Money! Money! Money! Mon-ay!
One of the top reasons that people get divorced is money. One of the top reasons people commit crimes is for money. And one of the top reasons people who read my blog or see my videos say disparaging or hypercritical remarks to or about me is…you got it… money! Here are some of my favorites:
“How many Americans could actually afford a 27-foot sailboat much less consider such a lifestyle of simple living? It is simple all right, simply incredible and egotistical in its lack of work ethic.” -Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh, Canada Free Press
“Such a pretty boat. You must not live so simply to afford that boat. You live in such luxury.” -Nancy, from an email sent to me
“She looks like a rich kid” -stuntmanmike714 Youtube
“too bad most of the american population does not have the safety net of wealth/parents to do something like this” -ceelo4, Youtube
“…it would be nice if she would come clean about how she pays for this…I’m guessing dear old dad may be footing the bill while daughter sails around and finds herself.” -Owukid, Youtube
Well, Owukid, guess what…I’m about to come clean!
People often ask me how much it costs to live on a boat, and every time I give them the same vague answer, “The cost of life afloat varies as much as the cost of life ashore.” So today, I can only attest to how it worked for me.
The secret I found to affording life aboard Daphne is in three simple rules:
Rule # 1: Work my ass off.
The highest paying job I have ever had was working as a waitress. This certainly was not the most rewarding job, nor the least stressful, but waiting tables in the right location can be financially rewarding, especially if you work two shifts each day. Of course, the hours are long and tiring. There isn’t much time to spend the hard earned cash, so more can be socked away for cruising. The most intrinsically rewarding jobs I have had were in education. I worked for non-profits with at-risk teens, with children who have autism, and at private middle and high schools.
When I moved aboard Daphne and began to travel, with the exception of about three months, I had at least a full time (or several part time) jobs at each location I was at. I seldom was without work. I was not always excited about the jobs I was able to find, and was even less excited about having to search for a job. However, in the two years and three months that I was aboard Daphne I had seventeen jobs from housekeeper to social media marketer, or dance teacher to sailor. I also made some extra cash by selling handcrafted items through my online Etsy shop. Blog readers who felt that my blog was enjoyable or worthwhile often purchased from my store or sent a gift donation to show their support for my blogging efforts.
No one provided my sustenance. I do not have a trust fund, inheritance, financial support, unemployment, or independent wealth of any degree. I also don’t expect to have this in my future. What I earned each year varied wildly. However, according to Wikipedia, I never once earned as much as the average middle class income for a single female of my age and education level. (which incidentally is 20k less per year than that of the male). Without telling you my exact average yearly income (which I don’t know off the top of my head anyway) I can guess that I flow between lower middle class and working class.
I afforded the boat by taking out a loan. There certainly are cheaper boats, but the Nor’sea came with a long history of stories and wishes that I share with my father. When it was time for me to buy a boat I didn’t consider any other boat, so a loan was necessary. The cost of the monthly payment is about the same as a small apartment. In fact, it is about the average cost of a one bedroom apartment in Columbus, Ohio or Omaha, Nebraska and less than half the cost of the average one bedroom apartment in Boston or San Franscisco. I decided I would rather be paying off a loan and eventually owning my boat outright than paying rent on an apartment. I do not pay bills for heat, water, electricity, internet, or other bills associated with an apartment. Because I don’t pay for these items to be delivered to my home without complications, I have to alter my life from what is conventional in order to have the utilities I need and want.
Rule #2: Reduce expenses by living without luxuries.
Its easy to imagine that people who live aboard boats have many of the amenities that shore life has but with the added luxury of cocktails at sunset, tropical destinations, and freedom.
These are some of the luxuries I live without:
Community
Car
Electricity (for the first 16 months until I purchased a solar panel. Then I lived with minimal electricity)
Refridgeration (for the first 16 months)
TV
Internet (I find internet at the library, McDonald’s parking lot, ferry terminal, etc.)
Hair dryer (for lack of power)
Shower
Weekly Yoga class
Freezer
Security
Dock
Garden
Hot water
Running water
Health Care
Predictability
Residency (and therefore access to some benefits)
Washer and Dryer for clothing
Flush toilet
Kitchen appliances
Rule #3: Embrace an unorthodoxed lifestyle that sometimes lacks in comforts and ease.
I began to realize that America does not recognize nomadic people shortly after I purchased Daphne. I was at the USCG office to document her. When asked what my physical address was, I replied, “my boat.” It turns out, in order for Americans to “count” you need a physical address. Without it you can’t vote, drive, check out books at a library, get a P.O. box or a bank account, or pay your taxes.
It didn’t take long to realize that owning a boat costs a lot! I saved money by cutting out expenses that are typical of boat owners. With a few exceptions I did not rely on docks or moorings. This meant I couldn’t shut the door on the weather and feel secure. Instead, I stayed up all night monitoring the conditions as Daphne tossed about on her anchor. I did my own maintenance and engine work, which meant that any engine or maintenance issue that surfaced took twice as long to resolve because I was learning the skills of caring for a boat along the way.
The first day of making landfall in a new place was always a reconnisance mission to find the grocery, a shower, laundry, and toilet. A great anchorage is one where all these things are within walking distance. Yet sometimes I found myself pushing a grocery cart down the street for miles or not showering for weeks.
Some of the luxuries that I formerly took for granted while living ashore such as warmth, a shower, running water, and a toilet, required extra work living aboard. Aboard Daphne I couldn’t turn up the thermostat so my home would be warm when I returned at the end of the day. Instead, while bundled up in wooly clothing, I primed and lit my primitive kerosene heather, and drank hot tea while waiting for the cabin to warm up and the shivers to go away. I wash my dishes in salt water. I often wash my body and hair in salt water as well. And aboard a boat you can never simply flush the toilet and make it disappear. For that reason, I mastered the art of timing my large deposits with a trip ashore for groceries.
During the early days of owning Daphne I did not have electricity. I quickly learned which fruits, veggies, cheeses, eggs, and milks would last longest unrefrigerated and did without the rest. My computer went everywhere with me so I could charge it up anytime I saw an outlet. And I often fell asleep with my headlamp still on my head. With a solar panel I had more options. I could power the refrigerator and lights most of the time. I monitored the battery level closely and charged my computer or turned on the tunes when the sun was at its zenith.
The table, converted to a bed, converted to a tool bench.
Spring cleaning didn’t mean garage sales and dust bunnies. Alternatively, I was stepping the mast, de-winterizing the engine, and deconstructing the winter cover. Aboard Daphne I have my own version of a bed and back porch. I slept in a sleeping bag because my bed doubles as the dining table and the counter top doubles as a two-burner stove. Dinner parties of more than four required guests to share a plate for lack of space on the table. And when I want to enjoy my favorite dessert of a frozen coconut fruit bar, I have to eat the entire box in one sitting for lack of freezer.
And I live this way not because I have to, but because they are part of the cost in owning a boat on a modest budget. The challenges are great, but the rewards are greater.
