Every now and then I read something about the decline in sailing. Part of the decline I read about is attributed to the increasing cost of keeping a sailboat. That brings up the question - How much does it cost you to keep your boat?

So be honest, include everything (mortgage, mooring, insurance, operating costs, etc.), but don't worry about amortizing things like sails on a yearly basis..

My costs to keep my 36' boat came to just under $2,850 for 2009.

I included launching/haulout and step/unstep spars, insurance, mooring costs (boat and dinghy), servicing the dinghy motor, diesel and gas and replacing a battery this spring. Next year my costs will be higher because my radar and knot meter died this summer