When deciding about whether or not to move aboard a boat there are two basic choices, sail or power. After that is is just a question of how much you can afford when buying a boat. The trades offs in power versus sail are many but the main one is that in vessels of similar length you will have more room in a power boat. However, in these days of super expensive fuel costs it makes sense to consider the sail option. The good news is that no matter which one you choose, you will love living on a boat. Here are the top reasons why I live aboard a boat.
Number one is the immediate change in life style. I truly believe that it is impossible to live on a boat and be in a bad mood. I can honestly say that in all the years I have been on or around boats I can count the boring or depressed people I have met on one hand. Boat people are similar to the pioneers of earlier times. They need to be self sufficient when on their boat is the only one on the water but they are instantly ready to come to the aid of their fellow sailors when needed. This is true out on the water or when docked at the marina.
Number two is a follow up on number one as far as your neighbors in the marina are concerned. An interesting thing I have noticed about boat people is that you are immediately accepted as soon as you arrive simply because you too are a boat person. It does not seem to matter how large your boat might be. I have sailed into some harbors with what would be considered a small boat compared to the others and been invited aboard the biggest boat for drinks or a meal. I have also docked next to some smaller boats and found out later that the owner could buy the entire marina, boats and all. The great equalizer is that we all share a love of boats and the water. There is never any shortage of conversation around boats.
Number three is the ability to change your address whenever you decide to do so. It does not matter what your reason might be, you just untie the lines and sail off over the horizon. Think of the freedom this allows a person. You do not need to worry about selling your house because you take your house with you. Another thing is you do not need to pack anything, no boxes, no rental truck, you just go.
Speaking of packing brings us to reason number four. Living aboard a boat forces you not to accumulate stuff. My motto is that if I have outfitted my boat with everything I need to live, then from that moment on if I bring something on the boat I must take something off the boat. Here again this makes life much more simple and enjoyable with fewer things to be responsible for.
Number five is my favorite, sunrises and sunsets. When I lived in a house I was insulated from the weather. On a boat weather is part of the lifestyle. When I live on a boat I hardly ever miss a sunrise or a sunset. Sunsets are a special time in a harbor or marina. It is a ritual that brings all of the boating community together.
If you are still not sure if the boating life is for you why not try renting a boat for a week or two. It is easy to find out if you are one of us who are blessed with a love of all things wet. Happy Sails to you.
