They say we're crazy!

[markpierce]

Try it. You'll find out if it was a "mistake" or not. Don't do it if a decision to live aboard is financially devastating if you chose "wrong." Life should be an adventure.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Thelmalou,

Welcome aboard Cruisers Forum. You have a great attitude. Most people feel threatened by what you are planning to do, so they sort of want to stop you. Obviously you and your good man get to make your own decisions, and this one should give you lots of pleasure, and if it doesn't suit, you'll move on.

Only thing is, liveaboard slips can be hard to come by, so might check if your marina has liveaboard vacancies. Generally, this is best done by going there and chatting to them, as they want to see you first.

Ann

If one isn't tied down to a particular location and moves around continually from "here and there," one is a transient, and liveaboard transients are usually welcome most everywhere. Living on an anchor is another opportunity with its own challenges.

[dwedeking2]

I've done a change from normal society to one that's more minimized (smaller footprint). It requires more thought (do I need this and drag it home?) but it's not harder (living on less doesn't require more hardship).

We know it won't be easy, but we want to give it a try.

Why won't it it be easy? Minimalization isn't about doing with out, it's about things that are easy to do with. You take advantage of those things that are easy (AC when it's hot, freezers and fridges when they work for you) and cut out those things that are "hard" to do.

I don't get into arguments with people about "tiny living". I just ask them what's important. How much time do you spend bbq'ing with your 5,000 sq foot house with family and friends vs sitting on my cockpit doing that same bbq, if you're doing more then your big house is justified. Most times they see $$ to usage is on my side.

[barnakiel]

Hi from Canary Islands!

Yes, you are sort of crazy but this is the right kind of craziness!

Tell your friends some people with more than ten years' experience told you this is not only doable but actually desirable. It is doing the new, the unknown and the challenging that makes life an adventure worth living!

Off course you should give it a shot!!!

Love,
barnakiel

[Thelmalou222]

We are on Anna Maria Island. Love the area, and it luckily has two live aboard marinas. Bradenton and Palmetto are nicer, but we'll stay in this area for a while. Our son and his wife are expecting twins, so we want to be close by.

[exMaggieDrum]

We completely enjoyed living aboard, mostly while cruising. They are two entirely different experiences of course. At a marina, your experience will depend a lot on how many conveniences you have on your board and the local seasons/climate. Showers and laundry are two biggies. If you have a boat were you can do either or both it is easier. Here where it is rainy and cool/cold three seasons, going up to the showers is an adjustment, as is finding a place to do laundry if your marina does not have one. Even then it is different to not just letting it sit in your washer/dryer at home and getting to it when you feel like it. Living aboard you have to deal with it all the way through.

We have many happy liveaboards here though who wouldn't trade it for anything. And most don't have showers or washing machines on board.

One issue you will need to deal with in a cooler climate is moisture. You need to keep good air flow when cooking or showering or you will have mildew issues sooner or later. But all doable.

The people who don't understand it probably never will. Good on ya for going for it. It is very freeing to get rid of the house and yard and live with fewer things you really don't need.

[Geek_Guy]

Like most everything. There are positives and negatives. I've always enjoyed the people that have some crazy in them. All depends on your desires.