It is possible to have many of these luxuries such as a freezer, shower, or hot water aboard a boat. Its also possible to feel more security by renting space on a dock or mooring. And some sailors also have a house, car, and community to return to after each voyage. But Daphne was all I had, and that made the dream possible for me. This is the most important thing to understanding how an individual of meager financial means such as myself could own a boat and travel a bit.
Building the winter cover for added warmth and protection from the snow.
Sailing, Simplicity, and the Pursuit of Happiness, began in 2008 when Teresa gave up a whole lot of stability for the unstable plan to chase her dreams by living aboard a boat and taking on odd jobs to support her lifestyle, and selling handcrafted items through her online
Great response. It’s vogue to be jealous and judgemental. Social media makes it easier to post those “inside” thoughts to the “outside” world, revealing the sadder side of human beings.
Also shows that they think you’re younger than you are. I did the math when I came across your blog and thought maybe you had a finiancial edge. You were extremely humble. But for those who read your words AND read between the lines, it was clear you’re not just a snotty, spoiled kid, but a young woman who’s doing some pretty mighty things WITHOUT the big bank roll. Some people just can’t handle that.
There are plenty of us who support you, Teresa! We come from ALL walks of life. We choose to live on our boats on the weekends, for our vacations, or full time. We also put up with the discomforts and cutting elsewhere in our lives like on phone bills and eating out and fancy travel to make room for the boat our our budgets and to do something more than the facile life of walking through malls and eating in restaurant for our hobby.
That’s what WE choose. We get the same jealous comments. Good for you, Teresa!! Keep up the amazing life you’re living and don’t let the trolls get you down!
“It’s vogue to be jealous and judgemental. ”
so true. and the driving force to take to sea and pay more attention to weather and less to popular media. im inspired, to say the least.
I think all those negative comments were born out of envy
Hi ! a while ago I posted some possibly apparrently disparaging comments, on your former site when you put out a call for assistance with your site design and content/direction (or something similar) one comment I made, regarded everybody knowing the name of your cat but not that of your partner? (Remember now?) I would just like to say that these comments were made “With a good heart ” and where you are now (site wise) proves to me that you are on the right track, even if ,you took my comments badly at the time, for which I apologise. Kind regards and may you ever prosper. Keep up the great work, Rob
Thanks Rob!
I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. Thank you for your comment.
Sincerely,
Teresa
I just recently discovered your blog and thoroughly enjoy it. Living on my boat for 3+years in TC and Harbor Springs was also a thrill for me as well. Reading your blog
brings back wonderful memories.. Keep up the great adventure! Fair winds…..
Steve
Very nice post Teresa. Amazing how rude some people can be.
Mike
http://www.zerotocruising.com
Way to put it out there Teresa! People who are less informed are the ones most likely to quickly criticize our lifestyle choice! You are an amazing woman & your honesty is so refreshing in these often convoluted times. Thank you for the article, it warmed my heart & made me smile!
Great post!! I had some of these comments when i was in a period of extended travel… It allways took time to explain that i did not own a house, furniture or any of the other luxuries people enjoyed. That i did and had to leave that, to make it possible for me to do all that travelling and take time not working… That it wasn’t winning the lotery that made it possible…
You’ll make yourself crazy trying to please everyone. You don’t need to try to be the Jerk Whisperer.
James, What is a Jerk Whisperer? I’ve never heard that before.
Teresa
Like the Horse Whisperer is good with horses, the Dog whisperer is good with dogs…
I just hope the two of you are having fun and enjoying life.
As to the comments — let them flow off your sails like a bad gust of wind.
If you are being true to yourself and having a good time — I wouldnt worry about a thing!
Happy sailing!
I will be on the water this coming spring!
Paul,
Thanks for your comments! Yes, let the bad ones flow away…in fact, I find most of them amusing. I didn’t used to though.
Teresa
Voyaging is for the voyagers (I think Sterling Hayden said that?). Trying to explain frugality and foregoing luxuries in order to afford a quality life of adventure on something as unconventional as a boat to a person who has had every unconventional bone in his/her body broken by a dronelike existence in a safe job in suburbia is like trying to explain quantum physics to a two year old. They cannot possibly understand that your lifestyle is perfectly attainable by anyone who has the guts, gumption and inclination to give up a few things to go after it.. Leave the other cats to their mortages, IRAs and conspicuous consumption of meaningless baubles. BRAVO!
Just doing without a car and an apartment would easily pay for a boat.
I looked back a few years ago and it finally sunk in that I had over a period of several years (since graduating college) that, not counting interest, I had paid enough for cars to have bought and paid for a house.
Teresa – I have been enjoying your blog for a while. May I suggest? Stop defending yourself! The nasty comments and unwarranted judgments are not worthy of your time or energy. (Also, how come unearned wealth is perceived to be such a gross character flaw?)
Jane,
I have been receiving comments like these for a long time before I decided to respond. But this blog post is mostly for the people who dream of owning a boat and don’t think they can afford it. I hope that by reading this they can see that with the right sacrifices, it is possible for many.
Also, what do you mean “unearned wealth is perceived to be such a gross character flaw?” Personally I don’t think being wealthy or not gives any insight to character.
Teresa
Jane, I think I just understood what you meant by “unearned wealth is perceived to be such a gross character flaw.”
I think people who are wealthy without earning it themselves (such as by inheritance or trust fund) are perceived to have lesser character because its assumed that they don’t have a solid work ethic or they cant appreciate the things they have unless they worked hard to get them. While I do think that is true in some cases, I think it is equally possible to be very lucky in money and totally appreciate it. I’ve met a few folks with a lot of family money who are also humble and kind. And good for them!
Teresa
I agree with you, that “character” does not correlate with “wealth” !
Here Here …. no need to defend yourself anymore! You’ve just made different choices than the status quo….so of course you’re going to get some whack comments. But guess what, they won’t “get it” until they wake up one day and realize the illusion of our culture is just that, an illusion.
I’ve always used the standby comment, “I get it honest from my father”, (the sailing bug that is) and he always said, “It’s about priorities”. Some folks prioritize their big mortgage, their big couch and their fancy couture…..but us simple folks, are just passionate about being out in the breeze and hangin’ on to each wonderful moment of this life we’ve chosen. Life is about choices!
Sailor’s have been given a slanted consideration since sailing began….it’s because we DO throw caution to the wind, travel the high seas, chase rainbows, explore cultures with an open mind and practice ‘fellowship’ where ever we roam. I think the world NEEDS more sailors!!
Heck yeah! Awesome post. It’s hard for people who aren’t doing it to comprehend how much sweat and saving go into making this lifestyle happen. People think that we are being irresponsible when we are actually taking responsibility for our lives and working to achieve our goals and dreams. Yes, there are people who have trust funds or inheritance, but for those of us who don’t it’s only a matter of hard work, creativity, and sacrifice to get there on our own. Cheers!
