Question:
living aboard a sail boat?
my roommate and I are thinking about living aboard a sail boat.
We figure making the rent every month is the same as making payment for
the sail boat. We don't really know much about sailing but love it dearly.
We have sailed the 14ft Lido and are taking course in sailing the 30ft Shields.
Please reply with info regarding the followings:
1) boat types (please include featured amenities aboard)
2) prices (both used and new)
3) docking fee (in general)
4) maintenance
5) any literature that we should be reading
6) whatever else you think we should know
Answer:
- I don't say this because I don't like sailing, don't think that
living aboard can be a satisfying life style, or that I am trying to be mean.
I don't know if you are looking for a boat to be a residence, a boat to be
a hobby (or recreation), a boat to be an investment, or a boat to be a life
style. And, I suspect you don't know either. Before you plunk down your
money, you need to figure out what kind of sailing you like to do, what
kind of boat you like doing it in, and if you really want to live on the boat
you sail. When you have answered these questions, know what you are *really*
going to use the boat for, and have answered your own question #1, ask your
questions again. Actually, by that time you will have answered many of them
yourself.
In other words, do not look at living aboard a sailboat as inexpensive housing,
or an inexpensive way to pay for a sailboat. While both of these things can
be true once you know what you want out of sailing, they can be a disaster
to the novice.
- After owning the Shearwater, a 36' Pearson, for about 8 years, I've just
had the opportunity to move on board - and I'm quite comfortable with the
decision. But, some general thoughts -
first, she is a sailboat - if you don't love sailing, don't even think of
living on board!
2. Space is very limited - I junked most of my clothing, rented storage
for some sports stuff like SCUBA gear, and made item by item decisions on
everything else I owned. I don't regret it, but it is close for two
people.
3. Privacy is very limited. Two folks will literally be in contact all
the time. The galley is sufficient for two to cook on the Shearwater -
but they better like each other.
4. Things like showers are a project - I have sufficient hot water for
one shower in mid-winter - if there are two of us, we shower together or
one is very cold - fun if you are very close, but otherwise . . .
5. You had better be neat and clean - even with constant cleaning,
everything rubs against everything else. Now to specifics of your
question:
The Shearwater is typical of a sailboat designed for weekend cruising - on
a 32-36' boat, you are likely to find a reasonable galley, sleeping for 3
groups (2 private bunks and a center area or salon), and insufficient
storage. On a boat designed for living on board, you are likely to find
much less sleeping and living space, but more storage.
Boats to live on range all over the map - the Shearwater is about
$900/month - and that is typical for a mid-size live-aboard boat. If you
are VERY HANDY, you can get a boat for much less than 1/2 that amount -
but don't expect to sail her without significant repairs.
$10/month/foot are typical
Remember the joke about taxes - How much do you make? Send it in.
Maintenance is never ending - you have a boat, recreational vehicle, an
engine, all the electronics of a small TV station, the toilets of a
rooming house and it all sits in salt water. I spend about $400/month -
but maintain the Shearwater agressively - new sail covers, new trim and
stuff repaired and replaced that looks warn.
Go to a good boat show
I think you should try chartering - or visiting a live-aboard marina to
get to know some folks who live on board. If your ever in the DC area,
you are welcome to stop by the Shearwater and visit. I'm happy for the
company - as are many boaters - and will tell you all the stories.
Remember, per square foot, living on board is much more expensive than an
apartment. For the price of my slip, I can rent a dive that is probably
10 times as large in the same general area of town.
The benefits of living on board is that I love it - I like the sound of
the water, I like the rocking, I like the marina and the people who live
there, and I like the thought that the next time I relocate, all I need to
do is provision, round up a crew, and sail off.
