When I tell friends that I'm moving onto a mooring ball the normal response is "why are you doing that", they think I'm in financial ruins (I'm not), they think I am unable to conform to the Marina rules (I am), or they think I'm out of my mind (I'm not sure). I've often said since planning my cruising, that if you can't live on a mooring ball in San Diego Bay, then you might want to rethink your cruising plans. Living on the ball is a lot different that living at the slip, you must get the dinghy routine down and plan each trip off the boat, what to take with you (trash,laundry,computer, extra clothes) and what to bring back to the boat (groceries, clean clothes, fresh water). I also now need to monitor things like water and electrical usage, holding tank capacity and I'm sure they'll be many other things I'll learn. While cruising the more time you spend on the hook (anchor) the longer your cruising kitty will last...just ask S/V Third Day who has their cruising budget down to $1,000.00 per month for A FAMILY OF FOUR. That said, I also plan, while cruising, to get the occasional guest slip just as I will get one occasionally while here. So time will tell on how the ball works out...stay tuned.