Using housing stipend to pay for boat?

[NavyPT]

It's a rainy and foggy day here on the Emerald Coast of FL and that has me thinking about better days. I'm ~14 years from retirement from the Navy and have recently been thinking about cruising the Caribbean at that time. I'd like some input on a thought that's been running through my head.

Would it make sense to use my monthly housing allowance to pay towards the vessel that I'd like to use on this journey? I figured that I would begin anywhere from 1-5 years from retirement. This would give me time to learn about the vessel, gain more experience sailing, use the "free money" to pay down the loan, and frankly, just see if I like the experience living aboard.

Any thoughts?

[roverhi]

I did it. Got lucky transfering between bases and easily sold the boats for a small profit. Really depends on how long you'll be able to stay in the general area with the inevitable transfers. I went from Hawaii to Norfolk to California so no way I could have taken my boats with me. Could have been a disaster if I got transfered in a down market like we are in now. Facilities for boats have greatly approved since my time in the service.

[NavyPT]

Thanks for the response. If I do decide to go this route it will likely be on my twilight tour so won't have to worry about transferring.

[Heinous]

I did. I won't be staying long enough for retirement, though. My only regret was not being able to purchase the boat sooner (damned stingy banks).