Florida allows the same, hence the success of St. Brendan's Isle which is more like a mail forwarding service on steroids.
This is a common practice of RV'ers, Cruisers, and traveling nurses, among others.
Tell me about the best location to liveaboard
- Thread starter mikeg
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Florida allows the same, hence the success of St. Brendan's Isle which is more like a mail forwarding service on steroids.
This is a common practice of RV'ers, Cruisers, and traveling nurses, among others.
Fish Catcher Jim
Senior Member
What about cooler weather area's?
As long as the water does not freeze and no big concern with plumbing, shew we do enjoy the colder whether.
Thinking east coast or north
Thank You
Jim
As long as the water does not freeze and no big concern with plumbing, shew we do enjoy the colder whether.
Thinking east coast or north
Thank You
Jim
Gabe n Em
Guru
Jim,
The water froze in Maryland. Don't go north! bad.
Savannah has a limited number of marinas - those in thunderbolt are closer to the action but a little more money. We're at Coffee Bluff marina - less expensive but I think they said there is a waiting list starting for long term wet slips! He does make room on the face dock for transients and sometimes lets people stay there longer term. We found this place because we were on a waiting list for Bahia Bleu marina but we're happy we stayed.
The water froze in Maryland. Don't go north! bad.
Savannah has a limited number of marinas - those in thunderbolt are closer to the action but a little more money. We're at Coffee Bluff marina - less expensive but I think they said there is a waiting list starting for long term wet slips! He does make room on the face dock for transients and sometimes lets people stay there longer term. We found this place because we were on a waiting list for Bahia Bleu marina but we're happy we stayed.
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Nomad Willy
Guru
Gabe,
Yah and it froze in Alaska for a day or two just because a freshwater river's mouth was near the town harbor. One can always put electric heaters in a boat for a day or two. Don't take much to scare you off.
I see no mention of the west coast .. amazing. Mike (the OP) said the west coast is unlikely .. but he's got no boat yet. All this talk about the "brutal" heat in FL and marina water freezing boats in place the west coast is paradise .. well would seem so. So Mikeg whadduah got against the west? Is it just the unknown for you?
Yah and it froze in Alaska for a day or two just because a freshwater river's mouth was near the town harbor. One can always put electric heaters in a boat for a day or two. Don't take much to scare you off.
I see no mention of the west coast .. amazing. Mike (the OP) said the west coast is unlikely .. but he's got no boat yet. All this talk about the "brutal" heat in FL and marina water freezing boats in place the west coast is paradise .. well would seem so. So Mikeg whadduah got against the west? Is it just the unknown for you?
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dhays
Guru
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California would be a nice option, but up in the PNW you end up with nothing but constant rain and clouds. It makes for a rather dreary and depressing existence. The only good news is that you don't have to worry about hot weather or spending money on swim suits and sun screen. Of course, you make up for that savings for prescriptions for anti-depressants.
Other than that it is great. 15' tide changes and lots of current always keeps boating interesting. The complete lack of dockside services such as line handlers, pump-out services etc help keep you self-reliant. As an added benefit most of the PNW now has some of the modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing and electricity.
Culturally and politically it wonderful, you have two choices. You can opt for the blatantly socialist areas such as Seattle, Bellingham, Olympia, or Portland or you can go for the right-wing libertarian prepper culture that incorporates the rest of WA and OR. Of course, there isn't much in the middle. To top it off, while the Puget Sound area has some of the heaviest traffic in the country, making it all but impossible to get anywhere, WA, OR and ID have some of the most polite drivers in the country.
Paradise on earth right here. The perfect place for a live aboard.
IntoTheBlue
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Just retired, we started "long term cruising" last year. We cruised up the northeast from Long Island to Nova Scotia. We found that most of our time was spent in Maine, northeast of Rockland. So many beautiful islands with mountain landscapes.
One bonus is the temperature. During the summer months it didn't get too warm and at night it was very comfortable sleeping with a hatch open, under a blanket. Just southwest in Massachusetts and below, some nights can be rather hot and steamy.
So many options as well, from uninhabited islands to small village islands to tourist traps. An anchorage for what ever suits your need.
Enjoy!
One bonus is the temperature. During the summer months it didn't get too warm and at night it was very comfortable sleeping with a hatch open, under a blanket. Just southwest in Massachusetts and below, some nights can be rather hot and steamy.
