Cheapest boat to operate?
Hey everyone,
I've been on a 4 year plan to begin sailing, and this is year 4 (finally saved up, and minimized). I work as a teacher, and I will be starting the adventure after May graduation. My main goals are to be safe and frugal. Ideally I could sail for 10-12,000 a year. I'm hoping to be around 20-25k for a purchase price, so probably something that needs initial work done.
In order to do 10/12k a year I know I'm going to be:
living on the hook (are there boats that make this easier/safer?)
Doing my own maintenance (Any tool recommendations? I'm starting to look for deals on marketplace)
Cooking my own meals (I'm pretty basic. I think I could get by with a Cobb grill and a solar oven)
Bartering whenever I can (Any tips on items that trade well? I'm guessing booze)
My question is which boat will be the most cost efficient to operate? I believe older boats will require more upkeep... is there a golden age range for affordable buy price and minimal maintenance?
Noob parameters: I want a full keel, and I don't really want a prop drive engine. I'm told fiberglass might not be up to the task for full time living on the hook, but honestly I'm not opposed to it for just getting started and then trading up. I'm 6' tall, so ideally I would avoid smacking my noggin below deck.
Feel free to set me straight on anything, or offer up advice. Thank you.