living on a catamaran full time

Can You Live on a Catamaran? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you ready to take the ultimate adventure and live on a catamaran? If so, you need to be prepared for the unique lifestyle that comes with living on a houseboat.

From understanding what a catamaran is, to considering the cost and essential amenities needed, this article will help you determine if living on a catamaran is right for you.

We will also explore how to prepare and maintain your catamaran, and provide tips for living comfortably onboard.

Finally, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of living on a catamaran.

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of living on the open seas!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yes, it is possible to live on a catamaran.

This type of sailing vessel is often used for extended trips and offers a comfortable living space for a family or group of people.

Many catamarans are designed with plenty of space and amenities to make living onboard comfortable and enjoyable.

Additionally, some people choose to live on a catamaran on a more permanent basis.

What is a Catamaran and Why Live Aboard One?

Catamarans are multi-hulled boats with two parallel hulls of equal size, connected by a frame.

They offer unique advantages over other types of boats, such as increased stability and more interior space.

Catamarans are ideal for leisure activities, such as sailing, fishing, and spending time on the water.

With the right modifications, many people are choosing to live aboard their catamarans as a full-time lifestyle.

Living on a catamaran offers a unique way to experience life on the open waters, with the added benefit of being able to move it to different locations.

Catamarans offer a unique living experience compared to other types of boats.

They provide more interior space and stability than other types of boats, making them ideal for full-time living.

Catamarans also typically have more storage space than other types of boats, allowing for the storage of larger items.

Additionally, catamarans are generally more fuel-efficient than other types of boats, making them cost-effective to operate.

Living on a catamaran can be a great way to experience life on the open seas.

The ability to move the catamaran to different locations gives you the opportunity to explore different places and cultures.

Additionally, living aboard a catamaran often requires a more minimalistic lifestyle, which can be an enjoyable way to simplify your life and reduce stress.

Furthermore, living on a catamaran can provide a sense of freedom and independence that is not possible with other types of living arrangements.

What to Consider Before Deciding to Live on a Catamaran

When considering living on a catamaran, there are a few factors to consider before taking the plunge.

First, you’ll need to consider the size and type of catamaran that best suits your needs.

A larger catamaran may provide more space for you and your family to live comfortably, but it will also require more maintenance and may be more expensive to purchase and operate.

Additionally, you’ll need to think about the type of modifications you’ll need to make to the vessel in order to accommodate your lifestyle.

For example, if you plan to spend a majority of your time on the open waters, you’ll need to invest in a generator and other energy sources to keep your vessel powered.

You’ll also need to consider the type of amenities you’ll need to make your catamaran a comfortable place to live.

A functioning galley, sleeping area, and storage space are all essential for comfortable living.

Additionally, you’ll need to think about the type of watercraft you’ll need to use to get around, as well as the cost of mooring and docking fees.

Finally, you’ll need to think about the lifestyle you’ll be able to maintain while living on a catamaran.

For some, living on a catamaran is an ideal way to spend their days sailing, fishing, and exploring the open waters.

For others, it may be a bit of a challenge to keep their jobs and maintain their social life while living on a boat.

It’s important to think about your lifestyle and whether or not living on a catamaran will be a good fit for you.

Essential Amenities Needed for Comfort and Safety

Living on a catamaran can be a great way to experience life on the open waters, but it is important to make sure the catamaran is equipped with essential amenities for comfort and safety.

This includes a functioning galley, a comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space.

A functioning galley is essential for living aboard a catamaran.

This includes a refrigerator, stove, oven, sink, and cupboards.

All of these items should be in good working condition to ensure that cooking and food storage needs are met while living on the water.

Additionally, many catamaran owners like to install a microwave, coffee maker, and other small appliances to make living aboard easier and more enjoyable.

It is also important to have a comfortable sleeping area.

Many people choose to install a small bedroom on their catamaran to provide a place to relax and sleep at night.

This room should be well ventilated and have comfortable bedding, such as a mattress, sheets, and blankets.

Additionally, if the bedroom is too small to fit a full-sized bed, many owners choose to install a futon or other convertible furniture to provide an extra sleeping area.

Adequate storage space is also essential for living on a catamaran.

This includes both interior and exterior storage solutions.

Interior storage should include shelves, drawers, and cabinets for organizing all of your belongings.

Exterior storage is also necessary for items that you need to access quickly, such as life jackets, fishing supplies, and first aid kits.

Many catamaran owners choose to install additional storage solutions, such as a deck box or a fishing locker, to maximize their storage space.

By making sure that your catamaran is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living, you can enjoy the unique experience of living on the open waters.

With the right modifications, you can make living on a catamaran a full-time lifestyle.

Cost Considerations When Living on a Catamaran

One of the first things to consider when living on a catamaran is the cost.

Although catamarans can offer a unique and enjoyable experience, they come with a hefty price tag.

This means it is important to plan ahead and make sure the catamaran is equipped with the necessary amenities for comfortable living, such as a functioning galley, a comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space.

In addition, if you are looking to make your catamaran a full-time living space, you should factor in the cost of necessary upgrades, such as additional solar panels or a generator.

Furthermore, it is important to consider ongoing costs associated with living on a catamaran, such as fuel, maintenance, and storage fees.

Overall, living on a catamaran can be an expensive lifestyle, so it is important to be aware of the cost before taking the plunge.

Preparing and Maintaining Your Catamaran for Living

Living on a catamaran can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to plan ahead and make sure that your catamaran is adequately prepared for living.

This means equipping your vessel with the necessary amenities to make life on board comfortable, such as a functioning galley, comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that your catamaran is properly maintained, as the marine environment can be particularly harsh on vessels and the components that make them up.

When preparing your catamaran for living, it is important to make sure that it is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living.

This includes a functioning galley that is stocked with all the necessary utensils and appliances for cooking and dining, as well as a comfortable sleeping area for those on board.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that the catamaran has adequate storage space for supplies, clothing, and other items.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the catamaran has all the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit.

It is also important to make sure that your catamaran is properly maintained.

This means regularly inspecting the hull and rigging for signs of wear and tear, as well as making sure that the engine and other mechanical components are in good condition.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that the vessel is properly equipped with the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the catamaran is properly insured.

This will help protect you and your vessel in the event of an accident or incident.

It is also important to make sure that the catamaran is registered with a governing body, such as the Coast Guard, in order to ensure that you are complying with the applicable regulations.

Living on a catamaran can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it is important to make sure that it is properly prepared and maintained for living.

This includes equipping the catamaran with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living, such as a functioning galley, comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space.

Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the catamaran, as well as make sure that it is properly insured and registered.

By taking the time to properly prepare and maintain your catamaran, you will be able to enjoy a unique and enjoyable lifestyle on the open waters.

Tips for Living Comfortably on a Catamaran

When it comes to living on a catamaran, it is important to plan ahead and make sure your vessel is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living. This includes having a functioning galley, a comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space. Here are some tips for living comfortably on a catamaran:

1. Invest in a good quality mattress Youll be spending a lot of time in your berth, so its important to invest in a good quality mattress. Make sure to get a mattress that is comfortable and supportive, and is the right size for your space.

2. Invest in quality storage To maximize your living space, invest in quality storage solutions. This includes cabinets, drawers, and shelves that are designed to fit your catamaran.

3. Maximize natural ventilation Proper ventilation is key to living comfortably on a catamaran. Make sure to open windows and hatches to allow for fresh air to circulate throughout the vessel.

4. Utilize the space Dont forget to use the space below decks. This is a great place to store items such as clothes, food, and other supplies.

5. Install a generator If you plan on living aboard your catamaran for a while, its important to install a generator. This will provide power for essential items such as lights, cooking equipment, and other appliances.

6. Install a watermaker A watermaker is a great investment for long-term living on a catamaran. This will provide you with an endless supply of fresh water, which is essential for living comfortably.

7. Install navigation equipment Make sure to install a GPS and other navigation equipment. This will help you stay on course and find your way back to shore.

8. Install a marine toilet A marine toilet is essential for living on a catamaran. Make sure to install a toilet that meets your needs and fits your space.

Living on a catamaran can be a rewarding experience.

With the right modifications and equipment, you can make your vessel a comfortable home away from home.

By following these tips, youll be able to enjoy your time aboard your catamaran and experience life on the open waters.

Benefits and Challenges of Living on a Catamaran

Living on a catamaran can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a unique and enjoyable way to explore the world.

There are numerous benefits to living on a catamaran, from the freedom of being able to move it to different locations, to the ability to enjoy the open waters without having to worry about land-based obligations.

However, there are also several challenges that come with living on a catamaran, such as the need to make sure the catamaran is well-equipped for comfortable living, and the need to be prepared for the occasional rough seas .

One of the primary benefits of living on a catamaran is the ability to explore different areas.

Catamarans are typically designed for leisure activities, such as sailing, fishing, and spending time on the water.

This allows them to explore different areas of the world without having to worry about finding accommodations each time they move.

Another benefit of living on a catamaran is the freedom it provides.

Unlike living on land, living on a catamaran means that you are not tied down to any specific area.

You can choose to move as often or as little as you like, and you can explore different parts of the world without having to worry about the logistics of finding a place to stay.

The biggest challenge of living on a catamaran is making sure that it is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living.

This includes having a functioning galley, a comfortable sleeping area, and adequate storage space.

It is also important to make sure that the catamaran is properly equipped for safety, with life jackets, flares, and other emergency gear.

Additionally, it is important to understand the mechanics of the catamaran and to be prepared for the occasional rough seas.

In conclusion, living on a catamaran can be a unique and enjoyable experience.

It offers the freedom to explore different areas of the world, but it is important to plan ahead and make sure the catamaran is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living, as well as safety gear.

With the right preparation, living on a catamaran can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts

Living aboard a catamaran can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it is important to consider all of the necessary amenities, cost considerations, and necessary preparations before taking the plunge.

With the right planning and maintenance, living on a catamaran can provide a special way to explore the open waters and enjoy the freedom of living on the water.

If you are ready to take the plunge, go forth and explore the benefits and challenges of living on a catamaran.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Sailing A Catamaran

20 steps for a beginner to take before deciding to live on a sailing catamaran.

When I started thinking about living on a sailing catamaran, I really only had the experience of a couple of weeks on charter cats. After several months and countless hours of research, I learned many fascinating things. So what are 20 Steps for a Beginner to Take Before Deciding to Live on a Sailing Catamaran?

The 20 Steps for a Beginner to Take Before Deciding to Live on a Sailing Catamaran are:

Learn to sail

Get Certified

Charter a Sailing Catamaran

Attend a boat show
Contact a Catamaran Broker

Set Your Boat Budget

Buying new or used?
Talk to the Bank
Selling your house?
Renting your house?
What to do with your pets?
Equip for your Lifestyle
Start out by land
Work out the kinks
Create your monthly budget
Make a list of your boat needs, wants, not important
Get networked with fellow cruisers
Learn how to predict the weather
Attend Cruiser’s University
Don’t buy the first boat you see
Do your homework

Learn to Sail

You don’t have to learn to sail before buying your catamaran, but it may shorten your learning curve. One of the best ways to learn to sail is to start with a dinghy sized sailboat at a local club. Take a sailing class to learn the basics. Having a small sailboat is a plus in that they react almost instantly to every maneuver that you perform. Large sailboats may have a 15 to 20 second reaction time. This instant reaction time helps teach you about the wind, sails and how each action that you perform affects the boat.

Getting a certification from an accredited sailing school and/or association will be beneficial in many ways. First, you will learn valuable lessons from experienced sailors that will help you navigate and make decisions when situations arise. Next, your instructor can be a mentor for years to come. Further, being an educated sailor provides confidence that will be much appreciated by your crew when challenges arise. Finally, many insurance companies will require this before they issue a policy on your boat.

This is a great opportunity to spend some significant time on a sailboat. Charter a boat that is similar in size and layout to the one you are considering. During your charter, think about living on a boat VS vacationing. What will be important to you as a full time liveaboard? Make good notes. You may find out that you can live in a much smaller size boat than you originally imagined.

Attend a Boat Show (or two or three)

Find a boat show that has boats like the one you want to purchase. This might be a good opportunity to fly out to one of the larger shows like Annapolis or Miami or Cannes which have many different makes, models and layouts. While at the boat show attend some seminars or courses like Cruisers University. Talk to and network with fellow sailors. This is another great opportunity to prepare before you purchase.

Walk on as many boats as possible to learn floor plans, sizes and brands. Attend as many boat shows as possible. Learn about the mechanics of each boat and what the previous owner used it for. Is it set up for the same usage as your plans? If coming out of a Charter, plan what you will need to invest in it to make it ready for you? Look at used boats – not just new boats and boats that fit your budget.

Contact a Broker that Specializes in the Type of Boat you Want

Now that you have done some basic research on your own, have learned the basics of sailing and are on your way to becoming certified, have attended a boat show and walked on and in several different types of boats, have spent a week or two on a charter, you have some basic knowledge and hopefully a direction as to what type of lifestyle you want to live and type of boat you want to have. Now is the time to contact a broker.

When to Contact a Broker

You can do this earlier on in the process, so they can help move you along in your research faster, but I believe that a little time spent preparing yourself will make you ready when the right boat comes along and won’t make you feel pressured into buying before you are ready or having regrets on letting the perfect boat get away. By the way, experienced sailors will tell you that there is no perfect boat. Every boat has its pro’s and con’s which is why the more prepared you are, the better fit you will find.

You may already have your budget figured out before contacting a broker. If you are buying new and have attended a boat show or two and already know how you plan to use your boat, then you may already have this one figured out. Keep in mind that when buying new, you will still need to equip the boat with the gear and equipment needed for your lifestyle.

Buying Used?

If you are buying a used boat, there are so many more factors to consider. Look at the age and condition of the many systems on the boat. Have a professional survey completed and be present during the survey so that you can get a face to face explanation of what was found. This is the time to ask the expert specific questions about the boat, its systems and maintenance items. Consider what extras you need to add and what will need to be repaired or upgraded and ask about costs.

How Big of a Catamaran can you Afford?

Whether you are buying new or used, you should have a price range that you are comfortable with. I have heard many stories about cruisers having to cut their journey short because they ran out of money. Picking a little smaller boat, may be better on your pocketbook and stress level. It may also give you a cushion should a costly repair spring up.

The Right Time to Talk to the Bank

If you are planning to finance your boat purchase, ask your broker to put you in touch with a few lenders. Call them before you find your boat. Ask them about the programs they offer. Pay close attention to any limitations. Some lenders will only lend on newer boats that are 10 years old or newer. Understanding the interest rate, down payment requirement and any lender specific qualifications may lead to in a certain direction towards a certain type or age of boat. This is good to know ahead of time before you spend money on a survey only to find out, you can’t get it financed.

Sell Your House?

What is your timeline for living on a boat? For most people it is a limited timeframe. It isn’t a forever home or plane. My plan is to circumnavigate the globe. I think this will take us two years. So for us, we need to think about what will we be doing in two years? Where will be want to live in two years? Do we want to go back to the community that we left or forge ahead to new, unexplored places? Those questions plus your finances will help you to determine if you should sell your home or keep it.

Keep Your House?

Perhaps you love your home, neighborhood and community and want to keep your house. Then you need to think about renting out your house. Will you do an Air Bnb or VRBO type rental or go more for longer term renters? What will you do with you possessions if you sell your home? Is your home ready to sell? Is your home ready to rent? How much rent can you expect? Can you live off of the rent money that you house will take in after you pay the rental agent and expenses?

What To Do With Your Pets?

Do you have pets? If so, can you bring them on board? Do you want to bring them on board? If you are leaving your home country, will you be allowed to bring the pets into your destination country or countries? What documentation will you need to bring your pets into a new country? Are your pets worth bringing on board? These are just some of the questions and consideration for you to think about when planning for pets on your catamaran.

Equipping Your Boat for Your Lifestyle

When choosing a boat, you will need to equip it for your lifestyle and plans. If you are going to live in marinas in warm, tropical weather, then you will certainly need air-conditioning. If you are going to circumnavigate, then you must have a water maker, good navigation equipment, and safety gear. If you are planning to spend a lot of time at anchor, then you’ll want to have a good solar set-up that will be able to run your refrigerator(s) and freezer(s). If you are doing a crossing, make sure you have enough refrigeration. Back-up systems for the critical components may be important as well.

Start Out By Land

Plan your first 6 months near land and take short trips until you get used to the boat. Spending time near land when you first move aboard gives you the opportunity to learn your boat and learn about living on your boat. Take note of how much food you go through in a week. Make good notes and think about where you are planning to travel so you can think about how you are going to provision the boat.

