Living On Your Boat - Is It Right For You?

Living on a boat can be an exciting and unique experience. It offers a chance to see the world from a different perspective and enjoy the freedom of living on the water. However, it also requires some extra preparation and planning.

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your boat liveaboard experience.

Benefits of Living on a Boat

Living on your boat provides the opportunity to explore new places, meet interesting people, and enjoy a unique lifestyle. On top of that, it may offer several practical benefits such as lower cost of living, increased freedom, and enhanced environmental sustainability.

For those looking for an alternative to traditional living arrangements, living on a boat can be a great option. With the right preparation and planning, it can provide all the comforts of home while allowing you to explore new places and cultures. From enjoying stunning views to making lifelong friends - there are countless advantages to life on the water!

View Houseboats and Liveaboards For Sale

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 are:

(1) Cost - Can you afford to pay the monthly marina fees? Do you have to pay for extras like power?

(2) Marina Facilities - Do you need the facilities that the marina provides?

(3) Marina Access - How easy is it to get in and out of the marina? Is the marina safe and secure?

(4) Waste Disposal - How far away is the nearest Waste Disposal Station? Will you need to pay to have your sewage pumped out?

(5) If you have pets, does the marina allow pets?

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. 

Marinas Near You

Yacht and Boat Clubs Near You

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.

• 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 3rd 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.

• 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 insure that your hulls are in good repair. If your vessel is permanently moored, you will need to periodically pull your vessel 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. The amount of fuel that a vessel uses depends of many things such as the size of the vessel, the type of engines, the wind and water conditions.