best liveaboard sailing yacht

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17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First

Many dream of living aboard a sailboat, but finding the right one can be daunting. There are many different types, and countless manufacturers have come and gone over the years. 

Here’s a list of 17 options – a sailboat for every sailor on every kind of budget. 

Table of Contents

17 best sailboats to live on, pros of living aboard a sailboat, cons of boat life.

• Find Your Type of Boat 

Set Your Boat Budget

What size boat to pick, best liveaboard sailboats under 35 feet (< 35 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet (35–40 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 45 feet (40–45 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 50 feet (45–50 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 60 feet (50–60 feet), want to live on a sailboat, best sailboats to live on faqs.

• Catalina 34/35
• Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36a
• Gemini 105MC
• Islander Freeport 36
• Passport 40
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
• Leopard 42/43
• Beneteau Oceanis 473
• Hallberg Rassy 46/48
• Leopard 46/Moorings
• Amel Super Maramu 2000
• Privilege 585

What to Know First

So, boat shopping is a challenge, to say the least. Understanding where to start and what to look for comes down to understanding what you want to do with your boat.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of living aboard to get you started.

• Seaside living at a fraction of the cost of a waterfront home
• Ability to travel anywhere by water
• Ability to move anytime—not tied to one location/town
• Different liveaboard lifestyle options to choose from: at a dock, mooring, anchoring, cruising (traveling)—tired of one, mix it up for a different experience
• Small living space lacks storage and privacy
• Limited resources: you must meter your fuel, water, and electricity use when not at a dock
• More exposed to the elements and more affected by weather events
• Seating and furnishings are less comfortable than in a house
• Constant maintenance to keep the boat seaworthy and clean

How to Find the Best Boat to Live on Year Round

At first, you might think boat shopping is like looking for a new car. But when shopping for a car, you have a small pool of manufacturers and models to choose from. In the end, you might have five choices and already have an opinion about each maker’s quality and reputation.

Boats are different. We’re usually shopping for boats that are a decade or more old. The manufacturers may have gone out of business years ago. When you total up all the possible makes and models of each type of boat, you might have dozens of choices with brands you’ve never heard of. Yikes!

Find Your Type of Boat

There are dozens of types of boats you could live on, depending on where you want to live and where you want to take it. Most people shopping for a sailboat will choose between coastal cruisers, bluewater boats, and sailing catamarans.

Here are some of the pros and cons of these sailboat types. 

The Coastal Cruiser

• Inexpensive compared to bluewater and catamarans
• Perfect for dock living or near-shore hops
• With modifications and the right outfitting, many have island-hopped the Caribbean
• Many to choose from, and often they are lightly used
• Designs are often race-inspired and faster than typical heavy bluewater boats
• Newer, bigger boat for your money
• Often production boats have low-quality, lightweight builds

Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats

The Bluewater Sailboat

• The best bluewater cruising sailboats are capable of going anywhere
• Built to last and take anything
• Give the most comfortable ride in rough conditions
• Newer examples are expensive
• Good ones sell quickly
• Older vessels may be tired and in need of an extensive refit
• Often lack the living space that coastal cruisers have—narrower beams and transoms

The Catamaran

• Cruising cats have the maximum living space, especially cockpit dining and upper salon
• Light-filled with plenty of airflow, perfect for the tropics and living at anchor
• Larger models (40+ feet) are bluewater boats capable of going nearly anywhere
• A shallower draft than most monohulls allows for more cruising and anchoring choices
• More expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than similar-sized monohulls  
• The most in-demand vessels, prices are high and good ones sell fast 
• Sometimes hard or expensive to find dock space and boatyards that can haul it out for maintenance

Still unsure which side of the monohull vs. catamaran debate you’re on? Try to get aboard some boats and experience the living space first-hand.

Everyone has a budget when going boat shopping, even if you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Establishing how much you can spend on your boat is the biggest factor that will affect your decision, and it’s the backbone for all other decisions. 

You must understand just how much boat costs increase as the size of boat increases. Boats are already expensive, and the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat varies dramatically. But when the boat gets bigger, it needs bigger hardware, lines, rigging, sails, motors…everything. And bigger means more expensive, so these costs add up fast.

And then there are your storage and boat maintenance costs, all of which are charged per foot. The marina might charge you $15 per foot/per month for a dock slip, and the boatyard will similarly charge you per foot to haul and store the boat. Divers charge per foot for bottom cleaning, as do detailers for annual compounding and waxing of the hull.

When it comes to budgeting, there are two rules of thumb. 

• Always pick the smallest boat you can comfortably live on.
• If you have an amount budgeted for your boat purchase, spend half on the boat and save the other half for outfitting and maintenance.

As you’ll see below, boats can be grouped by price and size. When you go up in size, you go up in price—often by a lot.

The size of the boat is a factor of your budget, but also of how big a boat you can handle. Most people believe this means driving it and maneuvering it, which is true to some extent. But a good training captain can teach you what you need to know to drive any size boat in just a few sessions. 

No, the size of the boat you can manage refers more to how much maintenance you want to do. The bigger the boat, the more complex and plentiful its systems. There’s more to break on a bigger boat, and more things broken means more time fixing things.

Catamarans compound this by doubling a lot of the systems. Two engines, two saildrives, two hulls to wax, two hulls to bottom paint—you get the idea.

Another factor you should consider early on is getting insurance. Yacht insurance has gotten harder and harder to get in recent years. If you’ve never owned a boat and have no experience, you might be forced to get something small (think an under 30-foot daysailor) to get some experience on before you move up. It’s also difficult because many underwriters won’t write policies for liveaboards. 

As a general rule of thumb, most people will find boats under 35 feet too small to live on full-time. Most of these vessels don’t even have standing headroom. There is often only a “wet head,” one where you take showers while sitting on the toilet.

Boats 35 to 40 feet are good for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind living in small quarters. The beds will be small and accessed only from one side, as in a v-berth or a Pullman-style berth. If there is one, the second bunk is likely only for the occasional guest. 

You’ll get better accommodations when you move up to 40 to 45 footers. The second bunk may be in its own stateroom. The main suite will have an island-style berth that can be accessed from both sides—a huge upgrade for most couples. The head will likely have a separate, enclosed shower. This size sailing yacht makes a good liveaboard sailboat for most boaters.

Boats bigger than 45 feet are best for bigger families. If you often travel with kids or guests, these are the boats for you. They’re extremely spacious and make boat living easy, but the extra maintenance and cost may not be worth it.

The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard

All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. There’s no one list to rule them all because there are simply too many different boats out there. And everyone uses their boat differently, so the “best” for you might be a terrible choice for me. Different boats for different folks, so to say.

So, what’s the deal with this list? It’s made from personal experience of having seen a lot of boats out cruising. And it’s a list that tries to put aside the fantasies—Oysters and Gunboats are pretty in magazines, but like Ferraris, not many of us will ever own one. So let’s look at some practical boats that fill each size category. 

For every boat on this list, a dozen or more could’ve been included. Use these models to research brands and see which sizes suit your needs.

Boats under 35 feet tend to be best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable living in small spaces. As always, coastal cruisers in this class have much more space than bluewater boats do. Catamarans in this class are also coastal cruisers—you need more length and volume to get real bluewater performance out of a cat. No matter which type of boat you’re looking at here, storage space on this size of liveaboard boat will be limited.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 35 — Catalina 34/35

If you want to move aboard, you’re on a budget, and you want the most space you can get, it’s really hard to beat an older Catalina. Starting with the Catalina 30, these beamy boats have a surprising interior volume. They make great first liveaboards.

Bluewater Sailor Under 35 — Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36

The famous yacht designer Bob Perry drew these Taiwanese-built boats, all tracing their lineage to the older Tayana 37 . They’re updated slightly and built by different yards, but all full keels with cutaways and built for bluewater cruising. They all have gorgeous teak joinery and are comfortable and forgiving at sea. 

Catamaran Under 35 — Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105M and 105MC were arguably the most popular cat models ever. They’re American-built, with a single diesel engine and a narrow beam that allows them to be parked in a standard boat slip. In the US, this means many more marina choices if that’s how you roll. The boat has centerboards and kick-up rudders, so the board-up draft is a scant 18 inches—gunkholing perfection. 

While some Geminis have crossed oceans, they aren’t made for it. They have average (sometimes below-average) build quality and fiberglass work. However, they’re perfect coastal cruisers and capable of heading into The Bahamas.

The Gemini should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a cheap catamaran .

Runner Up: PDQ 32

Are you looking for a small cat with better build quality? They didn’t make many of them, but the PDQ 32 is what you seek. It’s an attractive small catamaran with a wider beam. It came with twin outboards in wells, but the LRC (long-range cruiser) option had inboard diesels.

Forty feet is the sweet spot for most cruising couples—big enough to be comfortable and carry enough provisions but small enough that handling and maintenance are manageable. This class of boat has a lot of excellent choices in both coastal cruiser and bluewater boats, making it a good size range to find the perfect affordable liveaboard sailboat.

The catamaran group from 35 to 40 feet has a few very popular choices, but they are right on the edge of being too small for most cruisers. Counterintuitively, these cats are perfect for couples who don’t mind downsizing and traveling lightly. These shorter cats are prone to hobby horsing and don’t provide as comfortable a ride in bluewater as slightly longer cats do. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 40 — Islander Freeport 36

The Islander brand is no longer around, but these California-built production boats from the 1970s and 80s were well-built and well-liked. The I32 and I36 were very popular cruising boats designed by Bob Perry. The Freeport 36 is a before-its-time European deck salon with enormous windows. The swing-down swim platform is another bonus for a boat from this era, as are the Pullman-style berth and forepeak-located head (some layouts). If you can find one in good condition, these boats make excellent liveaboards. 

Bluewater Sailor Under 40 — Passport 40

Yet another boat from the desk of Bob Perry, the Passport 40, is a sharp-looking aft-cockpit bluewater cruiser from one of the best yards in Taiwan. They feature a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. Everything about this sloop is just right for long-term cruising.

Catamaran Under 40 — Prout 38

The Prout 38 traces its heritage back to the earlier Prout Snowgoose. The boat is still being made, now under the Broadblue brand. It’s a sturdy British-built cat made for serious offshoring. While it lacks some of the open feeling that newer charter boats have, it more than makes up for it with its robust and high-quality build.

Runner Up: Leopard 40 (2005-2009)

This early L40 (don’t get confused with the newer ones built around 2020) was designed by famous multihull designers Morelli and Melvin. It’s got more of the things you might expect from your typical charter cat: a sliding salon door, galley-up layout, and a huge walk-through cockpit.

While this seems a small step up from the size of boats above, prices increase rapidly above the 40-foot mark. At this point, the boat’s gear needs to be bigger and heavier, from all the lines and rigging to each block and winch. Engines are now larger four-cylinder diesels, and there’s much more hull area to clean and paint. 

A 45-foot coastal cruiser has enough space to keep a small family happy for short trips or a couple happy for any length of time. These boats usually have island berths in a spacious master bedroom, so no more crawling over each other just to go to the bathroom! Bluewater boats in this class are a little smaller inside, making them just right for most couples doing a long-term cruise.

As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.

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Coastal Cruiser Under 45 — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS

Jeanneau is part of Groupe Beneteau , but their boats often have a more refined finish than Beneteaus. The DS stands for “deck salon.” They feature larger windows that let in more light and have better visibility than a standard cruiser. This is especially welcome if you’re attracted to the living space in a catamaran but need something smaller and more affordable. 

The 42DS also has an enormous island berth, plus a huge twin-helm cockpit with lots of space for entertaining.

Bluewater Sailor Under 45 — Hylas 44

The Hylass 44 is regularly picked as one of the best offshore cruising boats. It’s a center cockpit boat designed by German Frers.  It has a wonderful layout with tons of living space and a large, usable galley. The aft cabin has a large island berth with an en suite head. 

Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006)

These early Leopard charter cats are highly sought after on the used market. Like all charter cats, the best finds are the “owners versions” with one hull dedicated to the master stateroom with en suite head and shower. The Leopard 42, which came out in 2002, had a soft canvas cover over the cockpit and was updated to the Leopard 43 with a hardtop. 

Above 45 feet is another big price jump. For beginners, these big boats will require some training and experience before you head out on your own. 

Related: Best Boat for Beginners

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Coastal Cruiser Under 50 — Beneteau Oceanis 473

This big Beneteau came with either 2, 3, or 4 staterooms. Finding the right layout is as important as finding the right boat. The two-stateroom version has enormous berths and lots of storage, perfect for couples with occasional guests or families of three. Most have the standard keel with less than a six-foot draft, making this fin keel/spade rudder boat a rare find. They were built from 2000 to 2005.

Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48

Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don’t expect to find one available cheaply. They’re gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.

Catamaran Under 50 — Leopard 46/Moorings 4600 (2006)

If you want a big catamaran, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2006 Leopard 46. Where modern Lagoon and Leopards have tall profiles with tons of windage, this is one of the newest, largest boats that still have single-level living. It has distinctive hull chines that increase living space without increasing wetted surface and plenty of sail area for good performance. In true Leopard fashion, all lines are led to the helm for easy short-handed cruising despite the boat’s large size.

Boats in this class are borderline yachts based on their sheer size. If you were to charter these boats, they’d usually come with a crew. That size means they’re more expensive and more of a handful to manage daily. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 60 — Irwin 54

The Irwin brand is long gone, but many examples are available on the used market. They were known especially for their large center cockpit ketches, like this 54-footer. This is a spacious, big water boat that certainly meets the qualifications of most bluewater boats. They can go anywhere, but they may need maintenance and refit given their ages. 

Don’t get to lured by the low prices of these boats. You’ll have to lay out some serious cash to get one ready to cruise long-range. But if you aren’t opposed to some hard work and projecting, the Irwin can get you a lot of boat for not much money.

Bluewater Sailor Under 60 — Amel Super Maramu 2000 (53′)

Made famous by the Delos YouTube channel, the Amel is a French-built brand of high-quality bluewater boats. Today, this brand’s new models look like many others—wide sterned, flat-bottomed sloops. But the Maramus that made them famous were unique—ketch rigged and ruggedly built, designed to take a cruising couple anywhere. Electric winches were standard on everything to keep such a large boat easy to operate.

Catamaran Under 60 — Privilege 585

Privilege is the French-made catamaran that you don’t hear enough about. Unlike Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, these are beefy cruising boats ready to take you anywhere. Their construction and fit-and-finish are first-rate, as is the joinery down below. 

Living on a sailboat is an adventure—it’s not for everyone. Finding the right boat is an important part of doing it successfully, but it’s not the only step in preparing for the lifestyle.

You should also consider checking my post on liveaboard catamaran options, to make sure you research thoroughly enough!

What makes a great liveaboard sailboat?

Everyone’s priorities for a liveaboard sailboat are different—a bluewater cruiser looking to sail around the world might pick a very different boat from someone who lives full-time dock life. In general terms, you need to find a boat that is safely capable of taking you where you want to go and has enough living space to be comfortable while doing it. 

Sailing catamarans are some of the most popular liveaboard sailboats because their living space is unmatched. Most are also bluewater-capable cruisers that can go pretty much anywhere. 

What is the best size sailboat to live on?

The size of the boat you’ll be comfortable on long term is a personal choice that depends on your personality and the number of people you’ll be traveling with. Solo travelers may be content with a sailboat around 30 feet, while most couples are comfortable on something around 40 feet. Forty-five to fifty feet is more realistic if you often have guests or kind on board. 

With all of this in mind, however, it’s really important to remember that the costs of buying and maintaining a sailboat increase exponentially with length. Getting the smallest boat you are comfortable living on is always better because that will be easier to manage and keep in the long run.

What are the negatives of living on a sailboat?

People live on their sailboats differently, so it’s difficult to narrow down the biggest negatives. Everyone struggles with the small living space that a boat affords. You’ll have to downsize your possessions to the absolute minimum you need. And getting personal space away from your spouse or family is pretty much impossible on a small boat. 

Why are sailboats so expensive?

New boats require a massive investment in time and resources to produce. The nicer the boat, the more time and skill it takes to build, which makes costs soar. Some production companies, like Beneteau, have found ways to reduce production costs and keep the price of new boats more reasonable. But these boats pale compared to other yachts in terms of overall quality. 

Older used boats can be found pretty cheaply. In fact, it’s often possible to find free or nearly-free boats that are on their way to the junkyard or dumpster. The key is understanding how much work and money it will take to get these boats ready to go again. 

Is it a good idea to live on a sailboat?

Living on a boat is an amazing way to experience seaside living or traveling the world by water. But it’s also a unique, out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle choice that’s not without challenges. 

Before you move onto a sailboat, you’ll want to research the topic carefully and talk to some folks who already to it. Many people start with occasional boating, spending a week or more onboard to try it out. With a little experience, it’s easy to see if it’s something you could do for the long term or if it’s best to keep a land house and enjoy the water occasionally.

Can you live comfortably on a sailboat?

Many people live comfortably on sailboats, but a lot depends on the size of the sailboat and your tolerance for living in a small space. Even the largest sailboats can feel cramped, while some folks love the cozy feeling of living on the tiniest boats. 

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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Best Liveaboard Boats to Live On Full-Time

Living on a boat represents a significant and thrilling life choice . Departing from the comforts of traditional dwellings and the spaciousness they provide in favor of an unconventional lifestyle is an option that an increasing number of individuals are embracing. Escalating urban living costs, particularly in major cities, coupled with the daily routines of life, have led more people to seek a simplified existence on the water . A previous article examined the merits and drawbacks of residing on a boat. This piece delves into the diverse range of liveaboard boat styles. It identifies the most suitable Boats to Live On for year-round living.

Options for Living on a Boat Full-Time

Best Liveaboard Boats encompass a broad spectrum of possibilities. From stationary houseboats to highly maneuverable sailboats and an array of options, the choices continue to expand with innovative , designer-driven , and spacious vessels .

Ultimately, practically any boat can serve as a domicile. While some may find the space restrictive, it remains feasible . The decision largely hinges on one's preferred lifestyle, whether residing in a water-based community near work and social circles or embarking on seafaring adventures worldwide.

Types of Best Liveaboard Boats

Sailboats for full-time living.

Sailboats, available in various shapes and sizes, epitomize the essence of maritime freedom. They offer an economical means of purchase and travel, as wind power is free . Moreover, finding a berth for a sailboat is generally easier and more affordable than larger houseboats. On the downside, sailboats often have limited space, and smaller models may lack showers or hot water. Size considerations, such as single-handed sailing capability and budgetary factors , are crucial for operational feasibility , as larger sailboats tend to incur higher operating costs.

Sailboats are known for their:

Economical purchasing and maintenance costs. Ease of finding berths compared to larger houseboats . Versatility in terms of mobility. However, they may need more conveniences of larger houseboats and have limited space.

The Best Sailboats to Live On

Whether one seeks a new or used sailboat, the options are vast . While identifying the absolute best sailboats may prove elusive, some standout choices include:

Catalina 38

Produced from 1978 to 1999 , the Catalina 38 sloop offers a comfortable living space for couples. Its thoughtful features, from electrical outlets to a well-equipped galley, provide a cozy cruising experience. Despite limited space, the Catalina 38 is an excellent choice for adventurous living.

Originating from the 1970s, the Hunter 33 , an aft-cockpit sloop, enjoys enduring popularity. With ample interior space, including a full dinette , head , shower , master cabin , and standing room height , this sailing yacht offers comfort. It boasts a contemporary design and a homely atmosphere.

Peterson 44

Slightly larger than the previous options, the Peterson 44 is a double-spread cutter that caters to various living needs. Ideal for small families, it combines affordability with home comforts like a shower , galley with oven , fridge , freezer , three cabins , and a practical center cockpit .

Catamarans for Full-Time Living

For those seeking an ocean-going liveaboard with extensive amenities, including a house-sized kitchen and bathroom , multi-hull boats like catamarans and trimarans excel. The bridge connecting the hulls creates a spacious, well-lit living area above water, with bedrooms within the hulls . These boats offer enhanced stability compared to monohull vessels. However, their higher purchase and berthing costs warrant consideration.

Catamarans are prized for their:

Abundance of space relative to monohull yachts . Full-sized kitchen and bathroom facilities. Enhanced stability in rough seas . Nevertheless, they tend to incur higher acquisition and berthing expenses due to their wider dimensions.

Read also this : Best Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

The Best Catamarans to Live on

The catamaran market, encompassing motor and sail models, thrives, particularly among Boats that Live On Full-Time liveaboards. Notable models include :

Privilege 435

Founded in 1999, the Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 impresses with its comfort and spaciousness. Its luxurious finishings , latest technology , and navigational equipment create an elegant and homely atmosphere. Featuring four bedrooms and the iconic central 'hull' for added space, it accommodates a range of activities, from living to coastal cruising.

Situated within the Lagoon's range of luxury catamarans, the Lagoon 46 offers comfort and ample space while remaining compact for ease of handling and mooring. It boasts a spacious galley and dining area with abundant natural light , three cabins , a plush master suite , and a generous deck space .

Trawlers for Full-Time Living

Trawlers represent a unique category of powerboats designed for long-distance cruising, ideally suited for Living on a Boat Full-Time . Evolving from their origins as commercial fishing vessels, modern trawlers differ significantly. They feature wider hulls, reduced draft, increased below-deck headroom, and more space for modern amenities. Trawlers often include full-sized kitchens, showers, and multi-level living areas, especially on larger models. Despite potential initial costs and higher operational expenses , their roominess makes them a preferred choice.

Trawlers offer the following advantages:

Ample interior space relative to length . Luxurious designs are akin to penthouses. Compact dimensions for straightforward berthing. However, they typically involve higher initial purchase and operating costs than sailboats.

The Best Trawler Yachts to Live on

Modern newly built or converted trawlers showcase innovative designs and luxurious features. Notable examples include :

Grand Banks 60

Grand Banks has transformed the humble trawler into a long-range cruiser with the luxury of a small superyacht. The GB 60 combines impressive cruise speed , a customizable interior , advanced technology , and a signature deep V hull for a smoother , faster ride .

Beneteau Swift Trawlers 48

Beneteau's Swift Trawlers offers elegance and power , ideal for comfortable living at anchor or long-distance cruising. They feature a central living space with panoramic views , abundant storage , stylish cabins , and efficient engines .

Ranger Tugs R-43

Ranger Tugs specializes in high-quality, affordable vessels. The R-43 boasts a light-filled interior , two cozy cabins with en-suite shower rooms , a chef's galley , wrap-around decks , and advanced tech features , making it suitable for families or friends seeking a shared living experience.

🚀Recommended article:   Types of Boats With Cabins: A Comprehensive Overview

Houseboats for Full-Time Living

Transitioning to life on the water need not entail traversing vast oceans . The allure of awakening to birdsong and the gentle lapping of water against the hull, or reconnecting with nature and embracing a simpler existence, is at the heart of year-round boat living. Sacrificing seaworthiness for space leads to various types of static or houseboats that offer a more residential ambiance.

Non-powered houseboats featuring a steel floating pontoon supporting a mobile home-style structure deliver spacious living areas, large windows, and all the comforts of home. While they can be towed, they typically reside in residential communities along rivers, lakes, sheltered bays, and inland waterways . These houseboats often provide municipal utilities, cable television, and broadband internet connections, offering the best of both worlds.

