| Realistic Concerns
Hello,
I've been an upstate New Yorker my whole life. I'd say it'd be a very noble task to live aboard a boat year round up here. You may be able to get away with it on the coast, but the weather/water is different inland.
My major concerns:
1.) Weather: while Seneca Lake does not freeze over like nearly every other lakes in the area, that does not mean that the harbors/marinas do not. I'd suspect they get their fair share of ice like any other place. The overall lake does not ice up because it is so deep, but in a protected marina that would not be the case.
2.) Utilities: Even if you can keep the boat from being damaged by floating ice, your water lines will undoubtedly freeze. We get cold spells of below zero temperatures for days on end. Even an insulated water line would freeze if not left running at a high rate. Also, we get a reasonable amount of snow, which causes havoc on everything, I'm sure the marinas that leave docks in year round disconnect all water lines and power lines in multiple spots.
3.) Warmth: Most boats, even 40 footers are not insulated. You would need to heat the boat nonstop, and only the area near the heater would stay warm. I would expect at LEAST $3000 / winter in heating costs, and that would just be to survive, not live at room temp throughout.
Now that does not bring up any legal issues, though I'm sure those could be worked out. It also does not bring up finding a marina that would allow you to be there year round. I doubt any marina would allow you to live on your boat. Its just more of a risk than any financial return that you would give them, even for $5k+.
Now, the bright side. I have always wanted to find a piece of property on the water and live aboard from March/April - November, and live in an on site "cabin" or other small house during the winter. Something like this may be better suited for you, even if you get an apartment for the winter months and live aboard during the summer.
Most people do not realize that upstate New York weather is far different from New York City weather. Think of living in Denver all winter, that might help.
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