If you’ve ever watched the movie Overboard as a kid, or the recent remake, you may have dreamed of a life where you live on a grand yacht, being lulled to sleep by the waves below. Then you grew up to find yourself anchored to the shore by responsibilities. But still – the idea of living on a boat remained a distant dream, like the sound of a foghorn from miles away. In many cities with ports or large bodies of water, living on a boat is a popular choice. In fact, Seattle is so overrun with houseboats that the city capped the number of water dwellings allowed.
Depending on the city ordinances and the climate – you can’t very well dock your boat in frozen water – moving to your boat is entirely feasible if you find that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
5 Things to Consider Before Moving to Your Boat
One of the first hurdles to living on your boat is learning to coexist with an invasive seaweed-like species.
Milfoil worries aside, living on a boat is a serious proposition not for the faint of heart or sentimental types.
It may end up being the best decision you’ve ever made, but it is essential to know the good and bad about boat living. A pro and cons list will help explore the reality of living on the water.
1. Boats have very limited space. If you’re a hoarder or someone who holds onto every sentimental object that comes into your life, boat living is not for you. Unless you can afford a yacht like in Overboard, most boats are crammed with just enough space for a bed. If you’re ready to declutter your life, then boat living may very well suit you.
2. Your living expenses will decrease. Brick-and-mortar homes are expensive. Boats do require routine upkeep and you may need to calculate your boat loan for extra cash or to even replace your boat, but not as much as homes do. With limited space, you won’t find yourself buying unnecessary knick-knacks or other trinkets.
3. You (and your boat) will be at the mercy of the weather. Boats don’t offer the same insulated protection against the elements that houses do. Wind, rain and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your boat’s motor, hull, and deck.
You’re also somewhat limited to which climates you can dock your boat. Colder climates can turn bodies of water into giant ice skating rinks.
4. The boat may be overrun with unwanted guests. And not just the human kind. Like any outdoor structure, boats are prime real estate for bugs, rodents and even the occasional seal and other aquatic animals.
5. Your cool points go up by being able to say you live on a boat. The cool factor of living on a boat will provide a go-to icebreaker for any conversation. However, it may also bring an onslaught of questions about the practicality of life on a boat. Sometimes simply saying “near the water” may be the best answer to keep the conversation short.
Living on the Water is “Knot” for Everyone
Living on a boat will mean hearing and saying an endless amount of water and nautical puns. The storage options are limited and thunderstorms can rock the sturdiest of boats.
If your dreams of living on a boat are as recurring as milfoil, though, you should explore the options available for permanent mooring.
*This is a guest post
Good post, however i would never consider living on a boat, i would be too afraid.