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Living on a boat can be a good option for those who have a suitable vessel and want to avoid high onshore rents. However, it’s important to consider marina fees, electrical hookups, and maintenance, as well as the fact that some marinas may not allow live aboard. Weather conditions, such as hurricanes, should also be taken into account.
Many people can only dream of having the chance to live life on a boat. However, with onshore rents, especially in coastal areas, being so high, for some it may be a good option, especially if they already have a suitable vessel to reside on full time. Still, while life on a ship is considered by many to be a good thing, there are a number of things one should keep in mind.
The most important consideration when looking at life on a boat is the marina of origin. Marinas often charge for a slip based on the length of the boat. In the United States, this is calculated to the linear foot. In other countries, it may be calculated by meters or some other measure. Once that is determined, a lease can be signed.
For those wanting electrical hookups, which will probably be everyone considering life on a boat, there will likely be an additional charge. This charge, in the United States, is often based on amperage. The most common connections are 30 amps or 50 amps, with the higher costs naturally going to the higher service.
The other thing to keep in mind when looking at marinas is the fact that some may not allow live aboard, as it is called. It is more common for marinas near oceans and on rivers to allow live aboard than marinas on lakes. It is vitally important to verify this before signing any type of lease. Often an additional fee is required for those who live on board and rent a slip at the marina because additional services such as receiving mail may be required. This charge may be calculated per person or per slip, depending on the marina’s policies. Often, even if a marina does not allow live-in, you may be allowed to stay overnight for a certain number of days each month.
For those who choose life on a boat, the other thing to consider is maintenance, especially of things like debris retention systems. Without keeping these systems in good working order with preventative maintenance, life on a ship can soon become a nightmare. Therefore, it is good to have the systems checked annually.
Also, those who live aboard a ship will naturally want to pay close attention to the weather each day. Life on a boat means being more vulnerable to the elements. In the south, this can mean hurricanes, which have the ability to destroy almost everything in their path. In some cases, it is possible to move the boat out of harm’s way. In other cases, it may have to be abandoned. Under no circumstances should anyone try to escape a hurricane in a boat, and it is likely against Navy policy for anyone to try.
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