Hey Teresa,
Being the age I am (ahem) I remember a group of people who decided to give up the everyday life and travel and explore both the world and themselves. At the time they were called Hippies, now they would be back to earthers. Most of these people just wanted to try new ways of living and rediscover old ones we had left behind. They hurt no one and just wanted to be allowed to live their lives. Unfortunately, for many, drugs, lack of direction, and the lack of planning led to problems with others and between themselves. Also, the society we lived in was even less tolerant of “Other” ideas than the one we are in now. Some of these “Hippies” decided to go back to an average life. Some never made it back. And some are still out there exploring new ideas and lives.
There are people in every generation who look to try out new things and are not afraid to give up the things they need to to try. Also, in every generation, there are those who look down at or try to degrade anyone who doesn’t hold the same ideas they themselves do. Feel sure though that the majority of people envy the dedication it takes to give up one life and take up a new one. We look at people who rely on themselves to get where they want to go and wonder if we could do it as well. Some will, some will not, and some will see it as a plesant idea we can use to make it from day to day.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I think what you have been doing is a good thing. You have asked no one to pay your way except where extra support was needed for a special project. I wonder if the people who question the source of your resources have ever read your blog or looked at your website. If so, they might have noticed your comments about working at a school, food services, learning trades, and selling items you crafted (I am still looking for the right person to give the necklace I bought from you to). I think that if you had a rich family or someone else paying your way you would not be doing these things and would instead be talking about the next exotic port of call and how you were looking forward to shopping in that port.
I can remember a quote you might find good to hear. I only wished I could remember the source. “When a person speaks out of ignorance, a person of knowledge can only hear the ignorance, not the words.”
Douglas, I love your comments. Thank you.
I agree with what everyone else has said regarding “defending yourself”. You certainly didn’t need to but I’m also glad you did. It does help to drive the point home.
I think these people’s response stems from their own belief that casting off is virtually impossible without a bank roll. They miss the point that it’s the result of choices you’ve made…conscious decisions to do without things in an effort to gain deeper experiences. Teresa you’ve advocated creating an environment that is more accepting of simple living. Personally I support the notion but I wouldn’t expect in a society that is driven by consumerism you’re going to get much support from the establishment. I mean in many respects isn’t simple living the antithesis to consumerism?
My wife and I are still trying to get to the point that we can cast off but I’m constantly amazed by the number of people, bosses, family, etc. that think we’ve lost our minds to even contemplate getting rid of everything we’ve worked so hard our whole lives to accumulate to move onto a boat.
Keep on keeping on Teresa!
What’s wrong with you?!?
I mean, come on, you live in America and you don’t buy into the illusion that your personal wealth is measured by the size of your car, the size of your house, the salary of your cushy 8-5 office job? You actually freed yourself from the leash of corporate greed and decided to follow your own path and make your own destiny? You chase adventure and find more of it in one day than more than half of the people in this country can buy for themselves in one month after paying their mortgage, health insurance, car payment, country club membership, five credit cards and daily $5 extra tall vanilla latte?
Geez. No wonder you get so many negative comments. Something is not right with you…..
Touché. These commenters are obviously threatened by the fact that someone dares to challenge the status quo. They’re too afraid to try it themselves. Keep at it Teresa!
Deb
S/V Kintala
http://www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
Teresa-
I sure hope that your critics will read this and all of the comments. I’ve been living on my Orion part-time for almost a month now, and plan to make the full-time switch within the next month. After a down payment from savings I had worked my butt off for, I financed the rest of it and have been in the process of simplifying my belongings. It’s one of the most liberating experiences. The days that I am on the boat, I spend far less money than I would if I were on land. And I get to see the world the way humans were meant to see it (not through smog and skyscrapers). My friends though all have the same reaction, along the lines of “where do you get that money?”, or “why would you do that?”. It’s just ignorance and envy. I’m counting down the days (294!) to where I can leave my career and simplify my life. Happy sailing!
I hope I have your courage. I decided a couple years ago I wanted to buy a boat and live aboard. I’m a few years from retirement and have no savings, so I’m trying to stick it out until I have some retirement money to help out. I’m a single woman and I am so looking forward to living and sailing a boat. Did i mention I don’t even know how to sail yet?
You are definitely an inspiration. These people who write negative thoughts have never researched what it takes to live or own a boat. They wouldn’t feel at home without all their creature comforts.
Paula just do it. The money will come and so will the sailing skills. Get a boat you can afford and start from there. I know people that live in Panama on $500 a month. They own their boat, fish, and simply. Don’t wait too long make it happen.
Yeah, I remember those days. As a girl rebuilding a Cal 36, I’d meet guys in the boatyard who would wistfully say, ‘I wish I could afford to live your life.’ And I’d look at their enormous fancy almost brand new trucks, and think, well if you sold that you could easily live my life. But they had big houses for their families, private schools, bills up the wazoo. Their choice. I chose to live simply and cheaply, and have never ever regretted a moment of it.
Excellence is all I’ve seen for your effort, including your website. And it all sounds like ‘living’ to me. Perhaps you could do a short piece on rodes (life-time of line and chain), anchors and the benthic you have experienced. Whatever the inspiration, your last blog revealed some of the most interesting facets of the way-of-life. Often when we write or teach, the seemly obvious or overlooked goes unmentioned. When infact, it is the essence of what we are and do. I sincerely hope you stay on the path for a while longer, having invested so much time and energy. Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope to do the same soon!
My BF is a liveaboard who’s gotten me into sailing. He smartly showed me your youtube videos which I loved! They were an integral part of me developing what has become a full-fledged obsession with buying and living aboard a boat.
Thanks for sharing your financial sacrifices and hard decisions with us. The money issue is a big one for those of us considering the lifestyle switch. Most cruisers will tell you that “it costs what you have to spend.” Doesn’t seem very helpful at first, but the more research and preparation I do the more it seems 110% accurate. You WANTED this lifestyle and you MADE it work based on the resources you had available. Anyone can do that at any income level depending on how much they’re willing to sacrifice.
I’m so appreciative of you sharing your adventure with us on this blog. You turned at least one woman into a sailor!
Keep it up! What are your plans for this winter? Love reading about your adventures.
Howdy Teresa,
I’m glad your doing what your doing, how your doing it, and why. I am confident you will be able to eschew malicious envy from landlubbers. I vicariously enjoy and appreciate the water, wherever I can, …So Thanx! Your defining a rightlivelihood.
Pe@ce, Winslow
Great post Teresa.
Most people don’t ‘get it’. Thats why they aren’t doing it…
I live on my 30′ sailboat, with a less than a ‘working class’ income. Power comes from a 40w solar panel (until recently, I think I’ll plug a heater in for the winter!), showers don’t happen on the boat, groceries come in small doses, I work 5 days a week, pay slip fees (which is 1/3 the price of a small apartment in the same area), and enjoy every minute of my life. Not even close to rich, and never have been…. Next year I’ll be travelling, but only because I’ve been working towards it and sticking to my goals. This kind of life takes real commitment, and a type of strength most people can only daydream about.
