Living aboard a boat was a dream of mine for years. I achieved it two different times in my life for extended periods. In my case, I also wanted to do some cruising so that consideration drove my choice of boats
.The thinking part asks where there are anchorages or marinas that are safe and close to amenities. How much will it cost to maintain your boat? How much will a marina or mooring cost? How about insurance? Financing? And so on. You will probably make a list of the pros and cons of living aboard and assign points. It doesn't matter what you do because the feeling part is going to win.
The feeling part enjoys sitting in the cockpit after a hard day at work unwinding with a cocktail. Your old friend the green heron rides on your stern line bobbing up and down and spearing fish on the downstroke. A mullet jumps up out of the dark water and lands with a splash. A large pelican spots him and crash dives into the water to fill his big beak with a tasty meal.
The breeze kicks up and your boat begins to rock gently in her slip. The halyards all around the marina start clanging against the masts and sound like distant church bells. The rain comes crashing down and you go below to read a book, watch TV or listen to music. The rain beats a tatto on the roof of the cabin but you are snug and secure and all is well. You can hear the shrimp nibbling on the hull of your boat. It's just you and nature.
There is a sense of freedom that you just can't get living on land. Your mind is limited only by your imagination. If you can figure out how to work at home, or if you win the lottery, you can live anyplace there is water and a place to berth your boat. This includes most of the world.
Living on a boat defies rational analysis. It can be just as expensive or more so than living on land, and it can be real inconvenient. Unless you have a huge yacht you will learn where the best laundromats in town are located. You will get rid of all your furniture and most of your books, knick knacks and art.
You will learn how to cook dozens of varieties of one pot meals. You will learn that every labor saving mechanical and electrical device comes with an energy and maintenance price to pay. You will keep your clothing wardrobe to a minimum.
You will feel it was not a sacrifice, but a logical result of the floating freedom lifestyle you have chosen.
Enjoy yourself on your journey through these web pages, and I hope what you learn will help you make the right decision.
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