🚀Recommended article:   Exploring the Most Popular Types of Lake Boats

Powered houseboats are self-propelled residential vessels available in various configurations. While some are suitable for shorter journeys and resemble static houseboats, others possess substantial cruising capabilities . Their squared-off silhouette accommodates ample living space relative to their length.

Houseboats are esteemed for their:

Affordable pricing compared to ocean-going yachts of similar size. Abundant interior space with home comforts. Creative interior design possibilities. Securing a residential berth for houseboats can be challenging due to their popularity ; some are exclusively towed rather than powered.

The Best Houseboats to Live on

Innovative architects have introduced a range of luxurious , creative , and imaginative designs for static and powered houseboats . These designs incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows , roaring fireplaces , and rooftop hot tubs . Some noteworthy choices include:

American Houseboat 'The Zion'

Resembling a house floating on water, these quintessential all-American houseboats measure 14 x 14 feet , providing two bedrooms with an additional loft area for up to eight guests. Featuring ample windows , a full kitchen , and a spacious private deck off the master bedroom , they combine home comforts with the joys of waterfront living.

Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000

Gibson Boats' Cabin Yacht 5000 combines affordability with spaciousness and reliability . It offers a comfortable and well-equipped living space with two or three double bedrooms , carpeting , high-quality electrical appliances , air conditioning , heating , and two full bathrooms .

Bravada Yachts Atlas V-Series

The Atlas V-Series powered houseboats redefine traditional notions of houseboat living. With futuristic silhouettes , expansive windows , two floors , and an array of home comforts , including a fire pit and rear waterslide , they elevate water-based living to new heights.

In conclusion, choosing the ideal liveaboard boat depends on individual preferences, budgetary considerations, and lifestyle goals. Sailboats offer economical and adventurous living , catamarans provide spaciousness and stability , trawlers deliver luxurious long-range cruising , and houseboats offer diverse options for embracing life on the water. Each vessel type presents unique advantages, catering to those seeking unconventional, waterborne lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living on a Boat

Is living on a boat more affordable than a traditional home, do i need special skills to live on a boat, can i live on a boat with a family, how do i secure a mooring spot for my boat, are there any legal restrictions on living aboard a boat, can i work remotely while living on a boat, what kind of boat can you live on, how big should a boat be to live on, which boat is the strongest, can you really live on a boat.

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5 Best Liveaboard Boats

Table of Contents

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Want to live aboard a boat? Maybe you’re looking for more affordable waterfront living, or an alternative lifestyle – either way – living on a boat has many rewards. That said, choosing the right boat will make all the difference to your happiness. Before you commit, consider these five best liveaboard boats : 

• Motor yachts and cabin cruisers 
• Trawlers 
• Sailboats 
• Catamarans 
• Houseboats 

  Find Live Abroad Boats ready for rent here

Motor yachts and Cabin Cruisers

Motor yachts is a broad term that encompasses large(ish) motorboats with accommodations like a bed (sleeping cabin), a head (bathroom), and a galley (kitchen). These boats can be quite large such as an Absolute 50 with a flybridge that provides extra space for outdoor recreation/entertainment, like the backyard of a house. 

Models like these usually have three cabins and two heads to accommodate an entire family. Of course, big boats come with big price tags and lots of maintenance needs, so you may not save much over living in a condo. 

Consider how much space you need and check out some best liveaboard boats under 40 feet. Cabin cruisers like the Cutwater 32 are great choices. This boat has one cabin as well as a galley and lounge area (living room) with large windows that bring in lots of natural light and air. 

The twin outboard engines can transport your home to new surroundings in the blink of an eye. Best of all, boats under 40 feet may save you a million dollars (literally) over large motor yachts and provide many of the same amenities. 

2. Trawlers  

Trawlers are a great option because they are built with the liveaboard lifestyle in mind. They’re typically slower boats designed for long-distance cruising, and they come in many sizes from a large Nordhavn 60 built for tough ocean conditions to a more compact Beneteau Swift 35 that’s ideal for coastal cruising. 

Most trawlers have good liveaboard layouts and will travel at speeds 8-10 knots, where they offer good fuel consumption , which is important with high diesel prices. 

Pro Tip: Not all trawlers are slow – the French Swift series is designed to run at planning as well as trawling speeds, so you get the best of both. 

READ MORE: Don’t Ignore Your Bucket List: Great Loop  

3. Sailboats

Perhaps you’re contemplating living aboard in preparation for long-distance cruising under sail. Sailboats come in all sizes, just like motor yachts, but they’re usually narrower, and most of the living aboard happens lower down in the boat, so they’re not as airy and light. 

On the plus side, because space is more premium, sailboat design is very efficient, so you can pile a lot into a sailboat and still have room for sailing necessities. 

Looking for a compact sailboat? Consider the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 with two or three cabins in just 38 feet. For something a bit roomier, check out the new Hanse 510 . This massive model can be spec’d with up to five cabins and even has a tender garage. 

The great thing about sailboats is that you can travel long distances when you want to change your neighborhood entirely – and with little money spent on fuel. 

4. Catamarans

Catamarans are boats with twin hulls and they can be both power and sail models. They have many advantages including more room aboard than the same-length monohulls with better cabin privacy and more system redundancy for backup options. 

They’re more stable both in motion and at anchor (dock) so they produce less seasickness and are more comfortable in a rolly anchorage at night. They’re roomy platforms for kids as well as older folks but due to their beam (width), it’s harder to find a slip for them in a marina. 

Sailing cat models come in various sizes and prices. Production boats like the Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 and the Excess 11 are both around 40 feet but feel much bigger than a monohull sailboat of equal length. 

Many cats come in an “owners’ version” where one entire hull is dedicated to the master suite which is like a bedroom at home. Models like these start around $500,000 but upmarket, carbon fiber, semi-custom designs like the HH55 will set you back multiple millions.

Powercats are growing in popularity and offer the same amenities as their sailing counterparts, except they have bigger engines to travel at much greater speeds. Powers can be on the smaller side, like the 32-foot Aspen C100, or quite sizeable, like the Aquila 54. Cats tend to be more expensive to purchase and to own since there are two of just about everything to maintain. 

5. Houseboats

If you want to live aboard but have little interest in being mobile, you may consider a houseboat. These boats usually maximize living space and are shaped more like houses than boats. Household-sized amenities, including side-by-side refrigerators, massive sofas, and large TVs can be had.

Because they don’t require much technical gear like engines, electronics, and advanced power systems, houseboats can be quite affordable and can make the best liveaboard boats under $100k. 

A few companies build houseboats like Eco-Sea Cottages, but many will be one-off and home-built designs. Although these boats don’t move (much), they must still have a solid floating foundation to be safe, and only some marinas will allow them to dock there.

One more thing to consider

There are no hard rules as to what makes a great liveaboard boat! You just have to find one that suits you and your budget. Read our Living on a Boat post for more insight, and be sure to browse through Boatsetter to find the perfect liveaboard boat. 

About Boatsetter 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or yyou’rejust renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .  

List. Rent. Earn— Only at Boatsetter

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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5 Best LiveAboard Sailboats – Plus 8 Important Buying Considerations

CATALINA 30

Taking the plunge to live on a sailboat is usually a huge decision, especially as living aboard a boat is an exciting lifestyle choice. However, there are lots of things to consider before buying a boat that will suit your needs and also be nearly as comfortable as a traditional home on land.

Whether this is your first time choosing a liveaboard sailboat, or you want to upgrade to a better option, you will find useful information in this article. But before we get into the best liveaboard sailboats and how to choose one, let’s see why living aboard a boat is a great lifestyle choice.

We’ve reviewed some of the best liveaboard sailboats and listed them here to help you choose one that will suit you most.

5 Best LiveAboard Sailboats

Islander 36.

The Islander 36 is the boat for you if you want a well-rounded sailboat with impressive cruising abilities. With close to a thousand of these boats built between 1973 and 1986, the model is one of the successful and best-selling boats of the company.

These sailboats are renowned for their well-adorned cabins, with many featuring exquisite wooden interior trim. Typically, the interiors are spacious and feature a long port and starboard settee. The settee is designed to fold out into a double berth for sleeping. There is also a nav station to port with a quarter berth at the back that forms an extra seat. The boat also has a spacious master berth with an enclosed shower, making this boat one of the best liveaboard sailboats for cruising.

The interior also features plenty of drawers, plus many caned and louvered lockers. The L-shaped galley is to starboard and equipped with an icebox (that can be upgraded to a refrigerator). It also comes with a three burner LPG stove and a double sink.

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the interior is the companionway steps that are easy to maneuver. This is by far better than having ladders, as the steps can serve as additional separate seats when you have guests onboard.

The amount of fuel the boat’s tank can take is ideal for coastal cruising. Although Islander 36s can embark on extended trips, you will need to get additional jerry cans for that purpose.

You can check here for pricing and listings .

• LOA:   36 ft
• Beam:   11 ft 2 in
• Ballast:  5450 lbs
• Displacement:  13,450 lbs
• Sail Area:  612 sq ft
• Fuel Tank:  30 gallons
• Water Tank: 56 gallons

 Boats  →

If you are looking for a boat that is tough to beat feature-for-feature and size-for-size, perhaps this model will be of interest to you. Designed for comfort and performance, the Catalina 30 is arguably the most common production cruising sailboat to ever grace the open waters. Despite coming into the market as far back as 1972, their popularity to date is a glaring proof of high performance.

You can expect to find spacious accommodation in this 30-foot sailboat with modern features such as a fully equipped galley and electric pumps that supply running water. The layout features a “suite” style with a V-berth master bedroom that is closed off from the rest of the cabin.

The Catalina 30 also features a dinette that can also serve as a workspace or chart table. The boat also includes an enclosed shower and head, which makes living aboard a comfortable experience.

Check out listings for Catalina 30 here .

• LOA:   29 ft 11 in
• Beam:   10 ft 10 in
• Ballast:  100 lbs
• Displacement:  10,200 lbs
• Sail Area:  446 sq ft
• Shoal Draft: 4 ft 4 in
• Head Room: 6 ft 3 in

 Yachtworld  →

Weatherly, comfortable, spacious, and fast – these are what readily comes to mind when you think of the Nordic 40 .

This large sailboat is perfect for long-distance voyages, so if you intend to buy a boat that will offer excellent accommodation for offshore cruising, you know where to look. Thanks to its large structure, the interior is extremely spacious, making it the perfect choice for couples who want to spend more time aboard a boat.

The standard Nordic comes with top-notch equipment, including a Navtec hydraulic vang and Navtec rod rigging, plus full hull insulation in the entire interior. There is standing headroom available throughout, along with a spacious master bedroom.

The galley is fully equipped with modern facilities and allows for comfortable living. With the standard Nordic 40, there is no worry about storage space. Remote living is a walk in the park with this boat, even if you intend to anchor out for a couple of months at a stretch with enough supplies and provisions.

Keep in mind that these boats are not very common, but if it is the type that appeals to you, it is worth searching out.

Check out listings for Nordic 40 here .

• LOA: 39 ft 9 in
• Beam: 12 ft 5 in
• Ballast: 7,091 lbs
• Displacement: 18,000 lbs
• Sail Area: 756 sq ft
• Water Tank: 120 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 56 gallons

Thinking about taking your entire family for a coastal cruise or even a near-offshore cruising experience? Consider the Hunter 33 , one of the best liveaboard sailboats equipped for such purposes.

One of the longest-lived boats in its category, the Hunter 33 came into the market in 1977 and is still in production to date. The mid-sized sailboat comes with great interior accommodations, with ample room for sleeping and sitting. It comes with two private cabins, which is great for a 33-foot sailboat.

It features a shower and toilet aft the master bedroom. Plus, there is a full dinette and standing headroom throughout the cabin.

In a nutshell, this the perfect sailboat for those moving up in size and want a great boat with modern conveniences for an extended cruising period.

Check here for detailed listing and pricing .

