Ahoy there, excellent piece on budget-friendly prepping strategies. As someone who's been prepping for a decade, I can vouch for the fact that emergency preparedness doesn't have to make you go broke. I've managed to prep while also maintaining my liveaboard-ready sailboat, and that's no small feat.
One thing I'd like to add is the importance of considering your unique lifestyle and circumstances when prepping. In my case, I've focused on making my 40-foot sloop a fully-equipped bug-out option. This has involved investing in solar panels for renewable power, a desalination system for fresh water, and adequate storage for food and supplies.
For fellow boaters, I'd suggest looking into marine-specific emergency equipment as part of your prepping budget. A top-quality life raft, marine radio, and flares are just a few essentials that can make a world of difference out at sea during a crisis situation.
As for DIY projects, I've found that boat maintenance and repair skills have been invaluable, both in everyday life and in prepping. These skills have saved me a fortune over the years and have made me more self-reliant.
Finally, I couldn't agree more on the point of community collaboration. In the boating world, we often rely on each other for weather updates, equipment loans, and shared knowledge. It's a testament to the fact that prepping doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor.
Keep sailing and prepping, mates! Remember, the sea offers both challenges and opportunities, and with the right preparation, you can navigate any storm that comes your way.
