Reviews, Sailing

Here Are The Cheapest Boats To Live On Full-Time

July 15, 2019 | by captaingino1

Here Are The Cheapest Boats To Live On Full-Time

Trading a busy life on land for calmer waters? Perhaps you are ready to move your life onto a boat full-time. That’s awesome. Because really, life’s a breeze, especially at sea! With that said, here is a short guide to some of the best boats to live on full-time.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are some of the best boats to live on full-time. That’s because they are great for liveaboards who are looking for a casual life in a harbor or in a marina. However, they are not meant for extended sea navigation. So if you love to sail, this may not be the best liveaboard option for you.

In general, pontoon houseboat living is enjoyed by those looking for a low-cost alternative to living on land. Moreover, it is designed for people who enjoy activities such as fishing and other water sports. And, pontoon boats have a great price tag. Brand new pontoon boats can cost between $18,000 and $60,000, depending on size, specs and engine size. But, with a little research you can find a used pontoon boat for as low as $10,000.

At the end of the day, if you love the idea of living on the water full-time, but not necessarily interested in buying a cruising vessel, pontoon life could be for you.

Power Boats

The idea of living on a power boat could be a great alternative for people with little to zero sailing experience. Furthermore, speed boats are some of the best boats to live on full-time because with just a small investment you can easily enjoy a more minimalist life at sea. And again, unlike a larger sailing vessel, you don’t have to learn how to sail. You just start the engine and go. Again, the cost of buying a motor boat depends on size, specs and engine size. But, second-hand large inboard speed boats that have cabins can start at $20,000.

That’s a small entry fee for a breezy life at sea. One thing to keep in mind is that speed boats tend to be more compact than larger vessels. So, if you can imagine living in tight quarters, a motor boat may be an inexpensive way to permanently transition from land to sea-living.

River Narrow Boats

River or Narrow Boats are a great option for people who don’t want to spend a whole lot of cash and are looking for an alternative way to live on the water. River or Canal boats are long, narrow boats built with a flat bottom, traditionally designed for carrying heavy cargo over water, particularly on inland waterways.

It can be a great way to save money, and reduce your environmental impact. Moreover, if you are looking to reduce stress, living and cruising through canals can be extremely therapeutic.

A used canal narrow boat can start at a mere $10,000. Which is a tiny investment for a permanent home on water. If you are craving the lull of placid streams and a simpler, stress-free life, a narrow boat living may be for you.

A Small Sailboat

While living on a sailboat is not the cheapest option of all water-living options, there is still some wiggle room here. Meaning, a small used livable 26′ foot sailboat will cost you anywhere around $20,000 and up.

Likewise, you will have to factor in marina costs, or decide whether you will live on a mooring buoy. Either of these decisions will greatly influence your overall cost of living on water full-time.

All things considered, if you love to sail, then investing in a small cruising vessel is a no-brainer. Similarly with real estate sky-rocketing and the inflation of rent worldwide, living on small sailboat may just be your ticket out of the rat-race.