Working out the Kinks

Use this time to work out any problems with the boat and to really get to know your boat from sailing to motoring to anchoring. If you are planning on spending a lot of time at anchor, then take some overnights away from marinas out at anchor. Learn about how your solar system works and what you can and can’t run off of it. Will you need to run your generators every day for a time or do you have enough solar to power your critical components. Can you live without air-conditioning? In the marina, you are on shore power, but this is a good test of your systems and your usage of those systems. How much water do you use? Test how long you can go on a tank of water. Will your water maker run off of the solar or do you need to run the generator to make water?

Creating Your Monthly Budget

Create a monthly budget that you can live with. The items in the budget may need to change once you go from theory to reality and as you move around, but stick to the numbers as closely as possible. If you are starting in the US, then moving off shore, it is best to provision as heavily as possible before you leave. Items in the US are most often priced better than in the Bahamas, BVI’s or elsewhere in the Caribbean and you may not always be able to find the same items you are used to. Make sure to plan your food items, fuel for both the boat and the dinghy, restaurants (if you plan to eat out), misc. items and don’t forget boat repairs (plan on 5% to 10% of the cost of the boat per year).

Create Your List of Needs, Wants & Not Important

When deciding on a boat, create a list of needs, wants and things that are not important to you. You might also leave room on the bottom of your list for things you don’t want and to make comments about each boat. This one is an important step when buying a boat.

There is NO Perfect Boat!

As I mentioned previously there is no perfect boat. You will need to look at each boat and what it offers. One boat may sail lighter and faster, but have limitations as to how much provisions and items you have on board (lighter boats typically equal less cargo). Another boat may have the perfect floor plan, but may need lots of work, etc. Make a list with columns. One column will have the item or feature, the next will have need, then want, then not important. Think about all of the features of a boat and write them down or enter them into an Excel spreadsheet. Now put an “x” in the column of where that item falls on you list of needs, wants or not important. With every boat that you look at, use this list to help you to evaluate it.

Get Networked with Fellow Cruisers

Join a cruiser network or start out in popular cruising destinations. Meet, socialize and ask questions to experienced cruisers. Cruising can be lonely, if you want it to be, but from I have learned, cruisers are some of the most friendly and outgoing people you will ever meet. Every cruiser has a common purpose – cruising. Every cruiser has challenges that face every day. This gives commonality which makes it much easier to meet, approach and talk to fellow cruisers.

Finding Cruiser Networks

Beyond approaching cruisers in marinas or in your dinghy at anchor, there are many cruiser networks. Some are on-line or in social media, some are in the form of organized rallies where you sail together in pre-planned, mapped out routes and locations. You can find some of these clubs by simply doing a google search. Boat shows are fantastic ways to build your network. Asking fellow cruisers that you meet at the shows or elsewhere what social networks they belong to is another excellent way to find groups with similar interests as you.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Even within the cruising network, there are many different types of people with different interests and in different stages of their lives. This is one thing that makes cruising so cool. It appeals to different groups of people. Cruisers with kids may have different networks than those that are single looking for more of a party atmosphere. Keep looking until you find your network or networks.

Learn all about weather and how to avoid bad weather.

The weather may be the single, most important influencer on a sailor’s life other than maintaining your boat. On land, the weather is important so we know if we need to take an umbrella with us to keep dry when we run from our car to the grocery store or a restaurant. At sea, bad weather can not only be an inconvenience it may be the difference between life and death.

Predicting the Weather

Learning to read weather patterns and learning how to use tools like Predict Wind, allows cruisers to pick and choose which days they will sail, what distance they plan on sailing, and may even determine the route they take. Knowing present and future wind directions are helpful when choosing a protected anchorage. What starts out as the leeward side of an island may quickly change to win-ward and a rough, uncomfortable anchorage. Cruisers University has an intensive class on weather.

Attend Cruisers University

Cruisers University and other seminars like it provide useful information on a variety of topics for cruisers by cruisers. There is nothing better than experience and the speakers at these courses bring their experiences to you.

Seminars that are offered include (this is a partial list):

Diesel Engine Maintenance,
Marine Weather Forecasting,
Marine Electrical Systems,
Sewing for Sailor,
Anchoring For a Good Night’s Sleep
Bahamas Bound – Cruising the Abacos
Cruising and Living in Hurricane Latitudes
The Chesapeake to the Caribbean
Cruising on a Budget; Silver, Gold Platinum
Docking and Line Handling for Couples
The Efficient Boat Fridge
Electrical Systems – Understanding and Troubleshooting
Great Products You Need to Know About
Heavy Weather Sailing
Maintaining Your Boat Above and Below the Waterline
Maintaining Your Diesel Engine 101
Moving Your Business Abroad
Managing the ICW; North to South
Offshore Energy Management & Design
Off Shore Rigging and Sails – When Things Go Wrong
OMG I Bought a Boat – Now What?
Plugged In – Power Cord Safety
Provisioning – From List to Last Bite
Route Planning
Safety at Sea

Don’t Buy the First Boat You See!

Remember the old saying about there being many fish in the sea? Well, the same holds true for boats. There are many boats for sale. In order to know what is available to you, you really need to see several boats before making your decision. Before finalizing your purchase, you will be paying for a survey which includes a haul out. This will be costly so be choosy. Also, just because you spent several thousand dollars on the survey, don’t be afraid to walk away if you aren’t comfortable with the boat and what the survey found. Use your list of needs, wants and not important to help you. Do your homework. Afterall, you will be spending a lot of time on your boat. It needs to fit you and your lifestyle.

What Makes a Living on a Catamaran Different Than Other Boats?

Living on a sailing catamaran is like many other boats except that the width of a catamaran makes it more comfortable and stable under most conditions. Living on a cat is also different than most monohull’s because the living areas (with the exception of the state rooms and heads), like the salon and galley, are up at the same level as the cockpit which allows for more openness and easier to go from in to out. Finally, the living area is much larger per linear foot than a monohull.

Do Your Homework!

This post can’t possibly cover everything you need to know, but is intended to invoke thought and questions to help provide insight into some of the topics that one should think about and research before deciding to live full time on a sailing catamaran. The one, common theme in this post is that you need to do your homework before you buy and before you decide to buy and before you decide to live on your catamaran. If you do so, you can enjoy your time cruising and will have increased the odds of loving it. Happy Sailing!

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Living On a Boat Full Time — What to Consider Before Living Aboard

Let’s talk about real-life boat ownership and living on a boat full time. My wife and I have lived on our boat for nearly eight years, doing everything from full-time living on a boat in a marina to cruising The Islands of The Bahamas for months.

For starters, everything you’ve ever wondered about living on a boat probably doesn’t scratch the surface of everything you’ll learn. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone; for every wonderful day on the water, there’s a stressful situation or broken boat part.

So what does living on a boat full time look like? Here’s a glimpse into the world of the liveaboard.

Should i live on a boat absolutely yes, here’s why (pros of living on a boat), never, in a million years, should anyone ever live on a boat (cons of living on a boat), there’s more than one way to live on a boat, there’s a steep learning curve, it’s kind of like camping, constant maintenance and cleaning, weather drama, the legalities of the live aboard life, cost of living on a boat, paths to moving aboard, living on a boat full time faqs, what are the pros and cons of living on a boat.

It is often said that there’s a wide gap between the romantic vision that many people have of the liveaboard lifestyle and the nitty-gritty reality.

Here are the pros and cons of living on a boat full time, taken from our personal experiences.

Living on a boat is sometimes even better than your most romantic vision. Dolphins frolicking while the sunsets, tropical drinks in your hands, and nothing but crystal clear water between you and the most spectacular island beach you’ve ever seen. Yes, that all happens, sometimes.

Freedom to go where you want, when you want
Travel as much or as little as you want
Take your house with you as you move
Changing scenery, waterfront property where ever you go
Wildlife visits—seals, whales, dolphins, birds
A friendly community of other boaters
Learn to live more simply, with only the necessities

Everyone has good days and bad days. We’ve often described boat life as having high highs but very low lows. The peaks and valleys of boat life (crests and troughs?) are just much farther from baseline-normal.

For every dolphin, there is a broken toilet joker valve leaking sewage onto the bathroom floor.

For every idyllic island beach, there is a fouled diesel filter that needs changing.

For every smooth downwind passage, there is a sloshy, windless mess of flapping sails making everyone on board seasick.

The list could go on and on and on.

Constant maintenance and cleaning
Difficulty finding skilled, professional labor
Small spaces, no storage, no privacy
No dishwashers, washing machines, dryers (usually)
Away from docks, you always have limited power and water
Constant exposure to the weather
Tax and insurance issues

Common Issues with Moving Onto a Boat

Here are some of the biggest issues we have noticed from our experiences and those around us. While everyone’s experience of living on a boat full time differs, everyone seems to have similar issues.

First, it has to be said that everyone’s experience is different. And that’s most obvious by looking at what sort of boat they choose and where they choose to live on it.

Many books have been written on the subject, and most like to divide boaters into three groups based on their budgets. There are the high-lifers who can afford to buy a new or newish boat that is large and comfortable. They can afford to live at a resort marina and likely hire professionals for most maintenance and cleaning tasks. They likely spend most of their time in marinas if they travel far.

Then there are the Goldilocks boaters—not too big, not too small—making up the “middle class” of boating. There’s a healthy mix of DIY projecting with some professional help on the big projects. They might liveaboard at a marina or travel full-time. They might live at docks, anchor, or a mix.

And then there are the budget boaters. Cheap boats are easy to come by if you’re willing to use DIY labor to fix them up. They are most likely to anchor out to minimize costs.

All these people live very different lives on their boats, but does it matter? The costs are astronomically different, but they could be visiting the same ports, seeing the same sights, and even sharing the same experiences.

What’s most amazing is how everyone perceives their liveaboard situation. I’ve been to dock parties where couples on 60′ catamarans complain that they have no personal space and must take a break from being on the boat together after a few months. Meanwhile, I know a family of five (plus two dogs) that live on a 40′ monohull with less than 1/3 the space of the catamaran. They have issues, but they’re pretty happy five years later.

(Speaking of catamarans, check out my recommendations for liveaboard catamaran options.)

Year one of boating is the worst. There’s so much to learn; it’s all new and different than anything you’ve done before. There are all the sailing terms you must learn, but there are also boat maintenance tasks and understanding how all the systems on your boat work. Then there are the basics of seamanship and how to operate your vessel safely. It is a lot to take in.

And the basics of living on a boat are different from land life. Your kitchen (galley) is much smaller. The toilet doesn’t flush like a regular land toilet. You’re always thinking about minimizing water use when showering or doing dishes. If you turn too many electrical items on, circuit breakers pop. The list goes on and on, and when you’re new, it’s stressful.

Once you’ve got the kinks worked out, learned your boat systems, and successfully traveled and lived on your boat for a while, things get much better. You know more, your boat is set up the way you need it, and you have the confidence to start enjoying yourself. Some people take a few months, some a year, and, unfortunately, some never get there.

Boats are small spaces, but the truth is that living on a boat is more like camping than most boaters like to admit. You get by with only a few items in your wardrobe. You skip showers since you don’t always have hot water. You don’t have space for all the luxuries of home. No dishwasher. No washing machine. Everyone is occasionally uncomfortable onboard, whether from the weather or the cramped quarters.

Boats are also hard on relationships. While there’s something romantic about being cozy and alone together at sea, it isn’t so romantic on day five, or thirty, or sixty. Personal space is non-existent on most boats. It’s inevitable that your significant other—or anyone else—will drive you nuts after some time. Boats have ended more than one marriage that we know of.

The cramped living space on a boat poses other problems, too. Downsizing is important because you simply can’t bring it all with you—there’s no storage space. What is important, what’s nice to have, and what will you use on a boat? Living on a boat forces you to live with the minimum and acknowledge what you need to survive.

Living on a sailboat is, of course, drastically different than living on a luxury yacht. But all these problems seem relative, and no matter what size your boat is, everyone has the same complaints.

Boats are always trying to sink and fall apart. The ocean helps them with its corrosive saltwater and constant motion. The only thing keeping it afloat? You, the lowly and unprepared new boat owner. Yikes!

Even if you have mechanics and boatyard workers do most of the big projects for you, there’s still a ton that you’ll wind up doing on your own. Just day-to-day cleaning on a boat is a big deal. Everything is more difficult and takes longer than it does on a house.

Somehow, boats seem to get dirtier faster than houses do. From polishing the hull, shining the stainless, varnishing the teak, and scrubbing the scum line to everyday things like dishes, sweeping the floors, and cleaning the bathroom, boats are dirty, and it takes time to keep them clean.

The weather plays a bigger part in your life than you’ll even imagine. Most of us pay remarkably little attention to the weather when we’re on land. If it’s hot, we might just minimize our time away from air conditioning. If it’s raining, it’s a minor inconvenience. We never think about the wind or tides.

But everything on a boat revolves around the weather. Every day we look at the weather for the upcoming week. Forecasts are often inaccurate, so we expect it to change. But what should we be ready for? When cruising, we often track weather systems over a week away and start planning.

This week, it says we might get gusts to 52 knots (!!!) from the southwest with heavy rain and thunderstorms. We’re anchored and away from the dock. Will our anchorage be protected from winds like that? Is the holding good here, or is there a safer place we should move to? Should we think about moving there early in case it fills up with boats?

We go through this exercise every week or two, no matter where we are. When approaching an anchorage, it’s all about the wind direction, tide level, and whatever else is happening. Are we okay with being stuck here for a few days if it’s foggy? A week? What if we need south winds to reach our next destination, but the forecast only has east winds? Do we wait or change our destination?

The amount of attention it takes and the flexibility of your schedule is mind-boggling to most landlubbers. When friends want to visit us, we tell them we can meet them in a specific place or at a specific time, but not both. If you want us to meet you, you’ve got to be flexible too!

What do you legally need to do to live on a boat full time? Most people’s home or apartment is their legal residence and domicile. It’s listed on their driver’s license, and it’s where they vote and pay taxes.

How will all these issues play out when you move onto a boat that moves around? There are mail forwarding services that allow you to set up residency. We use St. Brendan’s Isle in Florida since we were already Floridians, but there are also similar services in other states. This at least gives you the ability to have a driver’s license and vote.

Taxes are a little more complicated. You can register the boat at your address in Florida, but each US state collects its own use tax. If you use your boat in their state for over a few months, they want to tax it. It’s not a problem if you move around, but what if you want to leave your boat in New York for the summer? Then you might have to register it there and pay taxes.

Additionally, many counties in the US collect personal property tax on boats. We know of several places where if you are in the county on January 1 st , you’ll owe the county property tax. If you were one county away where the tax happens to be zero, you would owe nothing. Tricky!

Recreational boat insurance is another matter of concern. It used to be fairly easy to insure a boat, especially a cheap old boat. If you have a homeowner’s policy, you can easily add the boat. But if you’re a liveaboard with no real land address, getting insurance is becoming a problem. If the boat is too old, you’re traveling to distant ports, or the boat is very large, and you’re first time boat owners, it can be hard to find an underwriter.

Do you even need insurance? Many marinas and boatyards now require it. Gone are the days when you could sail the world and “self-insure.” But, honestly, those days never really existed. If your uninsured $5,000 sailboat drags anchor and puts a gash in a $5 million yacht, a serious legal headache will follow. Many owners of older vessels keep “liability-only” insurance, but even this is getting less affordable and hard to come by.

Many folks who want to try boat life are understandably curious about the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat . Is it cheaper to live on a boat than a house? That’s a tough question to answer. For one thing, people’s expectations and their needs for comfort and security vary widely.

Both houses and boats can be found for about the same amount. If you’re in the market for a $250,000 house, you could find a nice boat for that amount. It would, of course, be much smaller and—unlike the house—be a terrible investment. So while you might be able to get a loan for a house (which makes excellent collateral for the bank), getting a loan for a boat would require a bigger risk on the part of the bank and therefore cost you a lot more.

On the cheaper end, you could find a fixer-upper boat on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for far less than a neglected house. A house will always have some value based on the land, whereas a boat can become valueless. It’s not uncommon to hear of people getting free boats abandoned in boatyards, making ridiculously low offers on neglected vessels, and getting large boats for a few thousand dollars. People are always wondering how to get rid of an old boat .

These fixer-uppers have their own stories, of course. Many YouTube channels are dedicated to the cheap boat fix-up scheme. Project boats can be wallet-shrinking and soul-sucking. Taking on a project is a good way to lose a lot of money, along with years of your life and any interest you ever had in boating. Project boats are not for most people.

