Contribution (financial)
There is no charge for staying on Otra Vida – space on the boat is not for rent.
We all share, equally and transparently, the following costs:
- Onboard food and a moderate amounts of drinks. Historically this has averaged $75-$100 per week per person. We eat well on board, making use of what is available and good locally.
- Fuel (diesel, gasoline, propane). The amount depends on how much motoring we are doing, and in cold climates how much we use the heater. Costs range from a few tens of dollars per month in the tropics to a few hundred dollars per month in high latitudes.
- Fees (customs & immigration, anchoring / berthing fees, etc). Customs & immigration fees in most countries are zero or modest (tens of dollars), but a handful of countries charge significantly more (hundreds of dollars). We usually anchor so berthing fees are zero or minimal (e.g. a few dollars for use of a dinghy dock when going ashore). Exceptions to this are staying at a marina in a city (rare) and fees for anchoring in marine reserves / national parks.
Each person is responsible for their own personal costs, e.g. travel to and from the boat, food and entertainment ashore, excursions, personal visas, etc.
I am responsible for boat maintenance costs.
Normally one person keeps track of shared costs, who has paid for what, etc, and over the course of time it usually more or less balances out naturally, i.e. the person with the largest negative balance pays for the next several bills. When someone leaves the boat we settle up any outstanding balance in either direction in cash.
Contribution (non-financial)
Far more important than financial contribution is sharing and contributing to each other: bring along what you have and share it generously.
Maybe you can sing or play guitar, paint, make an awesome tiramisu, give massages, tell great travel stories, are a compelling conversationalist, can repair engines. Maybe you can share your love of sufi poetry, feminism, professional wrestling, fly fishing, cultural theory, cheesemaking, long distance cycling, ropework, or foraging for wild plants. Whatever it is that you have: bring it along and share it freely.
If you don´t wish to share what you are good at, or prefer to contribute financially instead, Otra Vida is not the boat for you.
Domestic and Maintenance Tasks
Cleaning and maintenance of the boat is shared by all on board. This is not a huge amount of work, a few hours each per week, and sometimes may include spending time in the water.
We keep the boat tidy and in order. This is not just about aesthetics and respect for each other and our shared space. Having everything in its place is a safety matter when the boat is underway and heeled and we need to find things. Keeping the deck and cockpit tidy is similarly a safety matter.
I will do most of the technical maintenance on the boat, however if you have relevant skills your assistance with technical maintenance is much appreciated.
If you have expertise in brazing or welding I am interested in getting the appropriate equipment and learning these skills.
Watchkeeping
If we are doing overnight / multi-day passages we share watchkeeping duties equally. We normally keep watch on 4 hour shifts, although we can agree a different watch pattern if it works for everyone.
Watchkeeping on Otra Vida is not complicated or especially demanding, and I´ll explain what is required prior to your first watch. The key aspects are:
- maintaining a good lookout for other boats
- maintaining our course
- noticing and responding to any significant change in wind and weather
- being aware of equipment issues or problems
I am available at any time, and it is essential that you call me / wake me if you have concerns or questions about what to do. No heroics, please.
It is the responsibility of the person on watch to ensure that the galley is completely clean, all dishes washed and stored, and the cockpit and deck tidy, at the end of their watch.
I personally choose not to drink alcohol on multi-day passages. It is your personal choice whether you do so, however, you must be able to competently and safely stand watches, remaining awake and aware.