CAN THIS BE DONE??

[Skye]

Does anyone know if there is any place in Florida or the Keys where you can rent a trawler for a few days or a week, to live on, and not leave the dock? We are long time sailors, always thought of cruising on a sailboat when we retired, but now that the time is getting close, a trawler may offer us a more comfortable lifestyle.

But, we have not experienced living on one, even for a short time, so we thought, instead of renting a condo for our next trip to the Keys, it would be fun to find a trawler to rent for the week, or even a few days so we can get a good idea of what living aboard one would be like. We do not want to cruise with it at all, we would just stay on it, in the marina, and use it as our base for the week, as we would a condo.

Anyone know if this is or can be done? Thanks!

[osirissail]

You can rent a boat from any of the many bareboat charter outfits in the Keys. There is no law that says you have to take it out of the marina slip during that time. However, anybody renting you a boat cannot watch you day and night to make sure that you don't. So the price will be the same whether you stay in the slip or leave to anchor out.
- - Leaving and anchoring out is a more accurate way to find out if living on a boat is for you or not. It it the getting back and forth from land and shopping and dealing with swells and winds that makes living aboard different than just renting a bungalow on the beach. And you will not experience the joys of being "away" from the crowd in a peaceful, quiet place if you only remain in the marina.
- - There is in fact an entire spectrum of boats known as "marina boats." These are basically floating homes that were primarily designed to not leave the marina. They can leave but few do as the boat is designed for the interior to be plush and live-able and not designed for traveling on the open seas.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Skye

Does anyone know if there is any place in Florida or the Keys where you can rent a trawler for a few days or a week, to live on, and not leave the dock? We are long time sailors, always thought of cruising on a sailboat when we retired, but now that the time is getting close, a trawler may offer us a more comfortable lifestyle.

But, we have not experienced living on one, even for a short time, so we thought, instead of renting a condo for our next trip to the Keys, it would be fun to find a trawler to rent for the week, or even a few days so we can get a good idea of what living aboard one would be like. We do not want to cruise with it at all, we would just stay on it, in the marina, and use it as our base for the week, as we would a condo.

Anyone know if this is or can be done? Thanks!

Check out Yacht charters in Southwest Florida. Power and sail yachts

[Dulcesuenos]

Try Houseboat Vacations Florida Keys Houseboat Vacations -Islamorada, Key Largo - Houseboat Rentals 2k a week or FL Keys Houseboat Rentals - Boatel Key Largo, Florida Houseboats 950 wk I think its permamently docked, but includes a 11 ft fast tender to go play on and fishing gear!!! much cheaper then a hotel up to 6 etc,,,
There are several co that rent houseboats, Boat Charter | Bare Boat Charter | Florida | Grand Banks Charters
rents trawlers, go google it >

[Skye]

Thanks for the tips and replies!