• LOA: 33 ft 6 in
• Beam: 11 ft 6 in
• Ballast: 3,579 lbs
• Displacement: 11,016 lbs
• Sail Area: 625 sq ft
• Water Tank: 50 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 25 gallons
• Headroom: 6 ft 4 in

The Nor’Sea 27 is an excellent choice if you are single or searching for the best liveaboard sailboats for minimalists. This boat is arguably the best compact liveaboard cruiser available in the market today.

The compact boat has a surprisingly spacious interior for a 27-footer. Plus, it features almost every amenity you can find on a larger boat.

For comfort, the small sailboat feels more like a Catalina 30 and comes with a galley, shower, toilet, and two bunks below the cockpit. The forward berth also serves as a dinette.

The design of the sailboat is a huge success and has found a pretty strong following, which explains why it is still in production to date despite hitting the market long ago in 1976. As expected, the little sailboat costs less in slip fees. But the best part is that you can tow it on a trailer, and that’s all legal.

Don’t be fooled by its size, though. The Nor’Sea 27 isn’t cheap. Prices for new ones start from around $150K (with kits starting anywhere from $35K). You find used ones for as little as $15,500 or as much as $95,000 depending on age, quality of finish, and condition.

Find out current listings and prices here.

• Ballast: 3,100 lbs
• Displacement: 8,100 lbs
• Water Tank: 20 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 20 gallons

How to Choose the Best LiveAboard Sailboats – Buying Guide

There are several things to consider when choosing a liveaboard sailboat, but perhaps the most important factor is the level of accommodation that will suit your need. A boat with useful features such as a fully functional kitchen or electric toilets are well and fine, but many traditional sailors don’t really care about limited amenities. Any stripped-down sailboat with basic interior would do just fine.

Most sailors are generally okay with any standard live about sailboats constructed after 1970 since these types typically have adequate ventilation , a usable kitchen, head, and shower. But whatever your preferences, you can be sure you will find something that will provide the level of comfort you need in most modern sailboats.

Here are 8 important factors and requirements we think are crucial when choosing the best liveaboard sailboats.

1. Standing Headroom

There’s nothing wrong with spending a couple of days in a week aboard a boat without standing headroom. However, if living aboard a sailboat is a lifestyle choice for you, consider one with standing headroom. Your body is not meant to crouch or crawl for months or years on end. With time, your back and other muscles will start to take a hit. For your overall health and wellbeing, it is best to choose a sailboat with standing headroom. Our recommendation is 5-feet 10-inch standing headroom or something within that range.

2. Basic Kitchen Facilities

A liveaboard boat without a kitchen can only mean one thing: you will be eating out every single day! While this is okay for some people, others will prefer to cook their own meals at least once in a while, regardless of their culinary skills.

We think a kitchen is a must-have for the best liveaboard sailboats, even if it doesn’t have all the modern facilities. Basic kitchen facilities should include a refrigerator or icebox, a sink, and a stove. If you find one with an oven, that’s a plus, too!

3. Toilet with Plumbing

The fastest way to spread diseases when you liveaboard a boat is to have improper human waste storage and disposal system. Sanitation facilities are among the top considerations when choosing the best liveaboard sailboats.

Using a porta-potty all year long is definitely out of the question. Besides, no one would like to live on a stinky boat or have guests come over a smelly abode. When you choose a liveaboard sailboat, look for one with a built-in and properly outfitted toilet. It should also have a safe sewage storage tank with a proper disposal system.

Many liveaboards prefer to use gym or marina facilities instead of their onboard showers. This is okay, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for bathing facilities on board. Choose a sailboat with a shower for convenience’s sake, even if you don’t use it all the time.

It is important to make sure that your bilge pump is always in good working condition, especially if you have a boat shower that drains directly into the bilge. Keep in mind that whatever goes into the drain will find its way below your floor.

5. Electric Lighting

Having kerosene lamps is okay. In fact, many sailors love to have them because it adds a certain feel and beauty to their boats. But you definitely want to consider the convenience and safety offered by electric lighting. If you plan on living aboard a boat for a long time, you will need some form of reliable electric lighting.

6. Availability of 120V AC

The best liveaboard sailboats come with 120V AC outlets for standard house electricity connections. The availability of electricity is a definite requirement for living aboard a boat. You want to have a way to charge your cell phones, computers, and use other electronic gadgets. A boat with only a 12V outlet is not good enough. It is best to choose a sailboat with 120V AC outlets if you want to enjoy electricity living aboard a boat full-time.

7. Seating Spaces

Apart from the main bed, the best liveaboard sailboats should have additional seating spaces. There should be separate spaces for sitting, working, navigating, and eating, especially if you plan on living aboard for a long time.  You don’t want to be bored with the monotony of using only one space (the main bed) for all your daily activities. Having separate seating spaces has the added advantage of making your day-to-day activities more agreeable.

8. Ventilation

Perhaps the simplest requirement for liveaboard sailboats is ventilation. But it is equally essential, regardless. An opening porthole or a passive solar roof vent should suffice. The important thing to consider when it comes to proper ventilation is a boat that provides a way to let in fresh air without needing to open the main hatch.

Coastal Vs. Offshore Accommodations

And now, here’s one final factor to consider before choosing a liveaboard sailboat. How do you plan to use your boat? Do you want a sailboat that will serve primarily as a long-distance cruiser, or do you intend to use it mainly for coastal cruising?

Your intended use significantly affects the style of interior design that will be suitable for your purpose. Sailboat accommodations are greatly impacted by their cruising purposes. Coastal cruisers are likely to feature more plush layouts, complex interiors, and larger sofas. Also, these boats generally have several amenities, so it is common to have smaller storage spaces in these sailboats.

On the other hand, offshore or long-distance cruisers feature cabins that are designed and arranged to make the journey as comfortable as possible. These sailboats generally don’t have unnecessary furniture and other extras below deck to make room for increased sleeping and storage spaces.

It is easy to get carried away during the physical inspection of a sailboat, especially if the boat is equipped with modern facilities and fanciful, eye-catching amenities. But don’t get swayed by those, even though they are important for improved convenience. Your top priority should be how you intend to use the boat – for coastal cruising or offshore cruising. This should inform your choice of accommodation.

Benefits of Living on a Sailboat

Okay, why should you want to give up living on land and opt for an unstable address somewhere in the middle of the ocean? Is it even safe to do so?

Living aboard a sailboat is an exciting lifestyle that offers several benefits and challenges, too! Thousands of people across the world choose this lifestyle, and because these boats are constructed from high-quality, durable materials, you can be sure it is safe to liveaboard one.

This lifestyle offers liveaboards a cheaper alternative than living in a traditional house. This is particularly the case in waterfront cities where rental apartments and houses in the marina areas are even more expensive.

It is a lot cheaper to live in a boat if you enjoy traveling around the world on the water. And if you enjoy the marina lifestyle, you could take it a step further by owning and living in one of the several best liveaboard sailboats available.

And come to think of it, these boats require some serious investments. What’s the point of buying a “house” on the water without living in it, right? To many people, it makes more economic sense to live in their expensive boats, instead of paying extra rent for a house on the land when there is one idling away on the water.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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How to Choose the Right Liveaboard Boat

March 4, 2019 by Charles Giambalvo , SYS Yacht Sales Associate

Ready to make the move and purchase a boat to live aboard? There are many types of boats that make great liveaboard options, depending on your preferences regarding vessel size, interior layout, deck space, performance capabilities and level of creature comforts. Before starting your search, it’s important to narrow down your preferences. The best liveaboard boat is one where the resident(s) feel safe and comfortable, and includes all or most of the comforts of a land-based home.

Having lived aboard a 50’ Jefferson Motor Yacht for the past 4 years, I would like to share my advice on how to decide which type of boat will meet your liveaboard needs.

The most important consideration for any liveaboard buyer is: will the boat be used mainly for cruising or will it be used more as a floating condo that stays at the marina? From there, you can narrow down your search further: considering your priorities for living space versus performance and operating economy. If you are planning to share this relatively small space with someone else, it is best to include them in the boat selection process. In addition, there are some companies that will allow you to rent a boat for a week or more, so you can “try before you buy”.

Which boat types make the best liveaboard vessels?

Houseboats , Trawlers and Catamarans make the best liveaboards, although they each vary greatly in their design. Motor Yachts and Express Cruisers are also good options. Deciding between them all depends on the overall purpose of the boat. For example, for cruising purposes, Trawlers make great liveaboard boats because they are capable of making long passages with their large fuel and water tanks. However, unless it's a newly offered “fast trawler", they normally travel fairly slowly (10 knots or less). Trawlers also offer a good amount of living and storage space. My wife cherishes every square inch of her closet space.

If you plan to be a liveaboard cruiser, and travel most of the time, then considering your itinerary is also important. For example, the Intracoastal Waterway can be difficult to pilot in some areas, due to shallow spots. Therefore, choosing a boat with a shallow draft may be a better option. Trawlers and Motor Yachts are great options, especially for cruising the Great Loop, however, the boat’s draft should be considered depending on the route you are taking. Additionally, if you plan to cruise mostly “inside”, then speed is generally not important, as most of the ICW is a slow speed zone, due to the amount of boats, homes and manatees present.

For ocean cruising, larger freeboard and ocean-taming hull designs are required for safe and reliable travel. Also, most ocean-going captains prefer to have greater speed capabilities, particularly when needing to shoot through long ocean stretches with a limited weather window.

Catamarans are a popular choice, especially for cruising the Caribbean, because of their shallow draft and great fuel economy. Sailboats are also popular liveaboards boats. With their efficient cruising design, yet limited interior space and comfort, sailboats are more popular for cruising, than long-term living aboard (although there are exceptions).

What are the amenities to look for in a liveaboard boat?

Some of the most important amenities to look for when selecting a liveaboard boat is heating and air conditioning, adequate closet space, a fully-functional galley, comfortable master stateroom, and a practical salon with entertainment systems. In order to narrow down your search, it’s important to prioritize the amenities you’re looking for. Try to determine which are initial “deal breakers” and which can be easily modified or added after purchase.

Charles Giambalvo

New and Brokerage Sales

Contact Charles

617-803-9662‬ | Email Charles and his wife have lived aboard for the past 4 years. He also holds a USCG Master 100 Ton license. When not working on a yacht purchase or sale, he applies his knowledge to training new members of boat rental clubs and captaining a charter yacht. Charles also has over 30 years of experience in high tech international sales. He now applies his experience to assisting clients with their boat buying and selling needs. | View Full Bio

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Best liveaboard boats: 4 of the best options for long-term cruising

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Our used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best liveaboard boats on the secondhand market right now.

One of the real joys of boating is the sheer diversity of it. Whatever you want to experience, whether it’s exhilaration, exploration, relaxation, escapism, social interaction or solitude, there’s a boating style and a boat type, specifically made for you.

And exactly the same is true for the ultimate boater’s fantasy – living aboard your floating home full time (it’s what we all dream of, right?).

So here to fulfil the fantasy are four great examples of vessels that could either take you and your family or friends around the world in a constant stream of adventures, or a more modest barge that would allow you to park up on a quiet stretch of the River Thames and enjoy a constant stream of G&Ts! Cheers!

Nordhavn 46

Built: 1997 Price: £350,000

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The Nordhavn 46 is Genesis for Nordhavn and set the tone for pretty much every model that followed. Pacific Asian Enterprises was formed by Jim Leishman and Dan Streech in 1974, originally importing and selling a line of boats from Taiwan called Transpac.

In 1978 Jeff Leishman, Jim’s younger brother, joined PAE as a part-time employee whilst still at school. Jeff completed his studies in 1987, and received his naval architecture diploma from the Yacht Design Institute.

As part of his graduation requirement, he was asked to design a vessel of his choosing. That actual design became the Nordhavn 46 and an entire new genre was born.

