Live Off the Ball and Living Off the Hook

I stumbled across this article this morning and thought it might be worth sharing:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2017/3/31/freedom-is-sweet-for-the-liveaboards-off-bradenton-beach

An Instruction Manual

With my book, I sought to offer a definitive guide to certain types of living and a ton of considerations. Live underway and on the chain can be so varied, however, that drawing up some thoughts for any particular lifestyle can be nearly impossible.

Every person’s circumstances out there can be so varied and any similarity can feel completely lost. For instance, living on the east side of a channel can offer a strong and shifting current while the other side can be subjected to strong winds. Each condition offers important and different considerations.

Personal Experience

I had the opportunity to live off the ball (mooring) and hook (anchor) for a little bit. The author isn’t kidding about the freedom, but I’ll tell you the truth, this can be quite a wild experience. With my sinking dinghy, I relied on water taxi for trips to and from – and tough weather could make that trip literally impossible. I enjoyed the isolation and disconnection though for sure.

So with that said, check out the article and of course, feel free to contact me with any comments. Look forward to hearing from you!

Just added – New FAQ on Living Aboard Costs!

maxI never really thought to add a separate FAQ on costs – but it turns out that it is better late than never. Here is a short FAQ – as well as a link to the super-often-requested spreadsheet.

How much does it cost to live aboard a boat?

It depends. Questions of cost when it comes to boating are not easy to answer without a bit of other information. It really depends not only on the boat, but your location, climate tolerance, storage requirements, marina and more. How often you use your boat, as well as the conditions in which you use it, also can have a substantial impact on costs and expenses.Nevertheless, this is among the most important questions you can have – and as they say… if you have to ask the question about cost, then reducing costs and finding ways to live a manageable lifestyle is probably something you care deeply about.

So can living aboard save you money versus an apartment or home purchase? Sure. Will it save you money? That depends. Some folks choose this lifestyle for the sole purpose of saving money. Others love the lifestyle. Still others seek the luxury of a multi-million dollar yacht with a full time crew. Some are comfortable with few amenities.  Some allow maintenance to slip. Others are much the opposite. With these variables in mind I created a spreadsheet to help you assess your own choices and circumstances. Here is the link: CLICK HERE FOR SPREADSHEET. I’m proud of this spreadsheet since it captures most of the items you should consider.

Derelict Liveaboard Boats: Reflections

Alan Miles - Photo
Photo by Alan Miles via Flickr Creative Commons

Living aboard a boat can be more complicated than a mere lifestyle choice.  Access to marinas and water is very much a public, environmental and safety concern.  More so, the public (this includes all – including landlubbers, sightseers, tourists, commercial vessels and politicians) does have a legitimate say in the way the neighborhoods should look, smell and represent the community as a whole. This is not unique to waterways, but is the very essence of zoning rules and public ordinances.

Regulatory and municipal initiatives can still have quite a harsh impact on lifestyle and options for the liveaboard. Simple regulation, which is otherwise logical – whether or not it is something you are or are not in favor of, can have rather sweeping implications. Take, for instance, the situation highlighted in Broward County (click for article here) in which anchorages are being cleared of “derelict” boats – defined as a boat that cannon move under its own power (including a sail). Some regions require boats to move just to prove their capabilities, and others are simply cited.

Are the Regulatory Goals Being Met?

I am an advocate for the liveaboard, and I believe that I’ve proven that beyond a doubt over the course of the past decade. It is often my concern that liveaboards are unfairly targeted when a politician wants to earn free points for causes such as “municipal beautification” or “environmental interests” without really doing anything of true substance. It is easy to bully groups such as these and free political points are earned at the expense of a terribly disorganized bunch (by design), particularly easy since there is no true adversary. Legislation can often pass rather unencumbered.

Nevertheless, we cannot be so fast to fault a system when there is a true and important public purpose. Safety on the waterways is truly important. Commercial vessels require a means of doing business and protection of their interests. Crime on the water can be a tremendous problem.  Also, as a person with true environmental concerns, it is my view that we really need a way to protect the environment and when we can’t stop boaters from dumping their holding tanks into our shared space, I am perfectly comfortable with an ordinance banning this practice. As a matter of fact, it is too bad that there aren’t more prosecutions for this.  It is so gross.

