Living on a boat is a significant and thrilling decision. Many individuals are now choosing to leave the comforts of traditional homes and embrace a more unconventional lifestyle on the water. The rising cost of living in urban areas and the complexities of daily life have led to a growing number of people simplifying their lives by moving onto boats. In a previous article, we explored the motivations behind this trend. Now, let's delve into the various styles of liveaboard boats and identify the best options for year-round living.
When it comes to living on a boat, there are several options to consider. From stationary houseboats to easily maneuverable sailboats, the choices are becoming increasingly innovative, design-oriented, and spacious.
In reality, it is possible to live on almost any type of boat. While some may find certain boats to be cramped, it is a feasible lifestyle choice. The decision of which boat to live on will largely depend on your preferred living style. Whether you envision residing in a water community near your workplace and social circle or embarking on adventures across the seas, there are various factors to consider.
Categories of Liveaboard Vessels
When it comes to liveaboard boats, there are several different categories to choose from, each offering unique features and experiences. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there's a liveaboard option that will suit your preferences and needs.
Sailboats
Sailboats are a popular choice for liveaboard enthusiasts who enjoy the tranquility and eco-friendliness of sailing. These boats are powered by the wind and offer a peaceful and serene experience on the water. They come in various sizes, from small and cozy to larger, more luxurious vessels.
Powerboats
For those who prefer speed and convenience, powerboats are an excellent option for liveaboard living. These boats are equipped with powerful engines that allow for faster travel and greater mobility. They often feature modern amenities and spacious living quarters, making them a comfortable choice for long-term living.
Houseboats
Houseboats offer a unique liveaboard experience, providing a comfortable and homey atmosphere on the water. These vessels are designed for stationary living, often moored along the shores of lakes or rivers. They are ideal for those who want a more stable and grounded lifestyle while still enjoying the benefits of living on the water.
Narrowboats
Narrowboats are long and narrow vessels that are designed for navigating the narrow waterways and canals. These boats offer a cozy and intimate living space, perfect for solo travelers or couples. They provide a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque waterways and countryside at a leisurely pace.
Liveaboard Boats: The Best Options for Your New Lifestyle
Sailboats: The Ultimate in Ocean-Going Freedom
When it comes to liveaboard boats, sailboats are the essence of ocean-going freedom. They are economical in both purchase price and travel costs, as wind power is free and ready for adventure. Finding a berth is usually easy and affordable, and they can be easily moored on anchor. However, sailboats lack space, and many smaller models won't have showers or hot water. Before deciding, carefully consider the size for operational reasons and keep in mind that running costs rise with size.
Pros:
- Economical both to buy and maintain
- Finding a berth is easier than for larger houseboats
- Mobility and sailing around the world
Cons:
- Space is limited for both people and equipment
- Lack of modern conveniences
The Best Sailboats to Live on: Models We Love
When looking for a new or used sailboat, there are thousands to choose from. Picking the best ones is impossible, but we are particularly fond of the following:
Catalina 38
The Catalina 38 was in production from 1978 to 1999 and makes for a comfortable boat for a couple to live on. With well thought-out features from electrical outlets to a compact but well-equipped galley, it's a great choice for a cozy cruiser bound for adventure.
Hunter 33:
The Hunter 33 foot sailing yacht offers lots of interior space, a full dinette, head and shower, and master cabin. The contemporary and comfortable décor creates the feel of a real home.
Peterson 44:
The Peterson 44 offers plenty of living space whether you're cruising or predominantly residential. Ideal for a small family, it is both affordable on the used market and packed with home comforts such as a shower, galley with oven, fridge and freezer, three cabins and a practical center cockpit.
Catamarans: The Epitome of Space and Stability
Catamarans are a popular choice for those looking for a full suite of amenities such as a house-sized kitchen and bathroom, plus extra living space. They offer a stable ride and more space compared to monohull yachts, but they cost more to buy and find berths for due to their width.
