Boat Size-to-Comfort Ratio

[sharpcoder]

Howdy Everyone!

I am currently in the planning phase of my master liveaboard plan, and feel slightly confused as to what type of boat I should be looking for. Now I know this topic gets asked a lot, so I'll put my own spin on it with a succinct question:

In your experience, what is the smallest boat a single, no-attachments person could reasonably live on while still being comfortable?

Naturally my inclination is to jump head-first and snag a boat loan for some awesome 42' yacht, but I realize this is a poor idea on so many levels. I can reasonably have 10-20k saved up before I commit to anything, and I think it's probably better to outright buy a smaller boat - just to learn on - and see if the liveaboard lifestyle is long-term compatible.

I realize buying a boat is like falling in love - angels will play a fanfare from on high the moment you lay eyes on her. But I am looking for a general way to narrow my search. I figure boat-length is probably a good start.

Thank you!

[Sand crab]

Cats win in comfort every time.

[delmarrey]

The question is; what do you plan to do with the boat while you live on it? Or is that it?
If it's not going to move then a barge with a house on it works great.

[sharpcoder]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

The question is; what do you plan to do with the boat while you live on it? Or is that it?
If it's not going to move then a barge with a house on it works great.

I'm not looking for a barge with a house.

I currently live in Washington State and work from home most of the time (I do have to go into the office every now and then). That being said, I could probably finagle a few weeks of "remote only" here or there. Washington is a beautiful area (when it's not raining) so the ability to take my boat out to other locations would ultimately be the goal. I don't envision myself being married to one spot forever.

[FSMike]

If you're the tall guy in the picture berth length would be a good place to start. If you're the short guy you have more choices. Lots more.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by sharpcoder

Howdy Everyone!

I am currently in the planning phase of my master liveaboard plan, and feel slightly confused as to what type of boat I should be looking for. Now I know this topic gets asked a lot, so I'll put my own spin on it with a succinct question:

In your experience, what is the smallest boat a single, no-attachments person could reasonably live on while still being comfortable?

Naturally my inclination is to jump head-first and snag a boat loan for some awesome 42' yacht, but I realize this is a poor idea on so many levels. I can reasonably have 10-20k saved up before I commit to anything, and I think it's probably better to outright buy a smaller boat - just to learn on - and see if the liveaboard lifestyle is long-term compatible.

I realize buying a boat is like falling in love - angels will play a fanfare from on high the moment you lay eyes on her. But I am looking for a general way to narrow my search. I figure boat-length is probably a good start.

Thank you!

I know someone who lived quite comfortably -- with his partner -- on a 20' Flicka. In the slip next to me, a friend lives on his 27' Catalina.

The Flicka can be a bluewater boat in the right hands, the Catalina not as much. You have to think both about where you want to live and where you want to sail. I started sailing at age 62 and it wasn't realistic *for me* to think I would be circumnavigating the globe, and in fact I don't want to. Personally I want to have a "base camp" with friends and a life on land, live on the boat, and sail her as much possible. That's coastal cruising. I don't need a bluewater boat.

The bigger the boat, the more work she will be to take care of.

On the other hand, 3' makes a big difference in living space and can make a big difference in sailing characteristics as well.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by sharpcoder

I'm not looking for a barge with a house.

I currently live in Washington State and work from home most of the time (I do have to go into the office every now and then). That being said, I could probably finagle a few weeks of "remote only" here or there. Washington is a beautiful area (when it's not raining) so the ability to take my boat out to other locations would ultimately be the goal. I don't envision myself being married to one spot forever.

But that's where you are NOW and for the forseeable future, because of your job. I don't know those waters, never sailed there (boy would I love to!) While it's great to ask here, I think you should drive around your area, see what people lean toward where you are (make sure they're boats that actually *leave the dock*). You may well need a sturdier, more "blue-weather" type of boat than I do here in the relatively sedate waters of west-central and southwest Florida. Although bad weather happens everywhere, the Pacific is a MUCH bigger, and rougher, bathtub than the Gulf of Mexico is.

