Newbie need advice about living on boat

polaatx · 03-06-2007, 19:23

Hello, I don't know how to sail yet. I am moving to Southern Calif from Atlanta, I'm single, self-employed and can work from anywhere there's internet access so I could live anywhere I want. Also have managed to get rid of most of my possessions.

So it suddenly occurred to me that instead of getting an apartment, I could move straight into a boat and live the way Quincy did. However, as I said I don't know how to sail. I have the cash but I would assume I should know how to sail---right?

So the next best thing would be rent someone's boat and try living on it for a while and then buy my dream boat when I am sure I like living on a boat and have taken some lessons.

But checking Craig's list, the pickings are slim. There's one guy who posted this same ad six times OPEN HOUSE, LIVE BY YOURSELF, IN PEACE, ON TOP OF THE WATER IN A BOAT but now says he doesn't know if the boat is available.

Does anyone know where I could find ads by people who want to rent out live-in-boat situations? Or is that a pretty rare thing anyway?

I'm focusing on Orange County right now, but open to other parts.

Any advice on my plans to get into sailing would be appreciated, including best, most economical way to try living on boat and learning to sail.

I'll get to LA on Wed and start looking for place to live.

thanks in advance.

S/V Elusive · 03-06-2007, 19:51

Pol - why don't you look about in this forum (liveaboards) and I believe you'll find the answer.

polaatx · 03-06-2007, 20:14

I started to reading the other threads and I'm thrilled to find such a close-knit, serious community. You guys really take live-aboarding seriously! I even saw terms like "escaping from the Matrix" which I totally understand. The Matrix is what I'm escaping! I got rid nearly all my possessions a few days ago as I was living Atlanta, even throwing perfectly good furniture right into the dump just for the pleasure of killing things that owned me for so long. I can't wait to read more of this forum. You guys sound a lot like my type of people, wanting to want to be simple and being close to nature and free to live for yourself--not to payoff mortgage.

I hope to God I find a live aboard situation quickly and not be forced to sign a damn lease for an apt and postpone my dream. Any offers out there would be seriously considered. I'm in Scottsdale AZ and will head for LA and Orange County midweek to stay at some hotel and start looking.

44'cruisingcat · 03-06-2007, 19:53

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure some US based people will be able to help you find a boat. (I'm in Aus.)

I just thought I would point out that you don't need to know how to sail to live on a boat. For one thing, you could live on a powerboat. But getting sailing lessons is fairly easy anyway.

polaatx · 03-06-2007, 19:57

Thanks for your reply. Sailboat not powerboat is my dream. Hopefully, I'll get some good replies. I was a fool not to post sooner. It just occurred to me this afternoon to ask sailors to advice ---- duh!!

Rangiroo · 03-06-2007, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by polaatx

Thanks for your reply. Sailboat not powerboat is my dream. Hopefully, I'll get some good replies. I was a fool not to post sooner. It just occurred to me this afternoon to ask sailors to advice ---- duh!!

Hi from Atlanta and welcome to this forum...I'd goto the local marinas once you get there and ask around. Once you get settled in to a boat then again...find yourself a crew position for club racing on the bay. In my opinion this is the quickest and easiest way to learn how to sail and sail well...how to get the best out of the wind and the sails...you will learn it quickly because you have to in a racing situation and it will teach you good sailing skills and procedure that you will keep forever...good luck with it!

Keep coming back to this forum as there is an unbelievable wealth of information and experience for you here!!

Michael

polaatx · 03-06-2007, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangiroo

...I'd goto the local marinas once you get there and ask around. Once you get settled in to a boat then again...find yourself a crew position for club racing on the bay.

Hi Michael,

Okay, going to the local marina, that's for finding a live aboard situation, correct?

About finding crew position: why would anyone want someone with no sailing knowledge? All I know is a couple of afternoon classes I took in college many years ago and forgotten that too.
ali

Rangiroo · 03-06-2007, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by polaatx

Hi Michael,

Okay, going to the local marina, that's for finding a live aboard situation, correct?

About finding crew position: why would anyone want someone with no sailing knowledge? All I know is a couple of afternoon classes I took in college many years ago and forgotten that too.
ali

Yes to asking at the local marina for a boat to rent...as for the second question...owners are always looking for RELIABLE crew...that means someone that is going to show up EVERY race for the season...they will not care if you don't know a thing as long as you show up EVERY time....you will learn about sailing in a pressure cooker competitive situation so you will learn fast. You will also make contacts that will last for ages and will be an immense help when you are ready to look for a boat...again...good luck!!

