Have you or would you live on a boat?

[ScafellPoke]

I’m looking for experiences from people who have lived on a boat, maybe as a family? Why did you make that decision? Was it a good decision?

Or anyone that’s ever considered it and why? Will you do it eventually?

It would depend on the boat. A close friend lived as an adult lived on a Dutch barge, it had a wood burning stove and was very comfortable and cozy but a normal boat type boat, like a caravan in the water type boat. Not My idea of cozy. Nice in summer, but cold and damp don't even begin to describe the winter.

Be careful with boats, if you don't know what you're doing and even if you do, they are just a hole in the water that you pour money into.

Yes for a while. But it was with a one year old ds and a large dog and in the dead of winter when it was 20 below and ice all over the docks. I don't look back on it fondly.

We're planning on spending next winter in the Caribbean on a boat though.

We spend extended amounts of time every summer, either in local towns, travelling the states or more offshore.

Yes lino you’re right! They are money suckers! But so is our house! I know a boat depreciates though so it’s not the same but I’m fed up of giving all my money to the bank!

pink I’ve sailed in the caribbean before and it was fab, I would love to do a whole winter out there! Who’s boat do you use?

My brother lives on a boat, in the Forest of Dean, always has done.

Ds2's best friend lives on a boat, on a permanent mooring. 2 parents , 2 children. It can be done.
Not for me! But hey.

Don’t buy anything made out of wood unless you really really know what you’re doing. Get a thorough survey. Be very careful about the legality of the mooring.- particularly if you intend to live aboard.

Basilisk- I don’t think not knowing much about boats would be s big problem if they took loads of advice. And had a survey. Knowing s bit about things like electrics would be useful-little things go wrong that it’s good to be able to fix yourself. And check the legality of the mooring. People do end up with expansive boats eithe nothing to tie it to!

Thanks bert we’ll be looking at blue water boats, so no wooden ones!

We know alot about the boats and the sailing itself, it’s more the family living that I’m interested in hearing about.
Do you home school? Or commute to work? Do you have a house you rent out?

@ScafellPoke we have our own boats. When we lived on one in the Winter it was a 56 foot motor yacht that had four state rooms, three bathrooms (including a bath tub) and a big living room. It was way bigger than my flat in London.

We sold that though as the thought of an engine going was terrifying (2 350 hp cat engines at £50,000 each new.)

We've had various other boats but at the moment have a smaller power boat that sleeps four but after a week it's getting a bit cramped. We've got a sailboat with more living space and depending on what kind of trip we're after (staying in a town or going offshore to see stuff) I'd rather stay on that.

I've also lived on canal boats in the UK when I was younger.

I have to say, the main frustration for me living on boats is lack of storage!

When we spend winters in the Caribbean we intend to home school. There are LOTS of kids down there doing the same. We're lucky that ds's future school is on board (haha) with kids taking time off school and support you with the work they'll need to do etc.

Thanks pink I follow a few fb groups and insta accounts if families living aboard, mainly in the Caribbean.
One day! Hopefully!