Click for Delta Click for Walker Click for Nordhavn Click for Cross Click for Mulder

Living on a Yacht?

Discussion in 'Popular Yacht Topics' started by DragonRyu, May 11, 2006.

  1. brian eiland

    brian eiland Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2004
    Messages:
    2,952
    Location:
    St Augustine, Fl and Thailand
    a House, or a Boat

    Once upon a time I worried about whether my savings would not better be invested in a house than in a sailboat. Then I read certain magical words by Arthur Ransome, acquired the sailboat, and have lived happily ever after. The words are these, from Racundra’s First Cruise:

    “Houses are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you cannot think of moving them. They are definitely inferior things, belonging to the vegetable not the animal world, rooted and stationary, incapable of gay transition.

    The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting place…. When it comes, the desire to build a boat is one of those that cannot be resisted. It begins as a little cloud on a serene horizon. It ends by covering the whole sky, so that you can think of nothing else. You must build to regain your freedom.”

    Precisely so.

    …excerpted from the preface of ‘The Proper Yacht’
  2. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,353
    Location:
    South Florida
    Bravo Brian! :cool:
  3. Patrick

    Patrick New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Rockport, Texas/ Paraty, Brasil
    Living on a Yacht

    For Big Brother Joe in Buenos Aires, My wife and I live in Brasil and are considering exactly what you have mentioned, we also have family in Europe, U.S., and Brasil. We are looking at heavy displacement boats in the 50 to 80' range both new and used. Ask Nordhavn for their incredible film from the 2004 rally, so yes you can traverse the seas. We are taking basic motor yacht training in Florida in the early fall to see if we have what it takes to stop dreaming and catch the boat. This forum and others have been especially helpful and interesting. We have been following several yachts around on their adventures and can't get enough of the adventurous type of excitement, and god knows with you in Argentina and us in Brasil we live in daily excitement!!! I dont think I can mention the other site but maybe the forum leader will. It starts with a "P"
  4. Patrick

    Patrick New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Rockport, Texas/ Paraty, Brasil
    Living on a Yacht

    Continuing on the cost and depreciation aspect of yacht ownership, what about the possibility of buying your yacht slip. In this way perhaps you will have a "real estate" investment that may just appreciate and help some of the depreciation of the vessel. I assume you can get a mortgage on a slip but I don't know. Any advice either way, as we are looking in Florida and the Caribbean at this slip idea. Than if we are cruising we can rent it out., I continue to assume!
  5. Reconjohnnie

    Reconjohnnie New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2006
    Messages:
    13
    Location:
    Port A, Texas
    I just wanted to post that in my experience and view there is not much difference between owning a house –v- yacht.

    Let me start by saying I have never owned a house. I do own a boat.

    I live with the most wonderful woman in the world. We live in her Town house and I keep the boat. So this puts us in a unique position about bills and payments (Plus she is a CPA and keeps very detailed records on this)

    When we 1st met I was going to live on the boat I bought, 37 Striker. Not big by any means. (Hey it was just me and I got it for a great price. Plus I have always wanted one and they are not making any more soon. So a lot of value to me personally.)

    Her town house is in the 300,000 range, it is a Master Planned Community. So one can do the math. What she did was put us on a spread sheet to see what would be cheaper in the future.

    With my pay check I pay the boat bills. She pays the house bills. We make about the same income a month. Besides the cost of gas going to the coast I can say with out a doubt that the boat does not cost as much as the house. It does require a little more of my time since I do not live on it. We would like to live on a bigger yacht one day. I feel that if you are able to buy a yacht right and know what you are looking for you will not lose money in a boat.

    What I have seen as I am sure many of the more experienced boaters have seen for years is that: People get in over there head when they purchase their 1st boat. Then the boat owners don’t look at the boat as a 2nd Home. Which is you are going to compare you have to do. A friend has a beach house on the Texas coast pretty new. (Built in 2003) He tells me it is a money pit. Home owners association, he says are a major problem for him. Grass needs cutting, Paint does not look right; Satellite is in the wrong area, to many cars parked on the road, He gets fined for every one of these. Plus, the general up keep of the house. Cost a lot.

