starcrafttom
Active member
There is not even water in Pahrump. :wink:
Ok you have to tell us more then that.
Ok you have to tell us more then that.
Living Aboard
- Thread starter mjsiega
- Start date
I have freinds that live on a 44 footer. I have a freind that is homeless and sleeps underneath boats. I have freinds that live in 10,000 square foot Mcmansions. I have freinds that live in 300 square foot rooms. I have freinds who sleep in a homeless shelter in a dormatory with 300 other guys. All of these people have good days and bad days, just like everyone else. Where we sleep does not matter ..its what we do with our waking hours that counts. Everyone has the right and ability to persue happiness. Our level of contentment is only limited by our acceptance, not our circumstance.
BTW...of the above mentioned folks..none of them is any more or less likeable or trustworthy than any other..some may dress nicer, but, even that is a matter of taste.
BTW...of the above mentioned folks..none of them is any more or less likeable or trustworthy than any other..some may dress nicer, but, even that is a matter of taste.
pblocal,
Bringing this thread back to life with that experience fairly begs for more info. Your living aboard mini-tale is quite intriguing! If you feel like telling more about it, I bet you would have many interested ears here.
mjsiega is probably not still reading, but it's still an interesting topic, so....
When I lived aboard, I would say it was comparable to when I lived on land, but then I lived modestly on land before moving aboard (more on this below).
Hmm, that's an interesting one. I think I would say that something like a 25' powerboat or 30' sailboat would correspond to a 10' x 12' house (cabin). Even that comparison is a bit off though, because the 10' x 12' house would still probably have someplace to park the car, store propane or wood outside, and that sort of thing. Not that you can't have that in a marina, but I just mean that you don't "automatically" get the surrounding land with a boat like you often do with a house. Square gives you a lot more space than "boat-shaped," foot for foot (although most houses don't make as efficient use of that space).
Expanding on your first question, I would say something like alanc did above. That is that living aboard can cost a little or a lot, be cramped or spacious, be easy or hard. It just depends on the person, budget, desires, and situation.
I don't mean that to be evasive or un-helpful, but it's kind of like asking "how much does it cost to live in a house? And is it comfortable?" There is such a huge variety of housing, budgets, tastes, etc. that there is no one meaningful figure.
I think someone earlier made a good point in that it just depends on what you are (already) like as an individual. In other words, if you are happy in a tent and eating peanut butter on land, then you could likely be happy living on a small boat. If you like all the mod cons, a couple of cars in the driveway, space to roam, have artwork, hobby rooms, etc. (in your home), and if you enjoy fine dining, then you are probably going to want a large boat with all the mod cons and access to good restaurants (though you will still probably give up some storage). At that point it's no longer "cheap," but by then cost is probably not the point, as it wouldn't be for the same people on land (large boats with all mod cons are relatively complicated/expensive).
Then there are an infinite number of houses/boats/people that fall somewhere in between those two examples.
Bringing this thread back to life with that experience fairly begs for more info. Your living aboard mini-tale is quite intriguing! If you feel like telling more about it, I bet you would have many interested ears here.
mjsiega is probably not still reading, but it's still an interesting topic, so....
mjsiega":3ik9anyl said:
When I lived aboard, I would say it was comparable to when I lived on land, but then I lived modestly on land before moving aboard (more on this below).
mjsiega":3ik9anyl said:
Hmm, that's an interesting one. I think I would say that something like a 25' powerboat or 30' sailboat would correspond to a 10' x 12' house (cabin). Even that comparison is a bit off though, because the 10' x 12' house would still probably have someplace to park the car, store propane or wood outside, and that sort of thing. Not that you can't have that in a marina, but I just mean that you don't "automatically" get the surrounding land with a boat like you often do with a house. Square gives you a lot more space than "boat-shaped," foot for foot (although most houses don't make as efficient use of that space).
Expanding on your first question, I would say something like alanc did above. That is that living aboard can cost a little or a lot, be cramped or spacious, be easy or hard. It just depends on the person, budget, desires, and situation.
I don't mean that to be evasive or un-helpful, but it's kind of like asking "how much does it cost to live in a house? And is it comfortable?" There is such a huge variety of housing, budgets, tastes, etc. that there is no one meaningful figure.
