Living Aboard a Sailboat? (San Carlos: apartment, renting, to buy)

[hanna_house]

My husband and I are in our 20s and plan to move out to the SD area this fall. We're not wealthy but one of our dreams is to live on a sailboat for at least a year before we start a family. We thought it might be a good time to consider doing this rather than renting an apartment. I would love to hear experiences and tips from people who have lived aboard or known someone who has. Also, what are some live-in friendly marinas?

[Winston Smith]

Do it! The experience will reward you in many ways. You'll find out how less in life is definitely more. On a sailboat you have limited space, so it will force you to collect in physical possessions principally only what you need for day-to-day living. You'll borrow books or movies, and just pass them on. You won't have the luxury to fill your limited space with needless "stuff." Not only will this make life easier when you move, but think of all the money you'll save by not cramming your living space with $20 and $30 impulse purchases, expensive furniture, big-screen TVs and whatever else a Saturday trip to the mall might compel you to buy. Instead, you'll learn to appreciate rich moments of chatting with fellow boaters in the company of sea breezes, pelicans and a peaceful coexistence with the water and nature. If you have the opportunity to live on a boat for a while, again, do it.

[greatbasinguide]

But do it in Mexico! Try San Carlos, or La Paz.

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by cre8

Do it! The experience will reward you in many ways. You'll find out how less in life is definitely more. On a sailboat you have limited space, so it will force you to collect in physical possessions principally only what you need for day-to-day living. You'll borrow books or movies, and just pass them on. You won't have the luxury to fill your limited space with needless "stuff." Not only will this make life easier when you move, but think of all the money you'll save by not cramming your living space with $20 and $30 impulse purchases, expensive furniture, big-screen TVs and whatever else a Saturday trip to the mall might compel you to buy. Instead, you'll learn to appreciate rich moments of chatting with fellow boaters in the company of sea breezes, pelicans and a peaceful coexistence with the water and nature. If you have the opportunity to live on a boat for a while, again, do it.

ohhhhhh my, that sounds delightful...like heaven I can't imagine life at sea...
Do you know if anyone has written a book on this?

I am older now, and say to you, do it, experience all you can...as to me, life can be adventurous, fun and such a great learning tool through experience, it isn't at all about material things.

Good luck!!!!

[cynwldkat]

My sister lived on a sailboat for a few years and loved it! It is challenging at times but she wouldn't change that time of her life one bit. They sailed all over and stayed in places for only a while each time. My cousin did the very same for nearly 10 years and also loved it. She and her husband worked and lived in their sailboat in Florida. It is definately a different way of life and not everyone could do it. But if you can then for sure go for it. You do adjust to smaller living spaces and meet some of the nicest people. People who think like you and enjoy the freedom of the ocean!! Good luck and have a great adventure!

[greatbasinguide]

Couple of Quotes "Don't dream your life, Live your Dream"
and "Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure", that quote is on the stern of our sailboat.

[NewToCA]

I had briefly considered this option too, but due to family considerations I wasn't able to do this. I read the book "The Intricate Art of Living Afloat" by Clare Allcard, and found it helpful when I was actually thinking I was going to do it:

http://books.google.com/books?id=n1A...esult&resnum=5

[davidt1]

My husband and I are in our 20s and plan to move out to the SD area this fall. We're not wealthy but one of our dreams is to live on a sailboat for at least a year before we start a family. We thought it might be a good time to consider doing this rather than renting an apartment. I would love to hear experiences and tips from people who have lived aboard or known someone who has. Also, what are some live-in friendly marinas?

I assume you want to have children when you said "start a family." You are in your 20s. Time already works against you. I suggest you focus on your career and start a family as soon as possible. There is going to be plenty of time to live on a sailboat later.

[greatbasinguide]

Follow your dreams now, nobody has promised you tomorrow. Years from now when you are tied to work, mortgage, paying for college you will regret not doing it now. Besides, there is no rule that says you cannot have your sailboat, sail the world, and take your kids with you.

I suggest a subscription to Latitudes and Attitudes; Welcome to Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine (http://www.seafaring.com/magazine/ - broken link)

We have sailed Mexico with our young children, they had a ball and learned far more than they would have if we had left them home, or stayed home.

"Live with no regrets

To regret is one of the worst feelings one can have. It causes you to spiral into thoughts of what might’ve been, if only you had, etc. As you lie on your deathbed and ponder how you spent your precious time on this earth, will you regret it?"

[irvm]

Originally Posted by davidt1

I assume you want to have children when you said "start a family." You are in your 20s. Time already works against you. I suggest you focus on your career and start a family as soon as possible. There is going to be plenty of time to live on a sailboat later.

a

What on earth for?
Is the earth underpopulated? I hadn't noticed any lack of humans.
They've got a good 20 years or more to start that family (my mom was 45 when she had kids). They'll NEVER likely have a chance to live free if they don't take it now.