Living on a boat is a unique off the grid lifestyle that has intrigued adventuring souls for ages. For some, it’s an escape from the repetitiveness of everyday life; for others, it’s simply about the freedom and adventure that living on the water can bring. Regardless of the reason, living on a boat requires a certain level of dedication, preparation, and willingness to embrace a different lifestyle.
It’s not all postcard sunsets and calm seas. You’re trading solid ground for a home that moves with the tides, where every day starts with checking the weather, the bilge, and whether your anchor is still holding. The payoff is real though: waking up in a new spot because you felt like it, no commute, no HOA, just you, the boat, and whatever stretch of water you decide to claim that week. You can chase warm weather south in winter, hide out in quiet coves when you need a little place that feels like it’s just yours, or pull into a bustling port when you want people and supplies. It’s raw freedom.
With land prices going through the roof and remote work still going strong, more people are seriously looking at this life, but the ones who stick with it are the ones who treat it like the serious off-grid commitment it is, not a vacation fantasy.
Considerations for Those Who want to Live on a Boat
First and foremost, before choosing to live on a boat, it is vital to consider the practical and financial implications of such a decision. The daily cost of living on a boat varies significantly depending on factors such as type, size, age, and vessel location. For example, the upfront expenses of purchasing a new or used boat can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar yachts. It is essential to factor in the cost of upkeep, including maintenance, fuel, insurance, and dockage fees. Moreover, living in a marina or dock adds to the overall cost, along with utilities such as electricity, water, and internet services.
The type of boat also plays a role in determining the level of comfort and amenities available. While some boats offer basic essentials, such as a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette, others offer lavish living spaces with high-end appliances, spacious bedrooms, and panoramic views of the water. However, with luxury comes added expenses and maintenance, which may not be feasible for everyone.
Give it a test run!
Before setting sail, it’s important to understand the lifestyle and figure out if you can actually handle living on the sea. The first thing you should do is choose a marina that you can live in for 3 – 6 months. This is an important step to mentally and physically preparing to live at sea. Your body needs time to adjust, and your mind needs time to become accustom to this new way of living.
If you’ve determined that this is the lifestyle you want to live, then there are some steps that you need to take.
Research Thoroughly: Before making any decisions, conduct extensive research on the type of boat, equipment, and amenities that you’ll need to live on a boat, along with the costs and regulations in your area. Talk to people who have experience living on a boat and seek their advice on the challenges and benefits of a boat lifestyle.
Be Mindful of Safety: Living on the water requires that safety be a top priority. Make sure you have a sufficient safety plan in place, including proper safety equipment, navigation equipment, and a thorough understanding of boating safety regulations.
Prepare for Living on a Small Space: Living on a boat requires adapting to living in a much smaller space. You’ll need to downsize and maximize storage capacity, creatively arranging furniture, and appliances to make the most out of the limited space. Selecting multi-functional furniture such as a sofa bed or a wall-mounted foldable table can be an excellent way to save space.
Learn Boating Skills: Before living on a boat, it is essential to learn the fundamentals of boating, including how to navigate, steer and dock the vessel. Take a boating safety course, read boating books or watch tutorials online, and consider hiring a professional
Choosing a Boat
Research, Research, Research. When choosing a boat, don’t jump right into the first cheap one that you find on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The upkeep on these things can be incredibly expensive, and if you don’t know what you’re doing you could be in for some unwelcome surprises—like a “bargain” that turns into a money pit with rotten stringers, bad engines, or endless blister repairs.
Common mistakes people make when buying used for liveaboard:
- Skipping a professional marine survey (get one—it’s worth every penny to catch hidden issues like hull delamination, engine problems, or wiring nightmares).
- Buying with emotion instead of head—falling for looks or a low price without checking the bilge, transom, or rigging age.
- Ignoring engine hours (too low can mean sitting unused and seized; too high means major rebuilds coming).
- Not factoring in immediate fixes—many boats need work right away, so budget for it.