Ironically, liveaboards don’t really have an impact on the environment, or many of those other enumerated issues illustrated above.  So while the politicians score points targeting liveaboards as an environmental victory (e.g., restricting liveaboards to small percentages of eligible marina spaces), the amount of pollution caused by liveaboards is actually a tiny minute fraction of the amount of pollution caused by the runoff from even just one light rain. To the contrary, liveaboards in well-maintained marinas actually reduce environmental concerns by helping to police the boating community. Targeting liveaboards completely misses the point and does less than nothing to solve the problem.

The Broward County Initiative

I haven’t been to Broward County in many years and really don’t have any idea what is happening in that community. I want to be clear that when it comes to the problems in that region (or lack thereof), I really have no first hand knowledge. I don’t know the safety, environmental or aesthetic issues regarding these boats in this region. There really is no one-size-fits-all solution to the way in which communities govern themselves and I won’t presume to guess without making a trip east to check out the scene.

Still, I am concerned when it comes to the application of disproportionate power. Liveaboards and many of these boat owners are simply not able to sufficiently represent themselves. This dynamic of power vs. the disorganized few is not the way healthy legislation is completed. The give and take lacks take and the give side takes quite a bit of credit for whatever legislation is passed. It doesn’t always end as it should.

So if you are in this region, pay attention. If you think that there is overreaching going on, take issue. We are talking about real people’s homes and lives and this is not something to be taken lightly. I know that there is a collective discussion going on in the region.  If you have something to discuss, speak up and let your voice be heard.

 

 

Where Does the Time Go? Welcome Spring

68764551-LI am amazed to think that time passes by so quickly. The real indicator of that is not gray hair, my daughter entering a different grade in school or really anything else of tangible meaning. The indicator for time passing is really the date of my last posting on the blog. Facebook sees more updates these days, but I worry that the site is becoming stale.

So what is going on?

What is going on in the world?  Interest in living aboard continues to be strong.  I can tell from the book sales, daily emails and trips around the marinas. Interestingly, interest in life aboard increases in times of desperation, uncertainty or change and while this remains a volatile political environment, it seems as if daily uncertainty and desperation are down a bit these days. The economy has been rather stable, with modest fuel prices, and as a result job loss and marriage dissolution are down. That bodes well for stability but while interest in life aboard is strong overall, it means that this is less strong than in other times, and actual movement aboard is more postponed.

One nice thing is that I do often receive the success stories – with photos of the boats and lifestyles that my readers achieve when they do move aboard.  Sometimes I know that I had some meaningful involvement in their choice and preparation and that makes me feel very good.  Thank you and keep sending that stuff over.

Springtime Coming

Time passing does mean that winter turns to summer. It’s time to do this all over again (except for folks in warmer climates that keep their vessels wet all year round). Prep well so that you’ll be safe.  This is like a re-birth and we get to experience this in our own way – almost as if we’re a part of nature.

I understand that this is a casual and not all-that-informative post. Mostly it is meant as a thank you – for visiting, reading and sharing. I’ll try to post more but in the meantime do try to answer emails very quickly.

Fair winds,

Mark

Our New E-Book World: All Formats of Living Aboard

We have decided to make some changes for customers. No more protected files. No more selling only one format. We live in an interconnected world and people do change devices over time. From now on, we sell every format all for the price of one eBook format. We’ll give you a zip file with formats for Kindle, iPad, Android and even PDF. Put ’em where you want ’em (just please don’t post them) and keep them forever.

We are also creating a list so that you will be notified of future editions and all future updates will be free. !!! We think that this is all pretty cutting edge and friendly.

Thanks for your support –

Mark

Annual Winterize Your Boat Checklist

With a special thanks to Chris Birch for providing us with his annual winterize-your-boat checklist, here are some thoughts for you to consider as you prepare your boat for the 2013/2014 winter. To all those of you whose season is coming to a close, I hope you had an awesome season.  Hope that this checklist really comes in handy.  Chris is one of the top marine technicians – so if you’re in Boston, MA, contact him if he can help. Otherwise, his contribution is incredibly nice of him.