Pros:
- Lots of space compared to monohull yachts
- Full sized kitchen and bathroom
- Offer a stable ride
Cons:
- Cost more than monohull yachts to buy
- More difficult and costly to find berths as they are much wider
The Best Catamarans to Live on: Our Favorite Models
Catamaran sales, both of motor and sail models, are booming, especially with those looking to live on them full time. The extra space afforded by the double width beam is unparalleled in a monohull, and they are renowned for their stability. Here we take a look at some of our favorite models:
Privilege 435:
The Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 is one of the most comfortable and spacious cats out there for its size, offering a luxurious feel with the latest technology, navigational and safety equipment.
Lagoon 46:
The Lagoon 46 offers the ultimate in comfort and space but is still compact enough for easy handling and mooring, with amenities such as a huge, light-filled galley and dining room, plush cabins, and a luxurious amount of deck space.
Fountain Pajotâs Range:
Fountain Pajotâs range of sailing and motor catamarans are some of the best and most luxurious on the market, both in terms of performance and liveability.
Trawlers: The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Style
Trawlers are a unique type of powerboat designed for long distance cruising and perfectly suited to full-time living. Modern trawlers offer oodles of space for the length, ultra-luxurious designs, and are compact for easy berthing. However, the initial purchase costs are high, and they are more costly to run than a sailboat.
Pros:
- Oodles of space for the length
- Ultra-luxurious designs
- Compact for easy berthing
Cons:
- The initial purchase costs are high
- More costly to run than a sailboat
The Best Trawler Yachts to Live on: Our Top Picks
New and converted trawlers are cropping up everywhere, and the modern designs are a far cry from the fishing vessels they once were. Here are some of our particular favorites:
Grand Banks 60:
Grand Banks have taken the humble trawler and transformed it into a long-range cruiser with the luxury of a small superyacht and the spaciousness of a houseboat. The GB 60 is the epitome of what theyâve created, with an impressive cruise speed of 22 knots and a range of over 2000 nautical miles.
Beneteauâs Swift Trawlers:
Beneteauâs range of Swift Trawlers offer elegance and power, with a plush central living space, wheelhouse, huge amounts of storage space, stylish cabins and a powerful, reliable, and efficient engine.
Ranger Tugs R-43:
The R-43 is a beautiful, light-filled interior perfect for families or friends to spend time together, as well as two cozy cabins each with en-suite shower rooms, a chefâs galley, laundry room, wrap-around decks and a suite of tech including twin Volvo IPS drives, joystick driving and docking, and a state of the art Garmin 22â navigation suite.
Houseboats: Connecting to Nature and Living a Simple Life
Living on a boat year-round doesnât have to be about cruising the great oceans. Swapping sea-worthiness for space is a huge trade-off, and there are many different types of static or powered houseboats which offer a more residential feel.
Pros:
- Attractive pricing compared to ocean-going yachts of the same size
- Huge amount of interior space with all the comforts of a home
- Creative interior design styles
Cons:
- Extremely popular so finding a residential berth can be difficult
- Not designed for long-range cruising
- Some can only be towed and arenât powered
The Best Houseboats to Live on: Innovative and Luxurious Designs
Architects have unleashed their imaginations with a new range of luxurious, creative and innovative designs for static houseboats and powered houseboats, which push the boundaries of water living with floor-to-ceiling windows, roaring fireplaces and rooftop hot tubs. Here are some of our top picks:
American Houseboat âThe Zionâ:
Resembling a true house floating on water, these are the quintessential all-American houseboats, offering home comforts with all the joys of being on the water.
Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000:
The Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000 combines affordability with spaciousness and reliability, offering high quality electrical appliances, air conditioning, heating, and two full bathrooms including a tub.
Bravada Yachts Atlas V-Series:
The Atlas V-Series powered houseboats are sleek and versatile ocean-going vessels designed for living on in ultimate luxury, with a futuristic silhouette, vast windows, two floors and every home comfort imaginable.