So many options as well, from uninhabited islands to small village islands to tourist traps. An anchorage for what ever suits your need.
Enjoy!
Lunasea
Veteran Member
san diego is great if you can find a slip and you are ready to pay $20 a foot plus live aboard fees? I didn't see anyone mention the Tennessee river area? we are about to retire and cant afford to stay here, so we are looking for other options.
Sailor of Fortune
Guru
I would look at the Tennessee river area. Lots to do,reasonable pricing and temperate climate. Lots of TF members are in this area.
Before we'd ever even been to Fort Lauderdale and when we thought retirement would come later, our dream retirement was the Tennessee River. If we were ever looking for a second home, it would be there. We love Chattanooga. On up toward Knoxville is nice too, but we'd choose to live in Chattanooga, then cruise in both directions.
Love all the areas of the river and Pickwick is great and slightly less winter, just for us personally, having never lived in the country or small rural towns, we'd miss a lot of things living there (love vacationing there), so for our home location we'd go Chattanooga.
Love all the areas of the river and Pickwick is great and slightly less winter, just for us personally, having never lived in the country or small rural towns, we'd miss a lot of things living there (love vacationing there), so for our home location we'd go Chattanooga.
We do. The TN River was before we knew about Fort Lauderdale. We'd never move now. We still love the TN River, just not as much as we do Fort Lauderdale. Tomorrow, 79 degrees here, 54 in Chattanooga.
Wifey B: Your forecast is 79 too. We might buzz by that way, don't really know where we'll go by boat tomorrow and Sunday. Monday going to Atlantis.
Bigsfish
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WifeyB. I’ll be sure not to blink while looking out to sea, wouldn’t want to miss you guys. LOL
You picked a great window for your trip. Are you going north of the Berries or south? We usually go south and clear in Chub but your a lot faster and can make it in one day. Have fun.
You picked a great window for your trip. Are you going north of the Berries or south? We usually go south and clear in Chub but your a lot faster and can make it in one day. Have fun.
Wifey B: Only a 6 hour trip for the boat we're going on. Might take 7. Yes, beautiful conditions this week. We're coming back home on Wednesday. Thursday at home then driving to NC on Friday.
Wifey B: Well, we just went to West Palm today. Short trip. This week is in a Riva so fast boat. Not trawlering. Just a fun day or two at Atlantis, mainly for Tabitha as her finals were on Wednesday so some time away with her plus she and two other girls her age can enjoy themselves. We also miss her when we're cruising and she's in school.
Then the cold of NC.
We always spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in NC and our official Florida Christmas Day this year will be Sunday, the 31st. Yes, we just shift stuff around to fit our needs.
Wifey B: We will and everyone else enjoy your holidays. For many, other than those working in retail, it's the best chance you have to spend time with friends.
Looks like we'll be lucky in NC. Some rain perhaps but highs around 65 and lows around 50. Don't guess quite convertible top down weather though. Maybe a little. Top down, heat on.
At least should be able to play outdoors some with them, basketball, swings, slides, all the cool stuff. Then indoor games. Then video games in which we'll always lose. They enjoy laughing at us and we enjoy that. Some singing. Some stories shared. Incredible time. Celebrate all religions and secularly. 
It's a time the kids really think and give thanks for all they have, especially for all their brothers and sisters.
Dswizzler
Senior Member
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- 1988 58' Vantare
Sea of Cortez in Mexico, it might be a bit of a run but once you get there, you may never leave. Currently starting our 3 year on the Pacific side of Mexico, the last two have been up in the Sea. Great fishing, anchorages, weather and wonderful people. Now down in Puerto Vallarta to check out the mainland some. Still enjoying every day and seeing how far the dollar goes. A great dinner bottle of wine all still between $30-$50.
Couldn’t agree more. We spent 5 years there between two boats. It as social as you want or you can hide out.
Glad to here dinner and a bottle of wine for 2 is still $30-50.
Glad to here dinner and a bottle of wine for 2 is still $30-50.
Bottled water for 2, $0.20.
Hi there.
Sounds like we are about to do the same thing. I plan on buying my boat in May and heading out. I work from wifi mostly. Let me know what you are finding out. I'm looking more south. Florida, Keys, island hopping...
Good luck to you.