**Pblais** · 03-06-2007, 21:10

Quote:

Does anyone know where I could find ads by people who want to rent out live-in-boat situations? Or is that a pretty rare thing anyway?

Seems like a rare thing but then again you only need one. I guess I would hang around a few marinas and get a feel for what goes on. Renting you a boat to live aboard is more like a caretaker situation than a rental situation. It costs a lot to pay for a boat slip plus insurance and expenses so you need to make things work both ways. People that have a boat for rent would expect a profit and I think at that point rent is not going to be cheap. Rents tend to decrease as you get farther away from the water. Even rent in Palmdale isn't cheap. Rents in Georgia are actually pretty darn cheap so expect the rates to be more than you are used to. You need to get a handle on prices on shore so you can compare it to the water. In the end it has to work for you or you won't like it.

It's not a bad idea but it is not without certain expenses too. Hanging out might let you find out more about the real possibilities.

Terra Nova · 03-06-2007, 21:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by polaatx

Hello, I don't know how to sail yet. I am moving to Southern Calif from Atlanta, I'm single, self-employed and can work from anywhere there's internet access so I could live anywhere I want. Also have managed to get rid of most of my possessions.

So it suddenly occurred to me that instead of getting an apartment, I could move straight into a boat and live the way Quincy did. However, as I said I don't know how to sail. I have the cash but I would assume I should know how to sail---right?

So the next best thing would be rent someone's boat and try living on it for a while and then buy my dream boat when I am sure I like living on a boat and have taken some lessons.

Does anyone know where I could find ads by people who want to rent out live-in-boat situations? Or is that a pretty rare thing anyway?

I'm focusing on Orange County right now, but open to other parts.

Any advice on my plans to get into sailing would be appreciated, including best, most economical way to try living on boat and learning to sail.

I'll get to LA on Wed and start looking for place to live.

Yo Pol,

you must be prepared to have people tell you NO!

Most marinas restrict the number of liveaboards--if they allow it at all. And many of those who allow it apply a liveaboard surcharge, sometimes hundreds of dollars per month on top of the slip rent. Talk with the dockmasters to find out their rules regarding this use.

Before giving someone money for rent, make sure that it is legal for you to actually liveaboard in that anchorage.

best, andy

GordMay · 07-08-2007, 03:28

Sometimes, a lease may be in your best interests.

In some jurisdictions (ie: Florida*), if you don’t have a lease, you are subject to hotel/tourist and sales taxes.

* The Florida Tourist Development Tax is a 4% charge on the revenue from rentals of six months or less. This tax is in addition to the state sales tax.
Anyone who has entered into a bona fide written lease for greater than 6 months is exempt from sales tax and tourist development tax on the lease payments. If there is no written agreement, the owner is required to collect and remit the state sales tax and tourist tax for the first six months. The seventh month and every month thereafter will be exempt provided the same renter continues to reside at the same location.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->Ch0212->Section 03 : flsenate.gov

bearphish · 13-08-2007, 21:35

I'm no "seasoned sailor" by any means of the phrase, but I can handle my own on a good cruise, single-handed. This with VERY limited experience on deck(I'm an Airborne veteran) but I watch carefully and closely pay attention to every detail. I don't feel like I needed to pay thousands of dollars in lessons before I graduated to the exalted position of "newbie". I'm intelligent enough to learn about weather, currents, boat design, rigging, hardware, blah. Anyone can, if they value their future in sailing.
So, in my opinion, I feel that one who dives right in with the proper attitude and willingness to approach their new lifestyle with a careful demeanor, research and asking questions of knowledgable people will probably do just fine, if not "overdo" some things.
I bought my first boat and dove right in, moving her by sail 320mi. in the Atlantic, but I did my homework first, and to tell you the truth, it was a "breeze" (pun intentended). I just ran through my checklist, pushed the butterflies down as far as I could and started life for once.
In conclusion, polaatx, I think you should do your homework, sign a six-month lease somewhere, get your money up, buy a (small)project that needs little, invest in alternative energy systems(solar, wind generator) so that you can be autonomous and not have to dock as much, reduce your baggage to near nothing, repair and outfit your vessel, say your good byes and prepare for a new life.

Check craigslist for boats, I have seen quite alot of great deals on keelboats in the 23-30ft range that would be a good start for you.
Most important, polaatx, do what YOU think is right in your heart, not what some faceless entity online like myself tells you. hehehe... These guys here have AWESOME advice, I suggest you listen well, and never stop asking questions, bro. WELCOME ABOARD!!! And good luck.