Saloon and galley are all on one level with stairs leading down to the owner’s cabin

Several layout options were tried in the early days, before settling down to the layout you see on this 1997 example, much of which echoes through to current models.

Designed for long-term living aboard, there’s a large saloon and galley on the main deck, with steps down to an owner’s cabin in the centre of the boat (reducing motion at sea to a minimum).

But another set of steps lead up to a proper separate wheelhouse , little-ship style. Steps forward from here drop you down to a separate guest cabin in the bow.

A wide side deck leads from the cockpit along the starboard side and up around the front of the wheelhouse in the form of a Portuguese bridge protected by a bulwark from the foredeck.

Follow it round and you’ll go back past the wheelhouse on the port side and up the stairs again to the boat deck above the saloon where the tender is stored.

The bridge deck is a few steps higher and further forward than the saloon

Performance

Nordhavns are all about range, which is why speeds are strictly limited to hull displacement speed rather than forcing more knots via a semi-displacement or planing hull.

Figure on about 8.5 knots flat out with 7.4 knots as the cruise speed, at which the 3,785 litre fuel tank should give about 2,500 miles of range.

There is a lot of boat under the water, with its full hull shape and long keel designed to help the boat plug on and on.

Nordhavn 46 specification

LOA: 45ft 9in (13.9m) Beam: 15ft 5in (4.7m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 20 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,785 litres Engine: Lugger L668D 134Kw 180hp diesel engines Location: Hamble Contact: Nordhavn Europe

Aqualine Canterbury 62×10 Widebeam

Built: 2019 Price: £182,950

Widebeam narrowboat sounds like the ultimate oxymoron, but it’s a term used to denote canal barges that are, well, wider of beam. A typical narrowboat is 6ft 10in wide, and it’s constructed to this dimension in order to access virtually all of the British canal system.

In short, there are places a wide beam just can’t go. But there are plenty of places that it can. There are four main UK ‘cruising grounds’ for the widebeam owner: London and the South; East Anglia; the Severn waterways; and the Trent and North. Indeed, many owners simply use them as floating homes and never go anywhere at all.

The saloon looks more like an apartment than a boat, with proper domestic furniture…

So what’s the point of a wide beam narrowboat that can’t go everywhere? In a word, space. At 10ft wide, it’s not far short of double the beam, meaning you get almost twice the internal volume for a given length.

But it also gives you rooms that feel far more like those in a house and less like railway carriages. Given that very little of the interior is structural, it’s easy for the manufacturer to customise the layout. This particular boat has a large bedroom at the bow, a generous bathroom and a huge lounge/diner large enough for domestic furniture plus a kitchen.

Narrowboats tend to major on internal space so there is little more than vestigial side decks. There is a decent cockpit at the aft end with a large crescent of seating around a table, and a helm station with wheel steering rather than the tiller of more traditional designs. There is also a ‘well deck’ forward, which is basically a small cockpit in the bow accessed from the forward cabin.

…and the fully equipped galley could be the kitchen in a stylish new build house

Performance is probably not a word you associate with 62ft of 10mm steel plating powered by a Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp, 4 cylinder 2,190cc diesel engine.

It will move you sedately around the inland waterways, but the fact the water tank is almost double the size of the fuel tank encapsulates the priorities of these vessels.

A misnomer – if you’re planning to put to sea, this is not the boat for you.

Aqualine Canterbury specification

LOA: 62ft 0in (18.9m) Beam: 10ft 0in (3.1m) Draught: 1ft 9in (0.6m) Displacement: 33 tonnes Fuel capacity : 430 litres Engine: Barrus Yanmar Shire 50hp diesel engine Location: Bray Contact: TBS Boats

Built: 2002 Price: £399,950

Built in 2002 by Zijlmans Jachtbouw, a family owned yacht builder in Drimmelen on the Amer River, North Brabant in Holland, this Triqual 65 has had a rather colourful history. It ended up in the Caribbean before being shipped back to Amsterdam in June 2011.

Following a tip-off from the French authorities, the HMRC intercepted the boat in Southampton. After seven days of very thorough searching, they found no drugs inside the boat. There was, however, the small matter of 1.2 tonnes of cocaine worth £300,000,000 hidden in a secret compartment located underneath the bathing platform!

The result was rather a lot of work needed when the current owner bought the boat from an HM Revenue & Customs auction in 2013. A total interior strip and rebuild to a high standard followed.

The owner wanted a boat for exploring the coastlines of Ireland and Scotland before heading over to Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, so comfortable liveaboard boat was the name of the game and a full interior refit followed, creating a very contemporary and, above all, spacious displacement cruiser with three cabins (two doubles and a twin), a lower dinette and a large saloon area.

A total interior refit in 2013 means the saloon still feels fresh, bright and modern

A flybridge motor yacht, there is masses of space on the outside too. The large flybridge has been refitted with more seating, there’s an aft deck to enjoy and deeply bulwarked side decks encircle the boat.

A pair of Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp six cylinder diesel engines pushing over 40 tonnes of steel about (the hull is 6mm thick below the waterline, 5mm above) is never going to set any speed records, but a displacement maximum speed of 10 knots and an 8.5 knot cruise is not too shabby at all, nor is the fuel burn of 28 litres an hour, giving an impressive 1,000 nautical miles of range.

The flybridge is unusually large for a Dutch built steel displacement craft

That weight of the Triqual 65 is also going to do a pretty good job of flattening any chop offshore. Registered as an RCD Category B ‘Offshore’, it’s a boat designed for far more ambitious routes than just coastal cruising.

Triqual 65 specification

LOA: 63ft 3in (19.3m) Beam: 17ft 0in (5.2m) Draught: 5ft 7in (1.7m) Displacement: 40.6 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,768 litres Engines: Twin Vetus Deutz DT67 231hp diesel engines Location: Lymington Contact: Berthon International

Built: 1991 Price: £385,000

Tony Fleming was the technical director of American Marine in Hong Kong, builder of the Grand Banks line of trawler yachts , before leaving to set up his own company under the Fleming brand name. He and business partner Anton Emmerton worked with an American naval architect, Larry Drake of San Diego, California, to develop an all-new range of pilothouse boats.

The Tung Hwa facility, located near Kaohsiung in Taiwan, was selected to build them. The very first model was a 50-footer, with this 53ft version following from hull number 9 onward.  Intriguingly, the boat was originally designed as a 55-footer but a dam was inserted in the aft end of the mould to shorten the hull to 50ft.

Soon after the dam was pushed back to create the Fleming 53, then in 1990 it was finally removed altogether and the Fleming 55 proper was launched as it had been envisaged all along.

Available in two or three-cabin layouts, this boat is the two-cabin version which creates a much larger owner’s stateroom with vanity desk, large guest port cabin and storage room all on the lower deck forward.

A raised wheelhouse gives great visibility but also direct access to the flybridge for easier movement between decks. Further aft, a large saloon with the galley forward on the same level makes this a great social area. It’s ideal for extended cruising as a couple with a pair of guests, which is exactly what this boat was designed for.

Spacious saloon and galley are ideally set up for liveaboards and long distance cruising

One of the most noticeable things about the decks of the Fleming 53 is just how low the side decks are. Open a door in the high bulwarks and you can step straight aboard – try that with a contemporary Sunseeker or Princess !

Back aft, the cockpit is kept completely clear for freestanding furniture and there’s another stairway up to the flybridge where you’ll find fixed seating, the tender, complete with crane for launching, and the liferaft.

The original owner of this boat specified twin Caterpillar 3208 NA diesel engines that produce 210hp each, giving a cruising speed of 9 knots and maximum speed of approximately 12 knots.

Separate wheelhouse is well suited to night passages and has access up to the flybridge

Those low side decks help keep the centre of gravity low, aiding its legendary seakeeping and minimising rock and roll (of the non-musical variety).

Fleming 53 specification

LOA: 52ft 6in (16.0m) Beam: 16ft 0in (4.9m) Draught: 5ft 0in (1.5m) Displacement: 31 tonnes Fuel capacity: 3,880 litres Engines: Twin twin Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp diesels Location: Chichester Contact: Ancasta

First published in the September 2021 issue of MBY.

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7 Best Liveaboard Catamarans: Seaworthiness and Liveability!

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While sailing the Bahamas I lived on a 35ft monohull sailboat, this was an exciting time of my life but once I stepped on my first catamaran I knew “this is the way it’s supposed to be done”. After that, I have fallen in love with the space and speed of liveaboard catamaran,s so today I want to show you some of the best out there.

The best liveaboard catamaran sailboats include Manta 42, Dolphin Ocema 42, Bali 4.5, Privilege 435, Fountaine Pajot Saba 50, Voyage 580, and Lagoon 620. These catamarans offer plenty of space, load-carrying capability, and are very comfortable to live aboard.

This guide offers a starting point for your research into what catamaran you should get , today we will discuss:

• Best catamarans to live aboard: seaworthiness and liveability
• Important questions to ask yourself before shifting to a liveaboard lifestyle
• Pros and cons of living aboard
• Factors to consider when choosing a liveaboard cat

Are you a beginner with catamarans and don’t really know what models are good for beginners? Check this out!

Table of Contents

There are rarely more than a handful of Mantas on the market at any given time, this is due to the high demand, sailors love this brand and the Manta 42 is definitely not an exception. Only 127 sailing vessels were ever produced before Manta closed shop in 2008.

Manta 42 was selected as the Boat of the year in 2001 and has since attracted a good number of sailors seeking to jump on board because of its liveability and affordability, this dedication has also led to a comparatively strong online community, where owners share their experiences and tips&tricks.

The Manta 42 is one of the few really good bluewater capable boats under $300k. If the $300k pricetag is still to high, then here’s a list of the best cats under $200k .

Seaworthiness

The Manta 42 is set up with almost all controls at the cockpit, this allows for single-handed sailing if either part of the crew gets sick or you just want to spend some time alone out at sea.

Safety-wise, the cockpit has been made big and is well protected from the winds and spray that will kick up. A well-built cockpit that protects its crew is very important since crew fatigue is one of the greatest threats to the safety of a boat.

I could write about its construction features such as honeycombed reinforcement at stress points, but there’s really no need since the manta already has a fancy track record of sailing around the world that gives more value than just raw numbers.

Liveability

This specific model boasts spacious accommodation in which five people can comfortably sleep. In the port (left) hull is the owner’s suite fitted with modern facilities. It has a shower cubicle, a marine toilet (aka head), mirror, headroom, bookcases, and companionway pantry storage.

The owner’s suite/cabin also features a queen-size bed and a settee.

On the starboard(right) hull of this 42-foot cat is a VIP stateroom with a double berth in the aft and a guest stateroom with a queen-size bed in the forward. The guest cabins feature a shared bathroom, shower, swanstone sink, and marine toilet.

The galley (kitchen compartment) is inviting, with large counter space, drawers, and an integral trash bin. It also features a force ten propane four-burner stove and a large swanstone sink. The storage space here is adequate, with cabinets fitted above and below the galley.

The saloon (general living space) is fitted with a modern décor featuring an L-shaped settee, an adjustable dining table, a TV locker cabinet, and two ottomans. It is also fitted with AC heat units to create a comfortable living environment.

Dolphin Ocema 42

Dolphin Ocema 42 offers a good balance between performance and great cruising . It is designed and built in Brazil with a foam core for reduced weight throughout.

Finding information on this model is quite hard, there aren’t many around, and once they hit the market they are sold fairly quickly, except for the custom builds which always seem to take somewhat longer to sell.

Some Ocema 42s are fitted with daggerboards to enhance upwind performance, while others, unfortunately, have the bad reputation of being too heavily loaded once fully setup up for liveaboard cruising, hence impairing performance.

This is usually fixed by removing the big water tanks and rather using a water maker, together with removing the Genset (adding solar panels preferably) it seems to be enough to shed sufficient weight to get back to good sailing performance.