Sounds like we are about to do the same thing. I plan on buying my boat in May and heading out. I work from wifi mostly. Let me know what you are finding out. I'm looking more south. Florida, Keys, island hopping...
Good luck to you.
catalinajack
Guru
So?
I am replying to an old post but the subject is still "new". My husband wants me to stay on our eventual loop boat from January through April on the western side of Florida. I have never lived on a boat but we have chartered 43'+ boats so I know the space involved. What I am wondering about is, the heat of Florida when you're out in the sun at a Marina dock. When I visit marinas to see if I like them I am always blown away by how hot they are. Do folks really sit around and visit on their boats or are they hiding in their AC? Also, what do you do in really bad storms? We had a severe thunderstorm yesterday with 800 lightening strikes and 40 MPH gusts. I don't think I would want to be in the situation by myself in a boat in a marina? Do you go into the Marina building or do you just hunker down and deal with it on the boat? Would love to hear a woman's perspective on this because I think my husband thinks I am overthinking it. I don't want to sound ungrateful because it is a "tough problem to have" but I am beyond the romantic images of boat living and now looking at the reality of it.
Donsan
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Welcome aboard!
Is Pentwater like Pentwater MI? If so, FL marinas will probably seem warm but Jan thru April is perhaps the nicest time of year in FL. Kind of similar to Northern MI from June thru September. When you say west coast of FL, that can cover 2-3 climate zones. It will be warmer in Fort Meyers than St Pete and much warmer than Pensacola. There is also a wide spectrum of marinas and what they offer.
Okay, I am a dude and can't give you a woman's perspective but I would tell you most people find plenty to do during those months without sticking to the boat or the marina building and you will probably find a lot of other people at the marina to socialize with. So yeah, I agree with your hubby, you are over thinking it. But YMMV.....
Wifey B: So much in your post and so much missing, including what kind of boat and where. The heat is not an issue that time of year although I still like AC. There are country club resort marinas and there are docks calling themselves marinas but lacking all the amenities. You said "by myself" and made we have to ask, "where will he be?" Sort of critical words to me as I'd be fine on the boat with my hubby but I don't want to be left on the boat or at home or anywhere alone for an extended time. I'm fine on the boat at a nice marina in a storm. If I was going to be spending a lot of time alone it would have to be a resort marina with places to go and a social environment and things like a pool and gym and even spa.
Donna moved from regular marina to resort not long ago and chronicled it here. The prior marina was a good place to keep the boat. The current one is a good place to spend time on the boat. Plus some marinas have environments I'd be fine with and others don't. Living at a marina where there's a lot of drunken party behavior isn't my ideal.
Back to the storm, what would you do at home on land? Now, if I was alone on the boat, I'd be ok, but I still might prefer to be inside the yacht club with others as it blows through. And perhaps a yacht club is the place to be.
It's like shopping anytime for a place to live. Find what fits you.
One other thing. I would not personally want to live anywhere 4 months without a car. Fine, there's public transportation, uber, and more. However, I want the freedom to go, to load it up if I choose with things I buy. I'd just find it difficult to be sitting somewhere with no way to get around. At the very least knowing what is near and what transportation is like is very important.
I did leave details out... my husband would be coming on the weekends until he retires so I would be there by myself during the week. Yes, I will have a car and yes I am probably looking at a resort type marina since I would like a pool or beach nearby and a workout gym. I am looking in the Sarasota, St. Petersburg area initially because we have family vacationing nearby. We are looking at boats 45-50' with flybridge, and an covered cockpit we can use as a "porch". Thanks for your replies.
Besslb
Guru
I agree with everything WifeyB said. I wouldn't hesitate a bit. Find a marina with the facilities you want and go for it.
Storms you have to take individually. Severe thunderstorms with tons of lightening would have me in the clubhouse. Lighter or more moderate weather I would feel fine on the boat.
I envy your position!
Storms you have to take individually. Severe thunderstorms with tons of lightening would have me in the clubhouse. Lighter or more moderate weather I would feel fine on the boat.
I envy your position!
Wifey B: Some great marinas you can choose from in St. Pete and some resorts and yacht clubs. Marinas tied to hotels can be very nice if you're given full privileges. We like Marina Jack's in Sarasota but not where I'd want to spend 4 months, 70% as a single woman.
