Boat

Why do you want to live afloat?

The biggest difference to a life afloat is the relationship with neighbours.

People are friendlier and more relaxed, often leaving doors unlocked or even open.

There is a community spirit unknown ashore which means that help and friends are at hand when needed.

This is the case not only in marinas and boatyards that have CCTV and other security but also in more open moorings.

Boat owners look out for each other and are welcoming to new recruits to the life style.

If you have a problem there is always someone who has had similar and is ready with advice or assistance. A boatee is an enthusiast and like any other enthusiast is willing and eager to share experience and tools.

A boat does not have to be restricted in space. Often people think of a 30ft yacht with less space than the average utility room ashore.

Just have a look at a 90ft barge. You could get a 40ft x 20ft lounge and 3 good sized bedrooms, a nice bathroom and still have space for storage.

Compare that with a terraced house which may well cost more.

Boats can be dry and warm and cosy. All it needs is insulation and a leak free hull and roof. A rotten old hulk will be wet and cold just like a poorly maintained house.

Buy a well sorted boat, or sort it yourself, and it will have all the conveniences and comfort of any modern home.

Over the past couple of years boats have been a better investment than housing with no massive drop in value. This is helped by the fact that for a similar quality and size a boat is cheaper to buy and live in than a house.

When you make the change, move onto a boat and get a nice mooring you will look around you and you will not need to think of reasons to have done it. You will already know.