Boat as home?

Question

I'm not planning on getting one, but I am curious. What is the smallest size sail/powerboat that would be realistic and comfortable as a permanent home for two or three people. This boat will travel, it is not docked for ever.
A 12-foot rowboat is not what I'm looking for, it is not realistic nor comfortable.
Thanks.

Answer 1

I gave a similar answer to a similar question earlier...

I have been living aboard my 38' sailboat for over 6 years. 5 years ago my girlfriend, now my wife moved aboard. We have 2 cats who share our space. The traps are endless. It is basically camping without the dirt. We both moved from large houses and the live-aboard experience has been quite liberating but frustrating. You will have to downsize like You cannot imagine. You will need a storage unit nearby to keep seasonal 'stuff' and whatever you you need but cannot have on board. I would recommend subscribing to Liveaboard magazine. There are always good tips in that rag. Some people adjust to the change quickly and others never do. What will you do about showers? Toilet? (call it the head). Condensation WILL BE A PROBLEM!! Get a dehumidifier.!!! Soleus makes the smallest one we could find. Once you get over about 35 ft, power boats usually have more interior room. Need more ?? send a message ..

Answer 2

One person can liveaboard a 30' sailboat full-time comfortably. A mid-30's can accomodate 2 people, and a 40' 3 to 4 people, but this is variable.

Sailboats are narrower of beam (width from side to side) than powerboats of similar length, because sailboats must have very efficient hulls. Power boats use brute force (and lots of fuel) to move around, so those hulls tend to be beamier and more comfortable below deck.

The optimum size for full-time liveaboard is probably a 35' to 36' sailboat, which if anchored and not docked, will allow for the greatest range of use and flexibility for the least overall cost of ownership.

For complete details, check out "The Liveaboard Report" at Amazon's link below:

Answer 3

We lived on a 23 foot sailboat for the summer and then made our wish list of what the next boat needed. The summer told us that the 2 of us could do it, and that it is possible on a 23. Sailboats have more room than power of the same size. The 23 had a potty that you had to take to dump. You were cooking on a 2 burner Origo alcohol stove and using an icebox. Also not standing head room.Internal room was a problem only on a rainy day.We now have a 30 and have cruised the Great Lakes, Eastern Coast and Chesapeake,

Answer 4

For one person, 26' or more.
For two people. No less than 40'
For three people, unless you are real good at camping together, then don't even think about it, someone will get hurt.

I would say the best type is a house boat type, for room and stable, sailboats are cramped and people do live on them.

Answer 5

Hi
The best possible thing you can do is to go to a marina choose a boat that you believe to be of a satisfactory size rent one for the weekend and then ask yourself could I live on it permanently???

Answer 6

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