Daphne is a beautiful boat though, I wish I could afford one of those :p
In 2008 life was very different then what it is today. I had a thrieving business, a beautiful home, a top of the line vehical, money in the bank, and my 37 foot yacht. Then the finacial crisis happened in the states. I lost the house, business, vehical and the money in the bank. I was left with the 37 ft yacht which was the only thing i owned. I thought to my self how am i going to be able to live on this? I was used to flying down to the boat to sail on weekends and then checking in to the Hilton at night. Now i am “forced” to live on my boat? This isn’t right. Well i moved on that boat and even though it was beautiful it was also a sacrifice. I had to watch my electrical power, water levels, shower once a week, and stay up at night due to storms while i lived off the hook. I would wear three layers of cloths because here in Canada it gets really cold for 5 months of the year.
In 2010 i ended up losing my boat due to a personal situation and the first thought i had was how am i going to live back on land? What am i going to do with out having the ocean as my playground and the whales as my brothers?
In life we often get caught up in things that don’t matter. We get caught up in this world full of stuff. Thats all it is, stuff.
Since i have been back on land i spend every day looking at boats and saving every penny to be cold, dirty and at peace again. I can hardly wait to be ” forced to live on a boat again”
Curtis, good for you, loved your post. Get hold of me through my website, I know of a few nice boats going cheap. You’ll have to spend some time in a boatyard, but I think you’re ready for that, lol….
T, again you made me smile. You are rich, T. Richer then any person with money! Rich with life. Annette and I are in Sedona Az. for our 30th anniversary and we talked about you and Ben today. we both thought you’d like it here. Hope all is well with you.
Hi Theresa,
As a liveaboard myself a couple of the points that you make in this post resonate strongly with me. First, it is true that someone who chooses to live a nomadic lifestyle immediately becomes part of an underclass that is looked at suspiciously by the rest of society. Second, it seems that we still get a ton of comments that seem to be born of jealousy.
I finally decided to come up with a good answer to how I am able to live the life that I do after I got quite upset one day because of an insensitive comment about how I must have a trust fund somewhere to finance my very modest (26-foot) boat. My answer now is advice for those who seek it and a short answer for the casually curious. These days I reply, “It is simple, really–I only had to give up everything else.”
Keep up the great work!
Teresa, you’re pointing te right direction. Forget the critics and go straight for your route, is much fuller then other’s.
Buona fortuna.
Michele
Thanks for this post – reading it reminded me a little of Voyaging on a Small Income by Annie Hill… how I used to read and dream and dream of a junk rigged boat. I’m sailing onland right now in an ’83 westfalia, but I still dream of a boat in my future… thanks for the inspiration to keep the dream alive!!
Although snippy comments from jealous YouTube users can easily be dismissed, the comment from Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh made my brain move into overdrive: The comment is angry in its tone, and you have clearly touched a nerve.
What makes an intelligent, published critical thinker, make such a derogatory comment on a blog about sailing, toward a woman she has never (<– assumption) met? Anger is only truly invoked when someone belittles something that one cares deeply, and passionately about. In this case it would seem — as she is an author about socialism — that she takes issue with your perceived duties to society.
Your article here brushes aside those who simply assume you have inherited wealth, a sugar daddy, or have won the pools; but I would wager that if you invited Dr. IJP to an intelligent, public, debate on your site about simplicity, duties (whether they be to a society or to the well being of the planet in a holistic sense), and argued that cruising was not running away from problems, but a way of facing them head on while not feeding the industrial and corporate machines that are bringing the world to its knees, you would create the best read page in the online sailing world.
Fairwinds, and following seas,
Adam
Hear Hear! Paugh’s remarks annoyed me as well, not surprised to find out she’s an author on socialism, a belief system that discourages individualism and entrepreneurship.
I never doubted you for a minute. Too bad there are so many that are either jealous or don’t have what it takes to make bold decisions in their own lives. There will always be naysayers, haters, and those that will try to keep you from succeeding in order to feel better about their own miserable existence.
You totally rock and are an inspiration to so many people, including me who is not as easily inspired (or impressed) as I was in my younger days.
Good luck in all you do,
-Bill
Great post! Thanks, Teresa!
I guess I still have some time to convince my wife to shower less often while we’re saving money for a boat
Your ‘detractors’ will stop reading at point #1. Once they realize your unfair advantage is sweat-powered, they are checking out and going back to their ‘whine and jeez!-fest’ where they will continue to assume the world’s unfairness is what’s keeping them from having your dream.
The rest of us appreciate the finer details about how you make your amazing life work on a tight budget.
Great post! Isn’t it crazy how people would assume that living on a boat means luxury?! Yes, if you’re on a multi-million dollar yacht, but people like us and yourself give up a lot to become liveaboards! I must admit we’re not liveaboards just yet, but we’ll be selling the house, the cars and all the “stuff” in order to live on our boat. Many people tend to be blind to that fact!
Love your blog, and as a girl myself … you’re one tough chick! I don’t think I’d have the guts that you have to do it alone. I admire your strength!
Teresa, glad to see you took the gloves off. Oh, and you forgot the $5.00 coffee at Starbucks, the $150.00 tennis shoes and $100.00 blouses from J. Crew as things to give up to make the dream a reality.
We bought our Nor’sea back in July.
I hope our wakes cross one day.
r
Fair winds and clam seas
Jerry
Where is the edit key???
It should be “calm seas” not “clam seas” although clams do live by the sea.
good for you. Since I have been through the same process (although without any of the publicity) I do kinda know how you feel.
People will always judge without thought but what always annoyed me more than anything was the constant comment “you’re so lucky”. There was never any luck involved.
It’s all about hard work, determination and courage. With those things anyone can do it. Problem is that most people lack the courage. That’s why you’re doing it and not them and why all they can do is make snide comments from their desks at work.
No one should have to defend their lifestyle choice, be it on a megayacht, or a tent over a sunfish (actually done that). But I’m glad you did. There seem to be trolls on every website/blog these days, and it’s nice to see them put in their place.
Your regular readers appreciate what you have accomplished, and have inspired us, young and old, to take another look at how we live, and how to reduce our consumption.
See you out there.
Paul
Sodus Point NY
It was so refreshing to see this blog post. Teresa, I am trying to make the leap to living aboard a sailing vessel in the next year. People look at me like I am a Whack-a-Do or have some big pillow of daddy’s money to use. Questions like: “Why would you sink your money into a sail boat? It is a hole where you drop your money. Buy a house.”I hear that & then watch them spend the same amount on a new roof for their house or a furnace. And as the housing market continues to take a downward spiral….
Then there is the piece about living a non-traditional life that folks don’t grasp as well. Many folks above have already stated it. As a society, we do not know how to live with less. We are encouraged to get the next best thing & what we do purchase is neither designed to last or be repaired at home. When is the last time someone tried to fix their own toaster?
Teresa, Thank you for writing that post. I have sent it off to a few friends that have been questioning my goals. You are on the right path if it feels right to you. Sometimes we have to defend ourselves & there is a way to do it with compassion & passion. You have done that.
Be well & fair winds.
trish
Teresa
Ignore your detractors, they are suffering from freedom envy. I have just launched a Bristol Channel Cutter I built and have come to realize how simple life could be if I got rid of everything that is not necessary to voyage on her. I now have get it done envy. You are out there following your dream. Please keep writing for those of us who get it and enjoy following along. Those who don’t get it probably never will.
