Is a liveaboard life worth it?

[boatman61]

Depends on what your looking to get out of it..
Met 2 brothers in Panama who had bought a 30 something boat in the belief that flocks of hot chicks would descend on them.. unfortunately for 50 somethings the odds are the same as on land, poor unless you've Loadsa Money..
If its for travel, a peaceful life and an ever changing back yard its hard to beat.

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by avdanbailey

SNIP

so I need a boat that's decent size and on the cheap.

DANGER WILL ROBINSON.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG0ochx16Dg

[avdanbailey]

Well I am over 50 and will probably grab a part time bartender job to fill the galley. I know boats and can take a fixer upper if it's not too much.

[TrentePieds]

Quote: "Is a liveaboard life worth it?"

That question can obviously ONLY be answered if criteria are stated against which the life of a live-aboard can be measured for "goodness of fit".

If you can establish such criteria and communicate them to us, then we can give you opinions - by the thousands - that YOU can then use to determine the "goodness of fit". We cannot possibly do that job for you.

Unless you have spent some time in boats you are not likely to able able to intuit just how different are the demands life puts on a live-aboard from those obtaining for his shore-bound cousin.

Best regards,

TrentePieds

[avdanbailey]

I've been sailing my entire life. Annapolis and SF Bay Area. I did spend 2 months on a 40' boat in ft Lauderdale but that was 20 years ago. I have the means but not sure how much the liveaboard life has changed in the keys.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

Everyone wants to spend the winter in the keys...result, there is a bit of a love hate relationship as there are a lot of essentially homeless people living on boats.

.

Our home is our boat.
Are we now considered homeless?

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Living off the grid and on the hook full time has got to get old quite fast.

It seems to me it would be quite mind numbing

I can do it for a few days at most, but maybe some can adjust after a couple weeks with a few marina stops or anchorages near civilization

You have the wrong boat and the wrong mindset
We haven't been near a marina in 4 years,
Never a minutes regret.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by avdanbailey

I have the means but not sure how much the liveaboard life has changed in the keys.

there's still lots of homeless people on and off boats, people on and off boats stealing stuff, not a lot to do but fish and drink, so probably no change

[ausnp84]

Liveaboard life, like anything, has pros and cons. Today was a pro day - gorgeous sunset, easygoing marina life with similar minded neighbours, close proximity to the great outdoors for dog walks. Yesterday was a con day - windy, rainy, really shitty weather with a dog who still wanted to go on said walks.

I’ve lived aboard on/off for 10 years and while there are times I miss the bright London lights and hectic lifestyle, living on the boat down by the coast is just so much better.

Do your research, get the right boat for you, and find a good marina / anchorage to base yourself out of... then go from there!

N

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by ausnp84

Do your research, get the right boat for you, and find a good marina / anchorage to base yourself out of... then go from there!

N

Ah thats right
We are not live aboards, we are cruisers.
The live aboard lifestyle would not work for us, no interest in being tied to a dock or based at an anchorage.

[ausnp84]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Ah thats right
We are not live aboards, we are cruisers.
The live aboard lifestyle would not work for us, no interest in being tied to a dock or based at an anchorage.

I was referring to the OP specifically who appears to be new to the boat scene, and could likely do with a bit of docktime / local cruising with a base.

Either way, you live on your boat you’re a live aboard, whether you cruise far and wide, or just the occasional weekend.

N

[boatman61]

Watch the videos in this thread and think to yourself..
Could this be me.
Gulf stream trouble - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

[john61ct]

Yes part of the deal, sea is a harsh mistress and all that.

We try not to die, but most of the fun things in life bring increased risks

better than dying in a nursing home

[dwedeking2]

I'm on a mooring in Key West. I work a normal full time job. My goal here is to finish up projects and then sail off in 18 - 24 months for another place. 50 years old (just so you know where my perspective is coming from)

Anchoring out - poor holding for the most part (thin sand over hardpan). Oversized anchor is needed. Not many legit places to get to shore but can be done. Free pump out service available

Mooring - $350 a month. Includes mooring, secure dinghy dock, pump outside, laundry room (sucks) and bathroom/showers (clean).

Marina - my 40' boat would run me $1000+ per month so I looked no further.

Jobs - if you can show up on time everyday and are semi competent you can find a job in a day or two for $12 - $18 an hour.

Key West is kind of boring to be honest. I'm ready to move but have projects to finish the boat

Boat life is like real life just harder. Everything has an extra step to get it done. But you get to live in an aquarium and free sunsets.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by dwedeking2

Boat life is like real life just harder. Everything has an extra step to get it done. But you get to live in an aquarium and free sunsets.

How so?
We actually find it a fair bit easier.

Not having to scrabble for survival amongst the dirt dwellers for a start.
Add: Ah..... I see you haven't yet escaped them.