Feature: Live Aboard, Ahoy!
By Mary Robinson of Clearwater Marine
Oh boy, Paloy! As a friend who terms himself “homeless” for the last 3 years, living on a boat is epic. Pictures of amazing sunrises, up close to nature, viewing migrating birds, a 5-second deploy of a kayak for a quick beer run. Life could not be better. However, it does take planning. And preparedness. Knowing a few “drifters,” here are some words of advice for land-lubers who are pondering this intriguing lifestyle.
Safety: First and FOREMOST! Be READY! Extra lines, anchor, fire extinguishers, flares, clothing, shore power cord, keys, life jackets, food, water purifier, the list goes on depending on how large the boat and the length of time you may be away from the dock. Do not take anything to chance and hope that it will be at your next destination. Keep in mind this all adds weight, and weight is a critical factor when calculating fuel efficiency if you plan to hop harbor to harbor. Make sure you have legal documents for yourself, others onboard, and the boat available. This could include passports and permits if outside of U.S. waters.
And! Talking safety…how safe is it to get from the dock to where you are going? Some harbors are sketchy (to say the least). Plan and evaluate. Be sure your cell phone has reception! Take the boat keys with you and know where they are at all times! Keep in touch with the local harbormaster on the best plan as they will be best apprised on the local habitat. Or lack of.
Check the Weather: Imperative. MyRadar app is awesome and very accurate (unless in an area of no Wi-Fi), as it often gives a prediction of storm or rain 30 minutes out. There are others as well, but this has proven most reliable. If you are on the move while living aboard, it is very important to keep track of the weather. I check my app multiple times a day, even more if I leave the dock.
Wi-Fi: Imperative. And explore a range booster that gives your phone/laptop enhanced reception in low-frequency areas. It is key to finding resources you may need: supplies, fuel, food, etc. Also, checking marine traffic reports, weather, marinas available for repairs, and local docks available for transient slips.
Be Prepared: For everything and anything. Have extra clothing, blankets, flares, fire extinguishers, and food. You never know if you will be locked in for an extra day or week — and away from a port that has a store or fuel. Smaller details also include slip fees, pump out, insurance costs, and (if in a hurricane zone) be prepared that most insurance companies may not cover your vessel.
Radar/Radio: A MUST. Especially on any lakes, large rivers, and sea coasts. This allows you to not only communicate, but also ‘see’ vessels anchored. Subscribe to Rosepoint, Shipfinder or Marine Tracker. Some apps are free, others require a small fee that is well worth your safety.
Tackle: Yes. There are fish out there and they make a great dinner! Prepare with a tackle box with variations in lines, lures (chartreuse color is often the best), as well as a net and a couple of solid poles with reels that are protected from sun damage. Don’t forget a sharp filet knife. Coleman makes a great cordless battery rechargeable version with multiple replacement blades.
Location for Repair/Fuel: Back to the above. If you are on the move, plot and plan. You never know when you may need repair or may need a tow into the closest location. The same goes if you are stationary in a hurricane/storm zone.
Mail/Bills: Yes! Living aboard has its benefits. But still a set of adult responsibilities. Figure out how you will forward/pay your bills. Life can’t be 100% paperless no matter how hard you try. There are great online options, as well as pay-by-phone apps. However, you will still need a forwarding address. One option is to have a point person on land available to send you what may arrive at your address/P.O. box/marina location (if they allow).
In conclusion, living aboard can be a great experience. It goes beyond the weekend at the marina (however, that is a great start to practice this experience). You will meet great people who will offer information. There are numerous blogs where you can review feedback from other boaters who have done the same. From live aboarders I know who have done so, living onboard isn’t something to take lightly, so research and prepare. However, it is an experience that can be life changing, and open opportunities to keep looking at that horizon to the next dock available!
Great Websites for Reference:
https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/living-on-a-boat
https://yachtway.com/news/liveaboard-boats-2025-guide-to-the-liveaboard-boat-lifestyle/