When choosing a boat you should consider the following things:
- Budget Reality Check: When considering how much to spend on a boat, take the amount that you are willing to pay and subtract about 30–40%. You will want that extra chunk for any maintenance issues that may pop up right away—new rigging, sails, engine service, or surprises from the survey. In 2026, realistic used liveaboard starters (30–45ft sailboats or trawlers good for couples) often land in the $50,000–$200,000 range for solid, ready-ish ones. Cheaper $20,000–$50,000 boats exist but usually need serious work; avoid anything under $30k unless you’re handy and want a project.
- Check for Leaks: Before purchasing a boat, do a thorough inspection to check for leaks—look in the bilge, around chainplates, ports, hatches, and deck fittings. Any leaks need to be taken care of right away. Water intrusion leads to core rot, delamination, or worse.
- Mold: Mold can be a problem so make sure you check the boat for signs of mold—black spots, musty smell, soft spots in cushions or wood. In humid areas, unchecked mold makes the boat unlivable fast and is a health hazard. Sniff around cabinets, heads, and behind panels.
Other key things to inspect:
- Hull condition (blisters, cracks, osmosis on fiberglass; steel/aluminum for rust/pitting).
- Engine and mechanicals (run it, check oil, exhaust, hours—hire a mechanic if needed).
- Rigging and sails (age matters—standing rigging over 10–15 years is suspect).
- Electrical and plumbing (old wiring = fire risk; heads and tanks need to work for liveaboard).
- Storage and layout—enough headroom, berths, galley space, and tankage for your needs (water, fuel, holding).
Popular reliable liveaboard boats in recent years:
- Sailboats: Beneteau Oceanis series (like 40.1 or Sun Odyssey 380/349—spacious, good value, often $150k–$350k used/newish), Jeanneau Sun Odyssey models, Tayana 37 or Cape Dory 36 (classic, tough bluewater for couples).
- Trawlers/power: Beneteau Swift Trawler, Cutwater models, Ranger Tugs, Nordhavn or Kadey-Krogen for serious offshore (more comfort, higher fuel but great for liveaboard).
- Cats: Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 or similar for families/space (stable, roomy, but pricier).
Go for 30–45ft for most solo/couples—enough room to live without marina fees killing you or maintenance going nuclear. Size up if family; downsize if minimalist.
Bottom line: Buy the newest/best condition you can afford, not the cheapest. A good survey saves thousands later. Talk to owners of the model you’re eyeing that can tell you the honest pros/cons.
Where to Dock
Anchoring. Anchoring or ‘living on the hook’ is going to be your cheapest option, but it also means that you’ll have to be fully self-sufficient. To be able to pull this type of living off, you must.
- Have a way to generate your own electricity (solar wind etc…)
- Have a way to store enough water, or be able to generate your own drinking water.
- Be mentally and physically prepared to live at sea.
- Buy a good dinghy for coming to shore for work, supplies, etc.
Mooring. Another cheap option is called mooring. A mooring ball is a method of anchoring your boat without an anchor. It works by attaching your boat to a chain that’s attached to a heavy sunken cement block. There is usually an initial deposit or setup fee and a small monthly fee is usually involved.
Marina Living – Depending on the location, this option can be pretty similar to an RV Park. A growing number of Marinas offer electrical hookups and supply stores within walking distance of your boat.
We highly recommend Marina living for those who are just starting out. Before setting sail, marina living can help make sure you’re able to handle the lifestyle. Choose a marina that you can live at for 3 – 6 months. This is a crucial step to mentally and physically preparing to live at sea.
Local Laws: Another critical aspect to keep in mind is the boating regulations and laws in the area where you plan to dock or sail. Each state or country has its own set of rules and restrictions, including licensing requirements, zoning laws, and boating safety regulations. Furthermore, the weather and tide conditions can significantly affect your comfort and safety on a boat, and it’s essential to be mindful of such factors.
Key Considerations and Realistic Costs (2026 Updates)
Boat living isn’t cheap or easy—maintenance is relentless, and 2026 has seen rising prices for boats, marinas, insurance, and parts due to supply issues and demand. A common rule: Budget 10–20% of your boat’s value annually for upkeep.