Ocema 42 is also an excellent liveaboard catamaran option that offers a large saloon with a kitchen fitted in its port hull. The kitchen features a fridge, freezer, sink, a four-burner stove, and storage drawers.

Its interiors are made of laminated wood combined with fiberglass and epoxy to give a more defined look.

It has four cabins with four berths and two heads. Also, it has two complete bathrooms with a hot water system and electric toilets.

Additionally, this catamaran has plenty of storage space offered by its louvered lockers. Dolphin Ocema 42 also boasts a well-fitted air conditioning system for increased comfort.

The Bali company is owned by the Catana Group, famous for building some of the best-performing bluewater catamarans out there. Although there is a cooperation between the two brands there are not a lot of similarities, this boat is perfectly adapted to coastal and charter rather than hardcore offshore sailing.

The “open layout” with flybdrigde and high boom doesn’t really do well with offshore passagemaking, this is worth discussing in further detail.

The Bali 4.5 Open has a flybridge just like many motorboats, but since this is a sailboat that means the boom needs to be moved upwards to accommodate the heightened position of the cockpit.

This is of course not all bad, it’s perfect for visibility and docking, but horrible for bad weather since it is unprotected. It is also worth mentioning that this reduces sail area and moves the center of effort up, which impacts performance negatively.

Another interesting feature is that the engines can only be controlled from the flybridge.

Together with the self-tacking jib the Bali 4.5 is a great boat as long as you use it in the way it’s made for, coastal sailing.

This series of Bail 4.5 catamarans is well designed to meet the needs of liveaboards. It has modern interiors and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Its starboard features a side-by-side refrigerator with an efficient ice maker for a more homely feeling. Additionally, its port houses a galley fitted with an ENO cooktop and a separate oven at eye level for easier and more convenient cooking. It also has a double sink, a large countertop, and ample storage space.

There is a lot of electronics on this boat but the solar system is only on 400w (a microwave owen is 1000w) so be prepared to run the genset.

Most interior items are touch screen controlled, including the modern water maker and the Genset.

Along the port hull of this 45-foot cat is the owner’s cabin. It features an oversized shower, a wide berth, plenty of hanging and storage space, and a separate head, sofa, and desk.

The owner’s cabin has a privacy door that separates it from the rest of the cat.

On the other hand, the starboard hull has two cabins, a shared shower, and two heads. This catamaran boat boasts of its efficient lighting, storage, and ventilation, making it more accommodating.

Not only is the Bali 4.5 one of the best to look at, but it is probably one of the top five to live aboard.

Privilege 435

Something all too common on “condomarans” is a bridge deck clearance that is too small (this is the distance between the water and the underside of the boat, between the hulls). Insufficient clearance will increase something called bridge deck slamming, when water bashes into the bridge deck and not only creates awful noises but also puts some extra tear and wear on the boat and crew.

The bridge deck clearance on this privilege is probably one of the highest in its class.

The performance under sail of a privilege 435 is nothing to write home about, but the buildquality might be, this cat is known for its high level craftmanship and sturdy structure making it a safe and easy to handle cat during ocean crossings.

According to a sailor that circumnavigated without any light-wind sails, this boat can average about 8kts over long ocean crossings. Spending some dollars on a spinnaker and you’ll probably add a knot or two.

Compared to its French sisters and brothers (lagoon, FP, etc) you will have to pay a little more.

If interior design and perfect finish is your fetish, then this is probably the boat for you, It comes with meticulous details that make this boat stand out among other catamarans.

Which I must admit isn’t always a hard competition to win compared to the many shaky interiors in the business.

Privilege 435 boasts a lavish interior décor that you can customize as per your tastes and preferences. It has a spacious galley with modern kitchen equipment such as an espresso coffee machine, toaster, bread maker, and yogurt maker. Additionally, it has a gas stove with three gas burners and a double stainless-steel sink.

For increased accommodation, it has four cabins, four bathrooms, two heads, and three showers. The cabins have four queen size beds and one double bed. It also has a washing machine for your laundry.

The lighting, ventilation, and storage are ample in this catamaran.

Fountaine Pajot Saba 50

When it comes to being safe at sea, longer is most often safer. This means that when designing a boat as long as 50ft you can get away with some design decisions that would have been devastating on a 35 -40ft boat. Such as the flybridge and up top helm position, as we discussed with the Bali 4.5 this is not how you would design a boat for performance or safety. But considering its size, this is less of an issue than it is for its smaller competitor the Bali 4.5.

The Saba 50 comes as a result of the experiences that FP had with its little sister the Salina 48. The goal was to make the Salina 48 more comfortable while still maintaining performance. Something that the magazine multihulls world would agree that they did.

“A new model fulfilling the wishes of yachtsmen looking for comfort, as much on deck as below. However, performance has not been neglected, and that’s even better! “ Multihulls World Magazine Test Saba 50

The Saba 50 employs stub keels instead of daggerboards, this has its advantages of being easier to operate and therefore less chance of breaking something or making a wrong call when to lower or raise them. But with the disadvantages of not being able to go as close to the wind and possibly lose some downwind speed due to drag.

Although this is the case, in theory, the saba 50 design team seems to have found a good balance, and the cat performs better than expected upwind:

“…but here was a large—and I mean large—cruising cat doing 6 to 9 knots with the wind ahead of the beam .” Sailmagazine.com Test Saba 50

Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 boasts extensive liveability and comfort. It can carry an almost infinite amount of people during a day sail but can only accommodate approximately 10-night occupants in its either 4 or 6 cabin layout .

It offers plenty of space on the cockpit seattees, the large transom seat, between the sun pads on the bow and the flybridge lounge. People can relax here without feeling crowded.

The catamaran comes in two versions, the Maestro and the Quintet.

The maestro model features 1 private suite with an exclusive bathroom, and three guest cabins, each with its bathrooms as well. So if having a separate wash area for your guest is high on your list of priorities, well then this boat won’t let you down.

On the other hand, the Quintet version offers 5 double cabins one skipper’s cabin, and 6 bathrooms (I am still unsure of what I think of this love for bathrooms everywhere). This boat is aimed at the charter market hence the skipper’s cabin.

This catamaran also boasts luxurious interiors with four large cabins, four heads, and four double berths . Its dinette is on the cockpit’s far end, while the saloon features only a lounging settee.

The galley has a microwave, oven, gas burner, and freshwater maker, among other basic kitchen essentials.

The better-than-average performance, exceptional liveability, and comfort derived from this cat make it a highly-priced piece in the sailing market .

One sometimes forgotten aspect of bluewater sailing is the ease with which things can be fixed. I am talking about access to engines, the difficulty of finding parts, and how complex the various systems are. No matter what adventure you are on, the possibility to repair or maintain in far-out places is essential.

This is where the Voyage 580 excels:

“Voyage has kept this [Model] as mechanically and electrically simple as possible.” Cruising World Boat Resource Guide

It is also worth mentioning that the 580 stems from the smaller Voyage 440, a boat that won the Cruising Worlds “Boat of The Year” award in 2002. Not only did voyage keep what was good with the 440, but they also innovated and actually made an even better boat according to the Multihulls World test.

Correctly outfitted and with a knowledgeable crew this boat will get you anywhere you want to go!

Voyage 580 catamarans are huge with a lot of living space and are also pricey, you will have to pay +$600k to get yourself an older model. They boast luxuriously designed interiors using premium modern materials.

A voyage 580 catamaran has a spacious galley fitted with modern kitchen facilities. The kitchenette has a full-sized fridge, a large induction cooktop, a deep freezer, a freshwater maker, and two electric ovens.

Its saloon is cozy, inviting, and accommodating, with ample lighting and air conditioning. It is a perfect space to relax, read, or watch a movie. The dining area is also well prepared with glossy seats that can accommodate 8-10 guests in a single sitting.

For accommodation, it has two spacious cabins, four heads, and three double berths.

Lagoon 630/620

The L620 is created by the famous naval designer Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost , or VPLP for short, this is worth mentioning since the company has won more awards than any other designer studio in the catamaran industry.

At 62ft this cat is so big that the criteria for seaworthiness start to shift, at this size most weather is safe as long as you have powerful enough engines to get you out of a bad situation in case your primary motor, the sails, for some reason stop functioning.

A sailboat of this size also requires a somewhat different skilled sailor to safely be sailed.

Even though this cat has the option of dual helm stations it can still be very hard to dock a boat with the windage of a small suburb. Especially if the wind picks up.

At this size it is probably only a handful of people that can single-handedly sail this beast, most would need a crew of at least three. And according to a study I did a while back, 46% answered that anything larger than 40ft and it becomes difficult to solo (you can find the post here ).

Lagoon 620 (or the powerboat version 630) is another highly appreciated liveaboard catamaran. Although it is pricey (~USD 2 000 000), this large catamaran offers exceptional liveability, comfortability, and convenience. It is highly accommodative, featuring four suites, a galley, and a large saloon.

And per a conversation with a sailor of the 620, the interior finish is much better than what is usually found on smaller/cheaper Lagoon boats.

Its port side hull is a fully equipped modern kitchen followed by a suite containing two bunk beds, a complete bathroom, and some cupboards. The bow is another suite with a raised double bed, ample storage space, and a complete bathroom.

Again, on the starboard side is another suite with a raised double bed, a complete bathroom, and a storage area. The fourth cabin is the owner’s suite located at the stern. It has a comfortable double bed, closets, a sofa, a private area, and a complete bathroom. Generally, this cat has four cabins, four bathrooms, four heads, three double baths, and two single berths.

The catamaran boats above are just a glimpse of what the sailing market has to offer concerning liveaboard catamarans. Depending on your budget and your needs, you may get a new or used catamaran. Most used catamarans are still in good working conditions and are more affordable if you have a tight budget.

Interested in a cat under $200k? Here is my list of the 12 best!

What To Consider Before Moving Aboard

Before shifting from your spacious apartment to a catamaran, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

Will It Be Cheaper to Live on a Boat Than on Land?

Living on a catamaran can be cheaper depending on its size, price, and additional costs. You’ll likely save on rent, water, gas, and electricity as you will not be lighting, heating, or cooling a big apartment room.

However, your maintenance costs are likely to rise. You will also incur additional expenses such as slip fees, insurance, and boat mortgage fee.

Therefore, don’t just assume that you will save by moving aboard. Do the maths, and make your decision based on facts.

Will Life Be Simpler?

Simplicity here depends on how your typical day or week looks. By living aboard, you may need to go grocery shopping frequently due to insufficient storage space. You may also need to rush to the post office to get your deliveries more often. This means plenty of back-and-forth movements.

If you want a simpler life aboard, it is advisable to run your typical day through your mind first. By doing this, you will be able to find solutions to the wanting issues.

If you plan on doing your maintenance, then life will not be easier from that perspective;

“ Sailing in the Caribbean as a liveaboard; one thing that really surprised me was how incredibly much time I would have to spend on maintenance and repairs! “

What About the Storage Space on a Catamaran?

Although some cats are large, their storage space does not equate to that of most apartments. Be prepared to forego some items such as kitchen equipment, utensils, and clothes. The kitchen space, lockers, cupboards, and wardrobes will be much smaller. Therefore, you’ll need to declutter and move in with only the essentials.

If it doesn’t serve at least two purposes, don’t bring it along! Life/boat lesson learned

What About Comfort and Connectivity?

You can tailor the interiors of your cat to suit your taste and preferences. Your cat should be dry, well ventilated, and have adequate lighting and air conditioning for increased comfort.

For connectivity, you can install a satellite receiver for TV or internet access. You do not want to be cut off from your family and friends when aboard. Choosing a satellite reception instead of the usual mobile phone network allows you to stay updated no matter where in the world you are!

