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LIVE-ABOARD

The idea of being a live-aboard is something many associate with yacht ownership. It has been idealized in pop culture in a certain way which may not be quite the whole truth, however with careful planning and execution one can 'live the dream' short-term when certain changes in lifestyle or location warrant it. When one takes living-aboard as a short term 'temporary vacation from the ground', it can be done in a way that preserves the individual's lifestyle and employment, is friendly to the community, and is ecologically compliant.

The first thing many potential yacht owners think about when they entertain ideas of ownership is financial consideration. Although yachts in the 30-foot range can be purchased for $15,000 - $20,000 (a fraction of what many will spend on their car) the fact that it is a recreational purchase makes it open to scrutiny. To those renting and living under simple means, the idea of becoming a live-aboard, at least until the boat is paid off in some cases, may be a practical and fun adventure for a season or two in order to ease finances. 

Being a successful live-aboard means not getting too 'dug in'. Personal items cannot be brought aboard, as there is little space for nick-knacks and the marine environment does not tolerate anything not designed to withstand it. Clothes may have to be stored elsewhere for the same reason, with only a few days selection carefully folded and stored. With this in mind, many live-aboard's find judicious use of a storage locker to be an advantage. If carefully arranged, it can store clothing and sporting and recreational equipment the same as a normal closet at home, albeit a special little trip to get to. 

Appliances aboard a small yacht can rival their shore-based counterparts in many ways. This is one part of life that re-creates quite well aboard, especially with new technologies. Low current-drain flat screen monitors and notebook computers loaded with moisture-oblivious CD's and DVD's supply the entertainment, while microwave and propane ranges and other small kitchen appliances supply the cooking, all possible with only solar/battery power and cylinders of propane. Heat can be propane or even wood burning, however once shore power is established heat and light come easily from that. 

Berths can be as comfortable and imaginative as the creator can come up with. As no deck leaks or moisture are present, this part of the live-aboard lifestyle is actually better than ashore. Some have likened the berths on a vessel on the water to be so comfortable and isolated as to be 'like being in the womb'.

Hygiene is a different matter on a live-aboard sailboat. On actual sailing cruises, solar showers and ocean swims are the norm, but in port one would have to rely on bathroom fittings in the cabin. Since water supplies are limited, hot water unreliable or non-existent, and moisture issues aboard a vessel rule out the use of a shower, this becomes a problem. In addition to this, there are now zero-discharge rules in effect in most Canadian and US waters close to shorelines. The solution is going ashore for showers, etc., and most live-aboard's have memberships at fitness clubs or pools and use the facilities there.

If these issues are considered are planned for well in advance, and a suitable marina can be found that will allow it, one can make a fairly easy transition from the terrestrial lifestyle to ocean living. There are sacrifices, of course, but many look back on a season of living on their sailboat as among the best times in their life. Nothing relieves stress like the sound of the breeze in the rigging, the gentle movement of the boat, and waking to gulls every morning instead of an alarm.