Trying to Explain Why I Live on a Boat . . .

[AnchorageGuy]

Our response to that over the last 20 years has been that if they had to ask the question, they would not understand the answer. Chuck

[Don1500]

The world is too big to have an anchor tied to my life.

[Wavewacker]

Not knowing this thread was addressing this topic, I posted a similar question in another;

Does it matter? I don't think I would spend much time trying to explain it to someone who doesn't get it.

I have not mentioned to my family, I'll tell them and that will be it!

I'm really looking for a way to just get away, I will drop in on civilization and smile at those around me, but being in the Ozarks has taken its toll on me.....

So if someone asks why, I might just ask why would it matter?

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

I just explain that living in a cave is for neanderthals.

Uhh.... you're saying a sailboat is not a cave compared to a house?... hmmm, for a non cave wish you need a trawler!
That original post is great!

[idpnd]

I love water

Also:

"We said there warn't no home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft."
Mark Twin - Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

[dacust]

Answer: Because without the boat, the mattress would get all wet and soggy.

[impi]

Real estate you can move all over and sell anywhere in the world, to a new owner who can relocate it anywhere in the world

[dacust]

Originally Posted by dacust

Answer: Because without the boat, the mattress would get all wet and soggy.

I thought this was pretty good, so I sent it to my sister.

This was her reply:

You'd think people would understand that without people on board, most of the boats would turn feral and leave home. Once they quit holding down the edge of the ocean, it rolls up like a window shade—and then goodbye seashore. Would we really want to have to walk 300 miles out on the sand to see a stupid tube of water? I don't think so.

[barnakiel]

I explain nothing. People do not ask you to understand. Most don't in any case. People ask you to comment and condemn.

I simply say 'that's the way I like it' and when this is not enough I say 'oh (..............).

b.

[Tellie]

1) Because the Midnight Mermaids are sexier than barflys.
2) Because the Myan 2012 calender can't effect anyone at sea.
3) Because Flying fish don't mind me nekkid.
4) Because since my partner Ted Kaczynski is outta the picture I have to carry on in private.
5) Because without a sextant I'd never understand astrology or the opposite sextant.

Usually by comment three they walk away, leave me alone never to ask again.

[Sailor g]

Because I have the biggest backyard in the world! It's magical to be sailing in the sunshine with dolphin playing on your bow. It's exhilarating to be in 45 kts of wind with 25 ft seas taking green water over the bow & hitting your dodger. Being at anchor in a quiet cove at sunset is the most peaceful feeling I know. And sleeping with the waves rocking is the best ever. It isn't always easy but it is always where I want to be.

[roger.waite]

Yep. My first response was for a different view every morning I want one.

And the boat rocks me to sleep.

But Don1500 - are you arguing against boats?
Nobody is tied to their anchors more firmly than we are.

[Me-and-Boo]

I tell 'em I don't like living in a beehive.

[Don1500]

Anchors don't make your boat float. Anchors prevent you from floating. A Boat with an anchor out doesn't go anywhere. It doesn't need to be a Danforth or Rocca or CQR to be an anchor. A house is an anchor that is permanently tied to your boat, unless you cut the rode you can't truly sail. Sometimes it feels like I am sawing away with a butter knife.

[w1651]

I had to explain why I was moving on to my boat the other day.

I told them I didn't want to but the State Prison system was over crowded and they released me early and I hoped the boats owner didn't come into town anytime soon. Then I held out my hand and I told them I left a lot of my friends there in jail and was looking to make new ones.
Was I wrong ? Maybe I should use the boat rocks me to sleep next time.
Any way the guys wife was shocked he was speechless and I turned and continued drinking my beer at the local watering hole. The bartender almost gave it away she was inside laughing so hard..
Most people here though are really into the live aboard lifestyle and wish they could do it.

But like Don says that anchor rode that holds them to land is long and thick.