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avdanbailey · 09-09-2019, 08:09

I'll be retiring next year and am thinking about buying an older boat in the keys as a liveaboard. Any tips, ideas, suggestion??

sailorboy1 · 09-09-2019, 08:12

go ahead and do it

whether it's worth it is up to your wants and expectations, other that that it is hard to g
live suggestions/tips without knowing those

thomm225 · 09-09-2019, 08:27

Have you ever lived on a boat before.........for a weekend? Or a long vacation?

If not, before committing totally, you might want to try it first

PLANET EXPRESS · 09-09-2019, 08:42

If you have been thinking about doing that for years you should probably do it. It could turn into a regret later on in life....hate those. I have been live aboard for little over a year now I can say it was a lifestyle change for sure.
I have loved it there are very high and very low feelings makes you feel alive again. From spectacular sunsets post card beaches to horrible weather conditions that can be scary.

thomm225 · 09-09-2019, 14:20

I'm not sure why folks think it's good to do something just because you have been considering it

Go walk the docks of the nearest marina for a few weeks

You will then learn that most of the boats are never moved or visited much less maintained

Try it first to see if you will like it.

ranger58sb · 10-09-2019, 04:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by avdanbailey

I'll be retiring next year and am thinking about buying an older boat in the keys as a liveaboard. Any tips, ideas, suggestion??

Can't tell where you are, but it's easier in warmer climates. Not impossible in colder climates, but you'd have to solve some "winter" issues... like heat, periodic pump-outs, fresh water, etc...

-Chris

valhalla360 · 10-09-2019, 05:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by avdanbailey

I'll be retiring next year and am thinking about buying an older boat in the keys as a liveaboard. Any tips, ideas, suggestion??

Do a lot of research and have reasonable expectations.

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.

If you want to stay in a marina, expect it to be pricey. If you want to live at anchor, expect it to come with hassles. Also, will you have a car? Where will you get mail...and all the other mundane things of life.

If nothing else, since you don't appear to have any experience, have an exit strategy in case it's not as fun as you think and assume the boat is a total loss.

john61ct · 10-09-2019, 05:49

The Keys are very crowded and expensive, unless you are experienced enough to live (at least mostly) full-time out on the hook off-grid.

Except for hurricane season, when you need to go elsewhere, far away.

sailorboy1 · 10-09-2019, 05:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by john61ct

The Keys are very crowded and expensive, unless you are experienced enough to live (at least mostly) full-time out on the hook off-grid.

Not true really. I found the keys to be pretty much the same crowded and expense as lots of places.

zeehag · 10-09-2019, 06:00

get in shape... boat life is a workout....
might wanna try it via charter for a coupla weeks, until you find your perfect boat.

thomm225 · 10-09-2019, 06:02

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

RickG · 10-09-2019, 07:08

We spent the winter on one of the 211 moorings maintained by the city at Boot Key Harbor in Marathon. There is a great community there and the facility is good for the price. We had mail and package service there. There are marinas that are available in the area as well. We loved it. Sure, there were tough days with bad weather and a few bad eggs. But, you need to love boat life.

Is it worth it? If you can downsize to a boat and deal with boat maintenance, possibly. It is great for us.

Cheers, RickG

gonesail · 10-09-2019, 07:13

if planning on year round liveaboard .. have you ever been to the Keys in the summer?

avdanbailey · 10-09-2019, 07:20

Yes. I lived in tavenier for about 4 yrs after Andrew ( I was in Cutler ridge). Didn't own a liveaboard but crew up sailing in Annapolis so I need a boat that's decent size and on the cheap.