I really like the Google Fi plan (mobile network) for connectivity near land ( link here ), it’s easy, works almost all over the planet, and is reasonably cheap. Whilst in the middle of nowhere I use the Garmin Inreach mini(satellite, Amazon link here ) to send emails and get weather, it’s a good device but nothing fancy.

Will It Be Safe and Secure To Live Aboard?

Safety and security will depend on the marina. The security in most marinas is usually really good although, as always, it’s good to be a little streetsmart and lock your vessel when you leave.

For safety, be sure to install fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide, and smoke detector alarms. You can also install gas and propane sniffers. If you live with kids and pets, check the above deck space to ensure it’s safe for them.

Since a cat is basically a floating apartment you can install the same type of security that you would on land, cameras, etc.

Can I Move Aboard My Boat if I Have a Slip?

A slip (a boat parking space enclosed by three sides) is not enough to guarantee life aboard. For most marinas, you’ll need to submit an application for you to move aboard. Most of them have long waiting lists, while others don’t allow life aboard. Ensure you understand the needs of your target marina before commencing your plans.

Most often you are allowed to stay a night or two, but long-term stay is frowned upon.

I have compiled a few lists of liveaboard friendly marinas depending on where you are:

• 9 Best Liveboard marinas in Florida
• Best liveaboard marinas in Australia

Pros of Living Aboard a Catamaran

Below are some of the advantages you get by living on a catamaran.

• Economical: Life on a catamaran can be cheaper than the skyrocketing housing prices in major cities. However, you shouldn’t base this only on the cat’s cost. It is important to consider other charges such as marina fees, insurance, state tax, and maintenance fees.
• Lifestyle: You get to experience a peaceful and exciting lifestyle away from crowded cities. Here you’ll get plenty of fresh air and a chance to explore the beautiful coastal or sea waters. If you need some solo time away from the daily hustles and bustles of life, this is the ideal lifestyle for you.
• Social life and community: Depending on the marina and area you live in, you meet and interact with like-minded people. You also get an opportunity to create social networks with a larger community of liveaboards. Additionally, you get to share ideas and learn more from your newly created community. This idea of community life is what draws many sailors to live aboard.
• Connecting with nature: Living aboard a catamaran gives you a chance to connect with nature. You wake up to beautiful views of the water and the peaceful hummings of sea birds. You also view the sunset from the comfort of your cat as you enjoy the calm sea breeze. If you are a nature lover, you’ll enjoy this special connection with nature.
• Adventure: Living on a catamaran means you are a step closer to plenty of adventurous days. You have the opportunity to explore the waters anytime you feel like it. You get to learn a new skill and make discoveries with each passing day.

Cons of Living on a Catamaran

Living aboard has several setbacks, which include:

• High maintenance costs: Unlike standard brick and mortar houses, catamaran boats are prone to damage by water, weather, and microorganisms. They are likely to corrode and rust, which calls for regular maintenance. The maintenance costs of a catamaran may be high compared to those of a standard apartment.
• Safety: Some marinas and anchorages are not safe enough. Additionally, others are filled with dirty water and littered with waste materials. As a result, they are not pleasing to live in.
• Practicalities: The space within most catamarans is limited. The limitations mean you’ll have to adjust your way of doing things such as disposing of waste and cooking to fit into your new lifestyle. Not everyone can fit into this lifestyle. If for you, the advantages of living aboard a catamaran outweigh the drawbacks, then you’re well placed to start your life aboard. 

With that, let’s look at the factors to consider in choosing the best catamaran boat to live on.

Features of the Best Liveaboard Catamaran

Here are the factors you should look for when getting a liveaboard cat:

• Space: Although the living space in catamarans is limited compared to that of an apartment, it should be enough to accommodate your needs. Your ideal cat’s space will depend on the projected number of people. It should be enough for everyone aboard without feeling congested or crowded. Having your own space is very important in the long run.
• Standing headroom: Standing headroom refers to the space available for you to stand in a cabin. Although some sailors live in cats without a standing headroom, it is not good for their general well-being. You don’t always want to crouch or crawl during your stay aboard. Sooner or later, your back will start experiencing problems. To avoid such health issues, get a cat with a standing headroom of at least 5-feet 10-inch (5’10”).
• Electric lighting: Although the use of kerosene lamps has basically disappeared, except for the enhancing cozy-factor. Consider getting a cat with LED lighting for reliability and low maintenance. Most modern sailing cats have solar panels for an efficient electric power supply.
• Ventilation: Your liveaboard boat should be adequately ventilated. It should have openings to let in fresh air without necessitating you to open the main hatch.
• 120VAC: Since electricity is vital when living aboard, your cat should have a reliable power source. Consider one with a 120VAC (or 230v for Europeans) where you can charge your phone, computer, and other electronic devices. Unless you’re getting a very old cat this is standard.
• Toilet and plumbing: Sanitation is extra necessary when living aboard, therefore when looking for a cat, get one with a well-fitted head (toilet) and an efficient plumbing system for safe waste disposal. It should encompass a holding tank so that you can use the head when parked in a marina.
• Kitchen facilities: Most cats have a galley but make sure it fits your needs, maybe you love to cook, and therefore you have special preferences for the setup.

When I’m looking to buy something as expensive as a cat I create a Need vs Nice spreadsheet where I track all the most important factors to make sure I don’t miss something, if you want to access this sheet all you need to do is either send me an email or sign up for the newsletter.

Interested in sailing characteristics and catamaran stability? Read this!

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Under 25ft, cruising yachts rarely offer standing headroom, making it tricky for cooking or dressing, not to mention the chronic back ache from constant stooping.

Headroom should be a priority on liveaboard boats.

Cruising for extended periods also requires some ‘normality’ in your facilities, so you feel relaxed about washing, dressing, cooking and eating.

Sleeping quarters can be rudimentary, provided the berths are large enough and well padded, but lack of space in the galley and heads often causes frustration.

The key to a successful liveaboard galley is plenty of prep space and stowage.

Most boats use bottled gas (LPG) for cooking. If you plan to live mainly in a marina, however, you can use an electric hob, microwave and air fryer.

Privacy is rare on a small boat, but a separate heads compartment is vital unless you live alone.

Saloon settees make good berths on liveboard boats, especially if crew suffer from seasickness. Credit: David Harding

An electrically pumped hot water system is also needed if you want to shower on board, along with a large waste tank.

Though most sailors navigate from a display in the cockpit these days, a decent nav station is useful.

Having a dry, secure area to passage plan and check/log your course is important. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for non-waterproof comms equipment such as a laptop.

Saloon settees can make good berths and are often better for anyone prone to seasickness, as they impart the least motion.

Voluminous aft cabins with wide berths are fine at anchor or in a marina, but often not useable at sea, especially transverse berths. And forepeak bunks are undoubtedly the noisiest and most affected by slamming and wave motion.

On smaller boats, the cockpit will inevitably become part of the accommodation, so a good tent with see-through panels is invaluable.

In terms of comfort and security at sea, high coamings and a deep, well-drained footwell are preferable.

At anchor, though, the bigger the cockpit the better, so a compromise is required.

Catamarans have an edge on the equivalent length monohull; their wide, flat-bottomed hulls easily house double berths and luxurious heads.

Liveaboard boats: 25-30ft LOA

Sailing yachts.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.2 ’s spacious cockpit and roomy accommodation provide a good level of home comfort.

Her saloon has a straightforward layout with a central table and two straight settees, allowing six to be seated comfortably.

The galley is compact but easily workable with a cooker, sink, cool box and nearby stowage.

Opposite is a forward-facing chart table with room for instruments and a dedicated seat. The sleeping accommodation is where she excels.

The large aft cabin spreads across two-thirds of the stern and contains a spacious double berth, hanging locker and dressing area.

Liveaboard boats: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.2’s sleek hull is fun to sail but stable enough for family cruising. Credit: David Harding

In the other quarter is a roomy heads compartment with a shower, sink, toilet and wet locker.

While there’s no floor area in the forecabin with the infill in place, the berth is a good size and comfortable and there’s ample storage beneath it.

On deck, the 29.2’s large cockpit is ideal for entertaining in good weather while remaining safe and practical at sea.

Her side decks are wide and uncluttered and provide easy and safe foredeck access.

She was available with a fixed fin keel or stub keel with centreboard for those wanting to sail in shallow waters.

Her hull is sleek and easily driven , which results in an exciting performance under sail while remaining safe and stable for family cruising.

Tiller steering was standard but there was a wheel option.

Twin rudders keep her directionally stable even when heavily heeled and her powerful fractional rig carries more than enough sail to keep her gliding along at a respectable speed in light airs.

Being quick, yet agile and well-balanced, they’re easy to sail single-handedly without drama and are surprisingly close-winded thanks to the coachroof-mounted jib sheet tracks.

Modern and spacious, the Bavaria 30C offers big boat comforts in a compact and affordable package.

She has an open, bright, yet woody interior with plenty of opening portlights and lots of useful stowage, including lockers above the saloon settees.

Unlike the 29.2, Bavaria only built the 30C with a two-cabin layout.

She has a well-equipped galley with a full-size cooker, a deep fridge/cool box, a sink and plenty of space for cutlery and crockery.

Opposite is a nav station worthy of a 35-footer, with a seat, drawers under, chart stowage and instrument mounting space.

Behind this is the door to the heads, which is a little small, but still has a shower.

Liveaboard boats: A conventional all-rounder, the Bavaria 30C is well-balanced and agile. Credit: Marco McGinty/Alamy

The saloon is cosy yet spacious. Long, straight settees allow six to eat together in comfort around the drop-leaf table, or two to bed down at night.

The two cabins are surprisingly roomy, both offering comfortable double berths for tall adults and good-sized lockers.

While her cockpit isn’t massive, it’s ideal under sail and the table and binnacle provide extra support.

At anchor , it doesn’t offer a huge lounging area, but it’s fine for four to relax and watch the sunset.

Over the years, Bavarias of all sizes have been thrashed to within an inch of their lives by charterers, and survived relatively unscathed, which says a lot about their build and seaworthiness.

The medium displacement 30C is agile and well-balanced, quick to tack, points well upwind and is fun to sail.

She is easily handled by any member of the crew, including young learners, and keeps sailing in the gentlest of breezes.

The first Hurley 30/90 was launched in 1974 and sported a shallow fin keel containing 1.7t of encapsulated lead ballast and a skeg-mounted rudder.

She’s comfortable and practical to live on for extended periods, and steadfast enough to undertake a lengthy offshore passage.

Thanks to her comparatively wide beam it is roomy down below. The sleeping accommodation is comfortable, though rudimentary.

The forepeak vee-berth is a little short, but the port settee converts into a comfy double and the quarter berth is a good size.

Headroom is a generous 1.90m/6ft 3in everywhere except the forecabin.

The heads is forward of the saloon and has a pull-out sink, though showering space is limited.

Liveaboard boats: The Hurley 30/90 (30ft/9m) was the largest of Ian Anderson’s designs for Hurley. The boat was later known as the Anderson 30 after Ian Anderson bought the moulds and began producing the boats. Credit: David Harding

Her cockpit is wide and long, with a cut-away aft, and though her vertical transom makes boarding from the water awkward, it’ll save on marina fees.

There’s abundant stowage in deep lockers plus cave lockers for smaller items.

The primary winches are well forward on the coamings and her mainsheet track is on the bridge deck.

While neither presents a problem with a tiller helm, both are out of the helmsman’s reach in the wheel version.

She has a stout masthead rig with a tall, deck-stepped mast. This provides a high-aspect sail plan that keeps the boom short and clear of the cockpit.

As in most boats of this era, the bulk of the driving power comes from her ample genoa.

She is a cruising yacht and as such, her round-bilged, full-bellied hull creates some drag under sail.

That said, her relatively high displacement means she exhibits a sea-kindly motion and carries well when the going gets choppy, resulting in good passage times, even in heavy seas.

The original 12hp Yanmar diesel engine was a little underpowered and the prop is slightly offset, which can make her tricky to manoeuvre.

