Cruising on a Budget: Liveaboard Life Made Affordable

Cruise comfortably on a budget with insights to minimize costs and maximize the liveaboard lifestyle

$29.00 USD

~~$29.00 USD~~ $29.00 USD

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This course is part of our All-Access Pass, where you get all 9 of our courses (plus some bonuses) for one low price. Learn more

Make Life Afloat Affordable: Master the Costs of Living on a Boat

Cruising doesn’t have to break the bank. With thoughtful planning and smart choices, you can live aboard comfortably without spending a fortune. Whether you’re dreaming of life on the water or actively preparing to cast off, Cruising on a Budget is your guide to understanding how much it really costs to live on a boat and how to manage those expenses.

You can make your cruising dream a reality without constant sacrifice. This course empowers you with practical strategies to save money, manage living expenses, and make informed decisions—ensuring you can enjoy the journey, even on a small budget.

✔ Learn how to choose a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget
✔ Get strategies to save money on provisioning, maintenance, and daily living
✔ Understand the real costs of living aboard and avoid financial surprises

What’s Inside

Cruising on a Budget introduces you to the questions you need to ask and the tradeoffs you can make when cruising on a limited budget. Here’s an overview of what’s covered:

Boat Shopping

Age, size, and condition vs. price
Monohulls vs. multihulls

Boat Systems

Engine
Refrigeration
Charging
Watermakers
Water systems
Heads and holding tanks
Heat and air conditioning
Safety

Boat Insurance

Liability-only policies
Considerations when choosing a carrier
Self-insuring

While Underway

Fuel
Marinas and moorings
Free docks
Anchoring
Restaurants and bars

Provisioning and Meals

Propane conservation
Cooking with electric
Pressure cookers
Cooking tips

Parts and Maintenance

What to carry on board
Obtaining parts while underway
Finding help away from home

Communications

Weather
Cell phones
Offshore communications
Starlink
Garmin inReach, Iridium Go!
Wi-Fi amplifiers

Income

YouTube
Crewing
Working remotely
Travel writing
Work trade

Visitors

Meal planning
Communication
Managing expectations

Destination Planning

Repair facilities
Cost of living
Cost of clearance and permits
Complexity of journey

With clear explanations, examples, and actionable advice, this course simplifies your decision-making process and helps you cruise comfortably within your means.

About the Instructor • John Herlig

John Herlig has firsthand experience with cruising on a shoestring budget. During his multi-year journey aboard his 1967 Rawson 30, he explored the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, and back to the U.S., proving that cruising can be accessible to almost anyone with resourcefulness and creativity.

For years, John lived aboard full-time, refining his frugal cruising techniques. Now, as a delivery captain and crew member, he continues to share his expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University and as a writer for top boating publications.

John’s practical insights and approachable teaching style make this course an invaluable guide for anyone looking to cruise comfortably on a budget.

Immediate Access

You’ll get login details onscreen immediately after purchase as well as via email, so you can start right away or when it’s convenient. Take this course at your own pace, revisit topics anytime, and enjoy lifetime access to all updates.

No shipping. Everything is online and ready when you are.

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Our Guarantee

At The Boat Galley, we have one mission: to help you cruise with confidence.

As liveaboard cruisers, we understand the challenges and questions that come with boat life. That’s why we create practical products and courses designed to tackle the same issues we’ve faced ourselves—making your life on the water easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Try our products and courses for yourself. If they don’t make your boat life better, use our 90-day FREE no-hassle return guarantee.

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Where You’ve Seen Us

Meet The Boat Galley Team

At The Boat Galley, we’re all cruisers. We know the joys—and the challenges—of boat life. The steep learning curve, costly mistakes, and hours spent searching for answers can be overwhelming. We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve created practical tools, trusted resources, and real-world guides to help you skip the frustrations and focus on enjoying your cruising life.