    As for electricity and the other amenities they are the same no matter where you go. If you have a 2nd house you have to furnish it and add electricity to the house. The same problems you would have on a yacht. There are a lot of washes when you start to compare the two.

    If a straight live aboard I think you will come out a head if done right.
  6. brian eiland

    brian eiland Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2004
    Messages:
    2,952
    Location:
    St Augustine, Fl and Thailand
    Financial Realities vs Imagination Realities

    I figured this subject thread would arouse the financial guys. Sure its hard to justify on just strictly an investment point of view....but
    What it does for the imagination of exploring far off lands and islands. Remember "Adventures in Paradise" ...I wrote a little about it here:
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-sailing-discussion/6710-motor-sailers-philip-rhodes-john-alden.html?

    It's hard to put an 'investment price' on this

    Regrettably, in this modern day of international terrorism and protectionism, the dreams of exploring all of the world and other cultures by boat are surely dampened...shame on us
  7. mr_sunseeker

    mr_sunseeker New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Location:
    UK & Med
    Cool topic!

    A yacht is normally a depreciating asset.

    A house near the coast in Europe is usually an appreciating asset.

    Supply of yachts is increasing and almost endless but demand is strong, but supply of sea view housing is limited in supply and high in demand. Property looks safer. Also you can't spend crazy amounts of money on fuel on a home like you can on a large yacht.

    This is the underlining truth. But money isn't everything.

    Yet a home in even the most iydillic location can be ruined next month by these variables:

    Local crime, pollution, new developments (tall buildings nearby DO sprout up in even protected areas as money corrupts), political climate, noise pollution, excessive tourism, nightclubs, tax increases, annoying local regulations and laws being introduced, traffic. In a yacht you can immedeatley move if you don't like anything. You have freedom, you have privacy when you want, you can be right in the middle of a cosmopolitan, busy place if you want.

    I think there is only one issue for people wishing to live on a yacht, if they have already tested the water with chartering or leisure ownership.

    The issue is sustainable and secure income whilst living on a yacht. As stated earlier, modern communications onboard are usually the key to doing that.
  8. BBJOE

    BBJOE New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2007
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Buenos Aires
    Patrick, thanks for the post and response. I feel a little less "unusual" with this apparently un-original idea I have in my head. It's also great to know that you are in the area. I'm not sure if you can post information about your training on this forum, but please feel free to send me a private message. I'd like to learn more. I may be doing a work related certification in Florida and could perhaps combine business with pleasure. Also, will try to contact Nordhavn about the film.
    THX!
  9. BBJOE

    BBJOE New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2007
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Buenos Aires
    Thoughts on yacht as investment...

    First let me thank so many of you who have responded to some of my questions about living on a yacht and all that entails.

    There is no doubt that when I look at yachts, I think to myself... well, if I buy and older boat I may not have to spend as much. There may be some exceptions, but its pretty obvious that it is a depreciating investment.

    On the other hand, its seems to me that a well maintained boat has a useful life that would probably outlast the rest of my days. Also considering that I do own property which will at least maintain its value over those years, if not increase, I would expect to balance out to some extent, at least between the investments in my 'animal' and 'vegitable' homes.

    Personal finances are just that, personal, but I think anyone considering living on a yacht should ensure they have the right financial plan to allow themselves to do it, and understand their limits.

    We often automatically equate our 'homes' as investments because we grown accustomed to property value increased over long periods of time (an even short periods a few years ago). Thus perhaps, we may tend to make that mistake when talking about making a home out of a yacht/boat.

    I think of finances this way; its ok to have some holes in your bucket, as long as your bucket fills up at least as fast as it empties.

    Thanks again to all.
  10. Reconjohnnie

    Reconjohnnie New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2006
    Messages:
    13
    Location:
    Port A, Texas

    So much for the money pit house... State just repossessed the land the house is on. State said the erosion was to great and getting worse.

    Anyone else have this problem or know of anyone with this problem in the Gulf of Mexico?