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) | Notes for Off-Grid Nomads |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Purchase (Used) | $20,000–$150,000+ | Start with 30–40ft sailboat; subtract 30% from budget for surprises. |
| Marina/Slip Fees | $4,800–$12,000 | Cheaper abroad; avoid for full off-grid. |
| Anchoring/Mooring | $0–$2,000 | Free or low-fee; requires self-sufficiency. |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $2,000–$15,000+ | Hull cleaning, engine service, rigging; DIY to save. |
| Insurance | $1,000–$5,000 | Higher for offshore; shop for cruiser policies. |
| Fuel & Propulsion | $1,000–$5,000 | Minimal on sailboats; diesel for motors. |
| Solar/Water/Systems | $3,000–$10,000 initial | Ongoing low; enables true off-grid. |
| Total Monthly (Liveaboard) | $1,000–$4,000 | $500–$2,500 possible with anchoring & minimalism. |
Test the waters first: Rent or charter for 3–6 months in a marina to adjust to confined spaces, seasickness, and routines. Many start in stable spots like Florida, the Chesapeake Bay, or international hubs (e.g., Portugal, Croatia, Thailand) with digital nomad visas.
Safety Considerations
This type of lifestyle is filled with hazards. While it is enjoyable and liberating, if unprepared it can quickly become a nightmare. The water doesn’t forgive mistakes, and small issues snowball fast—whether it’s weather turning ugly, gear failing, or human error. In 2026, with more people out there cruising, the basics still save lives: preparation, skills, and gear.
- Pirates – Believe it or not, in certain parts of the world this is still a pretty big problem. Global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents rose in 2025 to around 137 reported cases (up from 116 in 2024), per the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), with hotspots like the Singapore Straits seeing a massive surge (80+ incidents, many violent with guns and hostages), Gulf of Guinea kidnappings, and scattered risks in the Caribbean, West Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. For yachts and sailboats/liveaboards, it’s rarely Hollywood-style high-seas raids anymore—more often opportunistic armed robbery at anchor or underway in busy lanes—but it happens, especially in low-patrol areas. Avoid known high-risk zones (check current IMB reports or Noonsite.com before heading out), use awareness tools like AIS (Automatic Identification System) to track nearby vessels, radar for night watches, and stay in well-traveled cruiser routes where possible. Make sure you have the proper equipment to defend yourself in case of attack—many carry legal self-defense options like a shotgun (where permitted by flag state and local laws; check regs carefully, as some countries ban firearms outright). Non-lethal alternatives like flares, loud horns, searchlights, or even reinforced boarding measures (razor wire, motion lights) help deter boarders. The best defense is avoidance: travel in convoys if risky, report suspicious approaches to authorities via VHF or satellite, and never look like an easy target.
- Make sure you know what you’re doing! – If you are not familiar with boating, you should take at least 6 months of time to cruise around the shore (or more for offshore ambitions). I highly recommend taking lessons—get your USCG boating safety certificate or equivalent, ASA/RYA courses for sailing/navigation, and hands-on time with your specific boat. Inexperience is a top cause of accidents (operator inattention, improper lookout, excessive speed, navigation rule violations per USCG stats). Spend coastal time practicing docking in wind/current, anchoring techniques, heavy-weather tactics, and man-overboard drills. Many new liveaboards underestimate how quickly things go sideways without muscle memory.
- Communications – Cell phones when near shore, but offshore you need reliable backups. Satellite communications (Starlink is huge in 2026—many run the Flat High Performance dish or Mini for high-speed internet, weather downloads, and even voice calls via apps; plans run $100–$250+/month depending on usage, with Ocean Mode for passages), a marine VHF radio (essential for hailing, distress, weather), EPIRB/PLB for emergencies, and a Ham Radio (SSB for long-range voice/email, great for nets like the Pacific Seafarers or Atlantic Rally). Don’t rely on one thing—have redundancy (e.g., Starlink + Iridium GO! or Garmin inReach for texting/SOS if primary fails). Good comms mean getting forecasts, calling for help, or just staying connected to family/friends onshore.
