How many are living life or taking extended stays on a boat?

2016-11-05T18:06:47-04:00

I have been giving great consideration to buying a trawler/yacht and spending extended time traveling. I'm retired at a young age and want to explore while I still can. Where I live in Tennessee, the lakes connect to the rivers, in turn connect to the gulf. Maybe even do the Great Loop one day. What training classes would you recommend? Or books? In the research phase now but looks promising.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 7:13 PM

2016-11-05T19:13:10-04:00

I've wanted to live the boat life ... not in the Navy (no offense intended) since I was a child.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Nov 5 at 2016 10:05 PM

2016-11-05T22:05:01-04:00

Charter.

The two greatest days of a sailor's life are the day he buys his beautiful boat and the day he sells the damn thing.

I worked in a yacht factory and also owned several smaller boats. Several friends and coworkers lived aboard. Some folks have written books and websites detailing their day to day challenges and rewards.

Boats are projects. Constant maintenance and repair. You can't leave them sit. Only some ports are well equipped for giving you an enjoyable day ashore between moorings.

Of course, begin with the Coast Guard Auxiliary's safe boating courses. Practice on rentals. When you're competent, you can take charter a captain and a boat and learn from the masters. After a year or so of skippering other people's boats, you'll know exactly what you want to invest your mortgage money into.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 6 at 2016 12:50 AM

2016-11-06T00:50:42-04:00

I lived on a sailboat in Marina del Rey(west of Los Angeles) for a year. It was like returning to the womb at a time in my life that was the pits. (It was a 23' sloop) It served me well. As for skills, I had been sailing since I was 13. Earned my Coast Guard license to operate small passenger vessels when I was 18. It can be pretty claustrophobic unless you can afford something really large (40' or more)

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 6 at 2016 1:30 PM

2016-11-06T13:30:56-05:00

wish I could... but BHO saw to it I could Not afford it...

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 7 at 2016 12:00 AM

2016-11-07T00:00:11-05:00

I am far from an expert on the subject but I have had boats most of my life. I thought about living on one when I retired but in the end I wasn't willing to give up all of my junk and I couldn't afford a house and a boat big enough to live on. However my brother has been living on one about the size of the one in the picture for years and is docked only about a mile from my house so I do have some knowledge of live on boats. What others have mentioned about it being expensive is true. In this area a slip for a boat that size runs about $600 - 800 a month plus electrical. Another thing to consider is the fact that big boats guzzle fuel. His gets less than one mile per gallon cruzing. Worse at full throttle. Boats also need constant maintenance and parts are expensive. There has long been a saying that a boat is a hole in the water that you dump money in. However they are great fun and I would love to live on one if I could afford it.
The Coast Guard and the US Power Squadron teach boating courses and they are well worth the money. Here in TN the Tenn. Wildlife Resources Agency teaches a basic boating safety course that is required for younger boaters for any size boat. Most of us are grandfathered so it is not required. Lots of other courses are available and I recommend taking as many as you can. It is also a good idea to learn to do as much of your own maintenance as possible. Otherwise it is expensive. The local lakes are patrolled by the Coast Guard, the wildlife people (TWRA) and local law enforcement so help is available. There is also a commercial towing service on our lake. While it is not required it is also a good idea to have a good marine radio. Your cell phone should work fine on the lakes but if you go offshore it might not and the various agencies monitor the emergency frequencies.

Response by SSgt Chuck Pittman made Nov 8 at 2016 7:26 AM

2016-11-08T07:26:39-05:00

I highly recommend you taking a shot at this. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. Cruisers Forum is a great place to have your questions answered. I purchased a 36' Sailboat last year and sailed her from Pensacola to Corpus Christi with an experienced crewman. She is now residing there while we do some maintenance, upgrades and learn to sail better. We hope to leave in Nov 2017 for a life changing cruise around the world.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Fraker made Nov 8 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-11-08T09:17:53-05:00

I've worked in the recreational Marine Industry just shy of 30 years now, I've had my ticket ( Jack of All Trades, Master of 100 Ton), and the best advice I can give is to get out there and boat. All the books in the world won't match some time on the Wheel.

I'm a part time instructor for Carefree Boat Club, here in Tidewater VA, and it's the best way I've found to get your feet wet. Besides being cheaper than owning and maintaining a boat yourself, it allows you to use a variety of boats to discover your tastes and preferences. Carefree has a number of locations, and I know of Freedom Boat Club as well, and I'm sure there are other similar clubs around.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Fraker made Nov 8 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-11-08T09:24:45-05:00

I have made my living in the recreational Marine industry for just shy of 30 years now ( Jack of All Trades, Master of 100 Ton ).

