A Home Like No Other
In my late 20s, tired of apartment living but not quite ready for a more significant, land-based commitment, I found myself meandering a local marina. It was one of those clear, sunny May days in the Pacific Northwest that induces the itch to be on the water, particularly after a gray, wet and cold winter. Already an avid boater, I thought buying a boat to live aboard seemed like a fine idea. And so I did just that.
Taking possession of a 1981 30-foot trawler in early summer, I became a liveaboard. Which is how today, I am able to set aside all of the customary nautical, navigational, operational and other seamanship aspects of successfully enjoying a trawler, and instead offer some thoughts and considerations about the liveaboard life.
Maybe the first consideration is whether you’re going to live aboard year-round, or just part of the year. Whether full-time or part-time, the answer will influence what improvements you make to your existing boat, or what equipment and amenities you will need when considering the purchase of a boat for living aboard.
Do you plan to cruise while living
