Sep 25

Sep 25 finding your boat

So, you're thinking that you want try your hand at life the trawler trash way, be the captain of the USS HopeSheFloats, and/or a dockside pirate? Finding the right boat to live aboard really comes down to a personal choice. There are so many different styles of boat. Compound this with what you plan to do with your pride and joy, outside of living on it, and the choice can get a little daunting. Here's some things to nail down before you get started:

First order of business: Sailboat or Powerboat. Boaters are kinda divided along this line and it can be a touchy subject in some circles. It's a Coke vs Pepsi question really. As a liveaboard, I can tell you that a power boat is a bit more on the livable side. Powerboats usually have large windows and bigger views, were as the majority of sailboats are cave like and cramped. Although, the newer sails are getting better with the addition of the side hull windows. And unless you go over 50' most sailboats, other than a catamaran, will have a limited floor plan because of their hull shape. Headroom can be an issue here too. However, pound for pound sailboats tend to have more locker space due to all the nooks and crannies provided by their hull shape. I recently watched a non-liveaboard slip neighbor that had just sold his boat take 3 whole days to clean out his items. He was amazed at how much he had stowed and his boat was a model of cleanliness. Sailboats do tend to have humidity issues because of the ratio of climate controlled interior space below the water line being higher than on a powerboat. (I'll address humidity in another post). Whereas power boats can more easily end up with smelly boat engine issues. Overall there's pros and cons both ways. Ultimately, you'll need to visit a few to see for yourself. No set of pictures on Yachtworld or Boattrader will convey the feel and soul of a boat. You're just going to have to get out there! Start Here:

Boat shows are the best way to check out multiple hull types without all the hassle. If they're not in season or close by your alternatives can drop to just checking out local listings. This is kinda tough if you want to stay away from a broker. Brokers aren't bad guys. Most of them are really laid back. However, seeing boats with a broker might narrow your options. Just like realtors, brokers are on commission and just like selling houses the commissions can vary based on the listing. So, realtors and brokers might look past the perfect fit if there's better commission on a 90% fit. It's just the game we play in capitalism, so don't feel bad if you say no to the 90% fitting boat. Eventually, out of the broker's necessity to get you sold, that perfect boat will come around.

Private sales like ones you'd find on Craigslist are okay but most are going to disappoint. The reason they're on Craigslist is that the brokers most likely turned down the listing. And usually with good reason. Whether its for age, finance-ability, damage, level of needed repair or the owner is a bit too kooky. Typically, when you go to these listings you're going to find that; The money isn't right, even as a fixer upper; It's going to be a one day one boat viewing, not very efficient; The owner will be there and (not their fault) they're going to be a little protective and super bias. Making it hard to ask tough questions and throw the towel in when you find deal breakers. All that said it's the most anonymous way to tour boat hulls. I'd recommend doing these as your first viewings to get comfortable.

Internet searching: It's what brought you here and it's a good way to get a close approximation of what you want but it's just no substitute for hands on. So, you need to get out there and look!

Below is a bullet list of things that might help you narrow your search;

Diesel engines, even if you don't plan on going out on the water there's two bonuses to diesel over gasoline. 1. Diesel powered appliances, namely heat 2. Less chance of funky boat smell. As raw diesel fuel fumes don't carry like gasoline.
Head (toilet) type, I'll eventually do an article on heads but in short you want a vacuum flush head that uses "fresh" water. Easiest to service, least chance of clogging, least amount of working parts and least amount of water per flush. You typically don't see vacuum flush heads on sailboat. Non-fresh water or "raw water" heads use the water around your boat to fill the bowl. This will lead to funkiness and a forever dirty toilet. Not good for a live- aboard.
Couples: You need the ability for two people to be in the interior of the boat in separate areas(with all doors open) to not see or hear each other at normal speaking levels. This is very important if you're a couple. You'll need space at some point. If you cannot hear and see the other person while in a confined space, it's as good as being across a 5 bedroom house.
Confidence in getting on and off the boat. This can be tough because the marina you view the boat in isn't necessarily going to be your marina. Each marina has different dock heights and types. You'll have to judge this based on the boat only. Think about how confident you'd feel getting on board in a snow storm, with groceries in your arms while wearing work shoes. Will you need to climb a ladder? Stairs? Step over lifelines or railings?
Galley storage, pretty self explanatory but if you don't want take out food or to go to the store every night make sure you have room for more than just your plates.
HVAC, there are boats without heating and air conditioning. You don't have to exclude them but you'll need to figure $5000 per 25 feet to install it.
Refrigeration, sailboats are not always equipped with a refrigeration. It's something to ask before going to look. It can be added for about $2500, but wouldn't it be nicer not to deal with it.
Above deck or outside locker space. You're going to need as much as you can get. Remember if you're going live-aboard you won't have the room that you do now and every little bit matters. Sailboats have a lot more gear to stow than powerboats and what can look like a lot of above deck storage will get eaten up by all that sailing gear.
Good bar space. I cannot over state this enough but if you don't drink, honestly you might want to rethink this whole thing. A good bar will allow you to go out on the water without having to stow all the bottles. It might seem like a little thing but trust me on this. It's important.
No to any alcohol fueled stove. They're a pain in the ass and dangerous to boot. If your heart is set on a boat with one, you need to work an upgrade into the closing price.
Other things you'll find good to have are: generator, 30/30amp electrical service (larger will limit available slips), shower sump system, 200+ gallons fresh water capacity, 50+ gallons holding tank capacity (double vented tank, no bladder), teak or synthetic teak flooring throughout. (carpet on a boat is always a mess), new canvas and Plexiglas (the cost of both are astronomical, don't overlook this)

Options not to concern yourself with: Electronics (they're out of date the second you buy them, most of them will never get used, they usually run on a fee based services and they're mostly just ego strokers), upholstery (factory upholstery is usually fad based at time of the boats manufacture and you're going to change or cover it anyway), lighting (cheap and easy to update by yourself), the size of the TV (you're going to change it out to a new one anyway), cable and phone hook ups (everything is wireless now, don't bother), what condition the mattresses are in (updating these is a health issue and it's easy to do with a foam replacement off Amazon)

Of course that's not a comprehensive list but it should point you in a good general direction. I'll cover deal breakers in another article. Keep in mind that the how to's that we'll present will give you a good idea of what typically needs to be replaced and upgraded. So please check back and visit our Improbable Fund page to help support the site.

Cheers, Mike

Life's a port