Can/should a single guy live on a boat? Why not?
 

But wait, it gets better.... Can it be done in say.......Michigan:) You know, a bubbler for the ice and a furnace, the whole deal. Probably a 40+ footer. I'm just throwing it out there without much thought. No it's not for me:) Any thoughts would be appreciated.

OK, a little more info. Guy is early 30's, twice divorced, women are evil. Stable career, ok money. Just wants a more relaxing lifestyle and enjoys being around people (we have some really nice/active marinas). Would probably get a 10-20 year old boat in the 60k-90k range. Something that has taken its biggest depreciation hit already so he can sell it in a couple years. Not a muscle boat, a big fat Chris Craft style cruiser.

Discuss:)

Sonny Crockett did it... So why the hell not! I think it'd be a great adventure.

My former boss did it. Lived on a sail boat while fixing it up, she retired 4 years ago. Last we heard she was in the S. Pacific on her way 'round the world.

Remember - a boat is a hole in the water you throw money in.

I know it's easy in the south, but has anyone ever heard of it being done in Northern climates? NewYork, Mass, etc...

My neighbor lived on his boat last winter (pending divorce). He said he only had a few bad days weather-wise. He had no complaints. I think it can be done easily.

I contemplated that about 6 years ago. found a nice 38 foot Chris Connie for $15K (!!!). A liveaboard slip at the time was $320/mo. I think the beam was about 14.5' so It could have been done without feeling impossibly cramped.

People I know who do it deal with remotely garaging their cars, long trips to do laundry; long trips for comfortable showers/bathroom facilities...

Forget having pets, and be prepared to have a different 'neighborhood experience' than you would most other places. It seems like lots of drunks live on boats -- at least in our local marinas. My friends' cat fell off the houseboat and the neighbors sat drinking and watched it drown as if it were just an interesting TV show.

I'm not sure why it would be all that different in a colder climate, except maybe there wouldn't be so many loud parties on deck/dock.

"Ray 911s" lived on a boat in the Detroit area when he was younger and single. I believe he dry docked the boat in the winter and live in an apartment on the marina.


I've always thought that if things really went to crap...I'd just sell everything and go buy a good size boat and live on it at a Chicago Marina, then find a apartment in the winter.....I've already got "Boat Beotches" lined up :D

We're considering doing it here since it's impossible to afford a house any more. Get a "real" boat too - one with sails, not some redneck fantasy. They're cheaper and far more elegant.

I've considered it, and have not yet rejected it. I love water.

MacGyver did it.

Just keep some duct tape handy.

Know several people who have done it. Just have to like the water and boats a lot as its a different life.

BTW, women are evil at all ages. It just depends on if we feel that they are worth putting up with...

Joe A

I use to sail on Lake Erie. I thought about buying a boat and living-on during my single days.

My thoughts at the time would be that it would be an awesome place to live in the summer, and pretty much suck during the winter. You would have a big thriving neighborhood during the summer (and yes, chicks would dig it) but a wasteland during the winter (and yes, chicks wouldn't dig it).

Of course, you would get the tax deduction since it can be classified as a home.

How does it go in the winter? Would it be stupid to leave it in the water? Are they cheap to heat? etc.......... REally in the dark on the winter part.

Heating will depend on the type of boat... I know a guy that wintered in a steel-hulled sailboat and sold it the following spring... just couldn't keep it warm.

Most guys I know pulled them out during the winter and found an apartment or room-for-rent.

To live-on during the winter on the freshwater lakes, you typically have to have a hull heater to keep the water from freezing around the hull. Then a good space heater inside. Plus, you're the only one on the dock.

Lots of folks in the PNW live aboard year round and do just fine. Comparing moorage+upkeep+loan to mortgage+taxes+upkeep can be enticing especially when you factor in the romantacism of living on a boat and that you can take it with you on vacation. Other than my need for a garage, if I was single I would definately consider it.

I know a county inspector that lives on a 40ft sail boat. All he talks about is that boat, his dog, and that he hasn't been laid in 10 years.

Stan Mott (Yes, the R&T cartoonist) is a friend. He & his lady were liveaboards for 18 years. A '57 foot wooden ketch. It's definitely an adventurous and often difficult life, being a "liveaboard". Techweenie nailed it...it's a hassle for many of the daily functions we take for granted. from laundry to shopping to showers...all present problems. As far as actual hours boating? A 10 year old with an optimist dinghy sails more hours in a year than a liveaboard on a 40' yacht. On the flipside,Stan & Ise saw and experienced things that most of us never will. Most of his time was spent in the Mediterranean, then out the straights of Gibraltar, across the Atlantic, to the Caribbean for 5 years. From there to Florida where he sold the boat. He's now living in Germany. For a guy in his 30's it could be an interesting lifestyle, but it's work. Now that I'm in my 60's? I prefer the comforts of a house. Oh, I've spent a few months aboard Stan's boat when he needed crew. A great experience, but one that convinced me it's not what I'd want as a permanent lifestyle.

Wow, thanks guys. Good info all, I will pass it on. He wants a relaxing lifestyle as he is otherwise stressed out. Sounds like a condo may be a better option:)