I think someone earlier made a good point in that it just depends on what you are (already) like as an individual. In other words, if you are happy in a tent and eating peanut butter on land, then you could likely be happy living on a small boat. If you like all the mod cons, a couple of cars in the driveway, space to roam, have artwork, hobby rooms, etc. (in your home), and if you enjoy fine dining, then you are probably going to want a large boat with all the mod cons and access to good restaurants (though you will still probably give up some storage). At that point it's no longer "cheap," but by then cost is probably not the point, as it wouldn't be for the same people on land (large boats with all mod cons are relatively complicated/expensive).
Then there are an infinite number of houses/boats/people that fall somewhere in between those two examples.
Herb, Willie, and Jake,
Greetings from the Pacific Northwest!
Great to hear you are making a return visit this year. Hopefully, we will get to experience the pleasure of your company again during the all to brief boating season (to brief for those of us who are weather wimps and/or still working for a living).
Have a safe trip northwards.
Take care,
Dan, Tanya, and Hannah
Greetings from the Pacific Northwest!
Great to hear you are making a return visit this year. Hopefully, we will get to experience the pleasure of your company again during the all to brief boating season (to brief for those of us who are weather wimps and/or still working for a living).
Have a safe trip northwards.
Take care,
Dan, Tanya, and Hannah
journey on
New member
We live on Journey On for ~3 mos every summer. That's what our plan was when we got her, and it's worked out well so far.
However, we're both glad to get back to our home in Sept. We point out that we're living in a place the size of our home bathroom. However you slice it, that's a bit cramped, and it takes Judy to make it work. We stay with friends, we visit kids and we enjoy the outdoors. There are added costs: boat & truck fuel, marina costs, eating out and keeping the boat going. How bad do you want to cruise?
We lived on Our Journey, a 36' sailboat for a couple of years, both in a yacht club and cruising. That was doable whilst we were getting ready for cruising and then going, and living at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club was fun. We eventually came home and sold that boat. Judy wanted back into a house.
While we lived on Our Journey we missed the house payment, but there was a live-aboard fee and we rented an office from the club to store our work stuff in. Yes it's cheaper, but with inflation you're losing out on the ability to buy a home, even in these times. Just accept that there is a live-aboard fee AND they're doing you a favor. Don't try to do the numbers, you'll either pay or not live on the boat. We took showers in the club, which could be an experience, depending on the weather. Pumping the head was another experience. And we had a marine toilet, the porta-pottie would have been worse. Some great neighbors. Some unusual neighbors, living on small boats. Storage was a continual argument between us. She won, I won, you work it out. It was a period in our life and we enjoyed it.
Note that SoCal has mild winters. Since we were in the water, the minimum was ~45 deg, but damp. I'd hate to heat a plastic boat in the snow, though I assume people do.
Cruising was a different ball game, and we did what was required in each port/marina/country/anchorage. That was a great life.
One winter we came back to LA and spent 4 mos in a 22' trailer, in a trailer park. Judy has assured me that she'll never do that again. Essentially there's nothing to do and no space in which to thrash around. Although, Judy loves to travel in the trailer, since she's out and about.
It's all in what you want to do. If you're trying to do a financial trade off you probably don't want to live aboard. If you're looking at it as an experience, you'll enjoy it. But the C-Dory 25 is too cramped for long term living, let alone a 22. I don't believe Bill and El lived on their boat continuously, but took breaks.
Boris
However, we're both glad to get back to our home in Sept. We point out that we're living in a place the size of our home bathroom. However you slice it, that's a bit cramped, and it takes Judy to make it work. We stay with friends, we visit kids and we enjoy the outdoors. There are added costs: boat & truck fuel, marina costs, eating out and keeping the boat going. How bad do you want to cruise?
We lived on Our Journey, a 36' sailboat for a couple of years, both in a yacht club and cruising. That was doable whilst we were getting ready for cruising and then going, and living at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club was fun. We eventually came home and sold that boat. Judy wanted back into a house.