To Do       Project

Phase 1 – near the end of the boating season:
∆                Fall varnish
∆                Clean & wax topsides from waterline to the rail
∆                Clean & wax deck, cockpit & house
∆                Interior cleaning including storage lockers and contents there of
∆                Bilge cleaning

Phase 2 – Just prior to haul out:
∆                Fuel:  fill tank(s)
∆                Add fuel stabilizer and biocide to fuel tank(s)
∆                Canvas: remove, send out for service & storage
∆                   Sails:  remove, send out for washing, minor repair & storage
∆                Main engine(s):  winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆                Generator:  winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆                Batteries:  clean, service, charge, hydrometer test
∆                Head(s): winterize toilet, macerator pump and holding tank.
∆                Fresh water sys.:  winterize tanks, water heater, taps, showers & shower sumps
∆                Ice maker: winterize
∆                Bilge & bilge pumps:  test & flush all electric and manual bilge pumps
∆                Air conditioning / heat: winterize
∆                Refrigeration:  winterize
∆                Water maker:  winterize
∆                Windshield spray system:  winterize
∆                Salt water wash down pump(s): winterize
∆                Winterize & stow dingy outboard engine
∆                Clean, deflate and stow inflatable dingy
∆                Full systems check

Phase 3 – After haul out (or final move to winter slip for in water storage):

∆                Shrinkwrap.   White plastic?   Or clear plastic for $100 Surcharge?   Zipper door?
(note: Sails and canvas must be removed prior to shrinkwrap)
∆                Set out dehumidifier containers
∆                Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆                Diver to change zincs  if boat is to winter in the water
∆                Other:

Winter projects

To do       Project

∆            New electronics installation
∆            Interior varnish or painting project
∆            Exterior varnish or painting project
∆            Wiring project
∆            Rigging project
∆            Plumbing project
∆            Carpentry project
∆            Flexiteek decking project

Preventative maintenance suggestions:
∆            Replace engine control cables
∆            Replace old hoses and hose clamps
∆            Add a bilge pump and/or high water alarm
∆            Service your steering system
∆            Service your winches
∆            Service or renew your sea cocks
∆            Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆            Renew your cutlass bearing(s)
∆            Re-bed some or all of your deck hardware & ports
∆            Cabin sole varnish
∆            Repaint your worn anchor chain markings
∆            Renew your running rigging
∆            Renew your standing rigging
∆            Renew your dock lines and /or fenders and/or fender covers
∆            Bleach clean your interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆            Renew your head(s)
∆            Upgrade or renew your DC wiring system
∆            Upgrade or renew your AC wiring system
∆            Send your engine alternator(s) and starter motor(s) out for service
∆            Clean & paint your engine
∆            Other:

FINALLY – Re-Commissioning Checklist

To do       Project

∆                Remove & recycle winter cover
∆                Bottom paint.  Interlux Micron CSC is standard choice.  Alternative paint?  Color?
∆                Zinc: install new shaft/tabs/rudder/hull/thruster zinc(s)
∆                Clean shaft(s) & prop(s) and thruster tunnel(s)
∆                Diver to clean bottom and change zincs if boat wintered in the water
∆                Clean wax topsides (waterline to the rail)
∆                Clean wax deck (from the rail up)
∆                Polish stainless
∆                Interior cleaning
∆                Bleach clean interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆                Varnish:  exterior varnish or other wood finish
∆                Tune rig
∆                Bend on sails
∆                Install dodger and / or bimini
∆                Main engine(s):  commission
∆                Generator:  commission
∆                Fresh water system:  commission
∆                Ice maker:  commission
∆                Head(s):  commission
∆                Air-conditioning / heat:  commission
∆                Refrigeration:  commission
∆                Battery:  clean, service, load test & charge
∆                Check and grease sea cocks
∆                Service stuffing boxes on shaft(s) and rudder post(s)
∆                Service winches
∆                Inflate and check and clean inflatable dingy
∆                Summerize dingy engine
∆                Full systems check
∆                Other:

Winterizing Your Boat: A Checklist (from Chris Birch)

Here is the awesome checklist put together by Chris Birch (and reposted with his permission).  To all those of you whose season is coming to a close, I hope you had an awesome season.  Hope that this checklist really comes in handy.  Chris is one of the top marine technicians – so if you’re in Boston, MA, contact him if he can help. Otherwise, his contribution is incredibly nice of him.

