Many people around the world aspire to sail on the high seas. Man has enjoyed the freedom to roam freely and sail around the world for many years, and the novelty has yet to wear off. Did you know that millions of people choose to live on their boat all over the world? While it may not be something you’ve considered, this article will look into whether living on a boat is a dream you didn’t realise you had.
Photo by Olavi Anttila
Durability
Our boats’ materials and quality have vastly improved in this day and age. Boats have an incredible amount of strength. It’s incredible how durable they are given the millions of gallons of water surrounding them and their ability to stay together during rough waters. Because of its lightweight and durability, aluminium is one of the most popular materials for boat construction. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s an interesting post about aluminium in boats that you can read.
Safety
While there is always the uncertainty of not knowing what the ocean will be like all of the time, we live in an age where technology is pretty on point when it comes to foreseeing things like that. Not only that, but as we mentioned above, boats these days are extremely durable and boating accidents are becoming less and less of a problem. However, if the safety on the open sea is something that’s a concern to you, there are plenty of things you could do, such as:
- Take sailing lessons and learn as much as you can about maneuvering your boat.
- Stock up on necessary precautions such as life jackets and an inflatable boat.
- Keep an eye on the forecast. If you’re unsure, dock your boat until you’re happy to continue moving.
New locations
Another fantastic reason to consider living on a boat is the vast number of places you can visit, especially if you are the one sailing the boat. Imagine waking up one day to snowy mountains and then waking up the next day to crystal blue waters. What an amazing experience that would be for everyone on the boat. Another advantage is that if you wanted to go exploring, you could simply anchor your boat and return to it at the end of the day. The ideal option for those who enjoy exploring our wonderful planet.
More comfort than you’d expect
A lot of people assume boat living means tiny spaces and constant inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to be like that at all. Comfort depends massively on the kind of boat you choose and how you set it up. If you want a bit more room to breathe, more stability, and a layout that feels closer to an actual home, it might be worth looking at options like Lagoon catamarans, especially if you’re not into the idea of feeling cramped day to day.
The chance to get up close and personal with wildlife
Imagine sailing along with a pod of dolphins swimming alongside you. Or peering down into the water and spotting a killer whale tailing your boat? The amount of wildlife you will encounter will be breathtaking, and will undoubtedly bring you closer to our mother earth, especially if you have the opportunity to swim with or touch these wonderful creatures. Not only that, but imagine waking up to the sound of dolphins calling each other in the distance, accompanied by the gentle lapping of the water on your boat. Heaven on earth!
Time alone
The world is a crazy place, and when you’re amidst the hustle and bustle, sometimes the only thing you want is peace and solidarity, and what better place to get that than on the open sea! Imagine sitting back on deck with a cold drink, the smell of the ocean and a gentle breeze on a warm day. If you need time away from it all, living on a boat would definitely provide.
Photo by David McElwee
Cost effective
Living on a boat can be much less expensive than renting an apartment in the city. For example, if your usual rent is $1500 per month, the cost of keeping your boat at a dock is likely to be nearly a grand less per month. Once you’ve bought and paid for your boat you can expect to save a lot of money on living expenses. If it will save you a lot of money, it is definitely worth considering! Not only that, if you were to spend a month or two inland, you can rent out your boat and make a profit on your amazing investment.
You can live at your own pace
One of the best parts about living on a boat is the slower pace. On land, everything feels rushed all the time. You’re always driving somewhere, rushing to appointments, or chasing the next thing on the list. When you’re on a boat, things naturally calm down. Even simple jobs like cooking or making a cup of tea feel more relaxed because you’re surrounded by water and fresh air. It makes you realise how much of your life is spent rushing for no real reason. If you’re craving a lifestyle that feels less chaotic, this could be the change you didn’t know you needed.
Less noise and fewer people
If you’re someone who feels drained after too much socialising, living on a boat can feel like a little escape pod. You still have the option to dock near towns and meet people whenever you want, but you also get the choice to move away from the noise when you’ve had enough. You don’t have neighbours slamming doors at midnight or traffic outside your window. It’s just you, the water, and whatever music you choose to play. That alone is enough to make a lot of people fall in love with the idea.
You could build a career
Finally, with so many places to visit, you could turn travel into a career by blogging and documenting all of your experiences. Alternatively, if you have a large enough boat, offering to sail people to various locations in exchange for money could be a new career that is also a hobby of yours. Some people even create content around the realities of boat life, including the good bits and the stressful bits, and build a following just by being honest about it.
Take these suggestions into consideration, and let us know if the idea of living on a boat appeals to you in the comments section!
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