You would be surprised at how many people fantasize about living on a boat and never make their dreams come to fruition. Escaping what would be considered the norm by residing in a house and venturing into a different style of living can be exciting and adventurous. Although I didn’t own a boat that I lived on, I instead traveled aboard boats and lived on them for extended periods of time. I can tell you exactly what it is like and what to consider if you’re making the choice to live on a boat.
Pick The Right Boat
It is imperative to know that you are most likely moving from something spacious to something confined.
For this reason, it is important to pick the right vessel so that it maximizes your level of comfort. I’ll be honest: a cabin cruiser will be challenging because of the limited refrigeration space, small bunk, and lack of typical kitchen cooking equipment.
As a liveaboard, you’re going to be eating, sleeping, and lounging in an area just steps from each other.
You’ll have plenty of options based on your hull preference, no matter if you’re into sailboats, catamarans, or cabin cruisers.
Lastly, make sure that the vessel is in good working condition. You don’t want to have to find a place to stay consistently because the boat is hauled out of the water for repair.
You’ll Need To Downsize
If you’re planning to transition from living in a home, whether it be a house or a small apartment, understand that you’re going to need to get rid of household items. Unless, of course, you’re transitioning into a 100-plus-foot yacht.
Sell Off The Furniture
The average liveaboard vessel is small, ranging from 24-35 feet. For this reason, you can’t move the couch, bed frame, TV stand, and other furniture from your landlocked place onto a boat.
Instead, you will need to sell off all of the furniture in your home. Boats ranging from 24-35 feet are designed with furniture in place. Remember, moving a chair from a house to a boat will slide all over the place.
So, all this to say, sell your furniture and use the money on expenses related to a vessel.
Limit The Amount Of Cooking Supplies
Importantly, you’ll likely be transitioning from a well-appointed kitchen to a restrictive galley aboard a boat.
In some vessels, you will not have an oven or a freezer. Without question, this can complicate cooking. However, it will become expensive to dine out every night versus preparing a meal and eating on the boat.
Remember, compared to furniture, you will need to cut back on the number of cooking supplies needed. Sell them off before moving aboard the boat.
Picking The Right Marina Is Critical
Choosing the right marina to store the boat is important. Unfortunately, not all marinas allow liveaboards to reside on the property. For this reason, it is essential to know the marina rules and ensure that it is a liveaboard marina.
It is imperative to select a marina with amenities such as a laundry facility, bathrooms, showers, a pump-out station, parking, and potentially a recreational area.
Undoubtedly, you feel more comfortable with added amenities in the event you need to get off the boat and stretch your legs.
At Times You Will Be Displaced From Your Boat
It is critical to know that, at times, you will be displaced from your boat. A vessel that is stored in the water will require being hauled, especially in a saltwater environment.
During the time that the boat is out of the water for maintenance, you will be required to find an alternative place to stay. Often, people who live on boats book a hotel until the service work is completed.
The Cost Of Living In A Home Or Apartment Versus A Boat
Believe it or not, the cost of living aboard a boat is often less expensive compared to a home or apartment.
Considering today’s housing market, buying a house or renting an apartment is expensive. Often, it is less expensive to purchase a boat and pay monthly rent for a slip space. However, understand that you will incur maintenance costs on a boat, but the same applies to owning a home.
The vast majority of marinas include water and electricity in the monthly slip rental fee. Typically, the slip will cost less, especially when combining rent or a mortgage, electricity, water, and more than you would pay with a home or apartment.
However, understand that living on a boat is an adjustment. Although it may be cheaper, you need to make sure it is right for you.
Consider The Number Of People Living On The Boat
Without question, the size of the boat will dictate the number of people that can live aboard it.
A cabin cruiser with a bed is best suited for at most two people. If you’re planning on living on a boat with a family of three or four, you’re going to