Both boats and houses have taxes and insurance, so those costs are probably very similar. Tax laws vary by state and county. In some places, you won’t have to pay any tax on your boat except for the initial sales tax at the time of purchase. You will have to pay an annual personal property tax in other locales.

You’ll also have to pay for boat parking . Marina, mooring ball, or in the boatyard—all will come with a monthly bill. The house or apartment will not have storage fees, so there’s no equivalent here. But, if you bought a cheap boat for cash and are only paying monthly liveaboard slip fees, this might be less than a mortgage payment would be.

If you’re traveling and anchoring, you can generally do that for free. However, most cruisers spend a few nights a month at marinas. That averages about the same amount they’d pay for monthly dockage since nightly transient rates are high.

Both boats and houses have maintenance and upkeep expenses, but boats generally have more. It’s generally estimated that you should budget ten percent of the boat’s purchase price for annual maintenance. If you bought a $50,000 boat, this would be $5,000 yearly. That holds for most boats, but year one will be higher as you fix neglected items and make your upgrades.

From our experience, we’ve seen people take two paths towards the liveaboard life.

Some folks own their boat and use it for weekends or a week’s vacation here and there. They move aboard full-time as they transition to retirement, a work sabbatical, or remote work. Since it’s a gradual transition, these folks generally know what to expect.
Then there are the folks who go all in—they know nothing about sailing or boats and sell it all and move aboard. For them, it’s a jump into icy cold water or learning a new language by moving abroad.

Which group is more successful? Group One generally knows what to expect, has worked out the kinks in their boat, and has already tackled the learning curve. There’s still a lot to take in, but they’re generally less stressed by it. If you can spend some time on your boat enjoying boating before moving onboard, it’s generally a good thing.

But, either way, being a full-time liveaboard is not a long-term lifestyle for most people. People who start from both groups seem to last an average of about one and a half to three years. After that, they’re ready to either sell the boat and move on or buy an RV or vacation land home that allows them to divide their time between boating and something else. People who last more than three years with only a boat are a very small minority.

One parting thought: Living on a boat full time and traveling is like having three or four full-time jobs. Each requires 30-40 hours per week when you include labor, research, and thinking and planning.

Boat ownership — basic maintenance and cleaning
Cruising full-time — destination and route planning, weather study
Living aboard — cooking, cleaning, shopping, and everything else takes so much longer on a boat than in a house
Your actual job — if you work aboard

How much does it cost to live full time on a yacht?

A lot depends on the size of the yacht. A small sailboat can be found fairly cheaply. For around $50,000US, you can get an older 35-foot sailboat in decent condition and move aboard with few problems. The biggest issue is finding a marina that allows live-aboard boaters. Slip fees will be your biggest expense and can be as high as $1,500 monthly in some areas. However, you can get monthly slips for as little as $300 in other places.

How to stay organized on a sailboat?

Sailboats have small spaces and not much storage, so keeping organized is key. The first step is to downsize your possessions to the bare minimum—only take what you absolutely need. The less you have, the easier your life aboard will be.

After that, it’s a matter of packing the boat so that everything has its place. Some boaters like to keep a spreadsheet of where they’ve packed everything away so they can find it quickly.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV or a boat?

Both of these activities are very dependent on location. Purchasing either one is very similar in cost. RV parks and marinas charge similar prices, but the cost varies depending on the location and services. In the end, however, moving an RV somewhere cheaper is easier and quicker, so you can live somewhere cheaply more easily.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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So the dream of living on a catamaran is starting to look like a reality. You hit the internet to read as much as you can about life aboard.

I get it. I for one was going to be ready for this big adventure and all the challenges that come with it. There was no way I was going to be caught unprepared. (Yea… right.)

Preparing for the Liveaboard Lifestyle

When we moved on our sailboat I quickly learned you have to experience this lifestyle to understand the challenges. It's been almost a year living full-time on our catamaran. So I decided to look at the day-to-day things that are different from our habits in land-based life. Many things we didn’t think twice about have a huge impact on our lives on the boat. Everything from water conservation, provisioning, cooking, cleaning, and adjusting to a small space.

Read the full story.

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Living on a Boat Full Time: What to Expect as a Liveaboard Cruiser

pin of sailboat sailing on the ocean with second sailboat on the horizon

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captain at helm looking through binoculars at horizon

12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Aboard

Before moving onboard, there were a lot of things I thought I knew about living on a boat full-time. Despite my research, I was only scratching the surface of what it’s like to live this lifestyle.

From the weather’s impacts to route planning and provisioning – traveling on the water is different.

After two years of living on a boat full-time, here are a few things I wish I had known before moving aboard.

1. There will always be things to fix.

You hear this all the time when talking to anyone about life on a boat. No matter what type of boat you have, it will need constant upkeep. When one thing gets fixed, three more will break.

woman crew member on top of sailboat mast

Like many first-time boat owners, we heard this over and over. Of course, it doesn’t hit home until you see the survey that details every last inch of issues. Or when you start living aboard a boat and experience first-hand the deterioration in a marine environment.

The good news is you can become a master of prioritizing your boat project to-do list.

Consider essential things versus cosmetic projects.
Look at safety versus nice-to-have updates.
Weight the time it takes to fix something versus the maintenance costs of it hiring out to a contractor or boat yard.

You can learn to improvise and create workarounds when you need to, and most boat owners ultimately become handy out of necessity. Over time you’ll recognize the importance of having a safe, operational vessel.

Oh, and when you finally fix the broken igniter on the oven after two years, it will be that much more rewarding.

Some of the best advice you’ll receive is this – if you try and fix it all, you will never leave the boat dock.

So, find the strength to accept the five-page to-do list and get out there and enjoy your boat. That’s what all boat owners are out there trying to do!

3. You need to be diligent with cleaning.

Living in a marine environment requires a substantial commitment to cleaning.

Before living aboard, I remember thinking – cleaning will be a breeze in such a small living space.

person using a microfiber towel to clean a counter top

Well, not really. Yes, it’s smaller, so tidying is quicker. But putting things in their place can sometimes be a challenge. Storing items with the marine environment in mind requires extra steps. Sometimes getting into storage areas is also inconvenient.

The key to keeping your boat tidy is storing the most often used items in places that are accessible.

Where cleaning is concerned, the marine environment creates obstacles different from land living.

Mold grows fast – even faster when the temperature drops and condensation is an issue.

Dirt comes in from every hatch and door that’s open. If you’re on a catamaran, dirt enters through a dozen hatches and a large cockpit door that’s usually open.

There’s also a load of areas that need special attention to keep clean.

the boat bottom
ground tackle
outside of the boat and the gel coat
fresh water tanks and black tanks
stainless steel

These areas are continuously affected by everything from corrosion to marine bottom growth. They need specific cleaning products and techniques to keep them in ship shape.

Besides your own research, ask around for helpful tips from fellow boaters. This will save you extra work and help you avoid surprises in the future.

4. It takes time to learn the boating world.

Learning to sail, maintain a boat, and live on a boat is not something you learn in a week or even a few months.

Lines on winches run to the helm of a sailboat

Some cruisers say it takes around three years to find your groove within the liveaboard lifestyle.

When you move aboard your first boat, you are pretty much learning a new way to live. Especially if you are jumping in with little previous boating experience.

All the boating things take time to master. Besides learning how to operate your boat, you have to learn how to live on it. Including but not limited to the below.

navigating and route planning
anchoring and docking
radio communication
regular maintenance (diesel engines, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
resource management (water, power, fuel)
provisioning

In each of these areas, there are things we are still working on. It takes time to develop skills. And in some cases, it takes a lot of experience in many different locations.

Learning these new skills is both challenging and exciting. It can also be a little scary. You are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone at every turn.

When you make a mistake, consider it one of many future valuable cruising lessons.

When you succeed, celebrate! Even the smallest victories are worthy of a sundowner toast when you live on the water.

5. You don’t need a big wardrobe onboard.

When I was planning to live aboard, a big project was downsizing my wardrobe. I prepared to cut my wardrobe down to about 20% while being meticulous in choosing what to bring on the boat.

oman standing on bow of catamaran in sailing clothes

I got rid of tons of clothes and only brought a small fraction of my previous wardrobe aboard. But I didn’t need even half of it.

Seriously, you don’t need many clothes on a boat. You just need the right clothes.

Determine a few types of comfortable items appropriate for the climate you intend to live or cruise – then you’re set. Once you find your “boat uniform,” you’ll wear it every day.

Sure, you’ll want things for the occasional night out or shore excursion. But a couple of mix and match pieces will do. And very casual is usually sufficient for the average cruiser. I find I have way too many dressier items (which aren’t even that dressy.)

Here are a few clothing items that I kept that I shouldn’t have:

casual clothing (shorts and tops) that are 100% cotton
more than one dress or other formal clothing
any leather
more than one pair of jeans
more than 4 or 5 swimsuits (find a few you love and ditch the rest)
bulky sweatshirts
more than 1 or 2 quality sun hats

With any good minimalist wardrobe, layering is essential. Identify items that are flexible enough to wear alone or under other things.

The capsule wardrobe concept is also a good idea on a boat. Research strategies behind these wardrobes and apply them to your closet on the water.

7. You’ll cook differently in the boat galley.

Before boat living, I would follow recipes to the exact ingredient. I wasn’t much for deviating from the formula. Then I moved on a boat where you rarely have precisely what the recipe calls for.

ramen meal in bowl topped with green onion, sesame seeds, and poached egg

When you start cooking on a boat, you will begin to find replacements or substitutes out of necessity. Maybe you don’t have room for fresh bell pepper in the fridge, so you opt to keep roasted bell pepper in a jar. Or you learn that having dehydrated milk is more efficient for cooking.

The canned goods aisle will become an area you explore the most on your journey to master the boat galley.

I never purchased canned mushrooms in my land-living days. Now, I keep a stockpile. Also, canned potatoes, anyone?

The more you cook, the more experimental you’ll become. When you travel to new places, you can find items at the local farmers’ market and give them a try too.

You’ll also discover that certain types of food are more comfortable to cook on a boat. I never cooked much Asian food on land but started experimenting with stir fry, curries, and homemade ramen onboard. Carrots and onions keep well, and you can throw just about anything in a stir fry.

We enjoyed the process of learning what works for cooking onboard. It’s also fun to start mastering things from scratch, such as homemade bread, pizza dough, yogurt, and broth.

9. You need to be flexible.

A well-known sailing adage is, plans are written in the sand at low tide.

woman relaxing in kayak on water beside beach

If you don’t do well with last-minute changes, you might not love this lifestyle.

Your plans will frequently change living on the water. Then they’ll change again and switch back. Sometimes we’ll change our route two or three times on the morning of departure.

Everything fluctuates based on weather, routing issues, boat issues, and plain bad luck. You may need to avoid a storm, pick up a spare part, or dock in a liveaboard marina for the season to take care of a health issue.

Traveling on the water, you’ll get more familiar with the idea of having a plan A, B, C, and sometimes even D.

Having many options is a way of planning while acknowledging you are in a fluid situation on a boat.

As you gain more experience, it will become more natural to accept changes. You might even find you’re immediately onto the next step when you hit an obstacle in your current plan.

A positive spin to this aspect of the lifestyle is you often end up in unexpected places. And sometimes, that’s not a bad thing. If you can roll with the punches, you’ll find appreciation in even the most unlikely plans.

10. Full-time cruising is a full-time job.

When you start cruising, friends and family might ask what you do all day. You’ll find this amusing. Because when you’re actively cruising, moving the boat regularly to new locations, THAT is what you are doing.

Sailboat jib line with captain at helm in background

Cruising on a boat is a full-time job and hard work. It includes route planning, watching the weather, performing maintenance, provisioning, managing resources, and more. Not to mention taking your shift at the helm. You are never without things to do, especially if you are living primarily on the anchor or a mooring ball.

You’ll often find you have to tell yourself to put boat chores on hold and enjoy the benefits of the lifestyle.

Although cruising is a lot of work, the good news is you are the boss. So when you find yourself worn out or short-tempered, consider giving yourself a break.

Slow down, and throw the timeline out the window. The best thing about this lifestyle is about the journey as much as the destination.

11. The cost of living can be high.

Even on a small boat, cruising and boat expenses can get out of control quickly if you don’t stick to a budget.

Boatyards and maintenance costs, liveaboard slip fees, boat insurance, and more will empty your bank account or boat cruising kitty. If you work from your boat, you may also need to spring for high-speed internet access so you can work from remote locations (Starlink has recently become more popular in the boating community).

Depending on where you’re cruising, food costs and other everyday items can also be very expensive.

If you’re thinking about living on a boat, do your research on the location you’ll be cruising in, whether it’s the east coast of the United States or the south pacific, and find the average costs of liveaboard marinas and boat insurance to cruise in that area.

Also, be aware that the insurance premium may cost more in certain areas, especially during the official hurricane or cyclone season (if the insurance policy even allows you to stay in the area).

Living on a Boat Full-Time: Is it Worth it?

If you are transitioning from a modern way of life, living on a boat will shake up your lifestyle. It’s an adventure that is entirely different from living on land.

boats in marina with pastel sky in background

My vision of what it would be like living on a boat and actually living on a boat are a far cry from each other. But nothing is ever as you imagine it.

If you’re up for the challenges, living on the water can be a unique and fulfilling lifestyle. From the skills you acquire to the places you visit and the people you meet – there’s no doubt cruising on a boat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Want to learn more about cruising full-time on a boat?

For more on finding the right boat, the cost of cruising, and learning how to live on the water, view our complete guide.

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5 Things No One Tells You About Living on a Boat

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

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Living aboard a catamaran

Making the Ocean your home, the waters your day and the horizon your only limit.

Living aboard a catamaran is always an adventure and it’s necessary to prepare it carefully, to be able to live it with passion. Whether you’re going on a year-long adventure or whether you wish to sail according to the sea and your desires for an indefinite period, life aboard a catamaran-type boat reserves its shares of questions, mysteries, and surprises.

Here are all my tips to make your living experience on board a successful one!

Olivié Pérétié , French journalist and writer, specialist in sailing.

Which boat to choose?

To make the most of your crossing and make it an adventure as rewarding as unforgettable, the choice of your boat is crucial.

Fast, stable, and spacious, with shallow draught allowing safe moorings close to the shores, catamarans will make real allies of choice for long ocean crossings, requiring comfortable, sturdy, and reliable boats.

For long sailings, the ideal is to prefer technical catamarans, designed for living on board. The elegant design of the Nautitech 40 Open and 44 Open , thanks to their large living areas connecting the cockpit and the saloon, offer real spaces of sharing conceived for community living. Their many rooms with lovely volume bathed in natural light guarantee the preservation of everyone’s personal space, while promising beautiful moments of sharing.

And if the comfort of the boat is an essential variable to live this adventure of life at sea in the best way, the reliability and performance of the catamaran as well as the safety on board are even more so. Because, whether you intend to go solo sailing, as a couple or with family and friends, you will only be fully comfortable if you are in full possession of the capabilities of a boat whose performance is no longer to prove and fulfill your requirements and needs. And if you combine daily comfort and real feeling at the helm.

You can then, depending on the size of your crew, the length of your trip and the amount of your budget, choose the ideal model for you.

Maneuvering and sailing

When you arrive on board, the size of a catamaran could be intimidating.

At equal length, these boats are two times larger than monohulls.

This feature could generate a bit of anxiety during the first maneuvers in port.

Because there comes that moment very quickly when, once the boatbuilder people have completed the handover, you must fend by yourself.

But the anxiety flies away in a blink of an eye. On board catamarans, having two engines generates serenity. Because the flow of propellers located closest to the rudders, at the very back of the hulls, could not be more efficient.

This feature gives a surprising maneuverability to these spacious boats. To the point that, it’s often easier to fit them into a berth than their single hull cousins. Thus, when the thrust of each engine is reversed, these large units make U-turns on the spot with the grace of ballerinas.

If each of their sterns is equipped with a platform ideally located at pontoon height, (like the Nautitech 44 Open), disembarking and boarding become as easy as pie, thus facilitating greatly the comings and goings during mooring maneuvers.

When access to the assigned space is tricky, the solution is to arrive in reverse and slightly oblique from the pontoon (thus presenting the “corner” of the boat first, hence the advantage of having the helms stations at the back of the hulls, the approach can be dosed to the millimeter).

Then, it is very simple to pass a warp from the rear cleat and harden it on the dock (or doubling it), and to push the opposite bow, using only the engine of the farthest hull.

