The Loop

[pugtug613]

We have plans of doing the western loop in a few years. From NYC to the west coast of Florida. I started reading up on the cost. WOW! I figure we would take 8 - 10 months. Is a budget of $1K per month doable? I've seen anywhere from 1 - 5K per month on line. Thoughts?

 

[knotflying]

When we stay on the boat for extended cruising, all in is about $3,800 per month. This includes towing the boat with tolls to Florida, stay at a hotel one night on the way down (too cold, no campgrounds), fuel for the boat, groceries, restaurants, sightseeing, marinas, and of course libations. Can you do it cheaper, probably, but we want to have fun and see all we can see, so we don't skimp. Now keep in mind that staying at marinas in Florida is more expensive then where you may be cruising. We like to break up being on the hook anywhere from 1 to 4 nights. In order of expense, food and liquor is number one, then marinas and then fuel. There is always debate about food and liquor being included, because you will do that at home as well. I find it hard to believe that with what I have included one can do it on $1,000 per month.

 

[JamesTXSD]

The big issue with cruising and budgeting: it is likely you aren't going to be traveling in the same area again anytime soon... what do you want to skip? If all you do is look at stuff on the shore from the boat, you aren't really experiencing an area. To do the Loop justice, you need to get off the boat - walk through the cities and small towns, check out the local museums, enjoy the local cuisine. Visit local farmers markets. See concerts and other local events. Mix it up with the local folks to see what life there is like. Being able to sit in the cockpit and toast the sunset - that is priceless; but if that is all you do on a trip like the Loop, you are missing the point. The difference between being a traveler and being a tourist.

Figuring fuel expense is relatively easy: you have some idea what you get for mileage; keep it slow and your fuel dollar goes further. Divide the number of miles by what you expect to get for mpg. Multiply that number by what you expect to pay for fuel per gallon.

Staying in a marina will cost you more than anchoring out, but you have easy access to shore activities. Part of the reason the Loop has been so popular is the fact that you get to experience all the areas along the waterways at an easy pace; except for some of the river portions, there is reasonable access to fuel, civilization, and social opportunities.

If one is looking to "do the Loop" as something to check off a list, it will be like trying "see America" by driving on the Interstate. I don't think $1k per month is realistic to enjoy the trip and appreciate the journey for most folks.

Jim B.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In addition to the great advice from Mike and Jim B you'll find some marinas have loaner cars, frequent these to hold down rental car expense. Most loaners cars are somewhat limited as to amount of time you can take their cars but it is a way to save. Also when staying at marinas overnight plan to arrive as early in your arrival day as possible and depart as late as you canon your departure day, thereby getting as much time in the town you are visiting as possible. In addition ask marinas if they have any specials. Some will, but not many, offer a pay for so many days and get a day free. A lot of marinas, especially down south and on the rivers, offer great monthly rates vs the daily transient rate......so if you find you might like to stay in a particular place ask about there monthly rate. We've stayed at marinas for a month and paid X and when compared to the daily transient rate we would have only been able to stay 10 days for the same amount of money.

Jim

 

[Levitation]

Pug, I know these three.
Liveried butler on the fantail delivering their gimlets, stirred not shaken (can't bruise that gin, now can we)
Chef preparing the surf-n-turf over a grill burning choice mesquite wood
A limo waiting on their beck and call
Masseuse standing by, just in case
Don't believe a word of their financial information - the Queen should live so good

Now in a dispute like this you need to check out my postings and you will see that I never exaggerate - never, never, ever :mrgreen:

 

[pugtug613]

Thanks for these responses. I actually meant $1000/month, not including fuel. I know at 5 GPH and traveling 6 hours, I would need 30 gallons of fuel @ $5.00/ gallon. So, I would budget $150 for each traveling day. If we stay at marina's for 2 days per week and try to have dinner out 2 days per week. I should have been more specific. I have been reading blogs and most people threw their original plans out the window after the first month. Like staying on the hook. Most people started out saying "We plan on staying on the hook most of the time." Then they realize you can't explore the area as easily. Will we pay $1.00/ ft or $2.00/ft? This is NOT a cheap trip, but I believe it would be an incredible trip.

 

[JamesTXSD]

In NYC (at Liberty Landing), we paid over $4 per foot per night. In Key West, you might be able to find something a bit less than that (plus electricity and water). In between, the prices will vary - check Active Captain along your route.

Glad to see you broke out fuel from your original query. $1,000 per month for entertainment (not including marina stays and eating out)? Sure. You control the marina stays, but I think you'll find convenience plays a big part in your enjoyment. Meals out vary, depending on your tastes. We found that most people tend to cruise the way they live on land; we prefer to do lunch out most days, and enjoy the sunset and do light snacks for the evening. Saves on the budget and the waistline.

Contrary to what Denny-o tells you, some cruisers only use the masseuse 3 days a week AND are willing to go with AA mesquite over AAA. I have told him a million times to not exaggerate. 😎

Have fun,
Jim B.

 

[pugtug613]

Oh yeah, I did leave out one more thing. I have an R27 now. Actually, we just got it this passed March. I was also was considering the R29. It has a better sleeping arrangement and I like the head up forward. That's ANOTHER expense!! I guess, if we sell the house, live on the boat and eat saltines for breakfast, we could manage! :lol:

 

[jcarrdive]

Hi, we have looked into the Loop extensively and have read nearly every publication and book about it. There are some great web articles on expenses also. I am sure you have seen a ton of them already. Our Loop trip is many years away yet, but we are working on the expense part right now.

Foldable bikes are great transportation. We got ours at REI for about $550 each. THey don't take up much room and we are good for 20 mile without much trouble (In addition, we have folding bike trailers for out two large ((one is 80 pounds)) dogs.) the fold-able bike trailer would be great for groceries. We got the trailer from Solvit.

So, one of our plans is to take the skiff into the docks (often dinghy's dock for free) and ride to our destinations. This, if course, will be after the dogs are gone. We do it now with the dogs but it takes a couple trips.
Anchoring out will save you a ton. so will running slow. Your tug, at 6 knots, will cost you very little. We burn .6 gallons per hour at 6 knots in our R27.

jeff and Ela

 

[knotflying]

And remember what JP Morgan said, "If you have to ask how much then you can't afford it"

 

[Franky]

I think just Do it, day to day $$ you can work it out. Do your best homework on the trip? Call around on the route for prices time and? Make it fun. $$ should be look at what you can use or need on long trip. But on thing is for shure. This is a life time trip and fun.. You must just Do it for your self... Have fun you two have lots of fun....