Living on a Boat as a Family!
Ahoy there, fellow adventurers!
Have you ever dreamed of living on the water, with your loved ones? Well, if you have, you're not alone. That dream became a reality for us, and though we have moments of disbelief that we live on a boat, we find living on a boat as a family can be an exhilarating experience. While we live an everyday life otherwise, life on the boat means our days are filled with exciting moments and memories you can't replicate on dry land. But like everything in life, it has pros and cons. So, let's dive in and explore the world of living on a boat!
We'll start with the Pros:
Ultimate Freedom
One of the biggest perks of living on a boat is its freedom. Your backyard, or lack thereof, becomes an endless expanse of water, and you can go wherever the waves guide you. No more mundane routines, stuck-in-traffic commutes, or mowing the lawn and pulling weeds on Saturday morning.
Bonding Experience
Living in close quarters fosters tight-knit family bonds. Whether navigating stormy seas or enjoying a peaceful sunset, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime. The experiences we've had so far have are unparalleled and we are excited to look forward to the off-dock adventures in the future.
Amazing Views
Waking up to the gentle rocking of the boat and the sound of seabirds overhead is a unique experience. Plus, you'll have front-row seats to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets daily. These water views are something that we could never have imagined affording while living on land. We often find ourselves feeling lucky because we get to live where other people come to vacation.
That is not something we take for granted. We are living our dream.
Cost-Effective Living
Believe it or not, living on a boat can be more affordable than owning a traditional home. Marina fees and maintenance costs may seem daunting at first, but the savings become apparent when compared to mortgage payments, property maintenance, and property taxes.
Now to the Cons:
Limited Space
Living on a boat means downsizing—big time. Storage space is at a premium, and you'll have to get creative with organization to make it work for the whole family. You also find that you are on top of each other at times, figuratively, of course. But it does become challenging to look for space to get away from the rest of the family and have some alone time. While living in close proximity to one another can encourage a bonding experience, it can also drive everyone nuts. It's a balance and finding our footing for that balance has certainly been a challenge at times.
Maintenance Challenges
Like owning a home, boats require constant upkeep to stay afloat—figuratively and literally. Maintenance tasks can eat into your leisure time and budget, from engine repairs to hull cleaning. So, while you are no longer mowing the lawn, as we mentioned before, you trade that in for regular cleanings, repairs, and upkeep that will require immediate attention. Not much can be done later. Most of the time, when something goes wrong on the boat, it is an immediate task. Most of the maintenance and repairs will cause a large dent in your wallet so planning for these eventualities will give you a bit of relief knowing that you can cover the added expense.
Weather Worries
Nature can be unpredictable, and living on a boat exposes the elements more than living in a fixed structure. Storms, high winds, and rough seas can make for some nerve-wracking moments, especially with kiddos onboard. Living on a dock does eliminate some of that, but you are still exposed to the whims of the weather no matter what. Being prepared is the key to keeping afloat in all conditions. For instance, as soon as we see a storm brewing, we go out to the aft deck and stow away all of the deck décor and cushions to keep it dry and not blow away. For some reason the rain never seems to arrive at the event solo, it always brings strong wind gusts to the party and sometimes some serious thunder and lightning to put on a show. Stuff flies away. Batten down the hatches.
Limited Amenities
While marinas offer some amenities like showers and laundry facilities, they can't compare to the convenience of a fully-equipped home. Say goodbye to spacious kitchens and luxurious baths—you'll have to make do with compact quarters. As mentioned earlier, the space allocation is limited. You make the best of what you have and get creative. Learn workout routines that work on a boat, or if possible, go walking at the marina. If you are on the go, belonging to a health club isn't helpful, but if you are living on a dock, going to a facility would be an option. Also, trips to Costco are limited to items easily stowed on the boat. It makes no sense to buy a lifetime supply of anything if you don't have adequate long-term storage. Provisioning for a long journey can be challenging. Check out our helpful list on our resources page. Provisioning is a necessity when considering a lot of ports or areas where you will take your boat will have even more limited access to amenities.
Now, let's talk numbers. In Southwest Florida, for instance, the cost of living on a boat in a marina can vary depending on factors like the size of your vessel, the amenities offered, and the location. On average, slip fees range from $20 to $30 per foot per month. A typical 40-foot boat costs anywhere from $800 to $1200 per month. Add in maintenance costs, insurance, and other expenses, and you're looking at a total monthly outlay of around $2000 to $3000.
Compare that to the cost of living in an apartment or house in the same area, which can range from $2000 to $3500 monthly for a two-bedroom unit or perhaps a three-bedroom house. Factor in utilities, property taxes, and maintenance costs, and the price difference becomes even more apparent. All said and done, you could pay close to $5000 per month for a family to live on land. Now it’s true, those numbers don’t include the cost of the boat. If you look, you can find a modest boat that might require a little elbow grease initially for under 100k. Well-appointed vessels that have more room and are in decent repair will go up from there. For some, buying a boat and living on it might be more expensive than their current living situation. In that case, the reasoning for pursuing this type of lifestyle would boil down to other considerations.
Living on a boat with your family is not for everyone. It requires a sense of adventure, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. But the rewards are truly priceless for those who dream of a life on the water.
So, weigh the pros and cons carefully, and if you decide to cast off into the sunset, bon voyage and fair winds!
For more information about living this incredible lifestyle, consider buying our book! Click on our book page in the menu.
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