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From: Tom McConnell (no email)
Date: Thu Aug 26 1999 - 14:57:02 EDT
Leann,
My wife and I sold our boat last fall and moved back to land. It was both one of the hardest decisions we've made and one of the easiest. I had lived aboard for 5 years and after we married, Rachel and I lived aboard for eight months. Last summer the marina changed owners and the slip fees doubled - thus easing the decision to sell - although there were other concerns like commuting, space on the boat with two of us, etc.
We are both in our early thirties and have to work. Therefore we fell into the liveaboard at a slip category with no plans or ability for extended cruising.
If you don't fit that category, then don't take me too seriously as most of my comments are based on our experiences and that reality.
That said, we loved it! The Springs, Falls, and Summers were outstanding and since we were on the Chesapeake, with virtually unlimited cruising grounds, we could go to new places all the time - whether it be a short evening cruise for dinner or an extended summer vacation. I will never forget many of the memories associated with the boat and sailing it with Rachel. We also very much miss the rocking motion of the boat at night - like being in a giant cradle.
That said, winters were a bit harder and as someone pointed out, you have to determine your own limits. I personally don't mind walking through snowdrifts to take a shower. It means that I don't have to spend time making coffee, no need for caffeine. Rachel was less enthusiastic.
Showers, heads and laundry are all more difficult on a boat. You have to worry about water (and how to get it in the winter when the pipes are shut off), no-discharge rules and holding tanks and the very small size of heads. There's no room for stuff. And laundry. I don't do laundry that often, and as a result, this wasn't an issue for me. Some people like to be able to do laundry on command (not my wife - other past experiences) and boats are not for those people.
The financial issues are a big deal and have to be taken into consideration. Yes, you will save money by not paying property taxes, but you've have slip fees. Maintenance is also a priority. Don't make the mistake of putting off repairs as I've noticed that boats deteriorate exponentially. Another concern for us was that of building equity. Boats tend to depreciate, houses don't. Bottom line is exactly that. Add up the expenses, as well as the personal pros and cons, and then decide.
You might want to consider chartering for a month and then decide how you like it. You also mentioned that your husband wants a bigger boat - and that means you already have one. If you can take that boat out for a few weeks and live aboard, anything larger will just seem luxurious. But beware of how much stuff you have. Before you move aboard you will either sell or put in storage 85% of your belongings, and you will still need to get rid of stuff! Clothes are not an issue for me and I can wear the same t-shirt until it falls off. Actually, my wife kidnapped that shirt after I wore it too much and it disappeared. I've lodged a formal protest - to no avail. My style works great on a boat when you have very little space for clothes and other stuff. For women, it's a bit more difficult, especially if you are working and need to maintain a wardrobe of work clothes.
Last word - When I first moved aboard, I dove in head first without checking the depth, but the water turned out to be great. We'd definitely do it again, and we plan to at a later point in life, but I did notice that the liveaboard life fit very few people well, thus the reason for such a small community. However, you can always move back to land.
-Tom McConnell
Washington, DC
Rob Campbell wrote:
>Hello all,
>I am new to the group and would like some honest opinions. My husband
>so desperately wants to buy a bigger boat and live aboard but I just
>can't convince myself this is for me. Can you give me the pros and cons
>(I will expect more pros than cons from all of you) of living aboard?
>Appreciate the input.
>
>Sincerely,
>Leann
>
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