- Boats require a lot of maintenance. Make sure you know the ins and outs of your boat, and how to troubleshoot anything that might go wrong when you’re out at sea. Engine failures, rig issues, leaks, electrical shorts—these are common culprits in breakdowns or accidents. Carry spares (filters, belts, impellers, fuses), tools, manuals, and learn basic fixes (oil changes, bleeding fuel lines, patching hoses). Join cruiser forums or take diesel/electrical courses. Regular checks (daily bilge, weekly rig inspections) prevent most disasters. Also cover basics: life jackets, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit, abandon-ship bag, flares, bilge pumps, ground tackle backups.
Other big risks to watch: weather (check forecasts obsessively via PredictWind, Windy, or satellite), fatigue (single-handing long passages is brutal—rotate watches), alcohol/drugs (still #1 factor in fatal accidents—don’t mix boating and booze), and fire (galley stoves, engines, batteries—have detectors, extinguishers, escape plans).
The Benefits of Boat Living
Despite the challenges and considerations, living on a boat can offer many benefits, such as increased freedom, privacy, and the joy to explore different locations. Here are some of the advantages of living on a boat that may appeal to you:
Minimalist Lifestyle: Living on a boat requires downsizing and simplifying your possessions, making it an ideal choice for those who yearn to live with less. The limited space on a boat forces you to make do with what you have, and prioritize what’s essential. This approach encourages a minimalist lifestyle and helps to declutter your life. Many full-time liveaboards say it shifts your focus from stuff to experiences—no more closets full of junk you never use, just the gear that actually matters. It’s liberating once you get past the initial purge.
Close Connection with Nature: Living on a boat provides a unique opportunity to be surrounded by nature, including stunning sunsets, calm waters, and wildlife. The sound of water lapping against the hull of the boat can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, helping you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. What to expect: dolphin sightings, bird life at anchor, remote bays where the stars are insane with no light pollution, and that constant fresh salt air. It’s hard to beat waking up to nature right outside your hatch instead of traffic or neighbors.
Ability to Travel and Explore: One of the most significant advantages of living on a boat is the ability to travel and explore different locations. Whether you want to cruise down the coastline or navigate through canals and rivers, living on a boat offers unparalleled freedom and adventure. You can chase seasons (south for winter, north for summer), hop between islands, visit new countries without packing/unpacking, or just move your “home” to a better spot when the vibe changes. It’s the ultimate mobility—no fixed address, no long flights, just lift the anchor and go.
Affordability: Living on a boat can be more affordable than traditional housing, depending on the type of boat and location. While the upfront cost may be higher, the ongoing expenses can be lower compared to a mortgage or rent—especially when anchored out. In 2025–2026, with housing prices still high in many areas, plenty of liveaboards report keeping total monthly costs under $2,000 (or even $1,000–$1,500 if minimalist and off-grid), beating rent/mortgage in places like Florida, California, or big cities. You skip property taxes, big utilities, yard work, and often car needs if you’re coastal. It’s not always cheaper (marinas add up, maintenance bites), but for self-sufficient types anchoring or in cheap moorings, it stacks up well against land living.
Sense of Community: Living in a marina or dock offers the opportunity to become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for all things boating. The sense of camaraderie and socialization can be a significant factor for those who crave a close-knit neighborhood or environment. Talk to anyone who has done it and they wi;; often rave about the instant friends—dock neighbors who help with projects, share tools/parts, swap stories over sundowners, or join net radios for weather/cruiser tips. It’s a tight-knit tribe of adventurers who get the lifestyle, way different from suburban isolation.
Bonus perks from real experiences: more active daily life (climbing ladders, hauling water/dinghies, sailing—keeps you fit), no snow shoveling or lawn mowing, potential for remote work with Starlink, and that deep satisfaction of self-reliance (fixing your own stuff, generating power, harvesting rainwater). It’s not for everyone, but for those who stick it out, the freedom, simplicity, and adventure often make the hassles worth it.
