Re: Live-aboards? / Houseboats?
My wife and I have a 2750 Bayliner Victoria. (avatar) It can sleep six, but that is making it somewhat cramped for that many people for the size boat. With it being just my wife and I, it is great. Plus one 180 pound dog
I bought it in 2001 (when I became a member here at iboats) and spent half the six month season doing repairs. Since that time, we have launched it faithfully every year in April and hauled out in October. Last year we took a break from being on the water and really missed being there. Every weekend and our vacations are spent onboard. We just finished spending 9 nights and wish we could have stayed longer. In the future we plan to relocate to be able to boat year around living aboard.
When that time comes, our Victoria will be sold to purchase a much larger houseboat. This will be necessary to be able to have a full size fridge, stove, and washer/dryer.
Presently we have a small electric stove, microwave, small fridge, air conditioner, and other small appliances. We even have satalite TV at the slip. Shore power makes it nice as not to have to run the generator. On the back deck we have a small propane grill that we use a lot. Fresh water tanks hold about 42 gallons and the holding tank holds about 30 gallons.
As for the pro's and con's, I'm not sure what you want me to compare them to. If comparing to camping, the only thing that I miss is the campfire. While away from shore, you don't have the bugs, noise, and traffic (except other boats). As long as you have a good slip and marina with fresh water and pump out, it is good. It becomes a learning experience on knowing how much water you have used and how much crap is in the holding tank. That is about the only nasty chore there is to living aboard in my opinion.
We stay tied up most of the time in the slip. Our neighbors are great people and will do anything to protect the peace and quiet. It is like its own community by itself.
To live full time onboard, I would consider a houseboat before a cruiser. Cruisers are great for getting to places fast, but the spaces are still a bit cramped unless it is more in the yacht range. A houseboat with a 10'+ beam gives lots of room for friends to come and spend some nights comfortably.
If you are interested in this adventure, I suggest going to some lakes and look for houseboats (or cruisers) for sale and check them out. They too will be more than happy to enlighten you on your future adventure...........Good Luck....SS
BTW Thanks TD!