Eric
Well, if it’s any consolation, your vids were actually part of what kept me inspired towards living aboard my own boat. I bought a beautiful little Pearson 323(for about the price of a car) and moved to her a slip so I could live on her while still working on land. It costs me much less than what living on land “in the city” did and over the last year I’ve even been able to pay off 2 credit cards and my car from the money I’ve saved.
She has everything I need to be comfortable. I love being at the marina all the time and in a year I’ll have saved up enough to take off and spend some serious time traveling with her.
Way to go Theresa! Tell it like it is sista! Anyone who knows you, knows you lead not a life of leisure and luxury! Your “fortune” comes in the form of wisdom, patience, character and perseverance. It is amazing what you have accomplished and the lessons you have learned along the way (and what you have to show/teach others). I know you aren’t discouraged by the few negative (and often anonymous) remarks. You keep on living the way you do and everything that makes you happy will find you (whether that be a warm shower, a flushable toilet, or even something more “materialistic”)
XOXO
KRS
Some people may be Jerks, but other people (like myself) are inspired by your example and are working to follow in your footsteps. I have a decent job, but I still live like I’m broke because I’m only spending what I have to and putting all the rest into savings so I can afford a boat. I hear my coworkers (with more seniority and higher pay) constantly complain about their lack of money, but with some discipline I have all that I need and plenty for savings. Keep it up! You do more good than you can know.
Theresa! This is brilliant! Well done and well voiced!
I remember reading Voyaging on a Small Income years and years ago and it has shaped how I live on land but it is so interesting that people justify their unhappiness by putting someone else down.
I get this a lot in my work too because I am self employed…or because I work in the field of deep joy and levity people always think I have never known hardship. So twisted!
I think the best is to do what you are doing. Live and lead by example and I applaud your courage to just put it out there like you did…because this is helpful for those that want to do it but may be caught in the story they can’t.
My goal for our family is to live bi coastal and have an electric bus that takes us between coasts and travels…cheers to dreams and the wonder within us that allows them to happen.
To those who are challenging you-I wish for them greater imagination and compassion!
Teresa, such a great site you have. You truly are inspiring, positive, courageous, clever & confident to live life to the beat of our own drum like you do; to such a full degree. For the life of me, I don’t understand the insecurity that must compel someone to go through the energy, time & trouble to post negative feedback when all you are doing is sharing your wonderful story & insights on life.
Thank you for allowing us to read along–we truly enjoy it.
I knew it! I am so jealous of you living that luxurious simple life on a boat. I get it, and wish I had done as you. Instead I trapped myself in a landlocked middle class life style. I am close to getting out of the situation and look forward a change in life style. Thank you for the inspiration to go for it.
Teresa,
I saw many of those comments when I was first discovering your blog. Good for you for answering back!
You’re a great inspiration for my wife and I. We’re restoring an 1977 Cruise-A-Home to live aboard and eventually cruise full time. Knowing your story in greater detail gives me more confidence that we can do it too.
Thanks!
Chris Troutner
Thanks Chris! So tell me, when you saw those comments, did you think the same things about me…that perhaps I was “trust funded?” I actually wouldn’t be ashamed if I was. It wouldn’t change how I live my life. It would just add a little more security and peace of mind.
Teresa
The first thing that went through my mind was that you were (physically) a little girl, sailing alone, living simply, and loving it. Next to that, a source of income was superfluous. I actually Googled you because of one of your articles in Living Aboard magazine, which then led me to the YouTube videos and comments.
I think we both agree that living life is more important than how you fund it. Don’t ever worry about comments. You will always have a rapt audience so long as you continue to show people an inspiring alternative lifestyle.
Speaking of which, I can’t resist the urge to prod you to tell your readers about what your and Bens plans are post-Daphne and Elizabeth. Have you two settled on a boat yet?
Chris, A lot of people keep asking us the same question. We aren’t trying to keep any secrets. The honest-to-goodness truth is that we don’t really know what our plans are. Sailing is still in our future. We aren’t looking for a different boat right now. In fact, we are focusing on making Elizabeth as perfect for the two of us as possible. We are just ordering foam and material to make new cushions for the bunks, and I’m building a closet so I can have my own corner in the boat. Elizabeth is still for sale however.
A by the way, the “first thing that went through your mind” was absolutely true in all accounts!!!
Sincerely,
Teresa
That sounds great.
I’m glad you two are still working together on Elizabeth after your adventurous summer. If either of you two have any excuse to come to Washington in the future, please contact me. I’d love to take you out for a cruise.
Teresa, I have been following your blog since we moved onto our 33′ sailboat over two years ago. Your stories have inspired me.
Thank you.
Katie
Teresa, This is an excellent post. I own a 110′ ship and am in the same boat as you. Erik
Teresa, I have seen several of your videos on living small aboard the boat and your Ted-x video – absolutely fantastic! I haven’t been able to see anything on ‘logs’ of your preparation/purchase of daphne of of your sailing trips. I would really like to read about it all from the vey beginning. Your story is truely wonderful. I have read of many cruiser’s stories over the past few years, they are all inspiring. Keep up the good life.
59 honest, suppportive comments.. thanks for sharing !
make that 60…
Rudeness and all it represents and uninformed commentaries that somehow found or find their way to the shores of this blog and the represented creativity, honesty and generous spirit of sharing and learning should “simply”…
flow far, far beyond the wonderful, creative, genuine, gracious and enchanting world of T.
As somebody who is entering my fourth Winter in the UK on a 21ft sailing boat, a boat with 4ft and 6 inches of headroom (I’m 5′ 8″), I whole heartedly agree.
I do wish I had wealthy parents though. It would be much easier if daddy gave me a trust fund, or at least was capable of doing so.
I have been trying to do the numbers these last five years and I believe your angle is right.
It actually made me believe in myself. I wanted to do exactly what you have done. I.m embarrassed with my short insight. I’m still on shore dreaming of that day. I am now 67.
You might read my book and it explains my position perfectly. Getting too old or it’s just a matter of moral responsibilities that I feel that I have to my loved ones.
Thank you for your insight and honesty and good luck on your new adventures.
The book is call Which Way to Starboard by Guy G. Lemieux
linandlarryPardey.com check out this couple they have lived like you for 24 years or so. They have made it into the history books.
When your old and gray you will love the day that you spent you life to live.
I wish i could find a girl like you. Your the bees knees. the cats ass.
“To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea… cruising, it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about. I’ve always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of security. And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine – and before we know it our lives are gone. What does a man need – really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in – and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all – in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade. The years thunder by, The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed. Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?”