The best advice I can give is to simply get out there and go boating, and the best way I've found of doing that is by joining a local boat club.

I work for a local Carefree Oak Club here in Tidewater Virginia, and I've found it's probably the best approach. It's cheaper than owning and maintaining a boat yourself, it provides free instruction, and it allows you to try a variety of boats to learn your tastes and preferences.

There's also Freedom Boat Club a similar operation and I'm sure there are similar other clubs in your area. What books and learning the subject are valuable nothing beats time behind the wheel.

Response by CDR Lewis C Larson made Nov 8 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-11-08T09:53:42-05:00

I suggest getting out and doing it. Study and read. Get a Coast Guard License. If your life partner can get into it, so much better. If not, it may ruin your relationship.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Nov 8 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-11-08T09:56:57-05:00

It's long been a dream of mine to retire on a large lake system, ideally with riverway connections to the Mississippi. And, yes, the Great Loop factors into this as well (http://www.greatloop.org/). Having said that, though, heed what the other guys are saying about boats being a full time job and the maintenance never stops. I'm 51 and getting closer to retirement - I think I'd be a lot happier living on a large lake and having something to spend time on the water vs. sinking (ha ha!) all of my money into a nice live aboard. While the call of the wild is calling, I'm thinking that I'm gonna have something like a nice pontoon boat where I can go get out on the water, fish, swim, read, drink, whatever. And while I'll probably have days where the wanderlust kicks in, I won't be in my sinking/stuck/broken home somewhere far from home. I try to deal with the wanderlust by seeing the country on two wheels. And when I'm home, go relax on my boat. If there's a problem, I won't have to go far for help and I also won't have to spend a huge number fixing my boat and getting home. I ramble a bit, I know. But your post sounded like it could have been written by me. :)

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Response by PO2 Steven Hardy made Nov 8 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-11-08T10:42:29-05:00

This is exactly how I would love to spend my retirement if I have the necessary funds to do it. Take some Coast Guard Auxiliary boating and navigation courses. The sea is very unforgiving of mistakes. Have your wife take them too. She needs to be able to take over should you become incapacitated. You'll also want her to be able to maneuver the boat to recover your ass if you fall overboard. Good luck.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Nov 8 at 2016 12:48 PM

2016-11-08T12:48:13-05:00

If I were to live on a boat:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3917206/Now-S-luxury-244ft-long-superyacht-comes-detachable-beach-house-2-person-drone.html

244ft-long superyacht comes with a 2-person drone

Feadship, the Dutch company behind Steve Jobs' custom-built superyacht, unveiled its 'Choice' superyacht concept at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Response by SFC Raymond Davis made Nov 8 at 2016 2:30 PM

2016-11-08T14:30:42-05:00

Cost Guard had some classes but i dont rember wwho to contact

Response by LTC Marc King made Nov 8 at 2016 3:00 PM

2016-11-08T15:00:47-05:00

MSTG Azbell: I have been a boat owner for almost my entire life... the military moving made it tough from time to time but boating on Puget Sound was terrific. Now its the Chesapeake Bay and extended summer cursing has become a passion fulfilled. In addition to all of the excellent insights and advice provided by others, I would add that there is a $25K annual logistics tail, assuming nothing major happens like a blown diesel engine, associated with the hobby. Something to consider if your living on a fixed income. Other than that I say... anchors away!

Response by SCPO Carl Wayne Boss made Nov 9 at 2016 3:32 AM

2016-11-09T03:32:03-05:00

Find your Local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and take their Boating Safety and Navigation Courses.
Next either get online or go to your Local Bookstore and find copies of the following Books, if you live near a Lake or one of the Rivers in or adjacent to the State of Tennessee, find a Bookstore that specializes in Marine Books. If you don't want to buy brand new copies of these Books look for a Used Book Store, they may have these books for half-price.

Look for the following: If you go to USCG.mil and fish around for a while, look for their Publication list and see if you can find the list of their "Commandant's Instructions" . Down load a Copy of the "Boat Crew Seamanship Manual" COMDTINST M16114.5.

There is a civilian version of the afore mentioned publication called the "Small-Boat Seamanship Manual" published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill, which is based on the "U.S. Coast Guard's Boat Crew Seamanship Manual COMDTINST M16114.5", the Edition I have is dated 2002 and is near 500 pages, but there may be a more up to date one available.