All that remains is to fine-tune the mooring. Easy to perform by two crew, this maneuver can even be carried out alone without stress.

At sea the maneuvering of a catamaran benefits from the enormous advantage of a stable platform. Which doesn’t mean it doesn’t move! But the huge beam and the absence of heeling allow a middle-age couple as well as a family crew to stay relaxed when embarking for an ocean crossing. The couple aboard the Nautitech 40 Open El Gaucho set sail around the world without being able to justify a nautical experience comparable to that of Tabarly.

On board their Nautitetech 46 Open Kumbaya, the Dolley family uses less and less the electric winch they preferred to equip themselves (it greatly facilitates the hoisting of the mainsail when leaving the harbour): parents and teenagers got used to know how to sheet in or furl the solent, reef the mainsail, or hoist a Code Zero, without getting exhausted turning the winch handles.

Do not hesitate to widely bear away to furl the solent or the Code Zero. Offshore, you have all the space you need; thus, the apparent wind speed is considerably reduced. The distance lost is insignificant, but the effort required is much lower and the sails wear less.

For taking reef, the priority must also be to dodge fatigue. As the boat is not heeling, the only alerts are based on sensations and anemometer indications which should be monitored as soon as the weather is uncertain. It is of course mandatory to follow the sail reduction table provided by Nautitech.

Better yet, apply this unstoppable rule: as soon as you begin to wonder if you should take a reef, it is time to do it. Offshore, when you anticipate, you win. In making things easier (a reef taken before the rising wind requires much less sweat) and in providing serenity.

Another useful tip in ocean crossing: each time you reduce or make more sails, check the possible wear and tear of the mainsail halyard.

Food aboard a catamaran

Crucial issue if there ever was one.

After the first moments of possible unease or even nausea, the sea increases the appetite tenfold! And the incomparable advantages of catamarans, is that they allow the whole crew to sit at the dining table and take together the three main meals.

Especially on board the Nautitech: just like their interior saloon, their cockpit perfectly protected from the spray, rain and even the tropical blazing sun allows an almost complete vision on the horizon. It is therefore possible to eat while keeping watch.

Having fixed schedules for these three gastronomic rendezvous will help creating a good harmony on board.

It is generally taken for granted that the average energy requirement for a female adult reaches 2 200 calories per day, when a male adult needs 2 500 cal.

As physical exertion increases at sea, even on board a catamaran -if only to compensate for the movements of the boat- some specialists consider that it would be wise to retain the respective values of 2 600 and 3 000 calories. Keep in mind that this is average. Children needs are lower when those of teenagers are significantly greater.

To make your food supply, before even thinking about composing the menus over a week or more and to dose the intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats (by complying with the 421 cpf rule recommended by nutritionists, so for each meal, four servings of carbohydrates, two of proteins and one of fat), wisdom recommends asking everyone about their tastes and habits. Questions that will not be asked by families, generally aware of these preferences.

When the time comes to fill the supermarket trolleys, do not hesitate to plan big. To deal with any unforeseen event that would lengthen the planned crossing and because a catamaran offers large storage volumes.

If, as the Kumbaya family, there is a freezer on board, frozen meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits can be stored widely. And even dessert and ice cream! The refrigerator will preserve dairy products, drinks and other fresh food.

Do not forget that in the open air in the tropics, fresh vegetables and fruits will not last much more than five to ten days maximum. Provide suspended nets to place them. Finally, do not hesitate to take on board, in addition to classic preserves, self-heating dishes for those days when bad weather will deprive anyone of the desire to cook.

Provide plenty of drinking water. Even if there is a water maker on board. Even if the water from the tanks can be consumed, a solid reserve of bottled mineral water is never superfluous: well dosed in mineral salts, this water will taste good and will help everyone measure their hydration at sea. Two liters per day per person is a minimum.

Bearing in mind that if seasickness is rampant at the beginning of the crossing, sugar water is often the only food that its victim will agree to ingest… As for the total amount of water consumed daily, it will be necessary to monitor the use of the shower, so comfortable in catamaran… but which easily takes the consumed volumes well beyond ten liters per day.

Here is another definite advantage of catamarans.

These sailboats are equipped with two engines, which certainly increases the fuel consumption, but also safety.

And of course, they are sources of electrical energy production, thanks to their alternators.

But they should not be used to cover all the needs of everyday life.

Who wants to hear the engines purring three hours a day when crossing an ocean?

Before reviewing other potential sources of energy on board, it is therefore necessary to draw up the electrical balance of the catamaran. Here, the advice of Nautitech professionals will be valuable.

In the meantime, here are some useful benchmarks on the consumption of the devices on board. Knowing that most of the Nautitech owners on a long trip have chosen to keep a voltage of 12 volts for the electrical circuit, it is time to take a calculator and add up the needs of big consumers on board, those that operate twenty-four hours a day.

Count five amps on average for the autopilot, the refrigerator (up to ten for a freezer, depending of the quality of the insulation), and the chart plotter and the displays.

Add to that the intermittent devices:

Pressurized water (6 amps)
Computer (4 to 6 amps)
Radar (3 amps approx.)
Watermaker (1 amp. for each produced liter)
And possibly the washing machine (80 amps), very greedy, therefore, to use sparingly.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, you can decide that the electric winch (150 amps) will only work, like the windlass, with the engines on. Thanks to the LEDs, the consumption of the running lights, the deck projector and the interior lighting is much lower than it used to be.

Once the calculations are done with the universal formula:

P (in watts) = U (in volts) x I (in amps)-,

and the needs on twenty-four hours specified, you can choose the battery capacity. Bearing in mind that conventional lead-acid batteries age very quickly if they fall below 50 % charge, unlike lithium-ion modules, more compact, lighter but much more expansive. As an example, Kumbaya has an AGM battery park of 810 amps hour.

To charge these batteries, once again the advantage of catamarans is obvious. You can cover their large roof aeras with solar panels. Kumbaya’s have a power of 1 200 watts. However, given the grey days when the cells yield little and nights when they give nothing, adding a hydrogenator can be a very effective solution.

At eight knots, an average speed easily reached by the Nautitech, a device like this will cover most of the consumption on board.

As for the wind turbines, keep in mind two disadvantages: when crossing the oceans by the trade wind route, you sail most of the time on a broad reach (or even like Kumbaya, dead downwind, with the mainsail furled and wearing only a Parasailor hyper-stable spinnaker type), a point of sailing where the apparent wind is light.

As for anchorages, the best are often located along the leeward coasts, well sheltered from the wind…

The Diesel generator can then appear as the absolute answer to the needs of electrical energy. Surely.

With several reservations, however: in addition to its price, this equipment forces to carry the additional fuel necessary for its consumption. It therefore means extra weight. And generates -it is the case to say- possibly an additional concern: its maintenance is not always easy in remote islands.

Life aboard a catamaran

Whether travelling with family, friends or as couple, the crews of Nautitech catamarans all testify to a fact on which earthlings are often wrong: life offshore is both easier and more serene than in cabotage near the coast.

Because once the rhythm is set, the worries fly away.

All that remains is to make the most of a fluid time, with only night watches and daily meals as an appointment.

Thanks to the complete protection provided by the saloon-cockpit as well as the nacelle of the Nautitech, keeping watch is not a tiring task. Even less stressful. To the point that the Kumbaya family is keeping watch like that: parents are on watch during nighttime and children during daytime! Simply…

Reading, fishing, schooling, emailing (via an Iridium go satellite box), navigating, weather forecasting and seldom maneuvering, days and nights pass quickly. The AIS (Automatic Identification System) alarm warns of the approach of the ships. The autopilot is responsible for steering the catamaran.

All that remains is to monitor the wear and tear and maintain the boat. Take the opportunity to well recommend avoiding clogging the toilets, a much more frequent incident than you may think. This is why some crew refrain from depositing any sheet of toilet paper in the bowl…

Remember that offshore, we throw out our blackwaters into the sea. It is only near the coast and at anchor that the use of the holding tank is mandatory. As for the gray waters, care must be taken to use the least aggressive detergents possible.

Living at anchor

On a long catamaran trip, you will spend 80 % of the time at anchor (with long incursions into the marinas for possible repairs, health imperatives, even administrative formalities.)

You thus don’t hesitate to equip yourself with a good RIB tender with a reasonably powerful outboard engine (not too weak for the days when the wind is blowing hard nor too strong which will mean weight and consumption).

In aiming for nine to fifteen horsepower, you cover almost every needs. The catamaran offers again an advantage: hoisted on its davits between the two hulls, the tender benefits from a location that is as protected as functional.

Anchorage constraints are primarily linked to administrative formalities -clearance for official entry in the country, and later departure-, the need to replenish the stock of food, fresh water, and fuel, and to unload the garbage bags.

If the boat has been equipped with a dedicated antenna, you will be able to get the wifi on board, which is very useful to communicate.

For the rest, everything is happiness: snorkeling (or scuba diving for qualified people), windsurfing or paddling, sailing an inflatable dinghy and using all sorts of water games that this wonderful two-hulls nautical dwelling with impregnable view authorizes. Its volumes and spaces allow to carry a real panoply of nautical accessories.

Living aboard a catamaran is inhabiting the sea, exploring the land, and feeling as free as the air.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Catamarans are an excellent choice for living on the water. Modern catamarans are more spacious than monohulls and provide all the comforts of home.

In this article, we'll cover five of the best liveaboard catamarans available on the new and used market today. We'll also cover how to choose the best and most comfortable catamaran to live aboard.

The best liveaboard catamarans are the Manta 42, the Nautitech 44, the Voyage 44, the Privilege 435, the Elba 35, and the Lagoon 380. These vessels are seaworthy, comfortable, and ideal for long-term living.

We sourced the technical specifications of these vessels from maritime records and directly from sailboat manufacturers. We also considered the opinions of sailors who live aboard these vessels and others.

Table of contents

Living on a Catamaran

Living on a catamaran has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to living on a monohull sailboat. That said, most of the challenges of living aboard a catamaran are mitigated on larger and higher-quality vessels.

Catamarans feature two hulls placed side-by-side and connected by a deck. As a result, the cabins are split between the two hulls, and you may have to go outside to get to the other cabin. Thankfully, most modern cruising catamarans have a center cockpit that connects the two hulls and often features living spaces.

Some vessels have facilities (such as the galley and table) in one cabin and sleeping areas in the other. However, some catamarans have sleeping and cooking facilities in both hulls. The configuration you choose depends on how many people attended live aboard and what layout you prefer.

Catamarans offer superior stability and motion comfort, which is a big advantage when living aboard. Overall, conditions under sail and in the harbor are likely much better aboard a properly-proportioned catamaran.

How to Choose a Liveaboard Catamaran

What qualities make a catamaran ideal for living aboard, and how do you choose the best boat? Attributes such as size and interior layout are the most important, but others such as fit and finish and seakeeping abilities should also be considered.

The best liveaboard catamarans range in size between 30 and 50 feet, width 40 feet being the comfortable average. In general, vessels smaller than 30 feet simply lack the space to include a practical interior layout.

Interior Layout

Interior layout is largely a matter of personal opinion. The most popular liveaboard catamaran features a spacious center cockpit with access to both hulls. Master bedrooms are often found in the stern and the bow of each hull, with heads in between and a galley in the center cockpit. Some catamarans feature one or more additional settees, along with storage in all areas.

Tech and Convenience

The majority of monohull sailboats were produced between the 1960s in the 1980s. This isn't the case for catamarans, as their popularity is more recent. As a result, you're likely to find considerably more modern amenities aboard. Everything from autopilot systems to bathtubs are available aboard newer catamarans.

How Much does a Liveaboard Catamaran Cost?

Catamaran prices vary widely based on age, length, and overall quality. Older vessels cost anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000. Newer and more comfortable liveaboard catamarans generally start above the $100,000 mark and extend up to $500,000 or more.

Best Catamarans to Live On

We chose the following six liveaboard catamarans based on size, interior amenities, handling, and price. These vessels are popular amongst liveaboard sailors and make exceptionally comfortable floating homes both in port and at sea.

1. Manta 42

The first vessel on our list is an exceptional cruising catamaran that's also a comfortable place to live. The Manta 42 can be found on the used market, and it features great handling and a spacious cabin.

Unlike most catamarans, which are built overseas, the Manta 42 was produced entirely in the United States. The Florida-based company produced these vessels in the 1990s and 2000s, and they proved extremely popular with offshore cruisers.

The Manta 42 is known for its stability, hull strength, and speed. However, its cabin layout is also smart and livable. Most Manta 42s feature an asymmetrical cabin layout. The cabin has two heads located in convenient places; one on the port side across from a master berth and one on the starboard side, which is easily accessible from the cockpit. It features three berthing areas and one large sitting area, with seating and storage throughout.

The Manta 42 also has exceptional storage capacity. The vessel stores 125 gallons of fuel and a whopping 100 gallons of freshwater. It also has generous gray and black water tanks to service both heads and the galley sinks.

Overall, the Manta 42 is an excellent choice for cruising liveaboards. It's a fast, nimble, and safe vessel with ample headroom and space throughout the cabin.

Quick Facts:

42-foot overall length
Large master cabins
Built for long-term living and cruising
High storage capacity for fuel and water
High hull strength
American-built
Production ceased in the 2000s, so equipment may not be up-to-date

2. Nautitech 44

The Nautitech 44 is the obvious choice for the number two spot on our list. This well-known cruising catamaran has a unique Center cockpit design which makes it stylish and functional.

The futuristic cockpit of the Nautitech 44 allows the crew to enjoy ample ventilation even in wet conditions. This makes it ideal for living abroad in tropical climates where rain and heat often accompany each other.

Nautitech, which is a French company, continues to produce this model due to its popularity and excellent seakeeping abilities. Prices almost always exceed $100,000, both new and used, making it one of the costlier models on the list. For the price, you get a fine interior fit and finish along with the latest comforts and conveniences.

The Nautitech 44 is available in several cabin layouts. The most popular configuration features an expansive center cockpit with below-deck living spaces, along with three berthing areas and a galley. Additionally, most of these vessels feature a large master head and several smaller heads in each of the hulls. Access to each hull through the center cockpit is easy, and the headroom is excellent.

The Nautitech 44 is a fast boat, and it's great for offshore cruising. However, hull width was sacrificed for speed and handling. This means that the hulls are slightly narrower than some of the competition. That said, it doesn't seem to bother most Nautitech owners.

44-foot overall length
Large center cabin
All-weather control cockpit
Great ventilation
Ample room in the hulls
Wide hallways
Spacious heads
Excellent seakeeping abilities
Expensive on the used market
No open cockpit

3. Voyage 44

Here's a popular and spacious catamaran with some unique characteristics that make it ideal for living aboard. The Voyage 44 is a wide and stable multihull sailboat with a large center cockpit and an attractive interior layout.

The cabin of the Voyage 44 is modern and airy, taking advantage of light colors and thoughtfully designed furniture to make the most out of limited space. This is conducive to a pleasant living environment that's also easy to clean. The center cockpit also features a large, full galley.

The center cockpit stands out, as the voyage 44s exceptionally wide beam gives it plenty of room for tables, sitting areas, and other amenities. The windows let in plenty of light, in the cabin is completely weatherproof.

Below decks, the Voyage 44 features up to six separate heads and several sleeping areas. The master head, located in the bow, is one of the largest available on sailboats of this size range. The vessel features up to eight individuals sleeping areas, which is remarkable for a 44-foot boat.

The Voyage 44 is an excellent liveaboard catamaran due to its wide beam and extremely spacious living accommodations. Out of all the boats on this list, the Voyage 44 is likely the best value overall as it's relatively affordable. The Voyage 44 may be the perfect long-term liveaboard catamaran under 50 feet in length.

Unusually wide beam
Full master head with two showers
Very high speeds
Sturdy construction
Very large center cabin
Eight sleeping areas
May be too wide for some marina slips

4. Privilege 435

The Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 is a simple and elegant catamaran with a comfortable interior, smart design, ingrate offshore handling characteristics. This speedy vessel is constructed with some of the finest materials available, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. Behind the center cabin, the Privilege 435 features a strong fiberglass canopy to protect the crew from spray and son.

The majority of Privilege 435s on the market were built recently, so you can expect the latest navigation and safety equipment. Additionally, the vessel is efficient and includes amenities such as multiple heads, modern utilities, and easy access to the hulls through the center cabin.

The vessel features four separate bedrooms and enough bathrooms and showers for each person (or couple). The center Cabin is wide and features comfortable seating areas, along with a full galley with a stove and a fridge. Stepping inside the Privilege 435 is like stepping inside of a vacation house, and it feels purpose-built for long-term living.

