All in the Same Boat: Family Living Aboard and Cruising

by Tom Neale

Ever daydream about what it's like to quit your job, sell your house and most of your possessions, say good-bye to your neighbors, and set sail with your family--permanently? Tom and Mel Neale left their 9 to 5 world nearly two decades ago and never looked back. In 1979 the Neales left their law and education careers and traded their suburban home for a three-room boat. Now their neighborhood is a Chesapeake Bay cove, or a secluded Bahamian beach, or anywhere else they choose to anchor. And along the way they raised two daughters. For the Neales, living aboard and cruising is about taking control of their world and their environment, a sometimes difficult but always rewarding existence. All in the Same Boat is one family's testament to the belief that you can lead your own life, whatever that might be. For the Neales, it hasn't been a vacation. Instead of living to work, they work to live, but they make time for adventure and play, too. Here's everything you need to know to follow choosing the right boat; provisioning for long-term cruising; getting along in close quarters; learning what you can leave behind; earning a living--and how to hold on to the money; what to expect in the cruising life, and how to handle it; preparing the crew and boat; raising--and educating--kids; keeping in touch; making the ocean your backyard.

Genres: Nonfiction

374 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Allison Karrels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read but very old references for things made it hard for me to get into.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite its original publication date of 1997, “All in the Same Boat” still offers invaluable knowledge for the fledgling or will-be cruiser. Tom Neale and his family are a cruising dynasty and their decades of liveaboard experience have been well documented, down to the last cotter pin, in this extensive, how-to survival guide. The dreams of living aboard and cruising to remote island destinations are filled with placid blue-green waters and white sand beaches that fortify lush, tropical foliage. And while full-time cruisers do enjoy these escapist destinations (sometimes under the influence of the occasional pineapple rum drink), there is also a much more sobering reality to life on a sailboat, namely life itself. The most basic aspects of life must be met and sustained aboard along with preparation for the many perils at sea and the inevitable mechanical failures of the many systems that keep you alive, comfortable and mobile. This is the focus of Neale’s technical writing which is interspersed with vignettes and humor that help to punctuate the topic at hand. Cruising is a lifestyle change that can change your life forever, but it cannot be looked upon as a permanent vacation. Hard work, preparation and adaptation are the sacrifices that must be made in order to experience independence and paradise aboard.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

A tedious book. It promises to tell you how to live on a sailboat, and then gives you such helpful tips as "you should insure the boat because it might get into an accident--shop around." Or "there are criminals out there--be careful." Or "since you don't get to go ashore very often, you should store lots of food." I got this book from a used bookstore. I can understand why its previous owner was so anxious to get rid of it.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great information on how and why to live aboard a boat. Drags a bit when he gets into the technical mumbo jumbo. I think this would be a better read after some initial time logged aboard, but still very informational. Could use some updating to account for advances in technology (WiFi, etc.)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book for anyone who has ever thought of sailing away. The author lives aboard with his family and gives all kinds of great detailed thought to what to do, not do, and things to think about. Fun stories from their journey interspersed throughout make this book an easier read.

[Paul Harrington]

A great book if you are thinking of a cruising lifestyle.

[T&d]

very good handbook to sailing..