Any Sailors Here? Live-Aboards?

[SifuPhil]

I don't quite know why but I just got a new bug up my butt - living on a sailboat.

I had spent a few months on a rented houseboat in the Florida Keys many moons ago but everything was included, including maintenance.

I envision picking up an older 27'-30' sailboat, fixing it up a bit and mainly using it as a floating home at a dock instead of as a sailing vessel proper. This would allow shore power, showers, laundromat facilities and such that I understand (at this early stage of the idea) are hard to come by while under sail, yet still give me the option to satisfy my wanderlust once in a while.

What do you folks think? Any sailors here? Powerboat enthusiasts? Live-aboards? Pros and cons?

 

[TICA]

A good friend of mine lived on a sail boat for many years. It was beautiful and just wonderful for one person or at the very most, a couple. He eventually gave it up as he tired of having it pulled out so he could paint it every year or so. I think the last time he fell off the ladder so figured it was a sign.

I lived in British Columbia for many years where the weather is warmer and lots of people lived on house boats.

I think you should look into it and if it looks good, go for it!!!!

 

[That Guy]

Neighbor lived on his yacht for many years. Oh, how I would love it!

 

[That Guy]

Of course, the reality may not always live up to the fantasy . . .

 

[romfty]

Not so much a sail boat but a canal barge certainly does appeal to me, wife's not too keen though...........suppose I'll miss her?

 

[That Guy]

 

[Anne]

Ohhhh; what a wonderful way to spend a Summer; on a houseboat, sailboat, whatever. Always thought that would be such fun, and so relaxing to sleep at night, and go fishing all day....:love_heart:

 

[SifuPhil]

A good friend of mine lived on a sail boat for many years. It was beautiful and just wonderful for one person or at the very most, a couple. He eventually gave it up as he tired of having it pulled out so he could paint it every year or so. I think the last time he fell off the ladder so figured it was a sign.

I lived in British Columbia for many years where the weather is warmer and lots of people lived on house boats.


I think you should look into it and if it looks good, go for it!!!!

I would imagine at some point in the aging process it would become a hassle, but the Gods be Praised I haven't yet reached that point and would enjoy living that life before then.

My brief houseboat stint was wonderful and left me wanting more. Unfortunately life intervened (as it has a nasty habit of doing) and my nautical dreams were put on hold.

Thank you for the encouragement - I really appreciate it!

Neighbor lived on his yacht for many years. Oh, how I would love it!

Of course, the reality may not always live up to the fantasy . . .

That bit of wisdom is something I've seen popping up quite a bit in my research. It seems MANY people dream of living on a yacht, but it also seems that there are many sacrifices and lifestyle adjustments that have to be made. Thing is, I think I've already become used to them through a minimalist lifestyle, so adapting them to a slightly wetter existence might not be the huge leap of faith they're speaking of.

But yes, I can imagine there are some problems that are unique to such living that would have to be solved ...

Not so much a sail boat but a canal barge certainly does appeal to me, wife's not too keen though...........suppose I'll miss her?

View attachment 1322

Oh, what I would give for one of those!

... the canal boat, I mean - did the wife thing, wasn't for me.

Ohhhh; what a wonderful way to spend a Summer; on a houseboat, sailboat, whatever. Always thought that would be such fun, and so relaxing to sleep at night, and go fishing all day....:love_heart:

Funny thing is, I'm not even a fisherman. I am - actually, was - an enthusiastic SCUBA diver though, something which I think I could quickly pick up again if I was near the water on a regular basis.

To sleep ... to sleep ... perchance to dream ...

 

[Diwundrin]

The only thing worse I can imagine than being cramped up in a caravan is being in one that is floating. But that's just me.....

We see a few who live on boats of various form around here. One I watched dock had a little dog which was ripping up and down the deck, so excited! He was first down the gangplank and bounced about in bliss on the jetty. Then he pee'd on a post, ran back up the gangplank and settled himself back on the deck. That was all the shore leave he needed apparently.

 

[romfty]

I guess it is a way of life, either love it or hate it............ but the UK canal network is quite vast (well it is a big island lol!)so the idea of moving the barge every few weeks at maybe two miles an hour is certainly appealing.

 

[SifuPhil]

I guess it is a way of life, either love it or hate it............ but the UK canal network is quite vast (well it is a big island lol!)so the idea of moving the barge every few weeks at maybe two miles an hour is certainly appealing.

I became aware of the "living on a barge" concept watching one of my favorite TV series, Highlander. At one point the lead character lived on a barge at Quai de la Tournelles across from Notre Dame in Paris.

We see a few who live on boats of various form around here. One I watched dock had a little dog which was ripping up and down the deck, so excited! He was first down the gangplank and bounced about in bliss on the jetty. Then he pee'd on a post, ran back up the gangplank and settled himself back on the deck. That was all the shore leave he needed apparently.

I saw a few articles on ship-board pets in my research also. They mentioned that cats are somewhat easier to keep than dogs, since they don't require twice-daily walking on land.

Me, I would have a macaw that I taught to say "Wenches! Wenches! Rum! Rum!" whenever we docked ...

