The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Living on a Boat
Living on a boat is a dream for most. But, for many it has become their truth. Living on a boat full time has many benefits. Closeness to nature, the freedom to take off to any foreign niche in the world, and a chance to experience a more laid-back lifestyle.
But, living on a boat also has it’s challenges. Including giving up a good amount of your material things, and also your personal space. That is, if you choose to live with others on board. Either way, living on a boat affords a life of adventure. And, if you are ready for it, an unrivaled freedom cruising endlessly around on the deep blue sea.
So what do you need to get started?
1. Buy A Boat That Fits Your Liveaboard Lifestyle
If you want to live on a boat full-time you will have to decide what type of boat suits your lifestyle. Some of the best boats to live on full-time are as followed:
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.
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.
Power Boats
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.
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.
2. Decide If You Will Live In A Marina Or Be A Full Time Cruiser
Some say living at a marina full-time on a boat is better because of the security and access to everyday amenities. Meaning you wont have to worry about a power-outage, the absence of a hot shower, or access to fresh drinking water. And these are just to name a few.
Basically, living at a marina can give you the luxury of land comforts while still being able to take off when you want. On the other hand, if you are looking for more of a ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants’ lifestyle, and refuse to sit idle in a marina, you may want to try full-time cruising for a year or two.
Remember that a life of full-time cruising requires a very high level of physical strength, skill, experience, and determination, etc. Your budget will also look different, which I will get to next. If you have decided that marina living is the right path for your new liveaboard lifestyle, great! Check out my article on Marina Living, for a few basic requisites you may want to check for, to ensure your chosen marina aligns with your style of living.
3. Make a Budget
Living on a boat full-time varies immensely due to each sailor’s individual lifestyle choices, travel and the maintenance required on a particular type of boat. For marina living, prices vary all over the world. A super rough estimated cost on a 30 – 40-foot vessel, may have you forking out anywhere from $300 to $3,000 per month.
It is also important to recognize that 10% of a boats value should be set aside for maintenance. For example, if you have a $100,000 boat, you’re looking at $10,000 a year in maintenance. And if you have a $40,000 boat, youre looking at $4,000 in maintenance. Get it?
So, to come up with a budget you may want to ask yourself a few things:
1. What type of cruiser do I want to be? Full-time or part-time. And/or do I want to live in a Marina?
2. Where in the world do I want to live? As this will not only affect your price-per-slip cost but also the amount you will spend in each area you dock at.
3. The amount of space you need and the type of boat that will satisfy your adventure. And from there, calculate 10% of the boat’s projected value to be set aside for maintenance.
4. Do Your Research
The very best advice I can offer you as a Captain and cruiser is to do your research, and don’t rush the process. Buying a boat, and/or choosing a marina can take 5 months to 5 years to find the right one. So be patient. Living on a boat is one of the best ways to explore the world and bring your home along with you! It’s a chance to live outside the norm, connect with the outdoors, and enjoy a simpler way of life.
For me, it’s a dream.
Cheers, Captain Gino