    I told my buddy he needed to get a bigger boat. :D
  11. SharkyFHB

    SharkyFHB Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2007
    Messages:
    85
    Location:
    Houston
    This happened on the West end of Galveston Island a few years ago. A tropical storm came through and brought the high water line past some houses. The state reposessed them.
  12. agreendaya

    agreendaya New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2007
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly)
    Hi all. I'm totally new (and thus rather stupid) to the whole sailing/yachts thing. I've got a canoe, and that's about it. I'm going to be going to Cal Poly S.L.O. in the fall, and my parents and I were camping down there last week. We picked up one of those free "Auto Trader" magazines, and my mom noticed a 43' sailboat for sale. She decided that it might be fun to buy, as a vacation home for them to come visit me, and for me to live in next year when I'm out of the dorms. We've got a friend who has owned several yachts, and we asked her about it. It was on a mooring in San Luis harbor, and she said that for live aboard purposes a slip would be necessary.
    Basically my question is this: we've got a budget around $40-50K for the whole thing. (I don't mind having to work on it) We were thinking around a 35-50' boat (yacht, ship, whatever you call them). Is this practical, and what should I look for, who might I contact?

    I tried doing some research on google and wikipedia, and couldn't find much that was useful to me in this respect. Hopefully people here can help me out.
    Thanks!
  13. curiouspeter

    curiouspeter Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    San Francisco Bay Area
    Global warming

    With global warming and rising sea level, that coastal house may become underwater in a few decades. The yacht will always have a nice ocean view even if water rises 100 feet, assuming civilization is still around.

    Actually, a house is also a depreciating asset. It is the land that tends to appreciate. Now if you have a slip in a prime marina...
  14. curiouspeter

    curiouspeter Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    San Francisco Bay Area
    Watch out for use tax here in Kalifornia!
  15. J.J.

    J.J. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2007
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    This forum is just what I was looking for!
    Seems the way to go! Sell our House (it is for sale now) & buy a Motor Yacht, in lieu of a Motor Home for full time living while moving around!

    I am interested in BBJOE's questions to be answered in a way I can understand, please:

    1) Fuel cost for a 50' +/- Motor Yacht. eg:
    * Kind of engines for that kind of yacht?
    *Gallons per miles travelled at cruising speed for the different engines?
    with that I can look at a map and figure out the cost of the trips, eh!

    2) Green options: *could I get an older Yacht (cheaper) and replace the old engine with a new car engine(s) like a Honda Hibrid for exemple?

    3) Most important at this stage:
    *could I afford that 50' (used) yacht with $300,000. cash and $2,500. monthly pension?
    *or what would you suggest for a comfortable Liveaboard? (were moving from a BIG house).

    Finally, just tel me I'm crazy, it's OK, I usuly think or dream too big anyway.

    We are (mostly me) very excited about the prospect!

    J.J.
  16. J.J.

    J.J. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2007
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    Which Yacht for Living Aboard + Ocean Safe ?

    We're starting to shop for a Yacht (the wife & I) but we'd need some serious advice as to what kind (and brands) of yacht we should be looking at, because we don't know a thing about them, we never had a yacht before, (just a 18' runabout) but it sure looks like the way to live!

    1 - Our first criteria is that it must be comfortable to live Full Time for the both of us + a spare bed room for visitors + storage room for the junk we accumulate. I'd like to be able to drive on the roof, we specially like those with the living quarters (kitchen, dinette, living room) all on the same level (no steps), with big windows to look outside from every areas, a terrace to sit outside to enjoy the smells and sounds, the bed room(s) can be below but must have an outside view too, I'm a bit claustrophobic!

    2 - That new Home on water must be able to take us to all those Caribbean Islands (to see and visit for the first time), and back to some marinas around Lunenburg, Nova Scotia for the summers for visiting folks, and that Free Canadian Medical tune-up (God bless Canada)!

    3 - The Best money can afford (we have $300,000.US) and that should include everything (except cutlery and linen) eg: a reliable engine, an all around good boat that is totally ready for the adventure, all needed navigation accessories, furniture, dingy, and someone to show us how everything works and how to navigate that new home! wweeppyy!

