quote:

Originally posted by 71 TRUCK:

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
I've said before. Go to the bank and get $1,000 in $100 bills. Go to your closest marina, stand at the end of the dock and throw them in the water one at a time and watch each one float away. If you're comfortable doing that, then by all means, buy a boat.

Someone once said the happiest days in a boat owners life is the day they bought the boat and the day they sold the boat.

^^^ YES and YES!

BOAT =
Break
Out
Another
Thousand

It is an expensive hobby!
Just look at gas prices, go to your nearest gas station, look at price per gallon, then head on over to any Marina- $1, to $1.50 more per gallon.
Maintenance / Mechanics aren't cheap, especially one that knows what they are doing.

Don't get me wrong, it's fun as hell! Also expensive as hell!
If you're bringing the Wife & Kids with on the boat for a long trip or to live, You will find out if you love each other!
One thing having an argument when you can leave the house and blow off some steam, it's another when you're stuck together in close quarters.

The sea can be a cruel master! Besides the ongoing expense, there is a real possibility that you are putting your life on the line any time you venture out. There is a book I first read in my teens, Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute that graphically describes a sailboat being driven onto a reef by a relentless wind. Very moving, and well worth a read.

I wouldn't expect living on a boat that is meant to be sailed, rather than one purpose-built as a houseboat would be particularly comfortable due to space and technical considerations. Just the sanitary facilities alone might prove to be a challenge for day-to-day living. Kind of like tent camping vs. a modern RV. Fun for a while, but not so much for the long term.

I know we have at least one expert here, Jimmy123, who makes his living in the pleasure boat industry. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate his insights on this subject.

71 Truck, here are a couple more YouTube channels you might like: *
https://www.youtube.com/@mvfreedom
Trawler liveaboards in PacNW
https://www.youtube.com/@Tulasendlesssummer
Buy, liveaboard, fix, some insurance & hurricane discussion
https://www.youtube.com/@The71Percent
Trawler liveaboards, currently cruising Australia to North America
https://www.youtube.com/@ParlayRevival
Rebuilt hurricane damaged cat (from Carribean), now cruising around the world
https://www.youtube.com/@SailingMagicCarpet
Mix of cruising and rebuilding sail boats
https://www.youtube.com/@SailingUma
Mix of cruising and rebuilding sail boats

* Beware the rabbit hole!