- Sterling Hayden
Just tonight i had a neighbor stop by and see the inside of my boat for the first time. He became the millionest person to look around as if surprised and say, “If it came down to it, i could actually live like this.” Of course, like the countless others, he meant no offense and didnt realize how it must sound to me. I also frequently hear, “How do you afford it?” So either society thinks we are lowly unwashed liveaboards roughing it through life or trust fund millionaires. The truth is my boat sells for 50k, significantly less than most folks first small apartment homes. And yet I dock it amongst the views from million dollar mansions onshore. As for the roughing it impression, the truth is that my life is rather mundane and normal. But sometimes I feel wild and reply, “Yes the winters are not for the faint of heart. Its a rough life out there.” I do this because I figure to heck with them! Leave the sea to me! I think thats why so many live a private life onboard despite being enthuiastic about the lifestyle. It just gets hard to keep explaining yourself admist assumptions. The story of stuff…that cycle..is how most people live. People cant fathom how we in tiny homes live. The mere idea that bigger isnt better and could be worse is not even fathomable. Thats why we all hear, “if it came down to it…” mixed with jealous comments. I also had to chuckle when I asked a landlubber friend what his favorite boat at the recent boat show was. He replied, “The biggest one, whichever one that was of course!” I thought, but how will you skinny dip at night (my favorite part of living aboard hands down) if you have to employ a whole crew to pilot the thing and they are standing there in their pressed polos waiting to hand you a towel? Sort of ruins the fun of being alone on the hook at dusk in some wooded little spot, listening to the crickets onshore and forgetting the cares of this world. T, you know I love you! Keep inspiring us!
Hey Teresa
You are a rather rare individual, not so much that you’re living on a boat but because you knew
the kind of lifestyle you wanted and went for it. You didn’t just hope or wish – you expected. Most
people hope – they don’t expect. They are greatly encouraged to go to obedience school
(collage) so they can become a good credit risk so they can be in a position to “buy’ all the
“stuff’ they’re told to.
I have lived on and off sailboats since I was a kid while crewing on deliveries up from Baja Ca.
Mexico and I can definitely relate to the “minimalist” mantra. What “stuff ” you have is “stuff ” that
has value and meaning and could very well save your life.
Personally I like contrast and balance – like living in the desert of So Calif. then going out sailing
for a few months – like drinking in the bar at the San Diego Yacht Club then out of a brown bag
on the streets of Palm Springs….. now that’s livin.
You are a great inspiration.
Steve
BTW you should get out of the cold and come out here to San Diego
I think it’s great that you worked hard to live a dream and to hell with all the people that want to ridicule you for doing so. But hell, I’m pretty sure if you got more money, you would buy more stuff and a bigger boat
I always dreamed of living on a boat with a cat. I found your youtube site out of random just thinking about living on a boat and surprised that someone is actually doing it! Maybe one day I’ll do it too.
+72, lol. From a fellow live-aboard, a power boat liveaboard to be precise , like you I don’t have any outside money resources to call upon. I bought my 27ft clean older roomy fully self contained command bridge cabin cruiser boat by offering the seller who posted it on a large boat site payments, he keep the boat until I paid it off in 9 months , $9000 in 9 months, the boat was 600 miles from me. I lived in my old RV to save on rental costs in order to pay off the boat. Now I am ‘living the dream’ my dream, lol.
Peace kiddo
Teresa!
Great post! No lashing out, just “This is the way it is” comments and explanations! Well done.
I’m 50 right now, and my wife and I plan on retiring to living full time on a sail boat I will be building (construction to start soon!) in our land-locked province of Alberta. I grew up on the West Coast, so water life is in my blood, and after YEARS of working outdoors year around, enduring winters of -35 C weather, I will be sailing blue/green warm waters for several years!
Your comments have assured me of thoughts I’ve had for a quite awhile: living F/T on a sailing vessels can be done very adequately on a modest budget. As I build my boat, I hope to incorporate modern touches like a desalination system for water replenishment, running H & C water, solar and wind generation, and hopefully other “stuff” my wife will appreciate as we make the transition to F/T onboard living..
Cheers, and continued encouragement!
Gerry
Congrats! Way to follow your passion, and do what you want. I’ve been couchsurfing for 5 years, and doing many fun things along the way– money is always the question that people bring up.
Whatever did you end up doing about the Physical address, if your boat is your home — taxwise, mail wise, etc? I’m using one of those virtual mailboxes for right now, so I have a place for people to mail stuff too.
Keep on adventuring!
Hi Teresa. After reading your post I just think that you are not so free. Is just a vital choice only available for few people in the world. It´s not easy to live like that, so enjoy and do not take any notice of jealous people. Don´t feel guilty for having such an opportunity in your life.
And now what??
Hey Adam! You know what’s funny? I don’t think I’d buy a bigger boat if I hit it rich.
I like the fact that I can use my boat singlehandedly, that it takes only one reverse cycle heater unit to keep it warm–just the logistics of that, forgetting about the money aspect, and that I can fit in most cozy/small marinas (don’t need a larger marina for slippage which can mean less sense of community).
I’d guess that T would also find larger boats to have too many downsides–esp the fact that it can be too much boat to handle alone. There really are advantages to smaller boats.
That said, if I had lots of money, I’d get a smaller yet richer boat for sure!! I’d get some old beautiful wooden boat and pay some guys to do all the varish and keep it lovely maybe! Or just a more quality boat at least. But it would still be small, just more expensive! Or who knows, maybe I’d just spend the extra cash on goodies like food, presents for people, experiences.
Either way, my boat size won’t go up. It’s not desirable!
Hi,
What irresponsible things people say…..I just ignore them.
I’m at the stage in my life where simplicity is beckoning…trying to get rid of so many things is my project now.
Material things mean little. You can’t take them with you.
I’ve never seen luggage racks on a hearse!
It’s your life…enjoy it, experience it….
Best wishes,
Dana
At the end of the day, regardless of how much money you have, what your background is, why you even chose to take this journey and have this experience in the first place matters most to one person – you. You could have easily achieved your dream privately and, in doing so, forgo the judgement of those with opposing and, at times, unjustifiably critical opinions. My opinion? I’m grateful you shared your story, I consider it a privilege to have been invited into your world, your dreams, hopes and ambitions., to be inspired by what you achieved, to have invested in One Simple Question and to be motivated to review what I consider important in my own life.
Merry Christmas,
J
Thanks J!
A few years ago I purchased a Jeep Grand Cheroke LTD. with a 5.2L engine.
My brother and his wife said, how are you going to pay for the gas? I answered
politely, I only drive 15,000km per year not 150,000km like you. People are
always too eager or quick to judge. I love Jason Rolph’s comment. Very real.
Guy
I too live on a 27′ sailboat, but its not as nice as a nor sea 27. In any case, I bought it for $1000 in San Francisco, but now I have sailed it to New Zealand which turns out to be a great place to be on a boat. I thought your list of things you do without is funny, because I have many of them!
Community — well same as you.. it changes with every anchorage
Car — I wouldn’t want one, but I had a bicycle until it rusted
Electricity — I have 8 golf cart batteries, and a deck covered in solar panels, so I can pretty much power anything. My boat is propelled electrically, and I use electricity for cooking, my electric oven, and stove cookers, I need no fuel.
