How to get started living aboard...?

Question

I am a recent college grad, and I aspire to liveaboard... I have been doing research for the last couple months...but a few quick questions I have before really getting sucked into this idea (...just to find out it would be impossible for me)

Is there a good website strictly for shopping for boats equipped for living aboard? other than the obvious ones like eBay motors, Craig's List, etc... if not, what are some of the keywords I should be looking for (that would denote a boat created for living aboard), or what are some typical brands and makes for living aboard?

I'm looking at an entry level salary of around $35,000 (next year will be two salaries around the same amount)... is this a manageable amount of money to get a reasonable ship?

I'm a pretty big gamer, and have a 40" flat-screen HDTV -- would I have to give up such luxuries? from the boats I've looked at, none seem to accommodate for such appliances

Answer 1

search google for "live aboard forum" and you will find more info.

craig's list is still your best bet for finding boats locally. you can search boats for "live aboard".



the real question is "why do you want to live aboard" ? most people live aboard because they want to own a boat. so the next question is "what kind of boat do you want to own?"



there are several major types of live aboard, houseboats, powerboats and sailboats. house boats are the roomiest and are like a studio apartment or one bedroom apartment and often have a livable top deck area. they can range from 25' to over 40' in size. this is the type of boat with the most storage and wall space an may accommodate your flat screen.



power boats are next in the amount of living space per ft. of length.



sailboats have the least amount of room due to narrow beam, pointy ends and large cockpits.



as far as your income, a lot will depend on where you plan to live. in some areas it is very hard to find a live aboard slip, so be prepared to purchase a boat in a slip that is currently being lived aboard.



remember you will be paying for the cost of the boat and the cost of moorage plus boat maintenance.



just like buying a house, you may find that you need to start out smaller with your first boat and move up to a larger boat as you can afford it. you may need to downsize your flat screen on your first boat.



when looking for a liveaboard marina, try to find one with full service including showers and laundry facilities.



hope this helps

Answer 2

Any boat can be configured to handle a decent size TV..if you are living aboard at a marina just find room for the tv and plug it in to the shore power..offshore and you will be so busy keeping the sea on the outside of the boat you wont even think of playing a game!



The best source online I think is seafarers.com..its the base for lattitudes and attitudes a liveaboard lifestyle mag...

Answer 3

Yachtworld.com is a great source for brokered boats of all types.

There also are plenty of books available on the subject of live aboards. The previous answer you received about forums is a good one plus you can go to any nearly marina that allows live aboards and walk the docks. You would be surprised how willing they will be to give you the pros and cons.