Check out our Off the Grid section for more unconventional and alternative ways of living.
I have cruised on both sail and power boats for 45 years. I have lived aboard my current boat, 35′ fly bridge on a number of occasions. It has a generator, large head, AC/heat. Very comfortable for the two of us. Living on the dock is $450/mo. including water and electric. More social activity than I want but you can be selective. You eat the same food you would at home. Maintenance on the boat is about $2K per year (motors, detail, bottom every 2-4th year. If you are difficult to entertain, don’t try to live aboard or cruise for more than a weekend. On the other hand if you like to read, watch nature, perform standard maintenance and just relax you might love it. Main benefit to me? When you get tired of a location/people just move to a new one!
I am disabled (Fibromyalgia/chronic pain) and living on SSI/SSDI is near impossible. I have wondered if boat living might be a solution to too-high rent? I don’t have a problem living in a confined space, as its not much different then renting a room. the motion I suppose I can get used to, for all I know it might even be soothing to my condition? However, I am in CA and finding a place might be hard. Plus I would have to learn how to handle a boat (One a lot bigger then some little outboard motor job on a lake, I mean). Really long as I have internet access, I could prob live anywhere thats cheap and I do like boats, even if I have limited experience with them.
attn j puma try living on a small [shantyboat] and use a small skiff to move it around and access land. extremely cheap to build and live on and for those who are handicapped it allows them a decent retirement.the main benefit is you live under the radar of most officials.
when your living out on the sea and you want to go from country to country like say back and forth from the U.S. to the U.K. What immigration laws are there pertaining to that???
has anyone investigated how to grow basic food at sea? I was thinking potatos, peanuts, garlic, kudzoo tomatos and rice. I have been told that only 144 sq ft. are required to grow enough food to feed a single person. If grow indoors using ‘druggy’ type tech with pressurized CO2, this might be reduced. Of course, this would require a larger boat, but it would also allow you to sell FRESH VEGETABLES to passing boats at sea. If anyone has looked into this would you email me. Cliff
Oh by the way, my brother is so impressed with my seafaring prowess, he told me to never go out where the water is deeper than 2 feet; so I can walk ashore, WHEN–not if, my boat sinks.
Maybe you could grow edible seaweed in the ocean? Just mark on the GPS where your patches are. You know the Japanese wrap their fish in seaweed, it’s delish. Sushi and Sashimi is Om Nom Nom Nom good!!!
Rice and Flour would be cheap enough. Potatos are cheap to. Maybe if you have a second person on board to watch the boat you could use a fishing kayak to go to shore and get some cheap brown-rice or some flour and stuff.
Maybe you could cut a plastic food grade barrel in half and plant potatoes? Not sure. I know you could catch plenty of Fish, Crab, Lobster, Clams, and other high-protein foods but you would still need some carbs.
I have been pondering the idea of buying a sailboat to live aboard at a marina in Florida. It is the cheapest way to live in Sunny Florida! Dock fee’s I have found range anywhere from $175 month to $500 month. I do not plan on sailing around the world, I am looking at it as simply a unique way to enjoy nice winters as cheap as possible. The problems you talk about with owning a boat are the same problems you experience owning a house! Replace roof, yardwork, plumbing problems etc…..I have renovated a 1883 cottage I bought and let me tell you a home can suck you dry…..I have done a lot of work investigating living in a marina on a sailboat….you know I have wanted to do this for some time…finally…you know what made me realize its time? I found out I have a terminal illness!!! In remission right now but life is short, take a chance! I lived 22 years in Florida and now have lived lived in Midwest for 12 years… and God I miss the warm weather, the beach, the lifestyle! It has its bad points but to me nothing as bad as shoveling snow off the drive way in 5 below temps!!!! So there is good and bad in everything….I am not worried about pirates unless there living around the inter coastal areas…I am not thinking of sailing my boat to distant lands looking for trouble….I want to spend time at the beach, on the water, fishing…somewhat kind of the simple life! Take it from me!!!! Life is short, and its a great life if you don’t weaken! Thanks
Hooray for you!!! I have a travel trailer and some of the rv parks charge as much as $1,000 a month to park in!!!! A lot of them take advantage of people wanting to escape the winter months up north! Then when I park my travel trailer usually you are about 6 feet next to another Rv…..maybe I should sell the travel trailer and buy a boat!!! Anyway, good luck on your seaworthy travels and life is soooo short so enjoy! Good Luck and thanks
For the production of fresh vegetables, may I suggest sprouting seeds and pulses? Seeds store very well are cheap and once sprouted, escalate dramatically in food value. A little research will be well rewarded.