The vessel is available in relatively high numbers, though its popularity means you're likely to pay top dollar. On the used market, the vessel sells for between $250,000 to $350,000 on average. This puts it on the upper edge of our price range. But for the price, you got a long-lasting and desirable catamaran that's ready to live aboard almost immediately.

The Privilege 435 is ideal for cruising liveaboards with families or sailors who need space for guests. The interior is very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. It has several great spaces for entertaining multiple people. On short-to-medium voyages, the Privilege 435 should be adequate for up to eight or more adults.

43-foot overall length
Full-size berthing areas
Large center galley and sitting area
Spacious interior
Large showers
Great offshore handling
Expensive, even on the used market

The Fountain Pajot Elba 45 is a modern and luxurious cruising catamaran with a high freeboard and all the living amenities you'd expect. It's a high-caliber vessel that sails as good as it looks, and it's still produced by the original manufacturer in Europe.

The Elba 45 has one of the largest center cabins of any catamaran in its size range. It features a large settee, a full galley, and access to both hulls. The cabin layout is flexible, and you can order one of several different designs. One of the most popular is the classic 'mirror' layout, where each hull has two master berthing areas, a V-berth in the bow, and two separate heads.

However, other versions are available with attached bathing facilities and additional room for storage, cooking, and other activities. One of the unique features of the Elba 45 is the addition of a V-berth bow. This berth connects directly to the master Beds, which makes for a unique but flexible sleeping arrangement.

If purchased new, the Elba 45 will set you back around $430,000 to $450,000. For the price, you get the latest technology and the finest interior and exterior materials. This is important in the long run as the best liveaboard catamarans should be built to last.

The fit and finish of this vessel are ideal for those looking for a luxurious living environment. Its accommodations are closer to that of a luxury yacht than a sailboat. As a result, the Elba 45 is a great place to live long-term and entertain guests.

45-foot overall length
Multiple layouts available
Luxury fit-and-finish
Four cabins
Six full-size berths
Luxurious amenities
Additional V-berths in bow
Highest build quality
Upper end of the price range

6. Lagoon 380

The majority of suitable liveaboard catamarans are over 40 feet in length. This is because it's difficult to fit comfortable accommodations in a smaller vessel. However, the Lagoon 380 is a notable exception. This 39-foot catamaran is one of the most comfortable vessels in its class, and it features a spacious interior and excellent design.

The Lagoon 380 is a newer vessel that features modern conveniences and adheres to high safety standards. Modern manufacturing techniques make this vessel stronger and easier to maintain than its older counterparts. Additionally, owners praise its sailing characteristics in both rough and calm weather.

The spacious center cabin features a full galley and sitting area with a notably wide walking room in between. It also boasts excellent visibility, which also increases the amount of natural light in the living areas. Additionally, the center cabin features easy access to the hulls, and the mirror layout provides comfortable accommodations for eight adults.

The interior space aboard the Lagoon 380 is almost indistinguishable from catamarans between 44 and 50 feet in length. The primary difference is that, instead of the traditional two heads per hull, the Lagoon 380 only features one. That said, the heads include a large shower and plenty of room to move around.

The Lagoon 380 is the perfect solution for sailors looking for big boat accommodations in a small package. Due to its shorter length, the Lagoon 380 avoids additional fees for docking and servicing vessels over 40 feet overall.

39-foot overall length
Full galley
Under 40 feet in length
High construction quality
Customizable options
Great handling
Fewer bathrooms than some similar vessels

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live on a Catamaran?

You have most likely watched one or two YouTube videos about living on a catamaran. You can sail to amazing destinations, immerse yourself in a wide variety of different cultures and answer the call of the sea.

The lifestyle is extremely appealing and conjures visions of exotic ports, soft ocean breezes and the sweetest of dreams. Before you decide to completely change your lifestyle, you need to be aware of the cost involved.

If you intend to live on a catamaran full time, your overall cost is between $3,000 and $12,000 per month. This is dependent on whether you are single, have a family, boat maintenance and the size, condition and age of your catamaran.

There are also numerous variables you need to consider such as your lifestyle, hobbies, the amount of time you spend traveling, your region and whether you spend most of your time in a marina or at anchor.

The Location

Your location will impact your cost. If you are in the United States, your cost is cheaper provided you’re choosing to anchor as opposed to using marinas. If you prefer an island in the Caribbean or the Bahamas, your cost increases significantly. This is because everything available on an island, such as food and spare parts, must be shipped in. Your best option is to stock up on everything you can including water before you leave the mainland.

Travelling by sailboat in the South Pacific is a lot more expensive than in South America. If you plan to cruise the South Pacific or the Mediterranian for at least six months, your cost will increase by roughly 50 per cent in comparison to numerous areas in the western hemisphere. Before you set sail, research your desired location to prepare yourself for the costs.

You need to take your lifestyle into consideration. If your lifestyle on land is considered extravagant, your cost to live on a catamaran will be at the higher end. If you are willing to make a few sacrifices, you can lower your cost considerably. Do you require premium foods and beverages? Will you be satisfied with the local cuisine or catching your own fish? Are you willing to pay extra for your local brands?

The amount you are currently spending on food will not change much. You can reduce your expenses by eating on your catamaran and only dining out occasionally. In addition to exploring the beaches and oceans, you will be spending time on land. Do you intend to spend time in hotels or sleep on your boat? A lot of people visit the Mediterranian specifically for the culture and food.

Keep in mind you can spend time enjoying the local culture without eating at expensive restaurants or purchasing costly souvenirs. Spending your time learning about the culture, meeting new people and socializing is not expensive. Yes, you will need to leave your boat, but the way you spend your time when you do will affect your costs. Are you willing to settle for inexpensive cuisine or do you require only the best?

Air Conditioning

Depending on where you live, you may be accustomed to having air conditioning. Do you require a catamaran with air conditioning? Will you be satisfied with the fresh air coming from wind scoops and keeping out the rain? Do you need air conditioning when you are sleeping? If you are traveling to a cool destination, this is not an issue. If you plan to sail to the hot and humid tropics, air conditioning will increase your costs to the higher end of the scale.

Marinas and Fees

Do you plan to spend a lot of time in a marina or will you be content at anchor. The more time you spend in a marina, the higher your costs. Depending on your catamaran, you will only need to be in a marina for two days for every 10 you spend at anchor. This is more than enough time to fill your fresh water tanks, pump out your black water tanks, connect to power to ensure your batteries are charged and do your laundry.

The majority of marinas provide laundry facilities. Do you plan to use them or send your laundry out for cleaning when in a marina? You also need to consider the marina fees. The costs differ for each marina and location. Your cost will be about 50 percent more for a catamaran than a monohull. Your average cost per night is between $1.25 and $3.00 per foot. If you have a larger boat, your cost per foot can increase.

If you are staying for a minimum of six nights, your cost will decrease. You need to include these costs in your budget. Do you plan to purchase a catamaran enabling you to live off the grid? If so, all you need to do is plugin, get recharged, clean up and head back out. You may have no choice other than a marina when there is a tropical depression or the weather turns bad. You can save money by avoiding certain regions during cyclone and hurricane season.

Living at Anchor

Living at anchor is often called boondocking or living off the grid. This is when you do not have access to water, electricity or sewer. If you intend to save money by living this lifestyle, you need to be prepared. This means making certain you have enough electricity and water and big enough tanks for your sewage until it can be properly dumped.

The available solar power must be enough for your lifestyle. Your batteries must be able to store the power you require. Consider how often your generator will be running. This will require plenty of fuel and increase your expenses. Before you proceed, you need to decide exactly how you plan to live, make the necessary preparations and ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses.

Do you plan to drink while you are cruising? If you are on a budget, limiting your alcohol consumption will save you a lot of money. You can also drink what the locals prefer as opposed to an expensive import. The cost of alcohol depends on your location. In some areas drinking in a restaurant or bar is significantly cheaper than drinking on your catamaran. Your lifestyle will determine how much you spend on alcohol.

Maintenance and Repairs

One of your biggest expenses will be maintenance and repairs. Your boat will take a lot of abuse. The more you sail, the higher your maintenance costs. Do you plan to purchase a new boat or will you be satisfied with an older model? Maintenance and repairs will cost you less for an older catamaran. Approximately 10 percent of your cost per year will be for maintenance and must be included in your budget.

Repairs are simply a part of living on a catamaran. Do you have the knowledge and skill necessary to make some or all of the repairs yourself? If you pay for repairs, your cost will depend on the region you are in. If you budget for more than you spend, the extra money can always be used for your budget next year.

Water Makers vs Water Tanks

Do you plan to purchase a catamaran with a water maker or a water tank. If you do not intend to visit a marina often, consider purchasing a water maker. Your cost will be between $8,000 and $10,000. Your water maker will require electricity for the pump necessary to force the water through the filters. Will your water maker require a generator or run off solar power?

If you intend to use fresh water tanks, you will need a way to capture the rain. You can purchase a boat with a trough system. This will enable you to capture and divert rainwater. You can also purchase a catamaran with its own system. Your costs will be affected by your choice.

Sewage Tank vs Composting Toilet

You need to give some thought to sewage. If you are far enough from land, your sewage can be dumped acceptably and safely due to the size of the ocean. In many regions, you will be unable to dump your sewage when you are within a certain distance of the mainland or an island. You do not want to dump your sewage when at anchor because it will affect anyone diving around your boat and can wash up on the local beach. You need to determine how often your tank will need to be dumped.

One of your options is a composting toilet. You can use this type of toilet for a significantly longer period of time before you have to dump. If your catamaran does not already have one, consider having it installed. Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve. Despite this, you should be able to get used to it fairly easily. A lot of sailors claim there is less odor from a composting toilet than an electric model.

Hobbies and Activities

You need to decide what you want to do during your free time. You will not always be sailing, cleaning your boat or repairing your catamaran. Even though working on your boat will require a lot of time, you will have plenty of free time as well. Are you interested in snorkeling, scuba diving, free diving, hiking, surfing, exploring, touring, paddle boarding, fishing, kiteboarding, writing or reading? You need to figure out the cost of your hobbies and activities and include it in your budget.

Sailing vs Motoring

The advantage of sailboats as opposed to power boats is you can sail or use the motor. You will need to use your motor at certain times due to the currents and weather patterns in the region. You need to be aware of the weather for each season in the region you have chosen to sail and plan ahead. A good example is the extra fuel you will burn due to heavy winds.

You will be able to sail more, motor less and save a lot of money if you are patient and do not enforce any deadlines. You need to have an idea as to how often you will be using your motor to plan for the expense of your fuel. Your costs will also be affected by the season in which you are visiting the region.

Rental and Touring Vehicles

Although touring is considered a hobby, it is often classified as a special item. If you plan to visit an area with incredible on-shore excursions, you need to be sure you have enough money in your budget to cover the expense. The last thing you want is to sail to an area you have been dreaming about only to discover you do not have enough money to participate in most of the activities.

Depending on the area, you may need to budget for a rental car and a place to stay. If you plan ahead, you will not be forced to remain on your catamaran when there places you want to visit, cuisine you have been looking forward to trying and cultures you want to spend some time exploring.

Type of Catamaran

Your cost will be affected by the size, age, condition and type of catamaran you decide to purchase. The difference in cost for a catamaran a few years older is in the thousands. If you are handy consider buying a boat that requires a little work. Look at the condition of the boat including the sails, dingy and electronics. If you purchase a catamaran in the Caribbean you will pay an average of 10 to 15 percent less than purchasing the same boat in the United States.

If you do not have the funds to purchase your catamaran upfront, you can get the same type of financing you would with a car or home. Every company has different qualifications and interest rates. The amount of your downpayment and interest rate depend on numerous factors including your FICO score and the age of the boat. The interest rates are consistently changing.

Your best option is a lender specializing in marine loans. In most cases, you should be able to secure a decent rate. Make certain the lender you do business with is reputable, and check the clauses as you want a lender who allows you to take your boat into international waters.

10 Reasons to Live on a Catamaran

All over the world, people are searching for ways they can escape the rat race. Several significant world events have undoubtedly made people think about how they want to live, and what they want out of life. For many, living on a catamaran and traveling the world represents freedom and adventure. But for others, it’s the sense of relaxation that can be found on the high seas.

If you’ve ever thought there must be more to life, perhaps it’s time to get out and explore. This article looks at 10 fantastic reasons to live on a catamaran. Are you ready to discover whether catamaran life is for you?

See the world

Arguably the most exciting part of Catamaran Life is the ability to travel anywhere you like (within reason). Of course, there is a bit to learn about traveling the world by boat. You need to monitor weather conditions carefully and arrange places to moor your boat while visiting. You must also ensure you have all the necessary travel documents to enter overseas waters.

However, the forward planning isn’t too cumbersome, and once you’ve traveled to a few different places, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Imagine visiting picturesque bays and beaches all over the world. Or arriving at a coastal town, ready to disembark and take in the local sights.

If you’ve got a thirst for fun and adventure, or you like to take it easy and cruise the world by sea, living on a catamaran is a great way to do it.

Live with fewer possessions

It’s fair to say that minimalist lifestyles are again in the spotlight. Even the possession-focused Western world is starting to embrace a simpler way of living . With costs of living increasing and financial turmoil in various parts of the world, many people are cutting back on expenditure, which often means fewer possessions. Catamaran life will suit you perfectly if a minimalist lifestyle appeals to you.

When you live in one location, it’s natural to accumulate belongings. On a catamaran, however, space is limited. Don’t worry, you won’t be cramped with no room to move. Catamarans are actually very spacious. But you must carefully consider how many material belongings you have. When you think of safety equipment, clothing, food, and other essentials, there’s not much room for those less important possessions.

Owning a catamaran can generate income

Catamaran life is enriching, but we must be clear that costs are involved. You’ll need to budget for repairs and maintenance, new equipment, and any expenses you may encounter when traveling to different parts of the world. Then you have your ongoing living expenses and potentially mooring costs if you stay in one place for a while.

However, owning a catamaran can generate income too. Many people choose to reduce the cost of ownership by joining an ownership program or putting their vessel into charter management.

Naturally, using your boat to generate income means that you can’t use it for parts of the year.

But if you’re planning for the future, buying a catamaran and putting it into charter management for a few years before you sail is a terrific way to offset the purchase cost.

Catamaran Guru helps people realize their dreams of yacht ownership, so if you’re considering a switch to catamaran life, they’re a great resource.

Connect with the natural world

For many people, it’s essential to feel connected to the natural world around them. In fact, most people enjoy all that the outside world offers, such as sunlight and fresh air, which have numerous health benefits . But it’s the spiritual side of embracing nature that appeals to a lot of people.

You don’t need to be an environmentalist or feel a deep connection with nature to reap the rewards of catamaran life.

The fact that you’ll spend time outside in the sun and fresh air will do wonders for your health. You’ll likely feel much more relaxed, enjoy life more, and be happier, not to mention the amazing natural wonders you can see, such as snorkeling in pristine waters or heading onto land for a stroll along beautiful coastlines.

Experience more freedom

The quest for a life of freedom is something that eludes most people. However, in recent times, people en masse are prioritizing time for themselves. There has been a significant shift in workplaces, for example, where people want more work-life balance, even the opportunity to work from home.

So, it’s hardly surprising that people also consider alternative lifestyles such as sailing or traveling in caravans. This desire for more freedom is strong, and it’s something that catamaran life offers in spades.

Suppose you’re fortunate enough to have remote employment (a phenomenon that has grown considerably since Covid). In that case, you can even enjoy living on a catamaran while still working. It’s certainly no longer just a lifestyle for the wealthy and retired, with people of all ages discovering a more free way to live.

Escape the noise of city life

Plenty of research has been conducted over the years about the effect of noisy city life on our psychological well-being. The hustle and bustle of life on land can be highly stressful and, most of all, loud. While it’s not fair to say that noise causes mental health problems, some evidence suggests that exposure to excess noise can increase the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Even if your mental health remains strong while living in the city, not many people can honestly say they love the noise. The noise can be overwhelming, from the sounds of public transport and other vehicles to the increased volume when large groups of people get together.

So, if you’re not a fan of noise and want some peace and quiet, there’s no better place than out on the open water.

Everybody can learn to sail

When you think about sailing or living on a boat, you’d be excused for thinking you need vast experience with boating. Of course, some knowledge and a desire to learn more are essential, but you don’t need to be an experienced sailor to switch to catamaran life.