While we lived on Our Journey we missed the house payment, but there was a live-aboard fee and we rented an office from the club to store our work stuff in. Yes it's cheaper, but with inflation you're losing out on the ability to buy a home, even in these times. Just accept that there is a live-aboard fee AND they're doing you a favor. Don't try to do the numbers, you'll either pay or not live on the boat. We took showers in the club, which could be an experience, depending on the weather. Pumping the head was another experience. And we had a marine toilet, the porta-pottie would have been worse. Some great neighbors. Some unusual neighbors, living on small boats. Storage was a continual argument between us. She won, I won, you work it out. It was a period in our life and we enjoyed it.
Note that SoCal has mild winters. Since we were in the water, the minimum was ~45 deg, but damp. I'd hate to heat a plastic boat in the snow, though I assume people do.
Cruising was a different ball game, and we did what was required in each port/marina/country/anchorage. That was a great life.
One winter we came back to LA and spent 4 mos in a 22' trailer, in a trailer park. Judy has assured me that she'll never do that again. Essentially there's nothing to do and no space in which to thrash around. Although, Judy loves to travel in the trailer, since she's out and about.
It's all in what you want to do. If you're trying to do a financial trade off you probably don't want to live aboard. If you're looking at it as an experience, you'll enjoy it. But the C-Dory 25 is too cramped for long term living, let alone a 22. I don't believe Bill and El lived on their boat continuously, but took breaks.
Boris
starcrafttom
Active member
We have been thinking about it and reading a lot about it. Heres my take of the general idea. I , repeat I, would not live and work in a city from a boat. I just could not do it unless the boat was large or I had a smaller fishing boat tied to it. If I had to or I should say the only way I would do it is from a house boat or a floating home with a dock for the c-dory. At that point its less about living on the water then cruising. For living on the water a house boat or a large sail or power boat is a lot cheaper then shore front propety.
We have decided that when we can spend a few years on the water it will be while we are not working. I may not wait for retirerment but may just take a few to 5 years off from work work and live cruise and odd job my way around the coast. Mostly on the south east coast and the islands would be our choice. Maybe long distance at some point in sail boat. Any storage or space issues at that point would be off set by the life style and location of the sun rise every morning.
We have decided that when we can spend a few years on the water it will be while we are not working. I may not wait for retirerment but may just take a few to 5 years off from work work and live cruise and odd job my way around the coast. Mostly on the south east coast and the islands would be our choice. Maybe long distance at some point in sail boat. Any storage or space issues at that point would be off set by the life style and location of the sun rise every morning.
thermopile
New member
I lived aboard a boat in Washington, DC, from 2003 through 2007. I had a great time, and would do it again.
Boat: 39' Holiday Mansion.
Slip Fee: $10 per foot per month, so about $400 per month.
Liveaboard Fee: $150 per month.
The costs may seem steep, but having a "2 bedroom, 2 bathroom" apartment in central DC would have cost at least 4x what I was paying ... plus the liveaboard life is fantastic. Great community of friends, everyone has something in common, and you can cruise the Potomac for a weekend.
I freely admit that the creature comforts you can afford on a 39' houseboat are a LOT more than what can be had on a 22' or 25' C-Dory; however, one still has to sell just about every bit of furniture that you own. You become best friends with the staff at the Container Store. You are always on the lookout for things that serve multiple purposes ("A vegetable slicer and shampoo dispenser? Great! I'll take it!"). And you are forever looking for ways to keep the cool inside during the summer and keeping the heat inside in the winter.
But, wow, what an experience.
Boat: 39' Holiday Mansion.
Slip Fee: $10 per foot per month, so about $400 per month.
Liveaboard Fee: $150 per month.
The costs may seem steep, but having a "2 bedroom, 2 bathroom" apartment in central DC would have cost at least 4x what I was paying ... plus the liveaboard life is fantastic. Great community of friends, everyone has something in common, and you can cruise the Potomac for a weekend.
I freely admit that the creature comforts you can afford on a 39' houseboat are a LOT more than what can be had on a 22' or 25' C-Dory; however, one still has to sell just about every bit of furniture that you own. You become best friends with the staff at the Container Store. You are always on the lookout for things that serve multiple purposes ("A vegetable slicer and shampoo dispenser? Great! I'll take it!"). And you are forever looking for ways to keep the cool inside during the summer and keeping the heat inside in the winter.
But, wow, what an experience.