I am a marine engineer and love living at sea. I do it for a living but I got into it to get the skills required to live at sea permanently.
Troy, I would love to talk to you privately about your goal to live permanently at sea. I am a writer doing research.
Cheers,
Priscilla
My twitter handle at gmail is my address.
Judging from the posts here it seems that knowledge is the difference between an insurmountable problem and something easy to fix. So the earlier you start with sailing/boating living the better. I see many older people contemplating the lifestyle when they’ve never spent any time in a small boat. There may be a few surprises waiting for them.
What about living in a large bus or cube/box van like this:
http://chattanooga-tennessee.olx.com/box-cube-van-iid-2110055
(Just do an image search on Google to see lots of examples – it should have a sliding door joining the driving area to the storage/living area).
Then, when you get bored at sea you live ashore or go somewhere. Move all your valuables to the vehicle. This allows you far more flexibility albeit with more responsibility of course. The key is to leave nothing of much value in an unlived in place.
My wife and I had a van (good storage) and a car, coastal cruising we would take both vehicles to the new spot, drive back with just the one, then sail on down, then both of us would drive back again to get the other. this is called the intra coastal shuffle.
four trips by land and one by water. about the same for living on land and moving, Its a bonus if your new marina has security, get to know the guards,bring them goodies when they’re on duty get to know them. Thieves like vans to target in marinas and construction areas,they know they are prone to have goodies inside, the marina residents often do a superlative job watching out for each others boats, but the parking lot is often hard to see especially at low tide.
The shotgun thing is a load of crap. If you get attacked by the kind of pirates he’s talking about (and you won’t), they would have machine guns, rifles, and a bunch of guys. Pull out that shotgun and your dead. I would rather be floating away watching them take my boat on my dingy then dead. I’ve can’t even think of one time i needed a shotgun while cruising. Stay safe and stay away from places where there are ungoverned waters, you’ll never have any pirate problems.
I suppose according to your logic since I have never gotten raped rapes don’t happen. Anyways I have an AR-15 which is much better then a shotgun. And who says they would see me pull it out Shirley.
I have never needed a smoke detector or a fire extinguisher. I guess I should save space and chuck them in the trash.
Pansys like you are why pirates are able to stay in business. If your going to get killed by pirates you should at least die with your boots on and take a few of those pieces of scum with you. Oh please Mr. Pirates don’t kill me, please just throw me in the dingy and send me on my way.
You think they would leave witnesses? I wouldn’t chance it. I’d rather do the world a favor and kill all those pices of crap so they wont get a chance to murder some more poor defenseless smucks.
Best advice, do it, stop thinking about it. I thought about it for years and years, finally at 60 I’m doing it and wonedring why I waited so long. I could have done this years ago, just make sure your boat is prepared. Making sure everything is the way you want before cruising will be easier then trying do do it out there. Of course you’ll run into maintenance and problems, but never as many as you do with a house and you’ll have more time to do things.
Does any one know any decent marinas in the Mediterranean I have a 25ft cobra bilge keel sailing boat spent getting her up to scratch, band I’m determined to get away from the misery of Britain I’m 34 n just wanna get up and go been sailing 3 years in north Wales but this year has been the worst rain rain rain I want abroad for at least two years
Any one know any decent n cheap locations round the med
My wife and I have been livin full time in an rv for awhile.It took some getting used too but its was very manageable.I’m curious to the boat livin lifestyle. We may try to go to florida this winter ,maybe rent a dock side boat for a few weeks or maybe a month to get an idea.I’m very mechanically inclinded , welding and fabrication skills. If I were to buy a small Barge or something like that and just back the rv trailer onto it.