Winter work order:  De-commissioning from Chris Birch / Birch Marine

To Do       Project

Phase 1 – near the end of the boating season:
∆                Fall varnish
∆                Clean & wax topsides from waterline to the rail
∆                Clean & wax deck, cockpit & house
∆                Interior cleaning including storage lockers and contents there of
∆                Bilge cleaning

Phase 2 – Just prior to haul out:
∆                Fuel:  fill tank(s)
∆                Add fuel stabilizer and biocide to fuel tank(s)
∆                Canvas: remove, send out for service & storage
∆                   Sails:  remove, send out for washing, minor repair & storage
∆                Main engine(s):  winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆                Generator:  winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆                Batteries:  clean, service, charge, hydrometer test
∆                Head(s): winterize toilet, macerator pump and holding tank.
∆                Fresh water sys.:  winterize tanks, water heater, taps, showers & shower sumps
∆                Ice maker: winterize
∆                Bilge & bilge pumps:  test & flush all electric and manual bilge pumps
∆                Air conditioning / heat: winterize
∆                Refrigeration:  winterize
∆                Water maker:  winterize
∆                Windshield spray system:  winterize
∆                Salt water wash down pump(s): winterize
∆                Winterize & stow dingy outboard engine
∆                Clean, deflate and stow inflatable dingy
∆                Full systems check

Phase 3 – After haul out (or final move to winter slip for in water storage):

∆                Shrinkwrap.   White plastic?   Or clear plastic for $100 Surcharge?   Zipper door?
(note: Sails and canvas must be removed prior to shrinkwrap)
∆                Set out dehumidifier containers
∆                Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆                Diver to change zincs  if boat is to winter in the water
∆                Other:

Winter projects

To do       Project

∆            New electronics installation
∆            Interior varnish or painting project
∆            Exterior varnish or painting project
∆            Wiring project
∆            Rigging project
∆            Plumbing project
∆            Carpentry project
∆            Flexiteek decking project

Preventative maintenance suggestions:
∆            Replace engine control cables
∆            Replace old hoses and hose clamps
∆            Add a bilge pump and/or high water alarm
∆            Service your steering system
∆            Service your winches
∆            Service or renew your sea cocks
∆            Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆            Renew your cutlass bearing(s)
∆            Re-bed some or all of your deck hardware & ports
∆            Cabin sole varnish
∆            Repaint your worn anchor chain markings
∆            Renew your running rigging
∆            Renew your standing rigging
∆            Renew your dock lines and /or fenders and/or fender covers
∆            Bleach clean your interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆            Renew your head(s)
∆            Upgrade or renew your DC wiring system
∆            Upgrade or renew your AC wiring system
∆            Send your engine alternator(s) and starter motor(s) out for service
∆            Clean & paint your engine
∆            Other:

FINALLY – Re-Commissioning Checklist

To do       Project

∆                Remove & recycle winter cover
∆                Bottom paint.  Interlux Micron CSC is standard choice.  Alternative paint?  Color?
∆                Zinc: install new shaft/tabs/rudder/hull/thruster zinc(s)
∆                Clean shaft(s) & prop(s) and thruster tunnel(s)
∆                Diver to clean bottom and change zincs if boat wintered in the water
∆                Clean wax topsides (waterline to the rail)
∆                Clean wax deck (from the rail up)
∆                Polish stainless
∆                Interior cleaning
∆                Bleach clean interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆                Varnish:  exterior varnish or other wood finish
∆                Tune rig
∆                Bend on sails
∆                Install dodger and / or bimini
∆                Main engine(s):  commission
∆                Generator:  commission
∆                Fresh water system:  commission
∆                Ice maker:  commission
∆                Head(s):  commission
∆                Air-conditioning / heat:  commission
∆                Refrigeration:  commission
∆                Battery:  clean, service, load test & charge
∆                Check and grease sea cocks
∆                Service stuffing boxes on shaft(s) and rudder post(s)
∆                Service winches
∆                Inflate and check and clean inflatable dingy
∆                Summerize dingy engine
∆                Full systems check
∆                Other:

Safety Reminder! Missing couple feared dead in Squalicum Harbor boat fire – On Patrol – bellinghamherald.com

Here is a reminder of one of the worst things that can happen aboard.  Fire.

Boats can transition from romantic havens to death traps with fire.  They offer limited exits and surround the occupants with toxic and flammable kinder.  Here, there were limited firefighting capabilities.

Security is more than lifejackets.  It is a level of awareness of surroundings, and broad preparation.  Yet even in the best of circumstances, tragedy may still occur.  Our prayers are will everyone involved.

Missing couple feared dead in Squalicum Harbor boat fire – On Patrol – bellinghamherald.com.