Refridgeration (for the first 16 months) — I have this
TV — I have youtube
Internet — I get this all the time.. infact I can hack most wifi to make it working from upto 3 miles
Hair dryer — I used to have one and I had plenty of power for it, but then it got submerged when I took on about 100 gallons of water.
Shower — solar shower
Weekly Yoga class — yeah I don’t have this one
Freezer — I have a freezer. It is good when I catch large fish and can’t eat it all, but I don’t really like to rely on this.
Security — no not really, but the fact that I am not connected to land helps
Dock — sometimes I dock places until they tell me I have to leave
Garden — Some people grow stuff on their boat, but I do not
Running water — I pour from gallon jugs.. what could be more reliable?
Health Care — I get this as a visitor in New Zealand! just sail somewhere they have it
Predictability — Some things are more predictable than others
Residency (and therefore access to some benefits) — like free money?
Washer and Dryer for clothing — I have a bucket and the sun
Flush toilet — I flush it alright hehe
Kitchen appliances — I got rid of the microwave because I don’t like how the food tastes
Yep, I think we are experiencing some of the same things. In the context of the blog post, you’ll see that I explain that to get many of these needs and wants, I have to make a few modifications, just like you did!
You may have most of these things on the list, but my point was that they are modified from what people typically think of. For example, your sun shower. You have to prepare a bit more to ensure you have a warm shower when you want it. And you have to use the water sparingly, especially if you are traveling and fresh water is limited.
Another example is the washer and dryer…a bucket and the sun is certainly not the same. I also have a bucket, but I can’t count on the sun! At least not where I’ve been sailing lately.
The free money part confused me. Do you get free money with your residency? Tell me where!?!?! What benefits I was referring to was a P.O. box, a bank account, a library card, vote, etc. I mention that a bit in the blog post. I had to have a street address to apply for all of those. Even to properly register my boat and even to pay my taxes!
Congrats on the internet success. I’m still working on it. I tried a multi directional antenna and it worked for a bit, but it wasn’t reliable. And I can’t find free WiFi everywhere. I’m not interested in hacking either and using up bandwidth that I didn’t pay for.
Your dock comment made me giggle. So, I’m guessing you don’t really have a dock? At least not one you could reliably leave your boat at for a few weeks while you visited your family. When you came back, your boat might not be there! So…you “dock there until they tell you to leave?” I guess the dock and hacking the WiFi is what you are talking about when you mentioned “free money.” That isn’t my style.
Sincerely,
Teresa
P.S. I had a bicycle too…until it fell into the Charleston river! I’m sure its also pretty rusty now. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t retrieve it.
I don’t get free money, but some people I have met on boats do. I could get this in the states since if you are a citizen you can apply for benefits. If they ask for an address you just give them the post office and pick up the stuff there.
You can get a bank account, when they ask for an address just give them the bank’s address, and bank’s phone #. You might have to try several banks but eventually you can do it.
I got a directional wifi antenna, yagi style, and I rigged it to a servo motor and a magnetometer with arduino to control it so it can automatically track signals as the boat rotates at anchor. I also got a 1000mW g-sky adapter, and recompiled the wifi driver to enable the full power output. Then I set the bitrate to 1Mbits which greatly enhances signal/noise ratio. This works from miles away.
The hacking.. I am just bypassing the login screens for where they want to take your money to make the wifi working. Wifi isn’t supposed to be used for this purpose, yet they are clogging the airwaves with it anyway. There is limited bandwidth available for everyone to use for all purposes, and it isn’t supposed to be used for commercial purposes. The cell phones are designed to charge for internet, not wifi. Luckily, I found it is impossible for them to succeed, and in fact I always can get online.
I am afraid to leave my boat too long incase it floods full of water and the pump failed to work. My next boat will hopefully be something light enough that it can have wheels also enabling me to stash it on land very easily.
Ha… (yes I am very juvenile)… like the “large deposits” bit. Funny.
Hi Teresa and Daphne;
I could get long winded here but others have said what needs to be said in support of your lifestyle.
I’m one of those who sought out videos and messages like yours for answers to some of my own questions about life. I am a new business owner and I see a different side of things now in relation to some of the earlier issues you’d mentioned re consumerism etc. Sadly work and money are a passage we must make in order to stay healthy and provide ourselves with the necessities. With that said, we are fortunate enough to be able to make decisions for ourselves and the paths we wish to take regardless of income. We can also choose not to listen to the rhetoric and drama that surrounds us in our daily lives. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hello Teresa,
I’m new here, but I wanted to leave you a comment so you can add me to the likely huge list of people your posts inspire. I too dream of taking to the sea, and leaving behind the traps and monotony of life on land. Currently I’m in the process of making it happen, working a new job that I could do well from a boat, saving up for a worthy seagoing home, and finding a couple people to come with me.
I just have one question, if you don’t mind… Do you find it more difficult to be going at this solo? Do you find yourself often wishing for another pair of hands or late night conversation? Or, rather, do you enjoy the privacy and self-sufficiency of doing this on your own? I can’t imagine your life being easy, doing all of that on your own. Personally I have a few friends I wish to bring with me, as I’m not sure I can handle that kind of workload on my own. Perhaps I overestimate the workload? All I know about lives like yours are what I read on liveaboard blogs like this one.
Either way, THANK YOU for this blog. You inspire me. I haven’t encountered many people capable of doing what you do, or living how you live. The vast majority of the people around me that I’ve gotten to know would never consider doing anything as remarkable and difficult as what you have done. Go without TV and hot water to shower with? NO FREAKIN WAY! Luckily, I’m one of those odd people that gets a sense of fulfillment from hard living, so I suspect (hope?) that I will be able to follow your example someday.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope to meet you on the water some day!
– Adam
Adam,
Thank you for your comments. I’m glad you are enjoying my blog. I am no longer sailing solo, but am sharing a boat with my partner, Ben. I sailed solo for several years but we both felt that it would be more economical for us to have only one boat and travel together. This way, we will be more likely to travel to the destinations we want to.
Since I have sailed both solo, with a partner, and with other people, I feel that I can answer your question about which is the best way to travel. Although, you might not like my answer because it will be very vague. My answer is: “it depends.”
It depends on:
-your experience
-who you are traveling with
-your financial situation
-how you are alone
-the relationship with your sailing partner
-and most importantly; what you want to accomplish while sailing.
I recently wrote an article for Cruising World that was published in the Feb 2012 edition about why sailing solo was important to me. That article may help you.
Sincerely,
Teresa
Teresa,
Thank you for your quick reply! I can definitely see the benefits of sharing your life with a compatible partner. I am going to check out that article you mention in a moment, but first I feel I should share the information that might give you a clearer picture with which to offer advice, if you choose to. This is probably going to get rather long-winded, however, so if you do not have the time, or don’t wish to read it all, I will not be offended. Simply putting it there in case you are interested.
I have no experience. I grew up and currently live in Wisconsin. I have never been on a boat. This may sounds strange, considering the choices I intend to make, but I possess an unusual personality type that I truly believe would work very well within this lifestyle. I have spent 3 years thus far reading various cruising and liveaboard blogs and stories, watching videos, etc. I realize that reading and watching are much different than actually being out there on a boat, however, and that is why I will be spending two years on my boat at a local marina in Milwaukee while I finish my college degree, before casting off and enmeshing myself into the lifestyle completely. This way I have an out and two years to decide whether or not to use it. But currently, no experience.
