best way to finance my travels?

I plan on buying a boat I can live on and explore much of our beautiful world by sea. I was wondering what you think would be the best skill(s)/trade(s) to have in order to make money as I go. This is a priority for me and I'm ready to dedicate the coming years to making it happen.

Fair Winds,

Scott Miller

highspirited25m_crew2006 @ yahoo.ca

[Auzzee]

Hi Scott, Good tradespeople who work as diesel engineers, electronics techs and specialists in IT would always be in demand. Hairdressers and chefs can always make a dollar as can good authors. If all else fails, brew your own booze and if you don't manage to sell it, you wont give a damn. Best wishes. David

I have a mate with a still on board his yacht cruising Queensland waters who subscribes to the last bit - always a popular boat when he runs up the drinks pennant!

[JeanneP]

Sailmakers and canvas worker, your customers are other yachts. Same thing for refrigeration repair (seems to be the most common problem among yachts).

Unless you apply for a work visa in each country you visit, you will be working illegally, and will not command top dollar. You will probably not be able to get much work within the country if you don't have a work visa.

Authors and photographers can send their product back to their home country so a work visa is not necessary.

Carpentry. Medical technician or nurse.

Excellent, thanks for your insights. I've been brewing my own beer for 10 months now, but don't think the fermentor would perform well on board. Guess it's time to research Moonshine... and if anyone else has 'financing on the go' ideas , would love to hear em.

Cheers,

Scott

[rumrunner]

I think its only fair Scott , that we all should be sent a sample of your "home brew"... that way we can tell if there is a future for you earning money .. otherwise I agree with the above answers, but would say diesel mechanic would be top on my list

rumrunner..

[Seafarer]

Don't forget the mobile welder. A generator and a small Tig unit with appropriate accessories and you can be welding on your neighbors boats for good money. I plan to do this, and learn to sew as I go. I also have some fairly good photography equipment and can write well enough when I'm in the mood. Be skilled at a variety of things and remember- if you're only going to out-of-way places you won't run into the people who fund your trip!