To Live Aboard or Not to Live Aboard?

Have you been considering turning your weekend toy into a permanent living space? If you have a boat, or are looking to buy one, and are unsure about taking the plunge, we suggest learning from your fellow boaters. There are many resources on the web and in print that may help you answer the Big Questions, such as: Do you want a power or sailing vessel? How much space can you live within comfortably? Do you want to travel or remain stationary? What type of boat is right for you given these parameters? Etc.

That’s where Mark Nicholas comes in. Over the years Mark has experienced all the limitations and advantages of living aboard a boat and has dedicated himself to informing those who are stuck in deliberation process. A few years ago Mark decided to fashion his advice into a book called “The Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat”. This book is a great tool which, among other subjects, explains how to:

• Figure out your needs
• Choose the right boat
• Buy your boat
• Choose the right marina
• Prepare for the lifestyle
• Outfit your boat
• Plan for all climates
• Forecast your costs

Blogs are another great resource. They contain journal entries, videos and photos which can offer valuable insight.

Here are some great blogs we recommend:
Bumfuzzle
Sleeping with Oars: Living on a 47 foot Hans Christian Traditional
We Live On a Boat
Toast Floats
Living On A Boat: One Woman’s Transition to Living Onboard A Boat

Also check out Living Aboard Magazine, a “reader written” magazine which shows how liveaboards do it on sailboats, motorboats, houseboats, trawlers and more.

So now it’s all up to you, to live aboard or not to live aboard? In the meantime, here are a couple videos reflecting life as a live aboard. Enjoy!

Teresa and her cat Dory share a glimpse into their life aboard the Nor’sea 27, “Daphne“