How much would a live-aboard boat cost?

Question

I'm 22 years old and moving out of my parents' house soon, and I thought instead of buying/renting an apartment, to buy a boat I could live on (Not sure if it's possible to rent. If it is, then that's a possible option). I'd probably want to live-aboard for about 3-5 years. I'd want the boat to be capable of cruising on the ocean coast. Also, I'd want it to be able to sail to Catalina Island in California from Los Angeles; that's about as far as I'd want to sail out. I'm going to be the only one living aboard. Any price ranges or any other tips would be helpful.

Answer 1

Here in California, to do a full time live-aboard, you'll be paying an additional fee for the privilege. I would advise you to have at least 30'+. I own a 60' motor yacht and it's very expensive. Most CA marinas have limited "Full Time" live aboard slips due to the requirements for water/sewer hookups as required by Environmental Laws. The live-aboard additional cost is an additional $250 on top of the regular fees. There are special rules that you must adhere to also. Finding a "Rental" isn't likely. I don't live onboard my yacht full time, but spend more time there than my land-based home. I'd recommend a sailboat instead of a power boat. Maintenance will be lighter and costs less than a power boat. Find something with a decent galley that you can work with, a good bath room with running water, and a sleeping area that fits you. Taller people have the hardest time with this. Like John said, it's the heat coming into the craft that becomes intolerable, not the cold.



I've traveled to Mexico with my smaller 26' Express Cruiser, and this summer will be traveling with my motor yacht to Alaska.



A few safety items that you need to have is a carbon monoxide detector, at least 3 fire extinguishers, and a VHF radio for offshore communications. It's also nice to have a AC/DC TV to watch and an AM/FM/CD radio too.



Remember, you won't have much storage space! So you won't have a lot of clothing and shoes. You'll never have much more than 3 days of food on board on average. You'll need bottled water in one gallon size bottles stored onboard.



I've enjoyed my 26', but I love having more of a home with my 60' yacht. With that I'm fully self sufficient. I grocery shop once a week for the yacht.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

How much would a live-aboard boat cost?

I'm 22 years old and moving out of my parents' house soon, and I thought instead of buying/renting an apartment, to buy a boat I could live on (Not sure if it's possible to rent. If it is, then that's a possible option). I'd probably want to live-aboard for about 3-5 years....

Answer 4

It is as Captain John says. I am in Florida now on the ICW. Never have I seen so many good boats so cheap. I bought the sailboat I am in right now for $11,000 three years ago and thought I got an excellant deal on it. I saw it's much better twin for sale last month, that was in far better condition, had newer everything, and the seller was asking only $3,500. He said he was out of work, couldn't find a local job, couldn't afford the slip fees and needed to sell it inorder to move to Denver where he had a job waiting. He will probably take the first offer he gets. Sad for him, very fortunate for the buyer.

Answer 5

Liveaboard Boats For Rent

Answer 6

great idea



here is a link to the SF craig's list. since you mentioned sail, i will keep my remarks to live aboard sail boats. you can live on a sailboat as small as 25' as example a coronado 25 or catalina 27 will work if they are properly equipped. some considerations. first you will need to find a slip in a marina that allows live aboard. this may necessitate buying a boat that is already in a live aboard slip. (marinas may limit the total number of live aboard allowed) when you are looking at marinas, check out their facilities for live aboard (restroom/showers/laundry) also check out the live aboard fees.



does the marina have off boat storage?



if you live on a smaller boat you need a cabin heat source, but it can be a portable heater. plan on limiting your stuff, but there can be room for a small tv (cable on dock?) laptop (wifi?) you can use a cell phone. you will have limited food and cold storage on board (take out food or simple meals) you can rig a stern bbq. plan to shower and do laundry off of the boat.



the main thing you need is one comfortable berth an a comfortable place to sit.



as far as cost you may find a boat that works for as little as $1500. Slip rent will depend on where it is and how big the boat is, but should run $400 and up. expect to pay extra for elec.



you will also need to plan for maintenance including bottom painting, and insurance.



http://www.vimeo.com/3479327



http://www.livingaboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000117



http://americanvega.org/lifeinthesticks.html



http://vimeo.com/5801870



hope this helps

Answer 7

Shriff,

Nothing whatsoever is wrong with your idea or desire to live a-board a boat. (I have been living on mine full-time since 1993.) Furthermore, I have always been a lover of big (live a-board size) boats, boating and the sea... Thus my life has revolved around it. I have for over 40 years, had one or more such boats.

Tip #1 Live a-boards are an odd lot. We come from all backgrounds, and incomes. In my marina right now, there are doctors, lawyers, teachers, airline pilots, one preacher, one college student, several retired couples and singles, two families with small kids, and two (very popular I might mention) marine engine mechanics. From there, we also have a range of live a-boards including a couple of retired older then salt boat bums. While our incomes vary dramatically, the one thing we all have in common is a love of the water, and respect for mother nature and each other.

We have all seen many - many "live a-board wannabes" come and go. Most arrive thinking it is:

1. a "cheap" lifestyle or 2. a party lifestyle - both of these are very far from the truth.

Live a-board marinas are very much like middle to upper class suburban neighborhoods. People go to work every morning, and return in the evening to a quite, peaceful life on the water. While our friends on land have yards to mow, we have woodwork to finish, brass to polish, engines to tune...

So... my first tip is that if you think it is a "cheap" way to live - it is not. People that move on to their boats thinking they will improve their financial conditions - are the one's that hate living on their boat the most, and move out ASAP.

After that... Those that think living a-board full-time is the same kind of "party life" that the see on those weekends at the lake that God made for boaters... they are the first to go.



TIp #2. Finance - What makes "living a-board" so financially appealling to so many of us, is the fact that we have "paid for" vessels. It is then, (and only then, in my opinion) that living on your boat makes any sense at all financially.

Most Marinas will charge you a minimum of $10 per foot (boat length)... Therefore, if you have a 30' vessel, you are out $300 a month in slip rental... You also have utility hook-ups (water, electric, cable, etc. and in some cases sewer or pump-out). That will quickly add up to another $200.

Now that's not bad at all... until you add boat payments, boat insurance, and boat maintenance.

Regardless of what anyone says, if you seek a live a-board size and seaworthy vessel in good enough shape to sail and live a-board the day you buy it... you can expect to pay at least $20,000.

If you find anything cheaper (in California) in a live a-board size vessel that is ready to live on, I would be shocked and amazed - if indeed - it is also seaworthy.

The Marina will want 2 months deposit (mine now, requires 3), plus you will have all your utility deposits... as most boat slips are now individually metered. Cabin heat will not be near the problem or expense as air conditioning for your boat... and I promise you this... Nothing on earth gets hotter inside then a small sailboat's interior cabin space. You will not be able to sleep, or anything else inside during the long Los Angeles summers. Your air conditioning will cost you upwards of $300 a month just to stay comfortable at night.

Now... there you have it. I would give this same advice to my son, except he is now 42 years old and living on his boat and spends most of his time in the Caribbean.

So what I am saying is that it is a wonderful dream - if that is what you really want. It is a great lifestyle - if that is what you really want... And, I certainly encourage you... But to be "successful at it, you have to go into it with your eyes wide open, and for all the right reasons.



Good luck,

John

PS. The link below might give you some insight.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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