Living on a boat

[djlenny]

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to know if anyone knows of or heard of the possibility of living on a boat at one of the yacht clubs...?

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you can afford a boat big enough to live on and pay the dockage then you can live on it. Not a problem.

[HunBunny80]

Yes I know a few people living on board.

[djlenny]

Well i think the price of rental in SG and the price per month to dock a boat would be won back after 1 year of 'normal' unit rental.....+ u get a boat out of it!!!

[HunBunny80]

mooring and maintenance of the boat isn't too expensive but boats here are overpriced. It all depends on what sort of boat you are looking for.

[ScoobyDoes]

mooring and maintenance of the boat isn't too expensive but boats here are overpriced.

Um, isn't the point about a boat that you can buy it from anywhere then sail it to where you need it, considering the fact OP is talking about one large enough to live on?

If the mooring costs are not so high here then its always a possibility. I had known quite a few coupls doing it in HK years ago. One week i remember they just went shopping and left, sailed off.

[boffenl]

I guess it depends on what you consider expensive mooring--$200 in Baltimore--$2,000 plus PLUS in SG for a decent sized boat at one of the less expensive clubs--$20k and more at some of the more exclusive. And by decent I'm assuming you'll live on something over 50ft. I'd totally agree that boats are ridiculously expensive here. We're thinking of bringing something from Miami (we have a close friend who can sail it here for us). Once the financial crisis really kicks in, there should be some great deals to be had in yachts in the US. It's roughly $1,000 p/foot to get it here via transport vessel. Looking at easily another $50 to $60k in additional shipping costs. We think it's worth it--apt prices are almost criminally high here.

One word of caution we've heard--don't get something too big as it'll really cost you to moor it here. Plus they don't have great facilities for yearly maintenance of larger boats here, I've heard. That's why we're hoping for something around 60 ft with 16ft beam. Goo luck! Keep the Forum updated on your choice.

[djlenny]

thanks, 2000 per month was no where near what i read up....just doing the sums....

[boffenl]

We had looked at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club since it's near my work. Given you need to be a member, plus per month fees in addition to the docking fees, you're looking at over 2,000 per month. I think there is a cheaper alternative north of town near the Tuas link, but can't remember the name of the club up there. The others are simply NUTS to dock--the fees are exhorbitant and memberships are closed.

Have a tour of some of the clubs and you'll find one you like. We haven't gone ahead with our plan since it would require buying a car as well--most of the marinas are quite isolated--and you'd either need a car or plan on paying the booking fees for taxis. There are some great yacht dealers in town, we've really enjoyed speaking with Lau Ai Wee at R Marine Singapore. She totally knows her stuff.

What locations are you looking at?