In addition to being yacht brokers who help people find boats, Catamaran Guru also offers sailing training. So, if you’re considering living on a catamaran and don’t know where to start, these guys are your one-stop shop.

Everybody can learn to sail, no matter your age or experience. So, don’t be put off because you haven’t spent much time on the water. There’s no better way to learn than to get right into it.

You can start planning at any time of life

As we mentioned, there are many different ways to purchase a catamaran. You can buy it outright if you have the means. You may sell your home on land and put the money into a boat. Alternatively, you can consider shared ownership, where you have access to the vessel for a set amount of time each year, and all owners share expenses for maintenance.

Alternatively, you may like to start planning well in advance. You can purchase a catamaran, put it into charter management, and it will generate income for you. You’ll also get access to your boat and others throughout the year to ensure you can still dip your feet in the water, so to speak.

So, when you’re ready to live on your catamaran, you’ll have some sailing experience, and your charter income will have partly paid for your vessel.

Read also: Adventures to take in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond

Improved personal relationships

Living on a catamaran with people you love is a great way to strengthen family bonds. Countless people have raised their children while traveling the world on yachts.

And while you might think it would be difficult living in such close quarters, most families find a way to manage. Rather than getting on each other’s nerves, personal relationships become stronger while living at sea.

Not only do you have some incredible shared experiences along the way, but you also learn so much more about each other. This increased understanding and closeness can solidify a family unit and improve personal relationships in a way that few other lifestyles can offer.

Reduced stress

Finally, we can’t forget about the stress factor of modern life. We already touched on how busy city life can get, and that’s just one of the many stressors placed on people in the contemporary world. Consider family life, relationships, employment, raising children, and coping with cost of living pressures – there’s stress everywhere. Needless to say, stress is terrible for our physical and mental well-being.

While living on a catamaran still presents challenges, the level and frequency of stressful situations are typically far lower than expected. You might deal with rough weather or irritating equipment issues. You may need to change your plans at short notice. You may have budgetary concerns and need to adjust your lifestyle for periods. But all of these things can be managed easily, and overall you should enjoy a much more stress-free life when living on a catamaran.

In conclusion, living on a catamaran offers a myriad of benefits that can enhance your life in remarkable ways. From the freedom to travel the world and connect with nature to the opportunity to live a minimalist lifestyle and generate income, the allure of catamaran life is undeniable.

Escaping the noise and stress of city life, strengthening personal relationships, and experiencing a sense of adventure and relaxation are just a few of the reasons why more people are considering this unique lifestyle.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the world while enjoying a simpler, more fulfilling way of living, perhaps it’s time to set sail and embrace the beauty and wonders of sailing and catamaran life.

Keep reading:

Sailing Across the Atlantic Ocean
Living on an RV vs Living on a Boat

Estelle Cockcroft is one of the foremost experts on large catamaran sailing, living, buying, and selling in the world. She has traveled more than 70,000 nautical miles of remote waterways, explored 45 incredible countries, and, as Catamaran Guru Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and President, brokers dozens of catamaran transactions each year and manages the company’s $40M+ annual revenue. Estelle shares her passion for sailing through her blog on the Catamaran Guru website and as a qualified Royal Yachting Association captain and American Sailing Association instructor.

16 Most-Common Boats People Live On Full-Time (With Pictures)

Living on a boat all year long may seem like a fantasy. Something to think about, but that doesn’t actually happen.

This is incorrect.

It is estimated that there are thousands of people who live on boats full time.

Here are the most popular types of boat people use for full-time living .

Table of Contents

3 Sailboat Types People Live On Full-Time

A sailboat, as you probably know is a boat that is propelled almost entirely by wind using large sails mounted to the deck.

There are many types of sailboats. Not all are available to be lived on as they can sometimes be quite small.

The sailboat can be an ideal liveaboard vessel for most types of water. There are also multiple types of sailboats that you could liveaboard.

Common Types of Sailboats For Full-Time Living Include:

Sloops are sailboats that only have one single mast and two sails. These are called a foresail and a mainsail.

A foresail can also be called a headsail or a jib.

These sailboats are often ideal for one to two sailors to live aboard. They are also able to be handled by a solo person. This can be ideal if you plan to live alone, or with only one other person.

A Cutter is similar to a Sloop but has an additional sail between the headsail and the mainsail.

This additional sail can add versatility to the vessel and can allow for more options for different wind conditions.

Like the Sloop, these are small and fast and are good for one to two people.

3. Ketch or Yawls

Both a Ketch and a Yawl are two-masted sailboats. They have a main mast that is set forward and a shorter mizzen mast set backward.

The difference between a Ketch and a Yawl is where their mizzenmast is placed. A Yawl has the mizzen mast placed behind the rudder post where the Ketch has the mizzen mast placed ahead of the rudder post.

Why Choose A Sailboat Over The Other Types?

Sailboats may not sound like a good choice for a liveaboard boat, but they offer many advantages. During calm waters, or even while docked, The open decks offer additional living space for enjoying the outdoors.

Sailboats are often equipped for overnight journeys and their cabins can be quite luxurious. They can offer sleeping arrangements, storage space and other necessities for comfortable living.

Sailboats can also come equipped with an engine that can assist with docking or getting somewhere when the wind just won’t cooperate.

Sailboats are also quiet and ideal for those who just want to be out on the water without the roar of an engine. This is important to consider when you are going full-time.

They are efficient on fuel and you are able to go much farther on a sailboat than a boat that relies on an engine and gas.

Even though a sailboat’s cabin has living space, it can be one of the more cramped below deck options. Living on a sailboat is more ideal for those who would rather spend a larger portion of their time outdoors.

Like anything with a sail, you will want to make sure you know what your clearance is in case you come across any bridges.

2 Popular Double-Hull Catamaran Types

A double-hulled catamaran is a watercraft that has two parallel hulls that are equal in size. Because a multi-hull vessel has a wide beam, which is the width at its widest point, it has more stability than that of a mono-hull vessel, like a sailboat.

A sailboat gets most of its stability from its keel, which is the fin-like structure fixed to the bottom of the hull.

Catamarans are very popular when it comes to full-time living on a boat . This is because they are very stable and they tend to be more steady.

Did you know that catamarans are less likely to cause seasickness? Here’s an article we wrote that explains exactly why catamarans are the optimal choice if you suffer from motion sickness.

Types of Catamarans Include:

1. Cruise Catamarans

These are often referred to as luxury catamarans. They are built for speed and can come with additional motors.

These types of vessels are ideal when getting to your new destination is more important than the journey itself.

Most often cruise catamarans are designed to be ferries, but there are some that hold similar aspects of a luxury yacht. The only difference between a personal cruising catamaran and a yacht would be the number of hulls.

2. Sailing Catamarans

Used almost solely for recreational purposes, sailing catamarans are for those who wish to experience life at sea.

Depending on the type of sailing catamaran you purchase, you might be looking at more living space on the deck instead of inside the hulls. This is because some sailing catamarans are built for racing across the water and smaller hulls allow them to travel quicker.

Why Choose A Catamaran For Full-Time Living?

Catamarans have less hull volume, but they more than make up for it in increased deck space.

Most catamarans allow for enclosed cabin space in each hull as well as on the deck. This gives a person more privacy and space than a single hull vessel.

Again, privacy is extremely important when you are setting off on a boat full-time.

The design of the multi-hull is also good to keep out noise from engines if you have one. Because the engine is often placed in the middle, neither hull is immediately next to it. Unlike a single hull vessel where the engine is situated on the back and can often disrupt quiet living conditions.

Some potential issues with life on a catamaran include size and storage. If you plan to dock your catamaran into a marina, it is sometimes required you buy two slips due to the size.

They are also often more expensive because it is more comparable to crafting two boats than it is to craft one.

Triple-Hull Catamarans

A triple-hull catamaran, or also called trimaran, is a multi-hull vessel that is made up of the main hull with two smaller outrigger hulls. These are sometimes called floats or amas.

The floats are attached to the main hull with lateral beams.

These offer even more stability than the catamarans do and can be more lightweight.

Popular Types of Trimarans Include:

1. Large Cruiser

The large cruiser trimaran is very similar to the cruising catamaran. They both have their salons on the main deck, but large cruising trimarans also have room for sleeping cabins in the amas.

There are even some larger versions that offer a flybridge that allows for additional social areas.

These boats travel quickly and offer a wide variety of comforts.

2. Race Cruisers

While these cruisers do not have as much space in the amas as the large trimaran cruisers, they still offer on deck salons that can be used for around the clock living.

The main purpose of these vessels is speed or racing, and they will often reach their destination long before their single or double-hulled counterparts.

Why Choose To Live On A Trimaran?

The main reason to live on a trimaran is stability!

If you want to ensure you are as stable as possible on all types of water, a trimaran might be for you. A great option if you are bringing kids along of if you are prone to seasickness. In that case, you won’t last long on the boat if it’s swaying too much.

These vessels offer similar luxuries to the catamaran with the potential for more speed.

Depending on which type of trimaran you go with, you might be looking at less living space in the hulls.

You will also likely find that trying to dock one in a marina is more expensive than if you were to have a mono-hull vessel. Just like the catamaran, their construction is also more expensive making them a larger investment than the other options.

Popular Sport Fishing Boats People Live On

Fishing boats often come with an abundance of amenities that are used while fishing. These include things such as large coolers, specially designed chairs, in-deck fish boxes, and even fishing rod holders.

But, fishing boats can offer you much more than just a place that is tailor-made to fish. These boats can also be great liveaboard boats that allow you to live and enjoy your favorite pastime: fishing!

Types of Fishing Boats Include:

Motor Yacht & Fishing Boats

These types of boats are very similar to the other types of powerboats or yachts that you can encounter, with a few minor changes.

These boats are generally closed bow boats with a high cockpit. They include gunnels that are designed for wiring fish.

They often have oversized windshields that are designed with visibility in mind.

Why Live In A Sport Fishing Boat?

These boats can also offer you spacious room above and below deck for living full time. Some come with staterooms, full kitchens, oversized galleys, showers, and convertible sleeping accommodations.

Depending on the type that you get you could sleep three or more people per vessel.

One disadvantage to this type of boat is that there is not a lot of on deck lounge areas, as these are reserved to be utilized for fishing.

If you do not mind sitting out on the top of a bow than this should not be an issue.

They are also quite tall you will want to make sure you know what your clearance is for things such as bridges.

Trawlers People Live On

Trawlers are pleasure boats that have a resemblance to fishing trawlers. They often have a semi-displacement hull instead of a full displacement hull used by most fishing trawlers.

These boats have wide hulls, less draft, and hard chines. A hard chine means that there is little rounding in the front of the hull and is often a harder angle. These boats can have single or twin engines depending on need.

Types of Trawlers Include:

Live Aboard Trawler

The liveaboard trawler will be your best bet for full time living. These boats often have space on the front of the bow, and possible space at the stern for being outdoors.

They are normally manned from the inside and generally offer much more indoor space than outdoor space.

They are tough boats that were built to take some banging around if need be. They are meant to handle long distances and deep-sea conditions.

Most trawlers are on the older side but you can still find some companies that are coming out with new models today.

Why live on a Trawler?

Trawlers have many advantages for living. They have wider hulls than your typical sailboat, which allows for a more spacious interior. This allows for more people to move around comfortably in the living areas as well as the luxuries mentioned above.

You will be able to dine and entertain in style with large kitchens that can offer full-sized or close to full-sized appliances, plenty of seating space, sound and entertainment systems, and high levels of storage space.

With more space, also comes more comfort. They can offer entertainment areas both above and below deck and they even sometimes come with more than one.

These boats are stable and allow for easy access on and off the vessel. They also have less draft than other boats allowing them into shallower waters than boats with larger hulls, such as sailboats.

You also don’t have to worry about overhead clearance with these as you might with a sailboat or tall fishing boat.

Their engines are, however, noisy and consume a lot of fuel. They will require more maintenance than other vessels including inspections, tune-ups, and cleaning.

Yachts Used For Full-Time Living

There are many different types of boats that can fall under the “yacht” category. Technically a yacht is any watercraft that is used for pleasure that is over 23 feet long. However, generally, a boat is not classified as a yacht until it is at least 39 feet long.

Yachts can also be motor-powered or sailed. For the purpose of this article, we will assume each option in the yacht section is motor-powered because we have already gone over sailboats.

Types of Yachts Include:

1. Cabin Cruisers

A cabin cruiser is often a luxury vessel that ranges between 25 to 45 feet long, is motor-powered, and allows for accommodations for its passengers and potential crew.

These vessels are often equipped with a head (toilet), galley (kitchen), dining area, and berth (bed or other sleeping accommodation).

Amenities can range wildly depending on your vessel. But you might be equipped with hot water, air conditioning, or power generators.

Cabin cruisers offer very similar luxuries as a larger yacht, but on a smaller scale and for a smaller price.

2. Large Yachts

A yacht is classified as a large yacht when it is over 80 feet long. These often have higher standards for construction and can have certain specifications depending on their designation.

A large commercial yacht can generally not hold more than 12 passengers. A large private yacht should be used solely for the pleasure of the owners and guests and are generally not available to be chartered if owned by someone for recreational use.

These yachts have very similar luxuries to the cabin cruiser, just on a much higher scale.

3. Super or Mega Yacht

A superyacht, or mega yacht, is a large yacht that ranges from 80 feet to over 590 feet. These are professionally crewed vessels that cater to their guests in all aspects of the journey.

Unlike large yachts, superyachts can be available to charter. Depending on the owner of the yacht, or the particular journey, they might put emphasis on comfort or speed.

These yachts can be found most often in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

These boats can have luxuries such as swimming pools, water toys, other boats, and even helicopters.

Why live On A Yacht?

Yachts are one of the most luxurious options for liveaboard boats, but they come at some of the highest costs.

The boats will make you feel like you are living in a luxurious mansion or upscale hotel with many available luxuries. These include multiple staterooms, heads with full-size showers, living room and entertainment areas, gourmet kitchens, and even media rooms.

They can include large decks, pools, hot tubs, bars, and other amenities that will make you feel like you aren’t on a boat at all.

Another advantage to living full time on a luxury yacht, if you can afford it, is a staff that can do everyday things like cook, clean, and even fix you a drink.

If you choose to go out on the water, you will most likely even have a captain and crew do the work for you so that you can just sit back and relax.

The biggest downfall of the yacht, or luxury yacht, is the price. This does not only include the purchase price, but the upkeep, staff salaries, and provisions needed to maintain the luxurious lifestyle expected on such a vessel.

These also often cannot be moored in a standard marina and you will have to find a designated yacht club to moor your vessel.

Popular House Boat Types For Full-Timers

If you want to live out on the water, but you do not need to move or go anywhere, you might want to consider a houseboat.

While it is possible to own a houseboat that can travel, it is often slow and costly.

Most houseboats are moored in one place and not motorized. They are also often tethered to the land to allow for utilities.

Depending on the type of houseboat you are looking for you can expect different types of features.

1. Canal Style Houseboat

A canal style houseboat is often long but not wide and is situated in a canal. These are very popular in Amsterdam and other places that feature wide canals through cities.

These houseboats can have features that include but are not limited to garden features, open decks, multiple windows, sliding glass doorways, and other outdoor amenities.

These boats are generally about the size of a single-wide mobile home. This allows them to stay in the canal without being in the way for other boat traffic.

2. Pontoon Style Houseboat

A pontoon-style houseboat is simply a pontoon with large enclosed living space on the deck.

Some of them feature deck space on either side and even deck coverings. These boats also often have a multitude of windows in the cabin space, which allows for an all-around view for anyone inside.

These boats may also feature a second floor.

3. Floating Home Houseboat

Some of the most immobile houseboats are simply floating homes.

These can be moored off the coast of an island, near the shoreline of a lake or ocean , off large docks that feature other houseboats for neighbors, in the middle of a lake, or even in a marina that is made for and caters to houseboats.

These houseboats often have large windows, deck spaces, and even multiple floors or wraparound porches.

A floating houseboat is simply a home that resides on water instead of land.

4. Leisurely Houseboat

These houseboats are often ones that are not moored in place and are instead designed to move around at a leisurely pace.

These boats are almost entirely made with a small perimeter of balustrade around the exterior.

They also often feature a large deck on top. This deck could be either covered or uncovered.

Even these boasts could be more than one story, despite their ability to move.

Why live on a Houseboat?

Houseboats are ideal vessels for people who want to keep the luxuries afforded from standard living, while also living on the water.

Houseboats can be cheaper than waterfront property and can make them ideal for all year living while still being on the waterfront. However, this is not true everywhere, so you will want to make sure you look at all your options.

