Renovation Blog

December 7, 2020
Plumbing

Expert’s Advice: Answers to Common Plumbing Questions for Homeowners

  Dealing with plumbing can sometimes be overwhelming but doing basic maintenance or check-ups can definitely help increase the lifespan of your plumbing system and prevent potential […]
Do you like it?
Read more
October 30, 2020
Sometimes you just want to leave the workaday life behind and set out for an adventure on the high seas. If you have a boat, you can do exactly that. Take the plunge and push the world behind as you set sail for new shores. The endless horizon is where you are going. There is nothing you can’t do! Wait, there’s a little bit of preparation you should do first. This guide has some helpful tips for living aboard your houseboat. Sail Away with Me Obviously, the first thing you will need to live on a boat is a boat. Take a really good look at your boat to decide how long you can reasonably live on it by judging what is has for storage space. Can you fit the things you need? How about only the things you really need? If your boat doesn’t quite suit your living space needs, can you remodel it? You need to be sure you have enough room for the people living there as well as the things you will need to live. Your boat will need to be warm and dry with plenty of ventilation, especially if you plan to live there full-time. Know Your Houseboat This sounds obvious, but you really do need to be an accomplished sailor before you live aboard a boat for any length of time. Be sure you know all the parts of your boat so you can fix and maintain it. It is extremely important to have a boat that is kept in good repair and you will either have to do it yourself or know enough about it to accurately describe it to someone else. Supply and disposal systems in particular need a lot of maintenance. Practice using everything and take plenty of short sailing trips before you move to live on your boat. Know Your People Living aboard your boat in a small space is something that needs total buy-in from everyone involved. Be absolutely certain that your partner is on the same page as you. If you live together in a very small space without even a chance to go for a walk to cool off, you’re going to need to share the same goals and motivation for sea living. Do you have the support of family members living on land or someone who will help you take care of things on that end? Having support for your dreams is important. Find an ally who will be on your side. Accessorize! In addition to having your crew and knowing all the parts of your boat, you also need to have all the accessories and equipment that goes along with it. This includes your sails, anchor, radio, first aid kit, and compass as well as tools for repairs at sea. Do you have flares and a satellite phone? How about Wi-Fi or a reliable way to contact land in any condition if you need to? Staying connected is important so that you have assistance if you need it and won’t become lost at sea. Plan for Expenses You won’t necessarily save money by moving on to your boat. Even if your boat is paid off, remember you still have to pay moorage, boat insurance, waste and gas, as well as for food and water for yourself and any people living with you. Don’t forget to include these as well as have a fund for maintenance and repairs in your budget. You may need to update or adapt your boat for full-time living. But Where Will You Actually Live? Living onboard your boat is an exciting and unconventional choice no matter where you choose to moor, but your needs will vary if you plan to live at sea or live on your boat at a marina. If you choose to live on your boat moored at a marina, that will take the pressure off for things you need to have aboard while still offering the ability to spend your days sailing and cruising on the water. Plan for things like winters if the weather in your area isn’t boat-friendly, or take some shore leave during hurricane season. Everyday Living Plan for the everyday living side of things. What do you cook with? Gas and electric are the usual methods for cooking onboard a boat, but you may have one method you prefer. Electric is generally better if you are able to connect to the power grid or generate your own electricity. Living on the coast is great as long as you are prepared. If you plan to live on your boat year-round and winter weather is chilly, make sure you have an on-board heating system. An electric heater works if you can generate your own electricity, or consider using a stove to spread heat. Things to Consider As with any new venture, you can’t just jump in headfirst without some careful planning. Sail away to new shores on your yacht and set yourself free. Here are a few things to consider before you move on to your boat full-time. Groceries How much storage space do you have for the essentials and how much of that can be devoted to perishables? Plan your shopping for each voyage so you can be sure to have enough to eat. Fishing Living on the water can be a great opportunity to do a lot of fishing. Catching fish can be part of your grocery plan if you have a reliable catch. Movement Even calm waters are never perfectly still. Be prepared to be in constant motion even when you are not sailing anywhere. Pay attention to things in the interior that may need to be held in place to keep from being damaged with the constant movement. Maintenance Be sure to budget for the costs of maintaining your boat, which tends to be a little more regular than the costs of maintaining a home onshore. Storage Your boat is a relatively small living space, so be prepared to declutter your life and bring only the essentials on board with you. Smart storage space use will help you keep the things you need close at hand. Tips for Living on the Sea Living on the open water is absolutely an adventure and can be the perfect solution for those who crave a regular change of scenery. If you find it difficult to stay in one place, then living on your boat could be the solution for you. We have a few tips to keep in mind while you live out this dream. Make sure everything is clean. You’re not going to have space for any extra things getting in the way. A clean boat runs better and is easier to keep in good repair. You depend on the weather, so keep a close eye on the forecast and make sure you have the experience to deal with sudden changes in the conditions. Be prepared with your wardrobe, too. You will need clothing for rain and sun as well as hats and lots of sunscreen, as there isn’t much shade on the water. What to do if you have problems or get lost. Do you have a radio and are you able to have a connection to land? The importance of being able to reach help when you need it cannot be overstated. Keep your navigational equipment in good repair at all times and have a backup plan in case anything fails. Make it your own. Your boat is your houseboat and it is now your boat home. Decorate a little with some of your favorite colors and photos of friends or family. You live here now, so you may as well make it comfortable and feeling homey. Find a Community Your daily life onboard the houseboat is going to change depending on your location. If you are still going to work on land while living at the marina, you will have a neighborhood of sailors nearby. This marina lifestyle is your starting point to build a knowledgeable community of friends and like-minded people around the waters. Plan ahead with your voyages and build connections with other sailors in marinas and seaside communities along the coast you plan to sail. If you plan on spending many of your days on the water and mooring at different places at night, be sure to plan ahead and book a spot, and know that you are expected in each place. This helps confirm that you have a place to moor and ensures your safety since you will be expected. Sail the World Even if your yacht is not going for a round-the-world trip, your boat home will take you to discover new coasts and see your own land from a new perspective. Living on a boat may not be the usual thing to do, but living aboard your own boat is your chance to sail the world without leaving home. When your boat is your home, the world is your oyster and you’re headed for new shores. Unfurl your sails and explore! The world’s coastline is waiting for you.

Getting Your Houseboat Ready

Sometimes you just want to leave the workaday life behind and set out for an adventure on the high seas. If you have a boat, you […]
Do you like it?
Read more
October 26, 2020
collov-home-design-liEmt5SChxY-unsplash

The Ultimate Guide to Design a Fun, Functional Kids Playroom at Home

Playing is more than just a way to have fun; it’s also an essential part of healthy childhood development. As parents, you can adapt any space […]
Do you like it?
Read more
October 21, 2020
Mobile Home

How to Convert a Campervan into the Ultimate Mobile Home

If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job and hitting the open road, the dream might be easier to achieve than you think. You might not […]
Do you like it?
Read more
September 29, 2020
Advanced Renovation

Why Living in a Tiny House is a Great Idea

Whether you’re looking to downsize, or you have an itch to travel the country, a tiny house can be an excellent solution for you. These small […]
Do you like it?
Read more
September 24, 2020
Family Homes

Cities Investing the Most in Single-Family Homes

Building permit data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that investment in single-family homes has been on the decline for several decades, while investment in multi-unit […]
Do you like it?
Read more
Prev page
123456789101112131415161718192021
Next page