What's the average cost of a one night tuxedo rental?

Liveaboard Houseboat Cost?

• Hi... I have a pretty keen interest in taking on a liveaboard houseboat lifestyle. I have a few questions, and was hoping to get a little info from someone whom has perviously or currently lived aboard a houseboat. So if you have experience living aboard please help me out! I am looking to spend about $25000 maybe $30000 if she is perfect, on a boat I believe this will get me something relatively nice and ideal. I am one single person. I require a double bed space, reasonable clothing cupboard space and an upper deck, and the vital amities. I am looking to buy and live in Australia. QLD/NSW is this a reasonable amount? Whats the rough average monthly cost of living aboard. One Person. Electricity? 1-2hours of tv or computer time a day, weekends perhaps a few hours of stereo use. Also how common are solar powered boats and would this be cheaper? Gas, if need be for heat? (a shower a day, a cooking meal a day) Fuel: I would not be traveling to often, on the occasionally weekend I may do up to 80km give or take. And if I’m not doing that engine run checks. Relocation would be the only other big chunk out of the fuel but I am not looking to count that into monthly fuel cost. However in the event of traveling how much is the average single person sized houseboat(which I am guessing would be around 36/40 feet) going to cost in fuel on a trip about 170km long. Also while moving are you allowed to anchor and stay over night in your houseboat without being at a marine birth? If so how do you find out where this is and is not allowed? What are liveaboard marina costs like? Can you stay for monthly periods? Maybe even a year? Are there clubs / or member kind of situations where you pay a monthly / yearly fee which allows you to birth in certain locations? If so what are these fees and locations like? Also how do you find out where liveaboard marinas are located? Internet? Alcohol? What are the rules with drinking aboard a live aboard house boat? I think thats all for now, I know my questions are pretty detailed, anyone who has the time it will be very much appreciated to hear from someone whom has actually had a few years experience living aboard! It is a big decision for me, I am in love with the idea but need to know the realistic costs, the marine birthing and pricing is what I am most clueless about. Thank you

• Answer:

  wow that's alot of questions,but i'll try to hit the high spots. i've lived on my 34' sport fish/express cruiser for 4 years with my girl friend and may not ever live in a house again, if that gives you any idea about the life style. it will be difficult for me to give you exact prices in your area, as i live on the gulf coast in alabama. fuel economy on boats is generally measured in gallons per hour. don't expect much more than 1 mile per gallon.also marina fuel is higher , even tho there is no road tax involved. i bring my fuel in, in 55 gal drums, but if your marina sells fuel(mine doesn't) don't expect them to be that nice. slip rent for liveaboards here averages about $10.00 per foot. i was lucky enough to find a nice marina that charges a flat fee of $250.00 per month. had to fight with the power company to get a residential rate, as they want to charge commercial rate for boats for some reason.power will be higher,boats aren't insulated that well. i have an 8,000 btu a/c with a 3,500 watt heater. a reverse cycle cruise air is more efficient. i pay up to $200.00 a month in the winter. there is NEVER enough space for all of your stuff. it may be difficult if you are a material person. if you aren't going to use something every month, you don't need it. i bought a storage building to keep some things in, but it's a pain at best. then there's haul out costs. you will need to haul the boat every few years to check/repaint the bottom and running gear.barnacles are not nice and will kill your speed/fuel economy. as far as pricing? i did a repower on an older 47' not long ago that cost $30,000.00 for the engines installed alone. a marine surveyor is worth his weight in gold to avoid getting ripped off. hope this helps. feel free to contact me through yahoo if you think i can help. good luck!