These boats offer a variety of amenities that you would find in any standard house.

They are much more likely to have the basic needs and utilities that most people are used to and are comfortable with than the other styles of onboard living vessels.

Houseboats that are moored in a marina or other areas where houseboats are common can also allow you to be a part of a strong community of similarly minded people.

You can also do away with pesky land chores like lawn care.

Where To Moor Your Boat

Where to moor your boat will also be a decision.

You can moor it in a liveaboard marina so that you have more utilities and luxuries, or you can spend less money to moor in a mooring bay or harbor. This choice will affect not only your cost but your comfort level as well.

Mooring in a bay normally means no electricity hook-up or hot water. You will also have to take a dinghy back and forth every time you want to go from your home to shore. This can get quite annoying if you are also ferrying people, pets, groceries, or other supplies.

Liveaboard marinas are also hard to get into.

They often have waiting lists that can go on for years. If you choose to live in a liveaboard marina, make sure you have a spot, before you invest in a boat.

Test It Out Before Going Full-Time

Lastly, you will want to make sure you can handle this particular lifestyle. It’s not always easy and it is a big investment and a big change of lifestyle.

Before you set off for full time living on a boat you need to test it out.

One of the best ways to know if this lifestyle will work for you and your family would be to try it out first. There are ways that you can rent houseboats for a trial period that might give you a better picture of what you will be looking at in terms of change.

Living on a boat is a very minimalistic lifestyle that not everyone is suited for. But, if you are the type of person who loves adventure and fantastic views, who don’t need to be loaded down with material things or fine luxuries, living on a boat might just be the lifestyle for you.

Should I Live On a Boat?

Now that you know you have options out there, you are probably wondering if this is the proper life path for you.

No matter what type of boat you choose it is bound to be an adjustment and there will be many decisions that will need to be made.

These decisions include what type of boat to get, where to moor it, and whether or not you can handle the lifestyle.

What type of boat to get can depend on a large number of factors. You will want to take lifestyle into consideration. Depending on if you want to move around or stay in one place that will make an impact on the type of boat you choose.

Once you determine the type, you also have to determine size.

This will depend on how many people you intend to live with and how comfortable you are in cramped spaces.

You do not want to be constantly moving out of the way anytime anyone needs to move to a different area of the vessel if that’s not what you are comfortable with. Especially not when you are planning on staying on the boat full time.

Think of a lifetime of sitting on the edge of a booth at a restaurant and always having to move to let people out. This is what drives people to

Budget is also the main component of your liveaboard adventure. You will need to factor in the cost of the boat, the cost associated with where to moor it, the cost associated with running the vessel, and the cost associated with maintenance.

These expenses can quickly add up so you will want to make a budget and stick with it.

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Articles and Guides

The Best Boats to Live On Full Time

14th feb 2023 by samantha wilson.

Choosing to live on a boat is a big and exciting step. Yet leaving behind the comforts of bricks and mortar (and the space they offer) for a more unorthodox lifestyle is something that more and more people are choosing to do. With the increased cost of living, especially in big cities, as well as the trappings of daily life, there is an increasing number of people who are opting to simplify their lives and move onto the water. We have looked at the pros and cons of living on a boat in a previous article, but here we take a look at the different styles of liveaboard boats and the best boats to live on year round.

So what are the options when it comes to living on a boat? From static houseboats to easily movable sailboats and a whole lot in between, the options are getting more creative, designer-led and spacious.

Ultimately, you can live on almost any boat. You might find it cramped, but it’s doable. Much of the decision will come from how you want to live, whether you’re looking to stay on a residential mooring in a water community close to your place of work and social life, or sail the seven seas (or the option to do both).

Types of Liveaboard Boat

The classic sailboat comes in all manner of shapes and sizes. They are the essence of ocean-going freedom, economical both in their purchase price and travel costs (wind power is free!), and ready for adventure. Finding a berth is usually easy and affordable, or they can be easily moored on anchor. On the downside, sailboats lack space, and many smaller models won’t have showers or hot water. You’ll need to consider size carefully, both for operational reasons – can you sail it single-handedly if needed? – but also keep in mind that running costs rise with size.

Economical both to buy and maintain
Finding a berth is easier than for larger houseboats
It can be moved easily or sailed around the world
Space is limited for both people and equipment
They can lack the mod cons of larger houseboats

The Best Sailboats to Live on

Whether you’re 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 much-loved Catalina 38 sloop was in production from 1978 to 1999 and so there are many of these models on the used boat market. They make for a comfortable boat for a couple to live on, with plenty of well thought-out features from electrical outlets to a compact but well-equipped galley. Space will always be tight, but for a cozy cruiser bound for adventure the Catalina 38 is a great choice.

Another classic sailboat that has its origins in the 1970’s is the Hunter 33 , an aft-cockpit sloop, which was in production until recently, showing its immense popularity. The 33 foot sailing yacht offers lots of interior space, with a full dinette, head and shower, and master cabin, and all of it with standing room height. The galley is packed with storage lockers, and the entire décor is contemporary and comfortable creating the feel of a real home.

Photo credit: Marlow-Hunter

Peterson 44

Slightly larger than the other two n the list is the Peterson 44, a double-spread cutter, which 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.

If you’re looking for a full suite of amenities such as a house-sized kitchen and bathroom, plus oodles of extra living space then a multi-hull – catamaran or trimaran - makes for an excellent ocean-going liveaboard. The bridge between the hulls creates a light and airy above-water living space, with the bedrooms tucked into the hulls. They are also more stable than monohull boats, so for those with a delicate stomach in a high sea, these are becoming increasingly popular. Multi-hull boats tend to cost more to purchase, and because of their width will also incur higher berthing costs, so this is something to take into account.

Lots of space compared to monohull yachts
Full sized kitchen and bathroom
Offer a stable ride
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

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

Launched in 1999, the Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 is one of the most comfortable and spacious cats out there for its size. No expense has been spared when it comes to the finishings, and it has a really elegant and luxurious feel. Many of the ones you find on the used market were built more recently however, and so they come with the latest technology, navigational and safety equipment. With four bedrooms thanks to the iconic central ‘hull’ (which doesn’t tough the water) creating more space, it truly is a home on water, but its sturdy construction allows for long-range near coastal cruising too.

This new model from catamaran specialists Lagoon sits in the middle of their range of 40 to 55 feet luxury catamarans offering the ultimate in comfort and space but still compact enough for easy handling and mooring. Based on the groundbreaking 50, the Lagoon 46 manages to pack all the amenities in (we’re talking a huge, light-filled galley and dining room with wrap around windows, three cabins with a plush master suite in the starboard hull, and a luxurious amount of deck space).

Photo credit: Lagoon Catamarans

Fountaine Pajot Saba 50

It’s hard to choose from Fountain Pajot’s huge range of sailing and motor catamarans as they are some of the best and most luxurious on the market both in terms of performance and liveability.

Trawlers are a unique type of powerboat designed for long distance cruising and perfectly suited to living on full time. While their origins can be traced back to commercial fishing boats – and there are plenty of these full- displacement, ballasted hull models still in operation - modern trawlers are a very different animal. Wide hulls, less draft, more below-deck headroom and plenty of space for mod cons make these a hugely popular choice. You’ll find full-sized kitchens, showers, and multi-level living space, especially on the larger models. In fact, they don’t even need to be that much longer – a 35-foot trawler is much roomier than a 35-foot sailboat, for example.

Oodles of space for the length
Ultra-luxurious designs
Compact for easy berthing
The initial purchase costs are high
More costly to run than a sailboat

The Best Trawler Yachts to Live on

New and converted trawlers are cropping up everywhere, and the modern designs are a far cry from the fishing vessels they once were. Décor is often penthouse chic, bringing cosmopolitan living to the open ocean. 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 they’ve created, with an impressive cruise speed of 22 knots and a range of over 2000 nautical miles. Combine that with a luxurious, fully customizable interior, oodles of high tech, and their signature deep V hull for a smoother, faster ride and it’s the winning combination.

Photo credit: Grand Banks

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

Whether you want to cruise to the far flung corners of the world or live comfortably at anchor, Beneteau’s range of Swift Trawlers offer their signature elegance and power. Imagine a plush central living space and wheelhouse with panoramic views, huge amounts of storage space, stylish cabins and a powerful, reliable, and efficient engine.

Ranger Tugs R-43

Ranger Tugs specialize in high quality vessels which are more affordable than most trawlers on the market. While you can pick up a brand new R-23 for $115,000, it might not be quite big enough to live on. Enter the R-43. Built by hand in the US it has 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. You’ll also find a chef’s 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 22” navigation suite.

Moving on to a life on the water doesn’t have to be about cruising the great oceans. The joy of waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle slap of water on the hull, or of connecting to nature and living a simple life is just some of the appeal of living on a boat year round. Swapping sea-worthiness for space is a huge trade-off, and there are many different types of static or houseboats which offer a more residential feel.

Non-powered houseboats are a true home-on-the-water. A steel floating pontoon supports a mobile home type structure on the top, providing large amounts of living space, big windows, and all the amenities and home comforts you want. They can be towed from place to place, but are otherwise static in a residential community along rivers, lakes, sheltered bays and inland waterways. With municipal utilities, cable television and broadband internet connections, they give you the best of both worlds.

Powered houseboats are self-propelled residential vessels which come in many guises and make for a top choice of liveaboard. While some will be limited in the distance they can travel and be more reminiscent of the static houseboats, others have plenty of cruising power and are ready for coastal adventures. With a squarer silhouette, powered houseboats can accommodate an impressive amount of living space for their length.

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
Extremely popular so finding a residential berth can be difficult
Not designed for long-range cruising
Some can only be towed and aren’t powered

The Best Houseboats to Live on

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 ‘The Zion’

Resembling a true house floating on water, these are the quintessential all-American houseboats. Measuring 14 x 14 feet, the two bedroom boats have an extra loft area and can accommodate up to eight guests. With big windows to let in the natural light, a full kitchen, and a huge private deck off the master bedroom you get home comforts with all the joys of being on the water.

Photo credit: The American Houseboat

Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000

Gibson Boats are a major player in the houseboat industry and their Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000 is one of our favorites. It combines affordability (and there are several to be found on the used market) with spaciousness and reliability. You’ll find two or three double bedrooms, carpeting throughout, high quality electrical appliances including air conditioning and heating, and two full bathrooms including a tub.

Bravada Yachts Atlas V-Series

Calling the Atlas V-Series powered houseboats seems somehow wrong. They are much more than your average houseboat, a sleek and versatile ocean-going vessel designed for living on in ultimate luxury. With a futuristic silhouette, vast windows, two floors and every home comfort you can imagine (including a fire pit and rear waterslide), they have taken living on the water to whole new levels.

Photo credit: Bravada Yachts

Living on a Sailboat: Is it Right for You?
Life on the Water: Living Aboard a Trawler Boat
The Best Types of Boat to Live on After Retirement
Sleeping on a Boat: Tips for Overnight Stays
Types of Houseboats: Different Home Styles for Living on the Water
Is Living on a Boat Right for You? The Pros and Cons of Living on a Boat

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

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13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets)

If you want to enjoy long-term living on the water, a liveaboard catamaran can provide the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. However, buying and owning a catamaran can cost you a fortune. If you're not sure which one suits your budget, here are 13 of the best liveaboard catamarans on the market today, covering a range of budgets and lifestyles.

The 13 best liveaboard catamarans for different budgets are:

Nautitech 46 Open

Lagoon 450f, nautitech 46 fly.

If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans will suit your needs best.

Low-budget liveaboard catamarans cost anywhere from $350,000 to $450,000, while high-budget options range from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
The living space of the best liveaboard catamarans ranges from 77 sqm to 215 sqm, with the higher-budget options generally offering more space.
Most catamaran models come equipped with one galley and multiple heads, with the number of heads ranging from 2 to 4.
High-budget catamarans like Lagoon 52 and Catana 50 are built with advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.


$400,000 - $500,000	78 sqm	1 galley, 2 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$450,000 - $550,000	82 sqm	1 galley, 2 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$350,000 - $450,000	78 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$350,000 - $450,000	77 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$600,000 - $700,000	105 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$500,000 - $600,000	100 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$500,000 - $600,000	95 sqm	1 galley, 2 heads	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
$700,000 - $800,000	130 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$700,000 - $800,000	106 sqm	1 galley, 4 heads	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
$700,000 - $1,000,000	186 sq. ft.	Fully equipped	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
$600,000 - $900,000	140 sq. ft.	Fully equipped	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000	161 sq. ft.	Fully equipped	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000	215 sq. ft.	Fully equipped	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When choosing the best liveaboard catamaran, there are questions you need to ask yourself such as:

Are you planning to live aboard full-time or just part-time?
Will you be traveling extensively or staying in one location?
Do you plan to fish or engage in other water activities?

If you plan to sail around the world and are not sure what catamaran size is perfect for your goal , you can get some tips from this article.

You may also need to check your budget. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just one aspect of the cost of owning a catamaran. See how much it actually costs to buy and own a catamaran in this article.

You may also need to factor in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and other expenses, such as docking costs. Docking costs depend on the location of the marina and the actual size of your catamaran, but to give you an idea of how much it costs to dock a catamaran , here's an article that can help you.

The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features :

Living space Look for a catamaran with an open layout, large windows, and plenty of natural light to create a spacious and inviting living area.

Galley and heads Choose a catamaran with a well-designed galley that is easy to use and has plenty of storage space. The heads should be spacious and comfortable, with a separate shower area if possible.

Performance and handling You might want to opt for a catamaran with a good sail plan and sailing controls that are easy to operate. If you plan to do offshore cruising, perhaps consider a catamaran with a shallow draft and good seaworthiness.

Safety and seaworthiness Choose a catamaran with sturdy construction and good safety features, such as handrails and lifelines. You might want to make sure also that the catamaran is designed for single-handed sailing if you plan to sail solo.

Estimated price range: $400,000 - $500,000

Living space inside Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a spacious interior with a modern and stylish design. It features four cabins and two heads, providing ample living space for up to 8 people.

The cabins are well-ventilated and well-lit, with large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. The saloon is also spacious, with comfortable seating and a large dining table.

Galley and heads of Leopard 40

The galley is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, oven, and plenty of storage space. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a sleek and streamlined design that allows it to move smoothly through the water. The twin engines provide plenty of power, and the boat is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.

The boat also comes with a range of performance features, such as a large sail area, a self-tacking jib, and a full-batten mainsail.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 is built to the highest standards of safety, with a strong and durable hull, high-quality rigging, and a range of safety features such as lifelines, handrails, and safety harnesses.

The boat also has excellent stability, which makes it very safe and comfortable to sail in rough seas.

Estimated price range: $450,000 - $550,000

Living space inside Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of living space for a family or a group of friends. It has a large saloon with a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that can comfortably seat six people.

The saloon is surrounded by large windows that provide plenty of natural light and a great view of the surroundings. The catamaran has four cabins and two heads, which provide ample sleeping space for up to eight people. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lucia 40

The galley on the Lucia 40 is located in the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of counter space for food preparation.

The two heads are located in each hull and are equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink. They are spacious and provide plenty of privacy.

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran that is designed for cruising in comfort. It has a sleek and modern design that allows it to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

The catamaran is equipped with a full batten mainsail and a furling genoa, which provide excellent sail performance. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which provides excellent visibility and allows for easy handling.

The Lucia 40 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran

The Lucia 40 has a solid fiberglass hull and a structural bulkhead that provides excellent strength and rigidity. The catamaran is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.

It is also equipped with a comprehensive navigation system, which includes GPS, radar, and an autopilot, to ensure safe and accurate navigation.

Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000

Living space inside Lagoon 400

The Lagoon 400 offers ample room for passengers to relax and socialize. The main saloon is located on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

The saloon features a large dining table and comfortable seating, while the cockpit provides additional seating and a table for outdoor dining. The cabins are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 400

The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, making it easy to prepare meals while underway. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

The Lagoon 400 has good sailing performance

This boat has a generous sail area, a powerful rig, and a light displacement, which allows it to sail well in a variety of conditions. The boat's twin hulls also help to reduce drag and increase stability, which makes it easier to sail in choppy seas or high winds.

The Lagoon 400 is also equipped with twin engines, which allow it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or when docking. The boat's shallow draft, which is one of the advantages of sailing a catamaran , also makes it suitable for exploring shallow waters or anchoring in secluded bays.

The Lagoon 400 is designed to be safe and seaworthy

The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability, which reduces the risk of capsizing. See a detailed comparison between catamaran and monohull in this article.

