Buying A Live Aboard Boat?

Buying a Live-Aboard Boat on a Shoestring Budget

By all counts, the live-aboard lifestyle can be one of the most rewarding there is — if you are that type of person.

But let no one tell you that buying a live-aboard boat is easy! Living on a boat will kick your butt, especially if trying to do it on a shoestring budget! It will terrify you at times. You will question your sanity, and friends and family will say that you are on a suicide mission.

Yet, to the correct person-a person filled with will and passion-well, this is a life truly well-lived.

The truth is, the picture in your head is far from the truth. It’s not all sunsets, bikinis and martinis on the deck. The weather will not always be picture perfect, you will have the worry of mechanical failures, slipping anchor in the middle of the night, and finding the right employment to keep the dream alive.

You have much to learn, work hard and plan before making your dream a reality. So let’s consider the six important points of consideration once you have decided on this life change to buy your live-aboard boat.

1. What Type Of Live-Aboard Boat?

Are you thinking sail boat or motor-powered? To be a genuine live-aboard boat, one has to have the capability to live aboard it throughout the year.

You do not require a flash million-dollar vessel since there are several affordable options where your budget will be met. Even the motor boat negates hotel and housing expenses, but your fuel will be an unexpected expense.

Admittedly, if you decide to stay put and have a floating house, a marina is cheaper than most land-based alternatives, you’ll be less concerned with speed and more concerned with headroom. Another consideration is power: motorboats have huge engines and alternators but you’ll need a solar/wind generator on a sailing boat.

2. What Are The Disadvantages?

You are responsible for your own garbage. Access to the internet is not as readily available. Regular maintenance is often costly, so it is a good idea to look into how much it costs to sand, anti-foul, and rig. Laundry and cooking conveniences are also a luxury.

3. What Are Your Intentions?

Define your needs. Will you be An Adventurer, A Day Explorer or A Stationery Mariner Sailor? It will make a much difference in exactly what sort of live aboard boat you need and how much you have to spend.

4. Essentials

The things you must carry on a boat to live on it would be determined by how much comfort you wish to have, and also how much the boat can handle. Must you store water?

What are the requirements for cooking? How will you get electricity? Do you need insulation or air conditioning? What you will definitely require is communication and navigation equipment. These are among many needs that you may think of as you go to buy a live-aboard boat.

5. Where Do I Look To Buy The Perfect Live-Aboard Boat?

First thing to remember is that the asking price on second-hand boats is more of a suggestion than what the seller expects to be paid. Make an offer and spend the money of having a survey carried out! Find out the rules and regulation in your area of the world. Avoid headaches and purchase your live-aboard boat in the country where you plan to keep it.

Keep an eye out on Craigslist, join Facebook groups, and scan around your local marina.

6. How Much Do I Need?

Buying a live-aboard is the cheapest part of the venture. Keeping it is another battle, and one you need to have planned for in advance.

Within the first 12 months of ownership, your main expenses are likely to be engine maintenance, insurance, painting, lifting, anti-fouling, and sails if this is the way you choose to go, plus marina fees. So do your diligent research to avoid any surprises.