 

[Diwundrin]

Me, I would have a macaw that I taught to say "Wenches! Wenches! Rum! Rum!" whenever we docked ...

Now why isn't this surprising? irate:

 

[SifuPhil]

I agree. I think what you would need to give serious consideration to, is the cost of upkeep and perhaps the ability to maintain medical needs in that sort of living situation.

Medical needs would actually be a NON-consideration for me. The cost of upkeep, now THAT would be uppermost in my mind - well, that, and what kind of neighbors I end up with. The nice thing about owning the boat is that, just like with an RV, if the "neighborhood" goes downhill you can pick up anchor / remove the parking brake and move on to the next place on the list.

A friend of mine knew a couple who had retired and done the same thing on the Allegheny River (you know where that is. Life was fantastic for them but the years wore on, keeping the ship afloat and in good condition was becoming difficult, and then the lady got cancer. Their boat was pretty old when they bought it, so living conditions were not sterile, and they were damp when it comes to someone living with a serious disease.

She passed, he tried to keep the boat but was making a repair and fell. I honestly can't remember if he fell into the water but either way, he ended up in assisted living (putting that one kindly), and the boat ended up scuttled because, in reality, it was not worth fixing.

That's the "ugly" of this "good, bad and ugly" thread so you can weigh everything.

I have the ultimate medical kit - a Mossberg 500 pistol-grip short-barrel and a 9mm SIG Sauer. Not many serious diseases that can't be treated with one of those. I understand how it could apply to normal mortals, but then I'm not one of them. If you look at this like I do, at least at this point - as a studio apartment that floats - then it might be a bit easier to understand. I could always just walk (or crawl) away from anything.

THAT is freedom, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not even one of That Guy's hot blonde friends.

I think it sounds like a fantastic idea but you have to seriously think out all the what if's - none of which include your ability to adapt or not. Where you are concerned, that would never enter my mind as I believe you are very adaptable when the need arisesnthego:

Yeah, I'm just at the very beginning of thinking this through. I'm sure there are a million little things to consider - that's why I wanted to get y'alls opinions here, to get me jump-started, and I thank you for yours - it's given me more to process in my brain-bucket.

 

[Anne]

I have the ultimate medical kit - a Mossberg 500 pistol-grip short-barrel and a 9mm SIG Sauer. Not many serious diseases that can't be treated with one of those. I understand how it could apply to normal mortals, but then I'm not one of them. If you look at this like I do, at least at this point - as a studio apartment that floats - then it might be a bit easier to understand. I could always just walk (or crawl) away from anything.

You are just pulling our leg, right????

 

[SifuPhil]

You are just pulling our leg, right????

No, Ma'am, I am not.

My two older brothers and I had made a pact many years ago - that if we ever encountered a difficult-to-impossible medical condition we would consider - and have the means to carry out - self-termination. My oldest brother passed in his sleep at 45, but my "middle" brother carried out the pact when he was 47.

I would be less than honorable if I shied away from keeping MY part of the bargain.

The mortal part? There I am pulling your leg - unfortunately.

 

[Anne]

No, Ma'am, I am not.

My two older brothers and I had made a pact many years ago - that if we ever encountered a difficult-to-impossible medical condition we would consider - and have the means to carry out - self-termination. My oldest brother passed in his sleep at 45, but my "middle" brother carried out the pact when he was 47.

I would be less than honorable if I shied away from keeping MY part of the bargain.

The mortal part? There I am pulling your leg - unfortunately.

Phil, have you read the book "The Golden Seven Plus One", by C. Samuel West?? I strongly recommend it; it is about the lymphatic system, and tells in detail how we can have a more peaceful ending...by going to sleep. It is what I hope I would attempt if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness. Just a thought....

 

[SifuPhil]

Phil, have you read the book "The Golden Seven Plus One", by C. Samuel West?? I strongly recommend it; it is about the lymphatic system, and tells in detail how we can have a more peaceful ending...by going to sleep. It is what I hope I would attempt if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness. Just a thought....

Thank you for that referral - I'll be sure to pick up a copy.

Odd that you mention that, because in fact my oldest brother had been an adult-onset diabetic since he was diagnosed in the Army. His kidneys were starting to go and he went to the hospital, where the doctors told him he would have to start dialysis the next day.

He went to bed that night and never woke up.

He was my introduction to metaphysics and spirituality - he was a devout believer in meditation and mind-body medicine, especially from an Eastern perspective - so I think it's quite possible that he employed the principles within that book.

Thanks again!

 

[Anne]

Thank you for that referral - I'll be sure to pick up a copy.

Odd that you mention that, because in fact my oldest brother had been an adult-onset diabetic since he was diagnosed in the Army. His kidneys were starting to go and he went to the hospital, where the doctors told him he would have to start dialysis the next day.

He went to bed that night and never woke up.

He was my introduction to metaphysics and spirituality - he was a devout believer in meditation and mind-body medicine, especially from an Eastern perspective - so I think it's quite possible that he employed the principles within that book.

Thanks again!