[S/V Alchemy]

Depending on your height, your willingness to live on a mooring, your fondness for basic toilet facilities, and your need for possessions not directly related to coastal (for now) sailing, I would say a 26-30 footer like a Contessa 26 (for the full keel) to an Alberg 30. Quite frankly, for one guy, a slightly narrower boat in terms of length to beam ratio is going to be more comfortable than a more current, but beamier and more shallow-bilged, boat.

If you are on a dock, it hardly matters, as you have showers and a flush toilet nearby and 30 amps to run little heaters, etc. Put out a dozen fenders and you're largely good to go. Shop for fit.

[Hudson Force]

Sharpcoder, On your "Greetings, Sailors" post and here as well, you have not clearly indicated if you are interested in sailing. The choice between a power boat or a sail boat is likely your first move, even before size. Most, if not all, of your responses have been from sailboat cruisers. Sailing is a sport that is a step beyond living aboard and cruising. You might do best with a power vessel if you don't enjoy sailing. I would encourage you to take some sailing lessons,- small boats would suit you well. If sailing is not something that excites you, you may do best, and with more space for length, on a motor boat.

[Teknav]

My "unscientific formula" is:...a cruiser sail boat should be at least 5 times your height, for minimal comfort; if you're 6 ft, you'll need a minimum boat length of 30 ft. Each additional person, add an additional 3 ft in length. <This formula might start a riot!> Mauritz

[sharpcoder]

Wow, so many responses! Thank you everyone. Let me go down the list...

FSMike: "If you're the tall guy in the picture berth length would be a good place to start."
Yeah I'm the tall guy... I am about 6'4" ( 193cm ).

Rakuflames:
Thanks for the info! I can see how even a few feet can make all the difference. Especially considering it's usually affecting all directions (I presume).

S/V Alchemy:
Thank you. Also good info!

CaptForce:
Ah good point. I do love the romance (conceptually) of sailing, but It's true that I cannot answer those questions as I have no first-hand experience. I am planning to purchase some professional (introductory) sailing lessons within a few weeks.

I do intend to get as much information as I can before actually moving forward with my plan in any capacity. I think having some introductory lessons under my belt will help me understand what I'm ultimately getting myself into.

But in the meantime I am trying to fall in love with a certain style of boat. I see what you mean though, power vs. sail would make a huge difference! Thank you for your input!!

Teknav: "A cruiser should be at least 5 times your height"
Interesting! I am 6' 4" (though I slouch so it could be argued I am less tall). So according to your formula I need approx. a 32' boat. That sounds reasonable to me!

[JPA Cate]

Sharpcoder,

If you just want to liveaboard and take a few trips, why not look at a motor boat? It doesn't sound like you're going to be going to sea, either way, or am I wrong? Living aboard all season in the PNW, for MY comfort (we really don't know your zones), I'd want a heater, comfortable berth (of course), places to store clothing and enough space to set up my office, plus a galley, if you do your own cooking, and a head with a shower (with a separate sump). If you're willing to have your office in your "bedroom", the smallest boat that fits your body would bring you most quickly to your adventure.

If sailing is the ultimate dream, and you plan to work from the boat, I've seen people set up their forepeaks as an office, or the aft cabin, but you're already talking over 40ft., for the kind of space that would let you have a separate office. These both were monohulls. IMO, you should sail on the ocean in both a catamaran and an equivalent length monohull before deciding on your ultimate boat, because some people's bodies don't like the motion of one, but are okay with the other.

Ann

[sailorchic34]

The tricky part is getting a boat you can stand up in. That's more important then LOD or LOA. Though possible in 32' depending on the boat.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by sharpcoder

Teknav: "A cruiser should be at least 5 times your height"
Interesting! I am 6' 4" (though I slouch so it could be argued I am less tall). So according to your formula I need approx. a 32' boat. That sounds reasonable to me!

Sorry, at 6'3", I'm not buying the formula. And at 6'4" you'll find exponentially fewer boats that will suffice. You're not going to find many sailboats below 40' that you'll be able to stand up in, even barefoot.

[model 10]

We we have 7'4" in in the salon of a 36' sailboat so it's not impossible to find enough head room in less than 40' but not common. The length of your berth will be a concern.