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Going Ashore
Marinas
You can choose to anchor offshore whenever possible, but sometimes in certain conditions you’d rather tie up to a dock. Fees at a marina will vary depending on the season and the location, and some charge more for electricity and water usage than others.
Pulling into Monte Carlo might strain your finances, but pulling into one a few miles down the coast might not. You can save a lot of money by limiting your marina stays in general, but sometimes it’s a good idea if you’ll be going ashore for an extended period of time.
Repairs
You’re sailing, but engine troubles and other equipment problems are bound to happen. Being handy will save you a lot of money and time sitting at a dock. Assuming you can’t fix your own equipment, you should anticipate some spending in this area. Add to that the amount of equipment on your boat, and the age of the boat.
Entertainment
You are probably planning on going ashore over the course of your voyage to take in some of the finer things land has to offer. You can go simple and just enjoy the beach or a stroll through town. However, you may want to engage in some activities that cost money, such as museums, sightseeing tours, or car rentals.
This part of the budget will really depend on your preferences and where you go. More developed areas and cities will be bustling with popular tourist locations, as well as nightlife.
And more rustic destinations will probably have more to offer in the way of natural parks and beaches, which may or may not cost money. It is a good idea to budget liberally for entertainment, especially if cruising is a family affair.
Communications
Staying in touch with the outside world might not be on your agenda, in which case you need not worry about budgeting for it. But if you plan on using a phone or checking email, you should realize it can get costly. Using a cell phone from a remote location can add up quickly. Phone cards and email at internet cafés are usually a cheaper alternative.
Additional Considerations
Navigational aids are a wise choice when you’re traveling to foreign waters, and it’s good to have current charts wherever you go. They don’t necessarily come cheap, but can more than pay for themselves when you find yourself in shallow waters around unfamiliar island chains.
And finally, health problems are a possibility if you’re going to be cruising for an extended period, or if you’re in a foreign place. Besides having some first aid supplies on the boat with you, you may want to budget for some unforeseen health issues that may arise, and/or have adequate travel insurance coverage.
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