The boat is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a solid fiberglass hull, watertight bulkheads, and a high freeboard, which helps to keep the boat dry and reduce the risk of swamping.

The boat is also built to withstand rough seas and strong winds, with a reinforced hull and high freeboard. It also features a range of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and an emergency tiller.

The Bali 4.0 is a catamaran that offers ample living space

The cockpit and saloon are on the same level, which creates a large open-plan living area. The saloon has a U-shaped seating area, which can comfortably seat six people, and a large table that can be lowered to create a double berth.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.0

The galley of Bali 4.0 is located aft of the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has four cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the heads are modern and well-designed.

Performance and handling of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 has a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, which makes it easy to sail short-handed. The boat is also equipped with a Code 0 sail, which provides additional downwind performance. The boat's helm is responsive and easy to control, and the boat is stable and predictable in a variety of conditions.

Safety and seaworthiness of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 is a seaworthy boat that is designed to be safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The boat has a high freeboard, which provides additional safety and protection from waves and spray.

The boat also has a solid foredeck, which provides additional safety when moving around the boat. It is also equipped with a full suite of safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses.

Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000

Living space inside Bali 4.3

The Bali 4.3 has a large saloon with panoramic views, plenty of natural light, and a modern design. The saloon is equipped with a large U-shaped sofa, a dining table, and a chart table. The cockpit is also spacious and features a dining table, a sunbathing area, and a helm station.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.3

The galley and heads on the Bali 4.3 are well-designed and offer plenty of space and storage. It is located in the saloon and features a 3-burner stove, an oven, a large refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. The heads are located in each hull and feature a separate shower, electric toilets, and plenty of storage.

The Bali 4.3 is a fast and agile catamaran. It features a self-tacking jib and a square-top mainsail, which make it easy to handle and maneuver. The boat is also equipped with twin engines, which provide good speed and maneuverability.

The Bali 4.3 is a very safe and stable catamaran

The Bali 4.3 features a solid construction, a high freeboard, and a wide beam, which make it very stable and comfortable even in rough seas. The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and life jackets.

Living space of Catana 42

The Catana 42 has a spacious interior layout with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The saloon and cockpit are integrated into one living area, which provides a comfortable and functional living space.

Galley and heads of Catana 42

The galley is located in the port hull and features a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and ample storage space. The heads are located in the starboard hull, with one head serving as the owner's suite en-suite and the other serving the remaining three cabins.

The Catana 42 an excellent performer

The catamaran is designed to be fast and stable, with a high bridge deck clearance and a narrow hull-to-waterline beam ratio. It also has a large sail area, which provides good speed in light winds.

The Catana 42 is built with safety and seaworthiness

The boat is designed to be self-righting in the event of a capsize , and the hulls are foam-filled for added buoyancy. The boat also features a robust construction with a reinforced keel and rudder, making it suitable for offshore cruising.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $700,000

Living space of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a spacious and comfortable catamaran that offers ample living space, a well-equipped galley, and multiple heads for convenience. The living area is open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Open

The galley is fully equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The heads are also well-appointed, with modern fixtures and plenty of space for comfort.

Performance and handling of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a capable and responsive catamaran that is easy to sail and maneuver. The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability and make it easy to handle in a variety of conditions.

The boat's rig is designed for performance, with a large sail area and a well-balanced design that allows for easy handling and excellent speed.

Safety and seaworthiness of Nautitech 46 Open

The boat is built to the highest standards of safety and durability, with a strong and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. The boat is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses, to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on the water.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000

Living space inside Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The saloon is large and open, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

The cockpit is also spacious and comfortable, with a large dining table and seating for up to eight people. The cabins are well-designed and offer plenty of storage space, and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F has a well-equipped galley that is perfect for preparing meals while at sea. The galley features a large refrigerator and freezer, a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and plenty of counter space. The heads are also well-designed and offer plenty of space and privacy.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a fast and stable catamaran that is easy to handle. The boat is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines, which provide plenty of power and speed.

The boat is also equipped with a high-performance sail plan, which allows for easy and efficient sailing.

The Lagoon 450F is designed to handle a variety of weather conditions

This boat is built to the highest standards of safety and quality and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and emergency flares.

The boat is also designed to be self-sufficient, with a large water tank and generator, which allows for extended periods of time at sea.

Living space inside Helia 44

The Helia 44 has a spacious and well-designed interior that maximizes living space. The saloon features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The seating area is comfortable and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cabins are also spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms.

Galley and heads of Helia 44

The galley on the Helia 44 is well-equipped and designed for easy use. It features a large refrigerator, a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, and a microwave. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and plenty of storage space.

The Helia 44 is designed for excellent performance and handling

The Helia 44 has a powerful rig and a high aspect ratio sail plan that provides excellent speed and maneuverability. The boat also has a shallow draft, which makes it easy to navigate in shallow waters.

The Helia 44 is built to the highest safety standards

This boat has a solid construction that provides excellent stability and strength. It also features a range of safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $1,000,000

Living space inside Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 features a spacious saloon with a comfortable seating area and a large dining table. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The catamaran also has a large cockpit area with a dining table and comfortable seating, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.

Galley and heads of Leopard 48

The galley on the Leopard 48 is well-equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space. It features a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The catamaran also has three heads, each with a shower, sink, and toilet.

Performance and handling of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a high-performance catamaran that is easy to handle and maneuver. It has a powerful sail plan and lightweight construction that allows it to sail smoothly and efficiently even in light winds.

The catamaran is also equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent speed and maneuverability.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran that is designed to handle even the toughest ocean conditions. It has a sturdy construction and a stable platform that provides excellent stability and safety.

The catamaran is also equipped with modern safety features such as a GPS navigation system, a radar, and an autopilot.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $900,000

Living space inside Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The interior is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open floor plan.

There are four cabins and four heads, making it a great option for families or groups of friends. The salon is comfortable and features a dining area and a well-equipped galley.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Fly

The galley on the Nautitech 46 Fly is well-equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and plenty of counter space. There is also a double sink and a dishwasher. The heads are spacious and comfortable, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of the Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a pleasure to sail, with good speed and handling. The boat is responsive and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The twin engines provide plenty of power and make docking and maneuvering a breeze.

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The boat is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, making it a great option for offshore sailing. There are also plenty of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and a well-equipped first aid kit.

Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

The living space of Catana 50

The living space is designed for comfort and entertainment. The spacious saloon offers panoramic views and ample seating for guests.

The interior is finished with high-quality materials and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped galley, and plenty of storage space. It also has four spacious cabins and four heads, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.

Galley and heads of Catana 50

The galley on the Catana 50 is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, oven, and stove. The countertops are made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, and there is plenty of storage space for food and cooking utensils. The heads are spacious and feature modern fixtures and finishes.

The Catana 50 is designed for performance and speed

The catamaran's lightweight construction and high-tech materials make it fast and agile, while its twin daggerboards and rudders provide excellent maneuverability and control. The boat is easy to handle, even in challenging conditions, and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Catana 50 is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The catamaran's hull design and construction are engineered to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, and the boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Need a complete list of safety equipment for your boat ? Here's an article that might be helpful for you.

The vessel also features a high freeboard, wide decks, and a sturdy rigging system, making it a stable and secure platform for sailing in all conditions.

Living space of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is known for its spacious interior and exterior living areas. The main salon is located on the bridge deck and features a large dining table, comfortable seating, and panoramic views.

The cockpit is also spacious and has plenty of seating for outdoor dining and lounging. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space and natural light.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 52

The galley on the Lagoon 52 is equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to prepare meals for large groups. There are also multiple heads on the boat, each with a shower and toilet, making it convenient for guests to freshen up after a day of exploring.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is designed for optimal performance and handling. It has a powerful sail plan and a lightweight construction that allows it to move swiftly through the water

The boat is also easy to handle, even with a small crew, thanks to its user-friendly design and advanced technology.

Safety and seaworthiness are top priorities on the Lagoon 52

The boat is built to withstand rough seas and harsh weather conditions, with sturdy construction and advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.

The boat also has a spacious cockpit and wide decks that make it easy to move around and handle the boat in all conditions:

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Can you live on a yacht full time? Our advice

Choosing to live on a yacht full-time is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, the fact that you’re thinking about it suggests that you’re one of those people who finds the curiosities of a life spent bouncing on the sea, river, or lake appealing. It’s easy to romanticize the concept of living aboard a yacht full-time. However, such an unconventional lifestyle necessitates planning, organization, and the capacity to adapt to change. “”

There’s a lot to think about, from the type of boat you buy to where you’ll moor it, as well as various lifestyle aspects. Make checklists of essentials and discuss deal-breakers with your companion once you’ve decided to move aboard. Certainly, ensure that you are well-aware of the pluses and minuses of living on a yacht full-time. This will help you to better plan your budget and all the resources. So, before making the final move, brace yourself and your boat to enjoy the adventure. But at the same time, be prepared to face any uncertainties that can come along the way.

Living on a yacht : pros and cons

For most folks, living on a yacht full-time is an adventure. There are both upsides and downsides to living on a yacht.

Main advantages about living on a yacht

Relaxed way of living.

Slowing down and relishing life in an age where life today is becoming faster-paced, more demanding and hectic can be difficult. Unless you’re on a yacht, of course. The feeling of liberation amidst nature is only the onset. Everything becomes much simpler and minimalistic. You only have those things with you on a yacht which are essential.

Low Cost of Living

Living on a boat is frequently associated with luxury and affluence. However, this life is frequently less expensive than other lodgings. You’ll save money on utilities, water, plus the mortgage or rent.

Endless Adventure and Getting Closer to the Nature

The symphony of birds, the swaying of the yacht, and the splatter of waves, all bring you closer to nature when you live on the water. Raucous seals, dolphins, and seabirds will be your neighbors. Indeed, you will have fresh fish for dinner, and watch the seasons change minute by minute.

Main drawbacks about living on a yacht

Small confined spaces.

It takes some time to get used to the cramped living areas on a yacht. Plus, there are no personal spaces for individuals. Sometimes, living in such small spaces can be problematic, although it may not look like during the initial days of living aboard.

Costly Yacht Maintenance

Maintenance and repair work of a yacht is generally more expensive than one may imagine. Mechanical components are costly, and mechanics are even more so.

Unseen Weather Conditions

It is vital to be aware of the weather on a daily basis when living on a yacht. You’ll also know when the water is disturbed, and you won’t get much sleep as a result. Large yachts are less likely to rock. Furthermore, the correct type of anchorage can help you prevent some sleepless nights, but if it’s storming outside, be prepared to have a hard time sleeping.

Read also : The 5 best sailing boats under 60 feet

What do you legally need to do to live on a boat full-time?

Find a good boat insurance

Choosing the best boat insurance as per your needs is very essential before moving onto a yacht for full-time living. Certainly, this will cover the repairs due to storms, accidents that may occur on the waters. It also protects you from liability if your boat injures somebody or damages someone else’s property. Importantly, be aware that the cost of yacht insurance is higher than the cost of recreational boat insurance. Nevertheless, having a proper boat insurance provides peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Examine various boat insurance choices based on your requirements, destination, budget, and way of life.

Register your yacht in an appropriate location

It’s also critical to conduct your homework while choosing a yacht registration place. All local laws will apply to your yacht once it is registered in a particular region. Many countries with appealing tax arrangements have other drawbacks that you should avoid. You’ll also want to register your yacht in a well-known location or country around the world. If you choose a bad-reputed place, you may be limited in your travel options or, at the very least, exposed to extra detainment and checks.

Keeping ties with administration

While living on a yacht full-time, make sure to have cordial relationships with the local authorities and administration related to boats and yachts. Consequently, this will prove beneficial in the long-term while dealing with any legal complications.

The intricacies of living in international waters

The most important thing to keep in mind while planning to live full-time on a boat is to understand the laws related to living on waters of other countries. Additionally, be mindful of the security and safety while living on international waters.

What is the minimum boat size to live on it full time?

A single individual might be able to get by with a 30 feet one, but a family of six would require something closer to 50 feet. It’s also important to consider how much gear you’ll be bringing onboard. If you want to get a fridge, or a washing machine, you will surely need a larger one.

How much does it cost to live on a yacht full time?

Typical costs you can’t avoid while living on a yacht

Boat/yacht charges
Maintenance
Marina slips
Property tax
Waste management

Non-mandatory costs

Frequent dining outs
Entertainment expenses like internet or TV

Minimum budgets to live on a yacht

The minimum budget required to live full-time on a yacht depends entirely on one’s lifestyle and needs. Living on the yacht costs between $3,000 and $12,000 per month on average. This, certainly, depends on the number of people who will be living aboard and the place you will be traveling around.

Minimum budget to live full time on a yacht alone

This can lie in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 a month.

Minimum budget to live full time on a yacht as a couple

Somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000 a month.

Minimum budget to live on a yacht as a family

The minimum budget required to live full-time on a yacht with family may start from $5,000. Certainly, there is no upper limit as it may go up as per the family size, location, and needs.

The best affordable yachts for full-time living

The options for best reasonably priced yachts for living depends on your needs and budgets. On a general level, following are some affordable boat alternatives for full-time living:

Beneteau Swift Trawler
Alliaura Privilège catamaran ( view our Privilege 745 for sale )
Swan Yachts
Albin North Sea Cutter
Lagoon 52 catamaran ( our Lagoon 52 for sale here )
Sunreef Power 68 Catamarans

Read also : 10 Yachts for Sale Under a Million

The best places to live on a yacht

A multitude of quiet beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and blustering winds are all important factors to consider while looking for the dream destination to live on a yacht. Here is a list of some of the best places around the world to live aboard a yacht.

Australia and New Zealand
The Caribbean
The South Pacific
Greek Islands
Costa Smeralda, Italy
The French Riviera

Readl also : Top 10 of destinations for Luxury yacht vacations

I want to live on a yacht, where should I start?

Step 1: Pick the Right Kind of Yacht and Documentation

The first stage in the process is to choose a yacht to live on. Consider the type of yacht you want, your budget, and the extent of space and comfort you require. Check all the utilities available on the yacht. Make sure you know everything about the fuel capacity, type and refuel ways to stay prepared.

Once you have decided on the yacht, compile all the necessary documentation related to it. This includes the tax and insurance documents. Also, have in place your passports and relevant sailing or boating licenses and certifications.

Step 2: Acquire the Beneficial Skills and Understand the Pertaining Laws

In terms of regularity and precision, boat maintenance may be worse than residential maintenance. Because boat systems are often less reliable than their domestic counterparts, basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical skills will be required. Also, practice anchoring and sailing.

Next, keep yourself updated with all the related laws in the area where you are planning to live on a yacht.

Step 3: Downsize Before the Final Move

You won’t be able to bring all of your belongings onto the boat. It’s up to you how far you go with your downsizing. However, having a backup plan is always a smart idea. People’s opinions alter as a result of unforeseen events.

When relocating to a yacht to live on it full-time, there are numerous things to consider. It’s excellent to have a decent beginning point for things to put on the to-do list. Use this guidebook as a reference point for planning a full-time life on a yacht. Set deadlines and cross items off your to-do list one at a time. Maintain your focus on the end result.

You may want to select the right boat to live in depending on your project. Contact us to discuss your option and we’ll help finding you the right one!

living on a catamaran full time

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Can You Live on a Catamaran? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Living on a Boat Full Time: What to Expect as a Liveaboard Cruiser

12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Aboard

1. There will always be things to fix.

READ NEXT: Check out our list of what you need in your sailboat tool kit .

3. You need to be diligent with cleaning.

4. It takes time to learn the boating world.

5. You don’t need a big wardrobe onboard.

READ NEXT: Find more info in our guide for how to downsize your wardrobe and our post on what to wear sailing.

7. You’ll cook differently in the boat galley.

READ NEXT: You might also want to check out our list of 7 easy and versatile meals on a boat or our 5 ideas for a delicious breakfast on a boat .

9. You need to be flexible.

10. Full-time cruising is a full-time job.

11. The cost of living can be high.

READ NEXT: Read our full guide on the cost of living on a sailboat .

Living on a Boat Full-Time: Is it Worth it?

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Living aboard a catamaran

Which boat to choose?

Maneuvering and sailing

Food aboard a catamaran

Life aboard a catamaran

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Living on a Catamaran

How to Choose a Liveaboard Catamaran

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How Much does a Liveaboard Catamaran Cost?

Best Catamarans to Live On

1. Manta 42

Quick Facts:

2. Nautitech 44

3. Voyage 44

4. Privilege 435

6. Lagoon 380

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