Picking a Different Kind of Live-Aboard Boat
by Tom Tripp
Over the years, I've met lots of different folks who live aboard their boats. I might say, at the risk of perpetuating stereotypes, that as unique and varied as these people are, they usually fit into one of two groups when it comes to the type of boat they own. There are the sailboat types and the megayacht types. The former often live on shoestring budgets aboard modest yachts, while the latter are typically wealthy, retired folks who split their time between luxury homes ashore and their million-dollar-plus yachts.
I have a feeling, however, that there could be a third general group of live-aboards that eventually takes advantage of the huge number of fiberglass powerboat hulls that are out there. For many years now, powerboat hulls from 20 to 40 feet have sprung from factories all over the country in numbers that dwarf the production runs of sailboats and large yachts. In fact, if the trend of the last 15 years or so continues, new sailboats in this size range will only be delivered by the handful within a short time. But the most important thing about all these production powerboats that have been built is that they will likely be around for a very long time. Unlike older wooden boats, most of which eventually succumb to the entropy of all organic materials, fiberglass hulls will last nearly forever.
Carver 350 Mariner Exterior
What this means is that there is opportunity out there for people of varying means to acquire a powerboat hull that could provide a home afloat quite comparable to a home ashore. The cramped quarters of a typical sailboat need not be the only possibility for potential liveaboards.
Carver 350 Mariner Exterior Salon
In many cases, there are reasonably priced powerboats in move-aboard condition. In the end, it will depend on what you want to do with the boat if and when you leave the dock. If short cruises are all you need, then propulsion needs are simplified and even gas inboards can be sufficient. The images in this post are of a typical inboard power cruiser of the last decade, the Carver 350 Mariner. The hull design might not appeal to all, but in terms of liveability, particularly at the dock or at anchor, it can't be beat.
If you're looking for a way to live aboard a boat, consider a powerboat from the last 10 years or so as one option, especially if you haven't ever lived aboard before.
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