If I choose to travel with others, it would be my two best friends, Jeff and Becky. The three of us are currently roommates in a small two bedroom apartment, living modestly while attending the University of Wisconsin. I truly believe we would get on well together on a boat, and they are as excited as I to try it out. I suspect, however, that at least one of them may change their mind during the two year stay at the local marina.
I do however prefer to be alone sometimes. I do well on my own, and often wish for solitude above and beyond what I can get here at the apartment. And this is where my question comes into play. I honestly cannot decide whether or not I’d prefer to go at this alone or living with others. Thus, these comments seeking advice and/or information. I wont be making any solid decisions until we’ve lived at the marina awhile, but even at that point, while I’d certainly have a better idea what it’s like to live on a boat, I’d still have no knowledge of the workload, hardships, or general workability of going at this alone. Also, size of boat. I’d be buying a boat before knowing whether or not I’ll be doing this alone, so I find myself at a loss as to what kind of size or configuration to look for.
I don’t have the opportunity to obtain a loan to buy a boat with, but I do have decent employment that I can maintain even whilst living aboard a boat, as long as I have internet access. I can buy a 3G modem and subscription for internet purposes, so I figure income is handled. I plan to have around $15-20k (USD) saved up for boat buying purposes, by the time I actually begin shopping for one, and my income would be about $500-$3000 per month, depending on how much I wish to work.
As for your “most importantly” point, well, I’m not exactly sure. One thing I wish above all else is freedom. Not the “make fun of politicians” kind of freedom, but, rather, the “ok lets go see what New Zealand is like” kind. I have been living in poor areas of Wisconsin my entire life, and there’s a world out there full of beauty that I haven’t seen even the smallest part of. There are other motivations for me as well, but while I give them just as much weight, they are much more difficult to put into words. In a way, though I’ve lived a stationary life, I feel like I have the heart of a nomad. My feet have wanderlust. I need to go places.
One last thing I wish to ask, if you’ve gotten this far, is how you compromise with your partner? What if he wishes to travel to, random example, Hawaii, and you want to see Australia? How do you decide priorities? What happens if the two of you were to separate? Who gets the boat? I don’t mean to imply that this is likely to happen or anything, just curious. I could easily imagine similar scenarios that might cause friction between my friends and I.
Well, that’s about all I can think of as to the requested information. Or perhaps you weren’t requesting that information as much as simply suggesting I keep it in mind? If that was the case, my apologies for this long comment.
Off to read your article in Cruising World. Thanks again!
– Adam
It appears Cruising World requires a subscription in order to read your article. I intend to get one when I can, as from what I can see it looks to be a useful magazine, but today is not the day it will happen. Thus, I apologize if anything I mention or ask has already been covered in that article.
Fair weather!
– Adam
Cruising World is on the newsstands in places like West Marine and Barnes and Noble right now.
Adam,
If you intend to live aboard a boat and travel long distances, I recommend you first sail as much as possible aboard a variety of boats before deciding which one to buy and who to trust aboard with you. Walk down to your local marina, cruise the docks, and offer a hand during regattas or if you see people going out sailing. Post a notice on the bulletin board, and ask around. There will be people who will take you sailing. Learn as much as you can from them, read books, and watch cruising videos.
If freedom is your top priority, then I’m not the best source for seeking advice on how to get that. At this point, my recommendation would be to see the world via “Couch Surfing” or “WOOFing” (World Organization of Organic Farms). Maintaing a boat will cost you twice as much as you expect, but maintaining a backpack with clothing and a sleeping bag is much, much, less.
I don’t find living on a boat freeing. In fact, sometimes I wish I lived in an apartment so I could experience more of that freedom that you expressed. However, it will also depend on your financial situation and how you will meet your basic needs. Some cruisers have a lot more freedom than I do, but they either have been lucky in money, or were able to save more money than I was, or are retired. In fact, most cruisers are of retirement age, and I believe that is the reason why. Other cruisers go for only a season up to a few years, and make a sabbatical out of it, rather than a lifestyle. At the present time, I am not cruising. I am living aboard and saving money for my next venture which I hope will happen in the spring of 2013.
In 2009 I met a young couple who had purchased a cheap boat on eBay. They had never been sailing before, didn’t know what condition the boat was in, and probably didn’t even know what to look for in a boat. They traveled down the east coast without charts or lights, were warned as being a danger by a cruise liner, drug anchor multiple times, set their boat on fire at least once, and eventually their boat sank while they were aboard. They never had more than $20 in their pocket, and lived strictly off the generosity of strangers. The entire time they said they were living true to their dreams and “finding themselves.” But in the meantime, they were putting themselves and others in danger. The romantic dream of sailing about has masked the reality of work and money that it takes.
The most important questions you need to be focusing on, during these two years you plan to use as preparation, are: 1) How much will this cost me? 2) How will I pay for this? 3) What experience do I need in order to keep myself, my friends, and other boats sailing near me safe during my travels?
As you start to work out those details, you’re plan will become more clear. Your finances and skills will determine where you travel, what type of boat you’ll get, and if you should be alone or with someone else. Two years is plenty of time to prepare. Stay focused and you’ll be sailing soon.
Sincerely,
Teresa
Well, I just migrated here from a recommendation from a friend Matt. He sent me a link of one of your videos and I was amazed. You def set the pace and renew my energy and love of sailing. I started windsurfing when I was 15 to stay out of trouble. Now I am 39 and own a beautiful 35.5 Endeavour named Chiquita. I so have a passion for sailing and its always nice to see others faces when they are underway…they “get it”. Something very special about it. I am truly jealous of your travels and love watching your destinations and stories. We have big big plans to travel in the future. We are going to be purchasing a solar panel soon to help us run stuff. Seems you like talking on the VHF radio. Have you looked into becoming a Amateur Radio Operator ? It would give you global communications via voice, mail, text and receive all weather, wave and wind faxes. You can keep in touch with friends and family. There is also a large group of folks that pay attention to your travels to ensure your safety. Just a though to make life a bit easier. Keep up the videos ! We love them !
Here is a link to our Maritime Mobile Net. You can listen it for free to hear how things work.
Take care ! http://14300.net
Don
S/V Chiquita
N4MDX – call sign
Teresa,
I have enjoyed reading all your writing and watching all your youtube. You have lived out my dreams, well done.
At 54 and with several years sailing behind me in the Irish Sea between England, Ireland and Scotland, I now think I am kinda ready to take on some liveaboard action.
I have just one ambition which I will take with me on my next adventure – take it easy, at last.
Like you, I have worked since I was 15 and have bought/sold houses, brought up two wonderful daughters and held down several jobs (sometimes 3 separate jobs a week in order to pay bills)
Now, it’s payback time.
I’ll keep you posted and, good luck with your adventures etc.
Fair winds,
Glyn UK