    4 - How do all that on $2,500. per month, plus $500. a month more (saved) for maintenance or what ever (like flying back for hospital care or emergencies).

    5 - We like good looking Yachts like everybody else but that's secondary, we're not poor but not rich either, we're not flashy folks, that being said, the yacht could be older with all those attributes that we asked for and we'd be happy, very happy!

    I can't wait to see what advices we get (hopefully we do), and if this is Not doable just say so please, we'll just get a motor home like everybody else we know, head for the crazy driving on interstates, maybe go as far as Mexico if we're lucky, sleep in Walmart's parking lots or crowded camping grounds always, and forget the dream to have a yacht with all the freedom it promises, for ever.

    By the way, I'm just turning 60, and this is retirement!

    Johnny. :confused:
  17. gary-cliff

    gary-cliff New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2008
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Andover Hants UK.
    Looking after yachts. Yaucht sitting. (Just like house sitting!!)

    Do yacht owners have such a thing?
    Yacht sitting?

    Anywhere in the world.
    Dubai, Greece, Spain, Australia!

    I have looked after some really nice houses for famous people and been paid for the privalidge!

    I dont mean as soon as the owner has disappeared we go out and tear up the waves.
    I'm not experienced for that.
    But to sit in a marina or harbour and just BE there for the duration ,untill such times as I am not needed!

    Do insurance companies encourage owners to NOT keep vessels vacant ?

    I am a retired Continental Truck driver witha passion for luxury vessels but could never afford one of my own.

    The nearest I could get, is to park one on the large plot of my garden instead of a mobile home!

    What do you think out there?

    Is there a market for somebody, like myself, who is financially secure, instantly available, and wants an extra activety in my life.

    Cheers.

    Gary Cliff
  18. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2004
    Messages:
    5,375
    Location:
    Sweden
    Hi Gary, it may happen but usually yacht owners want people with yacht experience. There is always a lot of maintenance, besides cleaning, and yachts have systems and suppliers that you better know when things start to go wrong.

    So "yacht sitting" is not really an occupation...;)
  19. peterk

    peterk New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Very interesting thread

    Probaly should have read this last year:)

    However what I can add is this:

    1. Life style +++++++++++++++++

    2. Cost comparision - I feel it depends on on the land life style you currently live, some can be more expensive than live aboard.


    Their was lots of valid information on this thread. Don't worry about the orginal poster, he may have done just as I have; looked around and researched a lot and then just did it:cool: And since then been to busy living the life to get back to you all.

    In sumary may I say..

    Yes the numbers and cost should be considered, but in the end it is about passion and life.

    Peter
  20. waterlover

    waterlover New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2008
    Messages:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Perry Yacht & Marina,KS
    Look up the Great Loop on the internet.

    Wow this is great. I am refitting a 40yr old boat with the goal to live on and take a 2yr+ trip around the great loop of the US. The boat isn't large enough to go oceanic. In the last 3 years I've learned soooooo much. The most important thing I have learned that training is a must on water. Knowing your boat is the the 2nd most important thing. Learn everything about the boat, I mean everything all the way down to it's electrical system,no not just the gadgets the wires, and chargers, isolation transformers,etc. If you are going anywhere out there on the water, lake or blue water you are going to have to fix something on your own at least to get back to shore. Go to a good boating school and learn. Don't do anything on the water without learning good navigational skills, not just how to use the gps unit on the boat, don't rely on just the electrical units. This is the first lesson I learned about boating one little problem can easily turn into a series of big problems in a hurry. I am very excited about this adventure, but I also know just how dangerous water can be, and that I must respect and understand water more than any other form of nature. I really am just like everyone out there wanting and excited about being a liveaboard. The finances are as important as the boating knowledge. I will be studying at least 2 more years before I will be setting out. By the way I have been informed that there should be some form of personal protection on the boat also. I have invested in this and am now learning care and use and am certified to carry. Bottom line there is a great deal to think about as well as the money end of boating and living aboard. Hope you will have as much fun as I'm going to have!!!!!