Living On Your Boat - Is It Right For You?
Living on a boat can offer lower living costs, increased freedom and a unique lifestyle, but it requires extra preparation, including choosing the right marina, budgeting for boat maintenance and registration, and understanding licensing, insurance and compliance requirements.
Living on your boat provides the opportunity to explore new places, meet interesting people and enjoy a unique lifestyle, along with practical benefits such as lower cost of living, increased freedom and enhanced environmental sustainability. With the right preparation and planning, it can provide all the comforts of home while allowing you to explore new places and cultures. Living in a marina is one of the most popular ways to do this full time, and there are a number of ongoing costs to factor in, from maintenance and registration through to insurance and compliance.
Benefits of Living on a Boat
For those looking for an alternative to traditional living arrangements, living on a boat can be a great option. From enjoying stunning views to making lifelong friends, there are countless advantages to life on the water.
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Living on a Boat in a Marina
Living on a boat in a marina is one of the most popular ways to live full time on a boat. Marinas provide access to shore power and other amenities like laundry facilities, showers, internet access and even restaurants that you can take advantage of. However, you’ll need to check with your local marina for specific rules and regulations about living there full-time, as some may have restrictions or require additional fees for long-term stays.
Mooring and marina fees can vary depending on location and facilities. When looking at a marina, things to consider include the cost, whether you can afford the monthly fees and any extras like power, the marina facilities on offer, how easy and secure access to the marina is, how far away the nearest waste disposal station is and whether you’ll need to pay to have your sewage pumped out, and whether the marina allows pets if you have any. Our guide to boat storage and marinas covers the full range of marina storage options in more detail.
How To Find The Ideal Marina or Yacht Club Near You
There are many marinas, but not all of them may be the right fit for you. It is important to find a place that has the amenities to suit you needs and wants.
Typical Costs of Living on Your Boat
In addition to purchasing your boat, there are some expenses you may incur by living on your boat.
- Boat Maintenance: Your maintenance costs will depend on whether you’re doing the work yourself and the condition of the boat. Generally, marine parts cost three to four times the price of household building supplies. A good rule of thumb is to budget 10% of the value of your boat in repairs, annually. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect at different boat sizes and ages, see our guide on how much does it cost to maintain a used boat.
- Vessel Registration: All boats are required to have an annual registration. Don’t forget that any motorised tender, such as a dinghy, will also need to be registered. Contact your state government authority for more information.
- Boating Licence: In Australia, most states require a recreational boat licence to master a motorised vessel and all states and territories enforce maritime laws. The process of getting a boat licence differs from state to state. The process of renewing your boat licence is not complicated if you have kept your licence up to date. Learn about How to Get a Recreational Boating Licence.
- Insurance: Just like insuring a car, comprehensive insurance is a must if the vessel is of significant value. The minimum recommended level of insurance cover is third party insurance, which covers the owner for damage to other people and their vessels. If you have an accident or your vessel sinks, you will be responsible for cleaning up and removing the wreckage, including sunken vessels from the waterway. See our full guide to insuring your boat: top tips for boat insurance for what to look for in a policy.
- Compliance: If you are intending to permanently reside on your boat, you need to check the current rules and regulations for waste disposal, electrical and gas installation.
- Slipway Fees: Costs of slipping your boat vary between slipways and depend on the size of your vessel and how long you want it to be up on the slipway. Plan on pulling out your vessel every couple of years to ensure that your hulls are in good repair. If your vessel is permanently moored, you will need to periodically pull it out of the water for maintenance.
- Fuel: Get an indication of the average fuel consumption of your vessel to estimate how much typical voyages will cost. Consumption will vary depending on travelling speed, water flow and wind conditions, as well as the size of the vessel and the type of engines.
Do I need a boat licence to live on a boat in Australia?
In most Australian states, a recreational boat licence is required to master a motorised vessel, and all states and territories enforce maritime laws. The licensing process varies from state to state, so it’s worth checking with your local authority.
How much should I budget for boat maintenance if I live aboard?
A good rule of thumb is to budget around 10% of the value of your boat in repairs annually, since marine parts typically cost three to four times the price of equivalent household building supplies.
What should I check before choosing a marina to live in?
Consider the monthly cost and whether extras like power are included, the facilities the marina provides, how easy and secure access is, the distance to the nearest waste disposal station, and whether pets are allowed if you have any.
Do I need insurance to live on my boat?
Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended for any vessel of significant value, and at a minimum you should carry third party insurance, which covers damage to other people and their vessels in the event of an accident.
How often does a liveaboard boat need to come out of the water?
Plan on pulling your vessel out of the water for a slipway service every couple of years to ensure the hull is in good repair, particularly if your boat is permanently moored rather than kept on a trailer.