**Ex-Calif** · 03-06-2007, 22:24

"I hope to God I find a live aboard situation quickly and not be forced to sign a damn lease for an apt and postpone my dream."

This is not intended to sound sarcastic at all but don't sign a lease no matter what.

There are many motels in and around Orange County / Fullerton etc. My sister lived in one for 6 months (another story) and paid $240 /week. cable tv, wireless internet, fridge and microwave.

At the very least this will give you some idea of your constraints when living aboard except that in the motel you will have more space and a better bathroom.

Terra Nova · 03-06-2007, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

This is not intended to sound sarcastic at all but don't sign a lease no matter what.

There are many motels in and around Orange County / Fullerton etc. My sister lived in one for 6 months (another story) and paid $240 /week. cable tv, wireless internet, fridge and microwave.

At the very least this will give you some idea of your constraints when living aboard except that in the motel you will have more space and a better bathroom.

Yo Dan,

good advice. You must mean a long-term lease. Some sort of contract, even weekly, will most likely be required. Seems a short-term living accomodation will be unavoidable while a liveaboard boat/situation is secured.

To your great motel room example, "in the motel you will have more space and a better bathroom", I would add "maid service, heating/air conditioning, a place to hang your clothes, and nearby parking".

If a "legal" liveaboard situation can be found, how are its' amenities? Such as:
Clean showers with plenty of hot water.
Laundry.
Security.
Parking.

The boat will be required to possess a closed toilet system with holding tank. Are there adequate nearby facilities for pumpout?

There is published a Southern California "Where the Slips Are" brochure which has descriptions of facilities, and phone numbers for dockmasters. If the OP contacts me I'll see that he gets one.

best, andy

**Ex-Calif** · 03-06-2007, 23:20

"You must mean a long-term lease. Some sort of contract, even weekly, will most likely be required."

Not really a contract. My sister paid weekly but it literally was motel check in. Credit card on the counter - here's your key. Settle the bill weekly in arrears.

"I would add "maid service, heating/air conditioning, a place to hang your clothes, and nearby parking". "

You got my point exactly. I think it's excellent practice.

03-06-2007, 19:23	#1
polaatx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4	Newbie need advice about living on boat Hello, I don't know how to sail yet. I am moving to Southern Calif from Atlanta, I'm single, self-employed and can work from anywhere there's internet access so I could live anywhere I want. Also have managed to get rid of most of my possessions. So it suddenly occurred to me that instead of getting an apartment, I could move straight into a boat and live the way Quincy did. However, as I said I don't know how to sail. I have the cash but I would assume I should know how to sail---right? So the next best thing would be rent someone's boat and try living on it for a while and then buy my dream boat when I am sure I like living on a boat and have taken some lessons. But checking Craig's list, the pickings are slim. There's one guy who posted this same ad six times OPEN HOUSE, LIVE BY YOURSELF, IN PEACE, ON TOP OF THE WATER IN A BOAT but now says he doesn't know if the boat is available. Does anyone know where I could find ads by people who want to rent out live-in-boat situations? Or is that a pretty rare thing anyway? I'm focusing on Orange County right now, but open to other parts. Any advice on my plans to get into sailing would be appreciated, including best, most economical way to try living on boat and learning to sail. I'll get to LA on Wed and start looking for place to live. thanks in advance.

07-08-2007, 03:28	#11
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,576	Sometimes, a lease may be in your best interests. In some jurisdictions (ie: Florida), if you don’t have a lease, you are subject to hotel/tourist and sales taxes. The Florida Tourist Development Tax is a 4% charge on the revenue from rentals of six months or less. This tax is in addition to the state sales tax. Anyone who has entered into a bona fide written lease for greater than 6 months is exempt from sales tax and tourist development tax on the lease payments. If there is no written agreement, the owner is required to collect and remit the state sales tax and tourist tax for the first six months. The seventh month and every month thereafter will be exempt provided the same renter continues to reside at the same location. Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->Ch0212->Section 03 : flsenate.gov __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"

