I love this topic.
Here is my 2c.
I built my first boat back in the late 70's, launched it the early 80's.
Back in those days a lot of people were living the " dream", and homebuilt boats could be seen on many a driveway.
Those were " the days"...it really was...you could sail anywhere,
anchor anywhere, no
mooring fields, you could still get a 12 month cruising
permit in the B'mas for around $25. There were no
marine patrols chasing you away from an anchorage...no Coast guard boardings....and marina fee's were around 0.50c/ft.
There was no
GPS and people had to actually learn some rudimentary sailing and
navigation skills. Back in the day, we had working lighthouses, beacons, WOM ( High Seas operator) was around...If you sailed off shore, you learned to use a
sextant.
People that were sailing were a certain " breed" if you wish. Mass
marketing of sailboats had not arrived. The
Morgan OI 41 was considered to be " the" ultimate liveaboard boat, especially in the
charter trade, which was still in it's infancy then.
Then
Loran came along.....it had limited use....but still....it provided a
newbie with some navigational aids...then Satnav arrived.....better, yet, not so good.
Then
GPS arrived. As well as sat phones, ...refrigeration,
air conditioning, cell phones, etc, etc, etc.
Boats became more modern and more expensive.....but sailed less...."floating condo's" they were termed. The modern day sailboat is a marvel of " modern" day conveniences...a/c...microwave ovens..the list is endless....every convenience you want...electric toilets...you name it....
With all the conveniences came all the new rules and new restrictions.
Mooring fields, requiring a daily fee, limited cruising permits, holding
tanks requiring a
pump out fee, limited anchorage spots...the list is long....Marina
fees now running $16-25/ft per day, if you can still find marina's. Many marina's have been converted to " condo's" where you can actually " buy" the slip.
Yes, the liveaboard lifestyle is a dying lifestyle. Yes, you can still find a few spots here and there that support a liveaboard community...but they are far and few between
Many area marina's allow only a limited number of " liveaboards" but charge accordingly.
I'm sure this topic will have ardent supporters on both sides of the fence. The liveaboard lifestyle is still attainable, but nothing like the " old days".
You have to have realistic " expectations". Walk around the docks and talk to other liveaboards and get their take on the matter.
Besides all of the above, yearly
maintenance, haulouts, etc, require an arm and a leg..and a huge wad of cash.
Last but not least, is " hurricane"
insurance...
All told, it's not an " inexpensive" lifestyle at all. At a marina, you may have to park a long way from your boat, do your
laundry elsewhere, fetch your mail from a post office...etc..etc..etc..and your marina neighbor is an unknown.....and he/she will be a mere 5' from you.
When it rains, it may be a long, wet walk to your car.....with a handful of groceries...
Ok, I have lived this lifestyle for a long time, and have endured the many ups and downs, but I have grown into it. Starting from scratch today, will take a giant leap of faith.
Welcome to the club !!!