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

[svIorek]

Often I am asked by land lubber why I chose to live on a boat. I've come up with a few clumsy and more or less articulate explanations but nothing really satisfying... And then I found this quote:

" Houses, are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you cannot think of moving them. They are definitely inferior things, belonging to the vegetable not the animal world, rooted and stationary, incapable of gay transition. I admit, doubtfully, as exceptions, snail-shells and caravans. The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting-place." -Arthur Ransome

Best summary I have found so far... It may have been posted before but I thought I would share regardless.

O;

[callmecrazy]

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

[jkleins]

My advice is to not denigrate someone else's choice just to justify yours.

The real answer to the question "Why do you live on a boat?" is simply "I prefer it to a house".

Jim

[callmecrazy]

Well if its the truth you want...

The 'real' answer, that I generally give to people, is that I have a passion for travel, and living on a boat is the most economical solution, for my particular situation. I actually prefer living in a house But they don't move very well (as that quote so eloquently explained)

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by svIorek

Often I am asked by land lubber why I chose to live on a boat. I've come up with a few clumsy and more or less articulate explanations but nothing really satisfying... And then I found this quote:

" Houses, are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you cannot think of moving them. They are definitely inferior things, belonging to the vegetable not the animal world, rooted and stationary, incapable of gay transition. I admit, doubtfully, as exceptions, snail-shells and caravans. The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting-place." -Arthur Ransome

Best summary I have found so far... It may have been posted before but I thought I would share regardless.

O;

I just say I like it; I'm 65 and I can do as I please.

[zeehag]

i merely enjoy my lifestyle.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by svIorek

Often I am asked by land lubber why I chose to live on a boat. I've come up with a few clumsy and more or less articulate explanations but nothing really satisfying... And then I found this quote:

" Houses, are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you cannot think of moving them. They are definitely inferior things, belonging to the vegetable not the animal world, rooted and stationary, incapable of gay transition. I admit, doubtfully, as exceptions, snail-shells and caravans. The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting-place." -Arthur Ransome

Best summary I have found so far... It may have been posted before but I thought I would share regardless.

O;

Interesting notion. I often anchor alone and very much enjoy my solitude. I look at some of the expensive houses that line the hills of some of the places I anchor. I wonder do the people get tired of the same view and just take it for granted after awhile. My view keeps changing minute by minute. I also see they built elaborate stairways to get down to the water. I wonder how many times they have actually climbed down them to visit the shore. Maybe they are no longer able to do it. I never seen anyone on them either. Then I wonder what they are paying in taxes to own those properties and just feel I have the much better deal being on my boat.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by mbianka

Interesting notion. I often anchor alone and very much enjoy my solitude. I look at some of the expensive houses that line the hills of some of the places I anchor. I wonder do the people get tired of the same view and just take it for granted after awhile. My view keeps changing minute by minute. I also see they built elaborate stairways to get down to the water. I wonder how many times they have actually climbed down them to visit the shore. Maybe they are no longer able to do it. I never seen anyone on them either. Then I wonder what they are paying in taxes to own those properties and just feel I have the much better deal being on my boat.

I look at big houses and know I'd have to clean it all and still take care of a boat ...

[Don1500]

Owning a boat and a house is too expensive. So get rid of the house.

[David M]

Answer: Because in an hour I can change the view from my front porch.

[OLDSON]

Answer: Because in an hour I can change the view from my front porch.

Best answer so far

[S/V Alchemy]

"So I can sail away from unimaginative herd creatures who have vague misgivings about choosing the sheep-positive lifestyle".

Probably not diplomatic, so I'll just say I don't associate with the sort that would ask that in the first place.

[brainmaker]

I like a big pool to swim. Amongst other things :-)

[Target9000]

I gave up trying to "explain" a great many thing to people that will not or can not understand the answers.

We are all guilty of being unopen to certain suggestions.

[zeehag]

is impossible to sway landlubbers to your way of thinking--i just tell em "because i want to "


seems to work. they dont ask much after that one.