"COMDTINST" is short for "Commandant's Instruction" the Number M16114.5 may be followed by a Letter like M16114.5A, these are updated fairly regularly, so there maybe another letter other than "A" by now, (Edition "A" was the First Edition, published in 1985 after the subject matter content was extensively revised and updated & the original publication's name was changed to "Boat Crew Seamanship Manual").

Another very valuable manual with a long and storied history going back to 1917, is called "CHAPMAN PILOTING & SEAMANSHIP" by Charles B. Husick and Published by Hearst Communications, Inc. a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. (http://www. sterlingpublishing.com).

This voluminous and comprehensive work, is another publication that should be kept close at hand by every boat owner/operator, which should have at least a working knowledge of it's contents. It is Revised & Updated every year or so. The last Addition I purchased was the 66th Edition published in 2009 and is almost 1000 pages. Though I have spent many hours over my 30 odd years in the Coast Guard, working on floating platforms up to 65 feet in length, I have never actually lived on a boat. Good luck with that endeavor, Sir! Be safe. Please Keep PFD's and properly sized & serviced Fire Extinguishers at hand and know how to use them!

Response by SSgt Eric Lamoray made Nov 9 at 2016 5:33 AM

2016-11-09T05:33:50-05:00

Been living aboard around 30 years. Wife and I will never voluntarily live on land again! You can explore the US for years there is so much to see. The Bahama's are also very good. In a year or so we will be headed half way around the world. Piece of advice, never buy without a good survey. Never set your heart on a boat before the survey. Never buy the biggest boat you can afford. The happiest cruisers usually have the smallest, simplest boat the can stand. Learn to fix as much as you can because it all breaks down eventually.

Response by SSgt Eric Lamoray made Nov 9 at 2016 5:43 AM

2016-11-09T05:43:42-05:00

Also, consider this. My first big boat was a 36 foot ocean capable sailboat. Two years later went cruising. The best time was 6 years of no docks, no marinas, no car, no phone, no internet. Learning is easy if you have the aptitude for it. My son is 40 and has little memory of ever living on land. Has never owned a car or got a DL. But is probably one of the best real mariners I know. Living on the hook in out of the way places has incredible rewards if you like the life. Living attached to docks for many of us is boring as all get out and a necessary evil only when a good anchorage isn't available.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2016 2:37 PM

2016-11-10T14:37:43-05:00

Lots of great responses especially about the coast guard training. The one bit of advice I would give is make sure you get safety gear as well, especially if you plan to go out past line of sight from shore. As many have said the sea is unforgiving and it is really tough to find people floating in the water. As a Navy helo pilot I have spent countless hours over the water practicing to find and save people and it is really hard to find people if they don't have really good safety gear. Get something that can send a mayday signal with GPS coordinates and also something that is bright colored if you end up in the water.

Also go for it. Most people only dream of something like this but never actually do it. If you like it great, if you don't, sell the boat and move on having had the experience.

Response by MSgt Scott Azbell made Jan 18 at 2017 10:36 AM

2017-01-18T10:36:24-05:00

Amazing turn of events over the past couple months. I am now dating a woman with a 43' Hyatt aft cabin yacht and things are going great! We met on Match.com (40, never married, and no kids). She has managed the boat well but needs a mechanically inclined helping hand. That's me. ;) The ladies, twin turbocharged Cummins diesels, need constant TLC. We both want to get our Captains licence next fall. I'm considering diesel mechanics school as well. A great friend of mine and former sailor sent me a Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 67th Edition that is chock full of information and few other great books read. If things continue well, we plan on upgrading to a larger boat and enjoy each others company. Wish me luck!

Response by LTC Marc King made Dec 25 at 2017 9:55 AM

2017-12-25T09:55:56-05:00

I have been boating my entire life. Now the Chesapeak Bay is my AO. If you can afford it and have the time I say do it. It’s a once in a life time opportunity and one that should not be missed. There are alway challenges but that’s what makes it an adventure. Good luck, and calm seas! Call Sign: King George V

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 4 at 2023 10:12 PM

2023-07-04T22:12:23-04:00

I really don't have anything relevant to say, but that won't stop me. Buying a big boat will be a high cost and high reward project. I would look at the rest of your life in a strategic manner as a campaign plan to accomplish your bucket list and how buying a boat and traveling will impact the other events you want to pursue or accomplish in your life. My wife and I would love to get an RV, but unfortunately it is infeasible for us.