You're welcome, Phil. Certainly very possible your brother knew just what to do when the time came....sounds like a very wise man. I have so much more confidence in Eastern medicine than what we advocate - tests, drugs, more drugs; bottom line, more $$ more the pharmaceutical companies.

I've had a lot of bloodwork done in the last week...got the test results online today. The only thing she mentioned in her notes was that my cholesterol was excellent. So?? I don't put that much stock in cholesterol; don't think it's the problem they say it is. Holistic is the way to go - but that's for an other discussion.

Anxious to know what you think of the book when you've read it.

 

[That Guy]

You are just pulling our leg, right????

On a side note . . . and oh, we seniors never get side tracked . . .

Had a friend who was French and learning our American colloquialisms. When we explained pulling a leg, she started repeating it as "You're taking my leg for a walk."

 

[SifuPhil]

On a side note . . . and oh, we seniors never get side tracked . . .

Had a friend who was French and learning our American colloquialisms. When we explained pulling a leg, she started repeating it as "You're taking my leg for a walk."

That must have been très cute, especially if she had the typical French accent - sort of like Inspector Clouseau saying "Does your dog bite"?



"No, Monsieur"

"*CHOMP*"

"I though you said your dog does not bite!"

"That is not my dog ... "

 

[terra]

On a side note . . . and oh, we seniors never get side tracked . . .

Had a friend who was French and learning our American colloquialisms. When we explained pulling a leg, she started repeating it as "You're taking my leg for a walk."

Reminds me of a guy that I worked with many years ago... he was from France and just learning Australian.
My saying, "beside myself with joy" .... he made it,.. "standing next to myself with happiness"

 

[That Guy]

Reminds me of a guy that I worked with many years ago... he was from France and just learning Australian.
My saying, "beside myself with joy" .... he made it,.. "standing next to myself with happiness"

Next time I need to express that think I'll use his interpretation. Should draw the blank stares upon which I feed...

 

[Ozarkgal]

When I met my hubby he and a friend had rented a houseboat on the Columbia River for the summer. Hubby had a sweet little runabout boat also, so we spent most of that summer bobbing on the water. There were mostly young adults living in other boats in the dock, so a lot of boat hopping and partying went on. When you came home in the evening you never knew who would be laying on your deck sunbathing. It was a two bedroom, one bath with small galley and living room. It was an older boat, not something I would want to call home everyday. Since it was a rental the upkeep was done by the owner, so no problem there.

It was fun for the summer and a one time experience, but definitely would not want to spend an Oregon winter on the floating house, rocking back and forth in an icy river.

My friends in Seattle have a large two bedroom, one bath and galley, 42 foot boat moored on Lake Washington. I thought many times I really could live on that boat. Once I sobered up though, I was usually ready to get back to terra Firma.

Phil, if you are serious about living on a boat pick a warm climate and rent one for a few months to see how you like it. If you jump overboard and buy one, you may not enjoy the upkeep necessary to keep it afloat. Fixing up an older boat can be very costly, then there's the maintenance, so there's that to consider.

 

[SifuPhil]

When I met my hubby he and a friend had rented a houseboat on the Columbia River for the summer. Hubby had a sweet little runabout boat also, so we spent most of that summer bobbing on the water. There were mostly young adults living in other boats in the dock, so a lot of boat hopping and partying went on. When you came home in the evening you never knew who would be laying on your deck sunbathing. It was a two bedroom, one bath with small galley and living room. It was an older boat, not something I would want to call home everyday. Since it was a rental the upkeep was done by the owner, so no problem there.

It was fun for the summer and a one time experience, but definitely would not want to spend an Oregon winter on the floating house, rocking back and forth in an icy river.

My friends in Seattle have a large two bedroom, one bath and galley, 42 foot boat moored on Lake Washington. I thought many times I really could live on that boat. Once I sobered up though, I was usually ready to get back to terra Firma.

Phil, if you are serious about living on a boat pick a warm climate and rent one for a few months to see how you like it. If you jump overboard and buy one, you may not enjoy the upkeep necessary to keep it afloat. Fixing up an older boat can be very costly, then there's the maintenance, so there's that to consider.

Thank you, OG!

I'm definitely thinking of a warmer climate - I'm not a huge fan of cold places. Seattle and Washington might be beautiful places if you live in a "real" house, but I can imagine the problems you'd encounter with winters on a boat there.

A 42 footer sounds sweet, but probably something bigger than I'd care to have. I'm thinking more along the lines of minimalism - 27'-32' seems right, right now. I've already lived on a houseboat and I loved it, but admittedly that was 30 years ago. I certainly wouldn't want the party-type neighborhood - I fit in better with the Monks-on-Bunks crowd at this point.

My research has yet to include maintenance chores and prices - I know that's a necessary item but I'm still in the infatuation stage. Time enough to come down to reality later.

 

[Ozarkgal]

Phil, I do envy you your adventurous spirit. In my younger day I was always up for just about anything, which led me to a lot of different experiences, in many places, mostly good, but also some not so much. If you still have the spirit in you, I say go for it, and give 'er 'ell while you still can.

What's the worse that can happen is my mantra, and it serves me well.