"I have freinds who sleep in a homeless shelter in a dormatory with 300 other guys. All of these people have good days and bad days, just like everyone else. Where we sleep does not matter ..its what we do with our waking hours that counts. Everyone has the right and ability to persue happiness. Our level of contentment is only limited by our acceptance, not our circumstance".
Where we sleep may not matter, but how we sleep sure does. (May I refer you to my tag-line at the bottom of this post.) I bring that up because --- whoa, not be cause I'm the "Sleep Guy" but because I sleep better on my boat that anywhere else, -- EVER.
I have friends who made the switch from stick and bricks to float 'n not so fancy. They have told of some of the struggles, fears (see the thread about the Sequim boat explosion) which was right next door, and fun. Don't think they would go back. I have given it some real thought, but not sure I could do it on the 22, which is one of the things holding me back. I'm pretty attached to that boat. Not sure what I'll do about the curiosity of whether I could do it or not yet. Still have to work, long days and just not ready to make that switch yet myself. I could do it if I was cruising. Just would have a hard time tied to the same dock day in day out for weeks and months.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Where we sleep may not matter, but how we sleep sure does. (May I refer you to my tag-line at the bottom of this post.) I bring that up because --- whoa, not be cause I'm the "Sleep Guy" but because I sleep better on my boat that anywhere else, -- EVER.
I have friends who made the switch from stick and bricks to float 'n not so fancy. They have told of some of the struggles, fears (see the thread about the Sequim boat explosion) which was right next door, and fun. Don't think they would go back. I have given it some real thought, but not sure I could do it on the 22, which is one of the things holding me back. I'm pretty attached to that boat. Not sure what I'll do about the curiosity of whether I could do it or not yet. Still have to work, long days and just not ready to make that switch yet myself. I could do it if I was cruising. Just would have a hard time tied to the same dock day in day out for weeks and months.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
When I left home as a young man, my first home was a 30 foot sailboat. I was going to live and cruise aboard for 75 years. I met a woman. We had a new boat built, with a pilot house and more comfort. We lived aboard for 3 years till she wanted ashore. Since I loved her we did. She was used to a 2000 sq ft house. I have felt as Bill and El so beautifully show on their site that "houses are anchors". They tie me down. If the economy goes south where you happen to own, you may have trouble. My last sailboat I lived on in vancouver bc to save our situation when jobs in Nanaimo dried up and we had a house also. The boat allowed me to sail to where I could work and commute "home" on weekends. If I had my "druthers" I would not own a house, mine is currently for sale. I have had ongoing discussions over the years about house vs boat with my now late wife. The bottom line is a house is a house and a boat is a boat. A 100 ft boat will not be as comfortable or convenient as a house. Houses have room, reliable power and water etc. boat systems take more work. I have always said that boats are "freedom machines". You are not fixed in place. As soon as you try to fix them in place and try to be like a house, issues. Boats are meant to be moving, they are happier that way. Nomads do well in boats. Homebodies are better in houses. I have been in marinas where the lives boards had flower pots and bird feeders etc. no longer are they freedom machines. They couldn't be underway with a weeks notice. It comes down to how do you want to live? I think trying to live in the city full time on a 22 would be tough. Can be done short term. Living on a 22 while moving can be done long term. Go where the weather suits your clothes. Many people I know are putting off what they really want to be doing...till the house is paid off... Then I will.... That house may be keeping you broke. I see in nanaimo new house being built that are less than 800 sq feet. We may be coming to our senses and getting house that were good enough for our parents. I know my townhouse costs are my highest expenses still and it is leased out! Strata fees, rental manager, city taxes etc. I will be less cash strapped when it goes. House or boat, sketch out how you want to live your life then pick. One can also re choose anytime. If money is no issue have em both. I know for myself as I declutter and unload my "stuff" I feel lighter and happier and more free. Many of us have too much stuff. Small boats can't carry much stuff so good to go. Long winded but maybe a gem in there for you. :smiled George
That was my experience as well. My boat was alwaysn ready to go within minutes. Nothing like getting out after work or for the weekend. I have a house that now is an anchor. Would love to get rid of it but the economay says no, not yet. I finally retired but now have this house and huge yard. It all takes time and costs money, money I could put to better use on the water. But my neighbors all like it that way. They would never understand living on a boat.
