Hi. Looking to learn about boating. Recently have been thinking about purchasing a liveaboard (37ft Sea Ray) and would like to learn everything about owning one. What are the expenses, what to do if something breaks, basic operations, guages, etc. I have zero experience in boating and really don't want to jump head first before knowing what I would be fully getting myself into. I'm looking for someone who can sort of take me under their wing and teach me. I'll even take any info on some good local boating courses. Thanks!
Your questions if answered fully would be pages long. But here is the short answers. Boats are very expensive even 37ft sea rays. Finding a liveaboard marina in SD isn't easy, only 1 or 2 and its going to be a grand a month or more for the slip. Your best bet is to go on the bloodydecks website and find someone to buddy up with who has a boat and go fishing/cruising with them. Once you see what an owner actually has to lay out in money and time you may or may not want to move forward on getting your own.
Thanks for your input. Im just looking for cheaper housing options and I love the water. 500sq ft crappy apts are going for $1600+. If I could get a boat and slip for around there I wouldn't mind although I have no idea what extras are on top of that. Just weighing options. Thanks again. I'll check out that site.
Lots of people wanting to do what your thinking about in LA/SD area for the same reasons. You could probably buy an older boat 37-45 ft boat for 40=70k that's nice enough to live on, cheaper if you can live very spartan. Liveabroad slip in Chula Vista pier 39 about $750 plus i think $200-300 liveaboard fee per person. That gets you a spot to put the boat, showers restrooms and a parking spot for your car. Electric, water another $150 per month, insurance $80 a month, 100 per month for diver to keep bottom clean. That gets you a floating condo, price goes way up if you want a great running boat rather than just a place to live. Good luck!
I know some people doing this at Harbor Island. As said above, easier to do if you want a floating condo but still somewhat hard to get a slip around here.
A sailboat is probably your cheapest option, especially in terms of operating costs. The learning curve to sail may be a bit steeper though, helps to have friends onboard.
I have a decent paying job so not looking for cheap. I want comfortability and tranquility. Just like to learn the basics.
Before you do anything else, you should go to the marinas you might be interested in and determine what the possibility of getting a liveaboard slip is. The California Coastal Commission regulates marinas and attempts to maintain a concentration of no more than 10% liveaboards, but targets a much lower number. Most marinas also don't allow transfer of a slip when buying a boat.