Liveaboard Boat Recommendations

[vela_via]

Hello, I am looking for boat recommendations to live aboard. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[skipmac]

No way to answer without just a little bit more information.

1. Most important, what is your budget?

2. Sail or power?

3. How many people?

4. How long will you live aboard?

5. What is your boating experience?

6. What are your cruising plans?

I think this much would at least get a start.

[Dennis.G]

[MBLittle]

Little small isn't she?

[jeremiason]

You better come up with some parameters for you question... One thing to consider is if you want to live on a Power or Sailboat.

This site has sailors from both ends of the spectrum.

Some of them are perfectly happy cruising around with a plastic bucket to pee in and others wouldn't be comfortable of the boat pictured above.

[mausgras]

I cannot make recommendations for you, I think everyone's wants and needs are too different. But I can tell you what was important for me and why.

First my handyman skills are not great, so I wanted are reasonably new boat, only 5+/- years old. Hopefully it was still new enough not to have major structural issues but old enough to have got over the worst of the new boat depreciation.

Second, I wanted three cabins. Although I don't expect to be over crowded with guests it would be nice to have the space if needed, and I can use the spare cabin for storage anyway.
I chose to have only one bathroom, I think it is really an indulgence to have an ensuite for everyone.

I do a lot of writing so it was important to have a separate and comfortable navigation station to use as a desk.

I also live in the tropics so aircon was a must in the marina with shore power. It is not needed when I am cruising because good air flow keeps the temp down and comfortable.

I like to swim so a transom that works as a swim platform is really a nice plus. It also has a shower hose which is appreciated just to wash the salt of the face.

I hate having to tow a dinghy behind. So I was really pleased the previous owner had optioned davits off the stern so the dinghy can be easily lifted out of the water on short cruises.
I have an L-shaped galley which is really nice. Just about everything is in reach without needing to move much. But about half the work space is the fridge top. Maybe one day I will be able to replace it with a pullout drawer style.
I like lots of natural light so plenty of hatches and windows were important for me.

Anyhow, that's just some of the things I looked for and found in my Bavaria 37.

[scoobert]

this is the most popular liveaboard on the market. many a 8 person family have grown up here:

[flagorio]

Go buy A cheap 27 Catalina or similar boat for under 3-5 thousand. Move aboard. Try it for a year. See if the lifestyle fits before you invest a ton of dough. I used to freak out when something cost over a hundred or two. After a new engine, it doesn't get my attention until a couple of thousand (boat buck=break out another thousand). That way you will have your own experience to rely on rather than the experiences or worse inexperienced opinions of others. Good luck!

[vela_via]

To give a little more background:

I am looking for a sailboat for me and my cat to live in Boston. Probably for a couple of years unless I find I could do it longer. I am a sailor, but mostly dinghies. I don't plan to cruise much.

[boatman61]

Then buy an old motor boat and keep your dinghy on davits of the stern...

[scoobert]

Houseboat.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by vela_via

To give a little more background:

I am looking for a sailboat for me and my cat to live in Boston. Probably for a couple of years unless I find I could do it longer. I am a sailor, but mostly dinghies. I don't plan to cruise much.

Well that's some information but still not much.

So do you want to spend $1000.00?


Or maybe $10,000?



Or $100,000?

[fishin4bogey]

Skip, that Bayliner looks SWEET!!!

[Tim R.]

A friend is selling his 1969 Bristol 32 in Portland Maine. He has lived aboard it for many years. Asking $8,000. No personal interest, just passing along the info. I can get you in touch with him if you are interested.

[WebWench]

I have an 9.2 s2 30' center cockpit for sale that would work as a liveaboard. You would have to add a few things like a heater though. It is in the classifieds on this site.