | | | | turkey or chicken with all the trimmings, cooked aboard, |
| We were fascinated by the lifestyle, so doesn't let lack | | | | and usually shared with other cruisers. |
| of knowledge stop you from trying this great way of | | | | It was also safe for us, we and the friends we made |
| living. | | | | never had a problem with crime...we never felt |
| We spent less than $1,000 a month when we were on | | | | uncomfortable on any island. Just use common sense |
| the boat. It actually seems like a lot when we think | | | | like you would in the USA. |
| about it now. | | | | If you have never considered living aboard a sailboat |
| We anchored off shore (20 to 100 yards is offshore), | | | | to be one of the cheapest ways to retire early...think |
| which is free. We usually went ashore daily by dinghy. | | | | again. It was safe wonderful frugal fun for us...it can be |
| We used public transportation (cost $0.07 to $1.00 | | | | for you as well. |