Harvey, your comment made me remember that the best sleep that I've ever had was on our 25 C-Dory. We have a house with a king size bed and a 46' boat with a couple of queen size beds. I sleep better on the boat than at the house, but nothing equals the nights sleep that I got on the C-Dory. I don't know whether it was the coziness of the little V berth cave, the particular motion of the 25 or something else that I can't define, but I slept so hard it was a little concerning when we were anchored out.
Lyle
Lyle
Best sleep I ever had was in a tent and I have spent a significant portion of my life in those nylon and polyester cocoons.
A boat has more long term appeal of course and I have slept well on the 25 for sure. We are still aiming to be trawler based livaboards but having the wee one in school makes it a little more challenging. We got close to it over the winter but some details didn't fall into place. We will be re-visiting the plan each year until it happens or Aven is grown and we force it to happen.
13 more years at the most.....
Greg
A boat has more long term appeal of course and I have slept well on the 25 for sure. We are still aiming to be trawler based livaboards but having the wee one in school makes it a little more challenging. We got close to it over the winter but some details didn't fall into place. We will be re-visiting the plan each year until it happens or Aven is grown and we force it to happen.
13 more years at the most.....
Greg
I too have had the best sleeps ever aboard my 22.
Last summer while working at a mine in central bc I lived aboard on Francois lake for 3 months. This was great and reminded me how little is really needed to be happy in life. I feel that people nowadays clutter up their lives with stuff, and it seems that all that stuff eventually ends up running your life. If I had the opportunity to live aboard on the coast of bc I wouldn't hesitate for a moment.
Last summer while working at a mine in central bc I lived aboard on Francois lake for 3 months. This was great and reminded me how little is really needed to be happy in life. I feel that people nowadays clutter up their lives with stuff, and it seems that all that stuff eventually ends up running your life. If I had the opportunity to live aboard on the coast of bc I wouldn't hesitate for a moment.
George, great post, I learned a lot. Thanks.
Since my mid-20's I've owned a house. With kids grown and other life changes I'm living in an apt, for the past 1 1/2 yrs. I can't believe how much stress has been relieved and more "free time" now that I don't have all the yard maintenance, pool and house repairs that seemed to be an endless list. This "list" is always there while owning a house, which I'm sure adds a measure of stress every morning when you wake up, especially on weekends.
My next house will most probably be a condo to eliminate some of the work, or an apt, or possibly a boat. The boat may happen upon retirement, so I'm pretty sure I don't want to be saddled with a house when that time comes. My CD25 is very comfortable for two of us, weeks at a time, but to do this while doing a full-time job (not near water) would be a challenge as others have pointed out.
This is a really interesting thread to me. Thanks all.
Since my mid-20's I've owned a house. With kids grown and other life changes I'm living in an apt, for the past 1 1/2 yrs. I can't believe how much stress has been relieved and more "free time" now that I don't have all the yard maintenance, pool and house repairs that seemed to be an endless list. This "list" is always there while owning a house, which I'm sure adds a measure of stress every morning when you wake up, especially on weekends.
My next house will most probably be a condo to eliminate some of the work, or an apt, or possibly a boat. The boat may happen upon retirement, so I'm pretty sure I don't want to be saddled with a house when that time comes. My CD25 is very comfortable for two of us, weeks at a time, but to do this while doing a full-time job (not near water) would be a challenge as others have pointed out.
This is a really interesting thread to me. Thanks all.
Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
Hello, my name is Rob and I am a boataholic - I would chew my right arm out of a bear trap to be able to live aboard!! That might require buying a boat with a Port side helm, but I'm sure it would be worth it!! Thanks for reviving this thread and to all for their posts. I read a lot of cruising (sail) magazines just for stories like these.
Regards, Rob
Regards, Rob
BaseCampAnne
New member
George, the simplicity of living small is a powerful siren for me also, yet the "nest" is a comfortable, albeit task-laden and very expensive lifestyle that I have stayed with longer than expected.
Ever since I first saw the 25 Ranger Tug four years ago I have felt it could be a very comfortable home for me. I decided to try power boating which I had no experience with and found the mechanical and electrical areas particularly challenging (and expensive) while at the same time providing a way to get to beautiful places and meet interesting people.
