Brian,

WOW, that may be up there with what is the correct boat to go cruising in.

When we departed to go cruising full-time in 2004, we had been living aboard for many years and had our house rented out for quite some time. After so long of renting we had some problems, but the rent was more than our mortgage payments, so it was a profit center for us.

Due to a family emergency we had to return from cruising in late 2008 early 2009. It looked like we would have to stay land bound for most of the time for up to 5 years. So, purchasing a house was better than renting for us.

Returning to the dirt has many new costs that we had forgotten about. It nickel and dimes us ALL the time! People just don't realize the cost to start up new after being cruising. Most (us included) have built up “stuff” for a long time. To start over is a BIG job. Just getting the cleaning supplies to start living was a big cost.

When we were out (we hope to go back out soon) and we were anchored out, the cost was LOW. Once away from docks, there was almost no reoccurring costs. With a house, they start to mount up. Even is we never used gas at the house, it still costs us each month. Same with water, power and other items.

Good Will is your good friend ...

Greg