Information needed!!

[ALee1]

Good day AOG!
I grew up boating and have years of experience on my father’s boats. I am FINALLY in the position where the time and money lines are starting to come to crossroads. (partially retired) I have so many questions, some of which are going to be old hat to you folks, so please know my hat is in my hand as I begin.
I am fully aware there is much I don’t know. But I gotta start somewhere. Overall, I am looking to come up with a reasonable idea of how much the total yearly cost of ownership: including insurance, fuel burn, maintenance, winter storage and summer dockage fees. (and anything else I don’t know about) I realize there are many variables, so I am looking for basic info. Is it 50K a year or 5K? I live in land locked Midwest. Louisville, KY is the closest access to a river system. Southern Lake Michigan is closest to the North.

1. Why Albin? I have never set foot on one. But I have researched and done what studying I can for years and have not found anything better. (in
theory) I have my eye on a Command Bridge 35. That boat appears to be a good mix of size and comfort. I want a boat I can spend a couple of weeks with 2 or 3 people without wanting to scream. Once I have owned a boat
for a couple of years and have a floating retreat from life, I dream of doing the Great Loop. I want a good solid boat that is safe, easy to handle, reliable and will hold its value. ?? Any alternatives or thoughts you might have would be appreciated.

2. I did portions of the Great Loop with my father a career ago when I was young. (42 Jefferson aft cabin) It is my dream to do the same. Diesel fuel was .99 cents a gallon then. Ugh. So obviously fuel consumption is a key factor. I have seen a CB 35 with a single Cummins 5.9. Does anyone have any fuel burn information on that combo or similar? What cruise speed/fuel burn can I reasonably expect.

3. As I mentioned above, summer dockage fees and winter storage are a huge
question. I did some research and found that on the Ohio River, I can find a slip for the summer for about $2K. What about on the Great Lakes and Florida? Any info would be helpful.

4. Winter and long-term storage are also an unknown for me. My plan is to
do the GL in 8-15 day sections. This will require leaving the boat for a month or more whist I deal with life and can get back to it. How does that work? Any info or resource material anyone can provide will be appreciated.

Thank you so much for any consideration you might be able to provide.

Respectfully, Alee1