Would it be too big for most docks? Would it be too big to navigate close to shore to change scenery and locations occasionally. I would not attempt to take it around the world.
Where are some good docks,moorgaes in Florida to rent for a month and try this out? thanks for the help.
WELL BOO…HOO to the bad guys…I have live 2/3rds of the way around this world. I loved sailing when I learned(self taught and info from fellow sailors) to sail.
I find most people more than willing to help, giving info and assistance when needed. I am single and love not having the strings and binding land lover’s problems.
I think the best info is in the movie “Captain Ron” and even then he only had trouble when he created it.
I love the independence of travel, and being able to take my own time getting anywhere. I love listening and telling sailing experiences and stories…got a few myself.
SURE, be careful, but NEVER give up your dreams…just learn how to make them work.
I am also in talking to other sea sailing lovers.
John
My husband and I are traveling to Florida keys to buy a livaboard. If you can steer us the right way on these questions…
1. Is there a best time to purchase a boat (time of year)?
2. Where are great places to dock our boat for few months stays?
3. What is the best solar and wind power options? We want to use alternative methods of fuel when possible.
4. Interested in installing a de- salination system for our water supply…any suggestions?
Thank you for your experienced help, happy sailing. :)
Christina
First off, I want to point out I am not a survivalist per se, although I could be if SHTF, I suppose. I appreciate the candidness and vividness of Tim’s comments and information, as well as others both positive and negative. As a new sailor with a wee 16′ Compac, which I anticipate replacing with a larger vessel within just a few months, I would be most interested in hearing about the ups and downs of living aboard for maybe a couple weeks at a time. Can it be done at anchor on the “nature coast” of Florida? I own a house and won’t give it up, but would like to experience some “camping” and roughing it a little with the realization I can come back home to civilization. I am not rugged enough to truly live on board full time and have to work my business on land. Is it possible to cruise the coast, anchor, sleep on board (supposing a bigger cruiser) and come ashore daily while getting a feel for the sea and sampling the “life”? I was thinking on the lines of a month long sabattical away from everyday comforts.
Thanks for any relevant responses. You guys that live aboard and do it right get credit from me…maybe someday.
I suppose I am a frugal sailor but you wouldn’t know it by looking at my boat, it’s 41 feet long and fully equipped for long term cruising, what I mean by that is…I repowered it myself with a new engine,it has two bathrooms with two composting heads, pressurized hot water,plenty of solar power and wind generator and battery banks,I have a large enough fridge and freezer.The list seems endless…auto pilot,very good ground tackle(anchors and chain with heavy duty windless,Garmin GPS’s,Radar,water maker,LED lighting to conserve power,genset,food stores to last for about six months and many more things to make my boat comfortable.
For anyone thinking they can just go out and buy a boat and be on my level with a limited budget,it’s not going to happen easily. I have been preparing my boat for years,lots of money spent over time, blood sweat and tears. It is a major commitment and my boat is a piece of me and I trust it with my life.
As far as experience I have a lot and have been a licensed captain for 15 years and work on the water. I also have another business that caters to the marine industry. Having the dream is great, I also had the dream many years ago, I have had my boat for 11 years and I know it inside and out. Before that I started with smaller boats and learned all I could. Believe me,it’s a wonderful existence but never forget that your boat is floating on Mother Nature,all hell can break loose at any time, to me that is a thrill in itself but for others it may not be.
I say if your not experienced try it out first, if you have never even experienced it then you might not even last a week or you could love it like I did. I see many folks out there doing it in much smaller boats than mine that are not nearly as well equipped,on the other hand I see people doing it in much larger vessels too,it’s all relative I guess. I would encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try, but it’s not that easy to buy a boat that you don’t know and start cruising the planet. You have a lot to learn believe me if your just a beginner. If your just wanting to live in a marina, anyone can do that but most who cruise and go places have much experience and well equipped boats. Good Luck.
