Live on a Sailboat
Living on a sailboat is a practical way of reducing living costs, escaping the city, and seeing the world. Whether staying moored permanently at a dock or traveling periodically, sailboat living is considered a cost-effective alternative to city life. An increasing number of young professionals are choosing to live on boats as a way of avoiding paying high rent. The steps below will provide you with tips on how to live on a sailboat and maintain a peaceful, and economic, existence.
Steps
- Find and purchase an inexpensive boat.
- Keep in mind what you want to use your boat for: if you expect to moor and rarely move, you do not need a fancy boat in prime condition. If, however, you plan on traveling extensively, be sure to inquire into recent repairs and check all parts of the boat for mold.
- If renting, be sure to ask about the marina's policy regarding living aboard. Many marinas will be hostile to the idea of sailboat living, while others will offer amenities and utilities. Alternatively, you might choose to anchor independently, sailing or rowing to shore only as needed.
- Purchase or rent a dock or a spot at a marina.
- Connect to power or set up your own power supply.
- Many marinas will allow you to connect to their electricity supply. If you want to save money or are anchored independently, purchase solar panels or a small wind turbine to create your own power.
- You may be able to connect to a water main if you are moored at a marina; otherwise, find a place to purchase or collect clean water and stock up on water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
- Obtain a water connection or regular water supply.
- Connect to a gas line or buy propane for cooking.
- Equip your sailboat for emergencies.
- Even if you are moored on land, you are more susceptible to natural disasters while living on a sailboat than if you were in a building. Be sure all areas of your cabin are watertight, purchase life jackets, and install a radio so that you can call for help. Flares and an alarm system may also be necessary.
- If you will be staying in a wintry area, be ready to deal with snow and ice. If you are sailing, prepare for heavy rain. For hot areas, equip your sailboat with fans.
- Prepare your sailboat for the seasons.
- Stock up on food.
Tips
- If you are mooring at a marina, make friends with any neighbors who appear to be living on a sailboat and all marina staff. They will likely help you avoid any trouble or theft directed at sailboat owners, who can be vulnerable given their exposure in the water.
- Sailboat living is much easier in warm climates and in areas where will you will not have to deal with large amounts of inclement weather.
Warnings
- Make sure that you are not violating any municipal, state, or national laws by living aboard. Some places may term you as a transient if you do not have a fixed address other than a sailboat. In many cases, receiving mail at your boat (usually through an office at a marina) will help you avoid trouble.
Things You'll Need
- Sailboat
- Dock or anchor
- Power supply
- Water supply
- Gas or propane
- Radio
- Life jackets
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