A realistic dream? (primarily concerning living on a yacht off the coast of NZ)

DarwinsFavoriteTortoise

So I'm 17 years old, and my dream is to live on a yacht off the coast of New Zealand. Is this realistic? Would the costs be too exorbitantly high? Is there something I'm missing? I've been looking on websites that sell used yachts in New Zealand and I'm seeing highly favorable prices...I was expecting close to a million or over but I've seen yachts anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 dollars (40ish feet), which seems amazing.

Basically, what are some things that I should take into consideration when living on a yacht?

Lastly, I plan to work as a sociologist, as a consultant of some sort. Is this achievable as a sociologist, or are all the jobs largely office based?

Thanks. If something isn't clear, just ask and I'll clarify.

dispatch.o

editted for excessive negativity.

go for it, man.

Just be ready to spend some time on it, and bring a friend who knows about boats when you look at them.

TokyoRaver

Who'd have ever thought this, but this thread has been done before

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=62593

You sure you're not the same person? 8-)

Usagi

Things to consider:

1. Do you know how to sail? If you don't and you have to move your boat, you're probably going to have to pay someone to do it for you.
2. Maintenance for a liveaboard can be a bitch, especially if you buy an older boat or if you live in a warm, moist climate. Plan to learn how to do basic electrical and mechanical work, as well as how to maintain exposed wood and fiberglass and how to detect when its time for an overhaul.
3. Everything mildews. Everything.
4. You are subject to the whim of the weather. Unlike a house/apartment, if there is a gigantic storm you will be at the mercy not only of Mother Nature but also your neighbor's frayed mast stays and your boatyard's not-so-steady mooring buoy.

That's all I can think of for now, but I may add more later. It can be a great idea, especially if you're single and don't care about limited space for your stuff but in my opinion its much more responsibility than owning a house.

Duffel

If you've got or are going to get boating experience, and plan on living in NZ anyway, go for it. Everybody's got a dream they're working toward. Otherwise it's going to be more money and trouble than it's worth.

I have no idea how much a sociologist makes but a 40-foot yacht is going to involve some pretty hefty maintenance; you can't just buy one and plunk it in the water, and you can't do any job from the yacht itself unless you're a freelance writer or a marine biologist or something. You're getting into harbor fees, utilities, the whole nine yards. I've been involved with freshwater boats/houseboats all my life and there's a lot of upkeep involved that might not be readily apparent. You'll need to learn a lot about boats and the workings thereof. I imagine an ocean-going boat would be even more complicated. You might want to consider working on a dock or at a sailing club for a few years to learn the ropes (so to speak) if you don't already.

So, it's not entirely unrealistic but you need to know what you're getting into. And in the meantime, don't pass up the opportunity to do some cool shit because you're saving up for a $100,000 boat you might buy in ten years. By that time, you may have found something you want to do more anyway.