Boat-Living Guide > Pros and Cons
In our last two blogs, we went over what you need to know before living aboard your boat, as well as some houseboat buying considerations. Living on a boat is a great option for plenty of people to save money and to experience a unique living scenario. However, like any living situation, there are pros and cons to each. In this final installment, we’re going to cover the positives and the negatives that anyone who’s considering living on a boat should understand. Whatever type of houseboat you choose, protect your new investment with a Boat Insurance policy.
Con: Lack of space.
If you’re living alone on your boat, this might not be a huge concern. However, factor in a spouse and children, and the boat is going to seem too small for comfort really quickly. Before buying a boat to live on, be sure it sleeps however many people will live with you comfortably. Feasibility is also a big concern – if you’ve got a family of three on a boat and one bathroom, that might be pushing the limits. Get a realistic view on what living on a boat is like by talking to others in the marina who have houseboats. Chances are, they’ll be more than willing to share their experience with you.
Pro: Reduced living expenses.
Living aboard can be an amazing lifestyle for the right folks. It can be much less expensive to live on your boat compared to a house, so it’s an attractive option for certain demographics like retirees, constant business travelers or folks who can “work anywhere.” But make sure you conservatively estimate your maintenance costs, applicable taxes, marina fees, the fact that you will be eating out more often, insurance, depreciation, and other costs. Taking an honest assessment of your live aboard situation can mean the difference between a committed, enjoyable life on your boat and a short-lived fantasy, explains Discover Boating.
Con: Purging belongings.
Living in a traditional home means there’s more room to store all of the stuff you and your family have accumulated over the years. However, on a boat, storage is extremely limited. You can either pay for a storage unit each month to house your belongings offshore, or you can purge all of the things you won’t bring on board.
Be realistic about the storage situation. Work with the 10-percent rule here. If your house is 3,000 square feet, plan on scaling down to 300 feet on your boat, say experts. This can be stressful or liberating, so plan on taking the necessary time to really evaluate what you need on board.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts, and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (800) 992-4443 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
