How the Numbers Stacked Up 1/6/2017 11:25

PLEASE NOTE ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS REPORTED ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS

This will be the last year I report our annual numbers as I think that the value and the lessons to learn regarding this for prospective buyers, have now been well served.

Each year, for the past five years, I have reported the costs involved of owning complex vessel such as Pendana.  These ocean-going vessels are like little micro cities capable of making electricity, storing electricity, compacting garbage, making fresh drinking water and some, like Pendana, have satellite stations to provide internet, phone, texting and HDTV from just about anywhere on the planet.  These little ships can also, cool the air inside or make it warmer, burn used oil and all of this while travelling in an unforgiving environment, salt water.  The costs associated with maintaining these mighty little ships needs to be understood as often people completely ignore the ongoing expenses when it comes to boat ownership and find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to sell.  While this is great news for boat brokers the world over, it is not great news for the individual going through what would be a costly experience. 

While it is true that we do maintain Pendana to a ridiculously high standard, driven more from my total incompetence to fix anything, it is also true that due to my incompetence we tend to bring in skilled labour to fix a problem rather than pulling something apart myself.  It is important to note, that the difference this would make to the overall numbers, for those more capable than I, would be a reduction of around twenty percent.

So, how did the numbers stack up for 2016?

All the variances are pretty straight forward to explain with Fuel being simply due to timing as we will be filling up early next year. Wax and Polish is a crazy number and something I need to reign in but honestly Pendana does look mighty pretty!  Well she did before the refit! Communication was reduced this year from budget due to our reduced reliance on our KVH sat system.  We consume data like we breathe air and with two teenagers on board there would be mutiny if this were to ever change.  Haul-out/Remodel was a big variance but again easily explained as we decided to go with all new Technicold air handlers, fifteen new Lewmar hatches and fifteen new Ocean Air screens at the eleventh hour and completed a major refit. Maintenance was another big variance with the major drivers being a preventative fridge re-build, new washing machine, new sub-zero freezer, KVH repair, new M-series pump and engine work.  Considering we were going to embark on a straight shot from Hawaii to Kodiak Alaska we needed to make sure everything was perfect.  Car Rental/House sees the main variance driver being our furnished house in Seattle which we rented while Pendana underwent her remodel.  Finally, Marina Fees were a little over mainly due to the insane cost associated with being at Coal Harbour Marina in Vancouver.  A great marina for sure, but certainly not cheap!

If we drill into the haul-out remodel numbers a little further and look at the interior design side i.e. what I call soft furnishings, i.e. carpet, counter-top, HiFi system, cameras, splash-black, fabrics, couch, chairs, tub chairs, new headliners, salon table, pilothouse bed, recover and fit, re upholstery deliver and supply then this makes up $80,000.00 of the $264,360.00.  If we then look at then the new hatches, screens, new cabinet and air-handlers these account for a further $90,000.00.  This means that these two areas alone accounted for 64% of the haul-out remodel number leaving about $94,000.00 on our haul-out/mechanical etc.  This $94,000.00 is almost twice as much as our general haul outs and while $20,000 of the variance can be explained the balance cant other than putting it down to increased labour rates in the USA as opposed to Australia. Remember all numbers are in Australian dollars! I guess I was spoiled rotten by Andy at ADG Marine and Gold Coast City Marina in the past!

Five years of data plus or minus ten percent

Some of the cost categories have changed over the years making direct comparison a little challenging

Our average, our annual spend on Pendana using the last five years of data, is A$219,534.68 or US$153,673.00.  Boating is certainly not an inexpensive exercise and this for us, is by no means an immaterial number.  That being said however, to be able to see the things we have seen, go to the places we have gone meeting the people we have met is simply priceless.  It is true that without the remodel we would have been pretty much in line with the last four years expenses allowing for the fact of increased labour charges here in Seattle.  That being said, however, Pendana needed a refresh and fortunately we were able to manage our cash-flow to allow for the updates required to take place.  Mind you, we may be eating Vegemite sandwiches for the next few years!

As mentioned before, this will be the last year I report the numbers for Pendana as I believe there is now, enough data available for potential buyers to be able to truly understand the real cost of boat ownership.  As I have said many times before, buying a boat is one thing, maintaining her to the high standards required when crossing oceans is another thing altogether.  I also say, we are all a long time dead, so with the precious little time we get on this wonderful planet of ours one needs to experience all of it, every single day.

Pendana is now well and truly ready for the next fifteen years and if the truth be told is in the best shape of her life.   As is tradition, let’s take a quick look at, The Year That Was.

2016 Best Ocean Photo

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean heading to Kodiak Alaska. The sea state could not have been any calmer!

2016 Best Photo of Pendana

Simply love this shot taken with the drone

2016 Best Anchorage 

Heather Bay, Prince William Sound.  To watch the ice float by was remarkable

2016 Scariest Moment 

Bianca creeping up behind me groaning.  I almost had a heart attack!

2016 Word of the Year – ‘Flashlight’

Which means torch – Pass me the torch has a whole different meaning over in the USA!

2016 Longest List of Issues with a Drug being Advertised on TV

Actually, the US adverts are rather odd.  First they tell you all about the benefits then spend the next minutes telling you how the drug can basically kill you.  Opdivo is a good example of this.

and yes, this is all spoken in the TV Commercial

2016 Best Sunset Photo 

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean heading to Kodiak Alaska.  Simply stunning!

2016 Best Burger 

Red Mill Burgers Seattle

2016 Best Pizza 

Wright’s Copper Turtle – Dave and his wife Gayle make the best pizza’s on the planet and no, I am not just saying that to be nice although I must say that Patxi’s Pizza in Ballard comes in a very close second.  One bad  night Dave and you could lose the crown!

2016 Best Night Photo

Victoria Harbour, Canada

2016 Best Animal Moment

Oscar on the foredeck as we approached the fishing port in Kodiak

2016 Tightest Spot

Ballard Locks

2016 Cutest Animal Photo

Master Jack, Office in Charge of Recreation aboard Barrington N62.  I really should have stolen this dog as he is simply beautiful

2016 Best Wildlife Photo

Brown Bear taking a rest. Got to love these magnificent animals

2016 Best Dolphin Photo

Bianca spent the day as an Assistant Dolphin Trainer while we were in Hawaii

2016 Best Ice Photo

Pendana abeam one very large glacier

2016 Best Foggy Photo

One our way down the Inside Passage

Finally, for those who may be interested there is a new book coming.  Yes it will be in full colour, include lots of photos and will hopefully be something of value.  Stay tuned for more information in the New Year!  If you want to learn more about the new title please click HERE.

Stay safe

James