 

 

The Onboard Bathroom Experience and the Magical Porta Potti

Life aboard a boat should bring with it all of life’s requirements – including, but not limited to, a toilet. At some point even the most bound up boaters will still have to go.

In order to solve this simple problem, we all engage in some pretty remarkable gyrations. In a home, we move the waste away from us. Onboard, we socialize just a meter or so away from our holding tank. Nothing we do can ever strip the boat from that smell – which is at best the odor of the deodorant.

In order to utilize a standard marine head, the boater requires not only the space required for the head itself, but also also the plumbing, holding tank, macerator (optional), intake seacock, waste seacock and deodorizer – and if there is cold weather, the use of anti-freeze to ensure that the lines don’t freeze. All of this, particularly the holding tank, takes up valuable space and requires ongoing maintenance.

There are other options of course. The marina offers a head – but that can be inconvenient at best, and impossible to use when cruising. Some utilize the reliable toilet-seat-on-a-bucket technique, which works very well but lacks in some notable ways. Another option – perhaps the best alternative, and even a more appealing alternative in many situations, is the Porta Potti (which goes by some other interesting names as well), an ingenious invention that is a quite effective alternative to the marina head.

The Potti is a stand alone alternative which requires no plumbing, holding tank, macerator, maintenance, etc. The potti is a two part system, flush water sits in the top unit. At the push of a button the water fills the bowl. After use the waste is dispensed into a lower unit which does have a deodorizer added. I’ve been utilizing one now in our camper van for several weeks with my two year old, and I can represent that there has been no odor whatsoever. The unit does need to be dumped manually, but I can also say quite honestly that this was a simple no-mess process.*

20110707-061441.jpg

Of course these options may be disturbing to some, particularly those who like the idea of toilet affixed to some plumbing. However, the advantages to this type of option are obvious, and this is a worthy option for consideration for those who appreciate functionality and maintenance-free options over the perception issues associated with a fixed head. While we will not be removing our marine head, the advantages to the Potti are numerous. However, this is now a standard feature in the camper and as a father of a young child, I sure appreciate the convenience of traveling with one of these – as a safe, clean, convenient alternative to the horrific gas station facility.

Wishing you all an odor-free home!

* The fixed head can still be quite messy – a trauma I experienced first hand during a holding tank problem and a significant spill several years ago. It was perhaps the most disgusting moment in my life.

Living Aboard Podcast – The Costs of Living Aboard (Episode 5)

Living Aboard Podcast – The Costs of Living Aboard (Episode 5)

This is the final podcast of the original 5 part series. I’d like to take some time to chat about liveaboard and boating costs. When I first started along my journey aboard, I had thought of only the primary 4 or 5 costs – boat payment, interest, insurance and the marina rental. Wow was that naive.

Episode 5 is a review of the ‘free!’ liveaboard spreadsheet (free on www.livingaboard.net), explaining different costs among a few different scenarios. It is just for discussion purposes, but at least the categories of life aboard are covered.

SO… hope this doesn’t scare you away from the lifestyle. Just hoping everyone goes in with their eyes open. It is the key to success.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH4lt7FFOJM[/youtube]

Living Aboard Podcast – Marinas

Living Aboard Podcast – Picking Your Marina –

Let’s continue our journey aboard with a discussion about marinas – featuring our special guest marina owner Tom Cox. Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7vdbilVK_4[/youtube]

Living Aboard Podcast – Choosing a Boat Part II

Living Aboard a Boat Podcast – Part II on Choosing a Boat

Let’s continue with Episode 3 on Choosing a Boat. Here is Part II. Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy6dXfukauE[/youtube]

Living Aboard Podcast – Choosing a Boat – Part 1

Living Aboard a Boat Podcast – Choosing a Boat – Part 1

Here you’ll find part 1 of the episode on choosing a boat. Some great interviews here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkM_1QmR1Zk[/youtube]

Suenos Azules Article on Living Aboard

This is just one of those great overview articles that I come across from time to time. It’s a solid take with some sound advice. Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for a good overview and advice regarding life aboard. I reserve the right to disagree with the advice of course, but the more you hear if you are considering the lifestyle the better.

Click HERE for the link!

Living Aboard Podcast – The Basics (Episode 2)

Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat Podcast – Episode 2 – The Basics

Check out Episode 2 of the Essentials of Living Aboard a Boat Podcast.  Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn5-9rgU-qk[/youtube]