Living on a boat full-time, also called being a liveaboard, can be a dream lifestyle for many. But it's a big decision and requires preparation. So, leading with Why? is an important question to avoid disappointments: what boat you end up buying, and how you become a liveaboard should not be the driving force behind your decision.
Many people jump into this without considering the purpose—without asking why?
Now that you have a good reason to take the plunge, here's a breakdown of the steps to get you started:
1. Try it Out: Before searching for the right boat, experience liveaboard life firsthand. Charter a boat for an extended vacation or find someone offering liveaboard experiences. This will give you a taste of the realities of limited space, constant maintenance, and being on the water.
2. Research and Learn: The joy of living on a boat is a constant pursuit of mastery, and the level of preparation you'll need to go cruising varies according to your boating knowledge. Docking in a stiff breeze or backing out of an anchorage, replacing a water pump impeller or fixing the autopilot – every maneuver and repair, big or small, will require you to be comfortable refining your skills. Take boating courses and learn about boat systems and maintenance, honing your seamanship.
3. Plan Your Finances: Living on a boat can be more affordable than traditional housing, but there are still costs involved. Factor in diesel, boat maintenance and repairs, moorage fees, insurance, food, and other necessities. As a general rule, you should budget about 10% of the value of the boat for yearly costs. Consider how you'll generate income while living on a boat. Can you work remotely?
There are hundreds of YouTube videos on this topic. Here's a very useful one from SV Delos.
4. Find the Right Boat: There's no easy way to do this. Specially if it's going to be your floating home. The first step in choosing your boat is to define your 'must-haves' and 'niceties.' Whether you intend to do bluewater cruising, being off grid for extended periods, require exceptional comfort, etc. This will help you focus on the boat that fits best your liveaboard requirements. Like with houses or condos, you can shop for boats on marketplaces. A good place to start is Yachtworld—you will find wide range of new and used boats for sale.
Buying a boat is harder than you think. A few things to keep in mind: There are no deals on boats—the devil is in the survey; new boats are not better than used boats—of course boat makers will tell you otherwise; you gotta go onboard—never just trust an ad you see online.
5. Liveaboard Regulations: Not all marinas allow liveaboards. Check with marinas in your area about their policies and any restrictions on boat size or type. There might also be local regulations regarding permanent residence on a boat.
Living the liveaboard life can be an amazing experience, but it's important to be prepared for the challenges. By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and set yourself up for success.