Now, as the years fly by and my son has purchased the Ranger Tug, it seems like an invitation to ponder and perhaps pursue the possibility of living smaller and traveling more.
Very little of what is in my home will transfer to a boat, including a wonderful assortment of books, a variety of rocks carried home from special places and Ansel Adams and other favorite outdoors prints. And what about the spacious garage and outdoor "toys?"
As I slowly grapple with the challenges of downsizing I am encouraged after witnessing my 91 yr. old mother-in-law move this April from her home to a 400 sf studio apartment after slowly and carefully making many challenging decisions.
What a great example of how life is change!
I hope to spend several months living aboard this summer to check out that experience, which hopefully will then hasten some decision-making.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts which resurrected mine.
Anne Cox
Ever since I first saw the 25 Ranger Tug four years ago I have felt it could be a very comfortable home for me. I decided to try power boating which I had no experience with and found the mechanical and electrical areas particularly challenging (and expensive) while at the same time providing a way to get to beautiful places and meet interesting people.
Now, as the years fly by and my son has purchased the Ranger Tug, it seems like an invitation to ponder and perhaps pursue the possibility of living smaller and traveling more.
Very little of what is in my home will transfer to a boat, including a wonderful assortment of books, a variety of rocks carried home from special places and Ansel Adams and other favorite outdoors prints. And what about the spacious garage and outdoor "toys?"
As I slowly grapple with the challenges of downsizing I am encouraged after witnessing my 91 yr. old mother-in-law move this April from her home to a 400 sf studio apartment after slowly and carefully making many challenging decisions.
What a great example of how life is change!
I hope to spend several months living aboard this summer to check out that experience, which hopefully will then hasten some decision-making.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts which resurrected mine.
Anne Cox
George,
We've certainly appreciated your comments about being on the boat. We can also chat about 'stuff' that seems to own us. A couple of years ago we decided we needed to downsize, so started selling 'stuff'.... so far six (that's 6) garage sales since July 2010. This doesn't include items that have been given away or donated. We have a storage unit and our personal belongings has been moved into it. Our beautiful home overlooking Bellingham Bay and the San Juans went on the market Wednesday. A first time showing today! Grateful to have our boat and be able to spend more time on her. This is a great adventure. Have no idea where or what the next one will be.
Looking forward to seeing you (and everyone else) at Friday Harbor.
Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY
C-Brats #22
We've certainly appreciated your comments about being on the boat. We can also chat about 'stuff' that seems to own us. A couple of years ago we decided we needed to downsize, so started selling 'stuff'.... so far six (that's 6) garage sales since July 2010. This doesn't include items that have been given away or donated. We have a storage unit and our personal belongings has been moved into it. Our beautiful home overlooking Bellingham Bay and the San Juans went on the market Wednesday. A first time showing today! Grateful to have our boat and be able to spend more time on her. This is a great adventure. Have no idea where or what the next one will be.
Looking forward to seeing you (and everyone else) at Friday Harbor.
Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY
C-Brats #22
El and Bill
New member
We quit our jobs, sold our house, put 'treasures' (photo albums, etc.) in storage, and at age 50 began a homeless, unanchored life of choice and freedom. We kicked around US in a 20-ft r.v, traveled overseas to all the continents (often 6 months at a time), moved aboard a 20-foot sailboat for three years and cruised most of North America's eastern, central, and Gulf waterways, sold her to travel in a pop-up camper while in US and continue foreign travel, and then moved aboard our CD-22 living aboard on America's waterways for another decade. We then transitioned to a CO condo, winter home off the boat, for the past five years or so. So, 26 years after switching to a simple 'retired' life, we are now selling Halcyon to return to life ashore. CO simple condo is our base, and from here we travel abroad and on our continent. The CO Rockies are outside our door, and at the end of this month, we travel on the Mosel and Rhine, in Europe.
We share these experiences to demonstrate to others, that living simply can be done - and, with good luck and health, can be a happy and enriching experience.
We share these experiences to demonstrate to others, that living simply can be done - and, with good luck and health, can be a happy and enriching experience.