Best US Liveaboard Locations

[1stMate49]

Hello all! Can those of you currently living aboard recommend 'liveaboard fiendly' locations on the gulf and east coasts of the US? It seems that Florida is NOT liveaboard friendly and has too many regulations, not to mention the insurance rates are outrageous. And I have heard that Georgia does not allow liveaboards at all.
We are about 3 years from moving on board, and would like to start taking road trips to scout out likely locations. We intend to live on the hook (unless a slip can be had cheaply), and I will keep working while the captain will prepare the boat, and us, for the big adventure.
Where do you all recommend? Any suggestions will be welcomed!
Thanks!

[starbolin]

Corpus Christi, TX seems pretty good. CC in general is very easy on boaters and the locals defend their water access rights. Many of the marinas have published 'live aboard'' rates and publish their utility charges, if any. The coastal bend region is much less prone to huricanes than Florida.

[rebel heart]

I love being here in San Diego, but it costs an arm and a leg. Nearly $1,500 /month for 43' of boat in a slip. Great place, great marina. But expensive.

We haven't had a hurricane hit San Diego as far back as written records go.

[rebel heart]

I take that back. In 1858, we got a lot of rain from a hurricane.

1858 Hurricane Struck San Diego, Say Research Meteorologists

[theonecalledtom]

There are definitely cheaper marinas than Rebel Heart's in San Diego - all depends on what sort of locale you're after.... weather wise its got to be a pretty good city, not too cold in the winter (still chilly mind) and not too hot anywhere near the water in the summer (the same cold pacific water thats keeping those hurricanes at bay) and if you decide to do some of the sailing thing rather than the living thing you should find decent but not too strong breezes for a fair amount of the year.

[AnchorageGuy]

The problem I see is being 3 years away. A lot can and probably will change on the waterfronts in any area over that time period. Todays live-aboard marina is tomorrows condo slips and the town that loved us this year can pass regulations to ban us next year. Anchoring regulations are very tenuious at best any time. So by all means look around but plan on beginning your search anew when you get much closer.

[w42]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

The problem I see is being 3 years away. A lot can and probably will change on the waterfronts in any area over that time period. Todays live-aboard marina is tomorrows condo slips and the town that loved us this year can pass regulations to ban us next year. Anchoring regulations are very tenuious at best any time. So by all means look around but plan on beginning your search anew when you get much closer.

Yes, liveaboard situations are going the way of the dinosaurs in this country. And moreso with fewer marinas being built.

[bstreep]

I second Corpus Christi. It's a city run facility, and it's very friendly to liveaboards. We prepayed for a year for a 60' slip, and it was $3000. They do charge a liveaboard fee of $75/month. The new section has pumpouts at the slip.

Another good choice is Port Aransas City Marina - it's a bit more... rustic. But, the town is kind of funky, and it's right at the inlet. However, if you have a big boat, the waiting list is looooonnnng.

[indy]

Very live aboard friendly, great access to Baltimore, floating docks that you can even purchase and own outright.

[Randall]

jacksonville fl has live aboard marinas but they dont advertise them this city is very boater friendly and even has a free marina for short stays at metro park . also st augastine has them. Alot of marinas just dont advertise it.

[AnchorageGuy]

I believe the poster indicated they would probably be on the hook. That makes a big difference.

[goshea]

Originally Posted by 1stMate49

Hello all! Can those of you currently living aboard recommend 'liveaboard fiendly' locations

Fiendly? I think that's the opposite of the friendly responses you're getting here. Top fiendly spots:

* New Orleans - August 2005
* Thailand/Sri Lanka - Boxing Day 2004
* Within 100 miles of Somalia

[David M]

Unfriendly...SF Bay Area

[starfish62]

St. Petersburg municipal marina was very L.A. friendly when I was there a few years ago. The surrounding area is very nice as well. I do believe they have a BIG waiting list, though.

Oriental N.C. has a great rep, but I've not been on the hook (or marina) there.

[RickD]

So in reading this thread, I'm getting two impressions...

1) It's very expensive to live aboard your boat

2) There's not many places where you can even think about doing this.

Is this accurate?