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From: A Grain of Sand (no email)
Date: Mon Apr 01 2002 - 17:45:05 EST
>1) I am in Boston ... Should I plan on insulating the entire boat? How
>about block
>heaters? What works best (I plan on getting a nice warm comforter/sleeping
>bag.
This past winter (my first) had been mild in NYC. Due to laziness I put off
insulating my boat but regretted a few nights when the temperature dropped
into low 20'F.
I used one oil-filled radiator through out the day and one ceramic heater to
supplement when needed, plus a electric blanket. Keeping interior
temperature constantly above dew point eliminates condensation for the most
part. On average they consumed 1000KW/hr per month @ $.12KW/hr for my 32'
sailboat. Of course I upgraded the wiring and put only one heater (15KW) on
each 30A shore outlet.
Electrical outage was a concern but figured if it happens I can check into a
motel or drop into a friend's apartment. In the long run I will consider
installing a diesel fired heater so I can go sailing overnight during cold
days.
I elected not to bubble wrap and got many good sailing days through the
winter. I've seen some other boats that have a clear enclosure attached to
bimini and dodger. That makes a very nice sunroom.
>
>3) On the financial side of things.....and as such will likely be
>able to afford a 25-28 foot sail
>boat...is this doable (1 single guy)?
Here on my dock one guy is on a 26' sailboat, one woman on a 24' motorboat,
another guy with two large dogs on a 28' sailboat and a couple on a 30'
sailboat. All of them are just as happy living on their boats as the family
of three who live on a 67' motor yacht, and those on anything in between.
The first guy mentioned above will be moving back onto a mooring just a
short dinghy roll away on the Upper Westside of Manhattan. This cuts down
his summer docking expenses considerably.
Being a grad student I guess you'd have tons of books and paper. I'd
suggest keeping things organized such that you can go sailing on a
heartbeat's notice.
>5) Anybody have recomendations either way? I love boats, and see this as a
>once in a lifetime opportunity!!!
Seize it! You can always move back on land after you find out it's not your
cup of tea. But I'll bet otherwise. For me the best reward of living
aboard is seeing a brilliant sunrise over the water when popping out the
hatch boards every morning. Eventually many of us will cut the cord and go
cruising.
Good luck.
-Robert
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