13-08-2007, 21:35	#12
bearphish Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Boat: Olympic 23 "Oddyssea" Posts: 88	I'm no "seasoned sailor" by any means of the phrase, but I can handle my own on a good cruise, single-handed. This with VERY limited experience on deck(I'm an Airborne veteran) but I watch carefully and closely pay attention to every detail. I don't feel like I needed to pay thousands of dollars in lessons before I graduated to the exalted position of "newbie". I'm intelligent enough to learn about weather, currents, boat design, rigging, hardware, blah. Anyone can, if they value their future in sailing. So, in my opinion, I feel that one who dives right in with the proper attitude and willingness to approach their new lifestyle with a careful demeanor, research and asking questions of knowledgable people will probably do just fine, if not "overdo" some things. I bought my first boat and dove right in, moving her by sail 320mi. in the Atlantic, but I did my homework first, and to tell you the truth, it was a "breeze" (pun intentended). I just ran through my checklist, pushed the butterflies down as far as I could and started life for once. In conclusion, polaatx, I think you should do your homework, sign a six-month lease somewhere, get your money up, buy a (small)project that needs little, invest in alternative energy systems(solar, wind generator) so that you can be autonomous and not have to dock as much, reduce your baggage to near nothing, repair and outfit your vessel, say your good byes and prepare for a new life. Check craigslist for boats, I have seen quite alot of great deals on keelboats in the 23-30ft range that would be a good start for you. Most important, polaatx, do what YOU think is right in your heart, not what some faceless entity online like myself tells you. hehehe... These guys here have AWESOME advice, I suggest you listen well, and never stop asking questions, bro. WELCOME ABOARD!!! And good luck. __________________ Are we there yet? http://www.myspace.com/lordspears

03-06-2007, 22:24	#13
Ex-Calif Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Boat: Maxi 77 - Relax Lah! Posts: 4,560	"I hope to God I find a live aboard situation quickly and not be forced to sign a damn lease for an apt and postpone my dream." This is not intended to sound sarcastic at all but don't sign a lease no matter what. There are many motels in and around Orange County / Fullerton etc. My sister lived in one for 6 months (another story) and paid $240 /week. cable tv, wireless internet, fridge and microwave. At the very least this will give you some idea of your constraints when living aboard except that in the motel you will have more space and a better bathroom. __________________ *Dan - Relax Lah! - Changi Sailing Club* Custom CF Google Search & CF Rules Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available - Benford

03-06-2007, 23:20	#15
Ex-Calif Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Boat: Maxi 77 - Relax Lah! Posts: 4,560	"You must mean a long-term lease. Some sort of contract, even weekly, will most likely be required." Not really a contract. My sister paid weekly but it literally was motel check in. Credit card on the counter - here's your key. Settle the bill weekly in arrears. "I would add "maid service, heating/air conditioning, a place to hang your clothes, and nearby parking". " You got my point exactly. I think it's excellent practice. __________________ *Dan - Relax Lah! - Changi Sailing Club* Custom CF Google Search & CF Rules Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available - Benford

03-06-2007, 19:51	#2
S/V Elusive Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,454	Pol - why don't you look about in this forum (liveaboards) and I believe you'll find the answer.

03-06-2007, 20:14	#3
polaatx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4	I started to reading the other threads and I'm thrilled to find such a close-knit, serious community. You guys really take live-aboarding seriously! I even saw terms like "escaping from the Matrix" which I totally understand. The Matrix is what I'm escaping! I got rid nearly all my possessions a few days ago as I was living Atlanta, even throwing perfectly good furniture right into the dump just for the pleasure of killing things that owned me for so long. I can't wait to read more of this forum. You guys sound a lot like my type of people, wanting to want to be simple and being close to nature and free to live for yourself--not to payoff mortgage. I hope to God I find a live aboard situation quickly and not be forced to sign a damn lease for an apt and postpone my dream. Any offers out there would be seriously considered. I'm in Scottsdale AZ and will head for LA and Orange County midweek to stay at some hotel and start looking.

03-06-2007, 19:53	#4
44'cruisingcat Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,777	Welcome to the forum. I'm sure some US based people will be able to help you find a boat. (I'm in Aus.) I just thought I would point out that you don't need to know how to sail to live on a boat. For one thing, you could live on a powerboat. But getting sailing lessons is fairly easy anyway.

03-06-2007, 19:57	#5
polaatx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4	Thanks for your reply. Sailboat not powerboat is my dream. Hopefully, I'll get some good replies. I was a fool not to post sooner. It just occurred to me this afternoon to ask sailors to advice ---- duh!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Selecting the ideal live aboard monohull sailboat	Stede	Liveaboard's Forum	47	19-11-2008 21:18
Do boats have "souls"?	sail_the_stars	General Sailing Forum	73	25-01-2008 14:33
Buying a boat nightmare...	cchris0411	Multihull Sailboats	31	06-10-2007 23:54
Changing the Boat's Name	sjs	General Sailing Forum	4	24-05-2004 08:15