The Folkboat design as liveaboard cruising boat has come up before, but the discussion went off topic only after writing it off for its lack of headroom. The Top Hat and Clansman were offered as alternatives. I just want to add my two cents worth.
Having owned and cruised and livedaboard a Top Hat and now owning a Folkie which I have sailed offshore a little. The Folkie is head and shoulders above the TH; better looking, stiffer, faster, and more willing to steer itself. The Clansman is way too expensive for most guys who sail alone.
In addition, I hold that it's the sailor, not the boat, that's critical: read "Dove", or "Tinkerbelle" and so on. Every mooring field the world over are full of large unused yachts, too big or too costly to sail regularly. Sail what you've got.

Hi all.

Is there anyone who owns a Folkboat who would be willing to have me on board one day so I can experience the joys of these yachts and help me decide on what kind of yacht to purchase in the future.

As a concept, for singlehanded coastal cruising, which would you choose?

Hi. If this has been covered before I'd appreciate a point in the right direction (searched but no real hits).

I've been trying to ascertain the real cost of yacht ownership (26 - 30' cruising yacht in Sydney). Some people say that it costs you everything you have whereas others seem to say it just takes a couple of thousand a year . It seems most are intentionally ignorant or just coy about the real costs. But I actually really want to know. In advance. Before I'm forking it out.

This is what I've come up with so far and would appreciate your input. Could you tell me where I'm off, fill in the blanks, and what items haven't I included (besides optional items like autopilot, bimini, etc)?

Year 1 Year 2
Fixed and Initial Costs
Mooring Licence $580 $580 (not in premium zone, otherwise $900)
Wait list mooring $420 (for premium zone)
Mooring Apparatus (used) $600
Mooring Move/Service $500 $350
Anti-foul $1,200 $1,200
Insurance $300 $300
Registration $27 $180
Total $3,627 $2,610

Variable Costs
Engine service / repair ? ?
Running rigging ? ?
Fixed rigging ? ?
Sails ? ?
PFDs
EPIRB
Maps
Other ** ? ?

Mucho apreciación, hombres.

These guys seem to have done ok in a small boat. I have a few reasons for preferring a

smaller vessel. Cost not the least. Any thoughts re folkboats.