Boaters take showers lol. Most marinas have nice showers and laundry rooms. Being a single guy I’ve lived on my 24.5 cabin cruiser for 4 years and it’s fine. Depending on where you live though. I spent a year on the river and wind and boat wakes forsure make it uncomfortable. But the new marina has a cove no problems. I have a microwave, LCD tv screen and DVD player, heater and ac and fridge.
Mold and moisture can be problems an investment in a dehumidifier can be priceless. Most marinas have grocery stores and attractions close by. Back up everything is always recommended though, water, canned foods, batteries etc.
How you decorate your boat, and keep it clean is a direct appearance of yourself. Boats have everything homes have at least newer ones. Keep it clean, and full of luxuries and you won’t feel like your roughing it.
I am a Vietnam Vet who has decided that livin’ on a boat is the way to be free and enjoy the freedom I once fought for. My vessels are not your ordinary types of vessels. The first vessel I built and still have was a 16′ canoe with two outriggers. It was modified many times as the years past, and has been since turned into my floating shop and store that I sell my art from to folks along the rivers in Central Florida (St. Johns mainly). I was fortunate enough to purchase a 27′ Bayliner Buccaneer sailboat for %500 bucks and have turned it into a full time residence. Living on the water is so very calming and peaceful. I wouldn’t live any other way and won’t until the day I die….probably eaten by a gator. You can see the vessels on my web site http://captnat.me. There you’ll see that it don’t take a lot to make a home on the water! Happy and safe waters to all!
Capt. Natural-Lee thank you for sharing your story. It gives me hope. Thank you for your service in Vietnam as well. I live in VA currently. I grew up in Orange City Florida right next store to St. Johns. As the winter rolls by the ocean calls my name. I love the Blue ridge mountains but the ocean and warm weather stole my heart a long time ago. I have spent the past year researching Sailing/Navigation/Living aboard. The more I read the more I crave the adventure and life style. Im 31. A former Marine. I feel like this is the time to really get out there and enjoy life in a simpler form . Every year goes by a little faster. I have been worried about the storms and my pets. Any advice on the pets and storms you or others have would be appreciated. I have a large boxer pit mix and a cat. They are like my children. Is this possible in your opinion to liveaboard with two pets. I will be able to afford a sail boat in the 30′ range when that time comes. I am going to start off slow. Sail around locally. Learn and prepare for everything. Might not leave Florida. Who knows. That’s what makes it exciting. Ive enjoyed reading these blogs. I hope all of you find your way on land or at sea.
I stumbled on this site, and have read some of the comments. Mmm I’ve live up a lovely peaceful river in the southwest of gun free England. Absolutely love it.
Finally settled on 36 foot aft cabin twin engined cruiser. Perfect for old git like me. Had my fill of Man’s noise and concrete and relentless rush to wherever and back again. Bye
England isnt “gun free”. The gangbangers and criminals still have guns. Btw your violent crime rate went up dramatically after the 97 ban.
Most of the Crime in the U.S. comes from areas with the strictest gun control.
If it wasnt for just a few of our anti-gun cities we would have one of the lowest murder rates in the world.
Also look at how many guns Switzerland has and how much lower their crime rate is.
I’m looking to move to Florida this winter & have been considering a 35′ +/- size cruiser to stay on while there. Im an RN & so would be working while I’m there & not overly fussy about exactly what city or town. Not new to boats/boating, engines, etc. Also looking to stay on the Gulf-side & wondering where the best rates for extended-stay are, & at which marinas. Not looking to “live off the grid” but have always wanted to try this, at least for the winter prior to moving full time (condo, house, etc) Any details or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Wow! What a range of opinions, You know it’s funny that some people are dreamers. Always looking at “What If” They are the ones that gave us Travel to the moon, Cures for Polio, measles, small pox, etc. Then there are others that say “Hell No” they gave us what? Keep dreaming people. If you try it and it doesn’t work Oh well, move on to the next dream. I would rather try a thousand things and fail, than try nothing and succeed. Keep dreaming, when you stop you’re dead.