Built over 20 years ago, the high build quality of the Swedish-built Nimbus 280 Coup e means she still feels ‘new’.

Though not cavernous inside, the 280C has a place for everything and makes a very comfortable floating home for a couple, with room for three overnight guests on the convertible saloon dinette and a single berth beneath the saloon sole.

When the weather is good you can slide back the saloon doors and wander freely between the saloon and the spacious cockpit, which is as well laid out with a padded L-shaped bench surrounding the removable dining table.

Inside, it’s bright and airy due to the sliding glass roof lights and tall side windows with opening sections.

The raised helm seat is very comfortable and offers an excellent all-round view while being an easy reach to instruments and displays.

The double navigator seat can convert to a dinette seat or go completely flat for sleeping.

Liveaboard boats: With a clean hull, the Nimbus 280 Coupe will cruise comfortably at 14 knots. Credit: Claire Frew/Future

Opposite the dinette is one of the most well-equipped galleys I’ve seen on a 28-footer, complete with a large cooker/oven, fridge, sink and worktop, and numerous drawers and shelves.

Below, she has a large double berth forward that is roomy and practical, with space for storing clothing and shelves for smaller items.

In the corridor is access to the single berth under the saloon sole. Opposite is the heads which, though not massive, is big enough for a decent shower.

The 280C has a 150hp Volvo Penta TAMD31 shaft-driven inboard diesel engine, capable of a 14-knot cruise speed and a top speed of 18-knots with a clean hull. Cruise fuel consumption is around 22lt/h.

She’s a good performer in most conditions and handles heavy seas with ease.

Liveaboard boats: 31-35ft LOA

The Polish-built Delphia 33 is a roomy, mid-range family offshore cruiser offering six berths in two double cabins plus the saloon, and 1.83m/6ft headroom.

The accommodation is a good size and ideal for a liveaboard couple with occasional guests. The quality of the mahogany woodwork is excellent, though a little dark.

However, the abundant light entering from the large windows makes her cosy rather than gloomy inside.

Rather than providing twin aft cabins and squeezing the heads into the saloon area, Delphia opted to install the heads where the second aft cabin could have gone.

This opens the boat up, leaving almost as much living space as a 36-footer.

For those happy with two cabins this is a sensible use of space and leaves room for a proper, forward-facing navigation station.

The saloon has seating for six, and the port settee can be converted to a double berth.

The L-shaped galley includes a two-ring cooker/oven, twin sinks, and a fridge. On deck, her streamlined coachroof melds gently into the foredeck.

Her side decks are wide, and the transom has steps down to a narrow bathing platform, with a boarding ladder and hot water deck shower.

Liveaboard boats: All the sailing controls are led aft to the coachroof, making the Delphia 33 ideal for short-handed sailing. Credit: David Harding

Her cockpit is quite wide, with the genoa winches on the coamings and two self-tailing halyard winches on the coachroof.

All the sail controls are fed aft through clutches, including the mainsheet traveller.

Her 7/8ths fractional rig uses a deck-stepped mast with swept spreaders and an optional backstay adjuster. The sail plan comprises a semi-battened mainsail with two single-line reefs and 115% furling genoa.

The 33 is a very competent performer under sail without being hard to handle or at all twitchy.

The deep, bulbed keel keeps the ballast down low, so she’s stiff under sail, plus her deep spade rudder provides maximum grip on the water.

A Laurent Giles design from 1980-1984, the Westerly Discus utilised the hull of the earlier 33 but with different deck options.

She was offered in aft-, or centre-cockpit format with fin or twin keels . Only the centre-cockpit version was available as a ketch, otherwise they were sloops.

In the 33, access to the aft cabin through the cockpit was inconvenient, especially if you needed the heads on a rainy night.

In the Discus, the cabin was placed under the bridge deck, eliminating the need to crawl along a low corridor.

The boats were ruggedly built to Lloyd’s classification in solid GRP, the hull/deck join through-bolted and glassed over.

They were a little prone to osmosis , but most will have been remedied by now.

Westerlys of this era were well crafted below, had bags of stowage and the materials used were of a high standard.

There is plenty of solid teak trim and every spare void has been put to good use.

Liveaboard boats: The semi-balanced rudder on the Westerly Discus makes her light on the helm. Credit: David Harding

The chart table has a corner trimmed to allow access to the corridor aft, but it does have a forward-facing seat.

The L-shaped galley opposite boasts a full-size cooker, fridge and deep sink. Pressurised hot/cold water was standard, as were lockers with dedicated space for crockery and cutlery.

The corridor to the aft cabin takes you into a dressing area with a small seat and a large clothes locker.

The offset berth is roomy and comfortable with good clearance above. Natural light and air enter via two opening portlights.

The layout of the saloon, which has over 6ft headroom, is traditional with two straight settees whose seat backs become lee boards.

The port settee extends into a 1.25m/4ft 1in double berth if needed. The twin-leaf table seats six and has a bottle store and a useful fiddled tray.

The forepeak doorway is offset, creating a heads with standing headroom. Opposite is a generous wet locker.

The forecabin has a good-sized vee-berth; the large forehatch with a built-in mushroom vent provides light and air.

She is a solid, seaworthy boat that stands up to her canvas well in strong winds.

Her 40% ballast ratio allows her to make short work of heavy seas while the knuckle in her bows helps divert any spray.

Being quite heavy makes her a little slow off the mark but gives her the momentum to make headway through rough seas.

From the 1990s, living space became more important as folk became less inclined to put up with basic domestic facilities.

Beneteau’s beamy Oceanis Clipper 351 was particularly adapted for comfort with its sizeable cabins and dinette saloon.

Her maximum beam is carried almost back to the transom, which increases the accommodation space enormously.

Two- or three-cabin models were available, although in the latter the heads were smaller.

The saloon headroom is 1.90m/6ft 3in and numerous portlights and hatches give good ventilation and natural light.

The galley is generous in terms of stowage and work surface. There is also a large fridge, full-size cooker, twin sinks with hot and cold pressurised water and a dedicated gash bin.

While a longitudinal galley isn’t always the best at sea, for living aboard on anchor or in a marina it works well.

Joinery is to a good standard and there’s just enough wood to make her cosy. In the three-cabin boat, the two aft cabins offer good-size double berths.

Both cabins have some dressing space, and room to store clothes; three hatches and a portlight make them airy.

The two-cabin model has one larger aft cabin, a deep cockpit locker, and a larger heads with separate shower.

Opposite the heads is the navigation station with its forward-facing chart table, switch panel and a small area for electronics .

The forecabin is also roomy with a large vee-berth that is squared off at the bottom to give more foot space.

Stowage is plentiful and there’s enough floor area and headroom to get dressed with the door shut. Three hatches let in plenty of air and light.

The 351’s cockpit is wide but divided by a large table with an integral cool box that provides a necessary foot brace and handholds under sail.

The binnacle is vast and carries a compass, engine controls and sailing instruments. Seat cut-outs facilitate access around the wheel.

The helm seat is removable to create a walk-through to the boarding platform. There are two deep lockers under the seats and a very deep lazarette.

Under sail, her low drag underwater shape means she needs little wind to get her going and her shallow aft sections make for exhilarating downwind sailing.

Her masthead rig is easy to handle, and she relies heavily on her large genoa for upwind power.

Stiffness is as much a result of her wide form as her moderate ballast, although pushing her too hard can cause her rudder to lift clear of the water.

Although not unlike the Nimbus 280 style-wise, the extra 4ft of the Finnish-built Aquador 32C packs so much more in, making her a serious family liveaboard motorcruiser for all seasons.

She has a fairly conventional layout inside the large wheelhouse including a raised helm seat with excellent all-round views and easy access to the controls and instruments.

Above is a sliding glass panel for extra light and ventilation.

The sumptuous double nav seat flips over to extend the dinette behind, which can seat up to six around the table.

Liveaboard boats: Most of the Aquador 32C’s were fitted with a 370hp 6LYA-STE engine. Credit: Aquador Boats

The galley opposite is well equipped and sensibly organised.

Below, the forecabin has a large double berth and enough locker and shelf space for a long holiday.

The midships cabin is off the same corridor forward and has a seat in the dressing area and a generous transverse double berth under the wheelhouse.

The large sliding glass doors into the cockpit can be left open in fine weather, which opens the whole space out, even though the cockpit is a little compact.

The side decks are easily accessed, and stout handrails guide you safely to the foredeck for anchoring or sunbathing.

A shaft-drive Yanmar diesel engine from 285-460hp could be ordered, the 370hp 6LYA-STE being the most common and offering a top speed of 27-knots and cruising at 20-knots.

Her planing hull shape and twin rudders offer speed and agility with full control even in heavy seas.

Liveaboard boats: 36-40ft LOA

You can’t beat the space available on a cruising catamaran, although it comes at a cost in a marina.

While not boasting the interior volume or headroom of a modern cat, a well-maintained Prout Snowgoose 37 can be had today for a sensible price and refitted to suit your own liveaboard needs with a reasonable budget.

There were two layouts. One has a permanent open double berth forward of the saloon.

Though curtained-off privacy is limited, the reward is the view from the large forward windows.

While you lose some dinette space, it’s worth it if there are only two of you on board.

The double aft cabins are compact but comfortable, although has just a single heads, which is across from the starboard hull.

One hull contains a long nav station amidships, the other a well-equipped galley, both with standing headroom.

Liveaboard boats: Unlike most modern catamarans, the Prout Snowgoose 37 has a solid foredeck rather than a trampoline, adding to her strength but also her weight

Outside, her cockpit isn’t massive, but the wheel is bulkhead-mounted and it’s protected by high coamings.

There’s enough seating for six but the canoe-sterned hulls don’t feature any platforms or steps.

The side decks are narrow, although there is a stout coachroof grabrail and the double lifelines and stanchions are well supported.

She has a solid foredeck rather than a trampoline, which gives extra lounging and working area and adds considerably to the strength (and weight).

The mast is deck stepped and most were rigged as cutters.

Under sail, she’s not close-winded, around 50° off the apparent wind is common.

The view forward is restricted by the large genoa but at least all the sheets are led into the cockpit. She’s fastest on a beam reach when she’ll top 7-8 knots in a fresh breeze.

The hulls and nacelle can slam when you’re sailing hard into heavy seas, but if you bear away a little she noticeably calms down.

As standard, she came with a centrally-mounted engine and steerable drive leg.

The lack of prop wash over the rudders is mitigated by the ability to steer the drive leg with the wheel.

One of Moody’s most prolific cruising yachts from the 1980/90s, the Moody37/376 remains extremely popular.

The 37 and the 376 are identical, other than the latter features a transom scoop/platform.

All of Moody’s centre-cockpit designs create a high-volume interior, especially in the aft cabin area, for which they are renowned.

Some feel having a cockpit higher above sea level isn’t ideal, but most long-term liveaboards relish the increased accommodation space.

The 37s are a tad heavy due to their thick layup and solid wood décor, but they are an ideal compromise between cruising comfort and sailing performance.

Below, the U-shaped galley is well organised and easy to use under way thanks to a crash bar and spacious fiddled worktops.

The chart table opposite is also ideal for long passage navigation or for use as a desk. The saloon is warm and woody with straight settees around a dropleaf table.

One settee converts into an additional double berth. The only downside is the non-opening portlights.

Liveaboard boats: The Moody 376 has a scooped transom and was available with either fin or bilge keels. Credit Rupert Holmes

The forepeak has a decent vee-berth, loads of stowage and a compact ensuite heads/shower.

The sumptuous owner’s suite aft is accessed via a corridor behind the nav seat, past the crew bunk.

The cabin has seating on one side and a large, offset double berth opposite. It also has a private ensuite heads with a shower.

The 37 was built for cruising, so has ample stowage in bins and lockers.

While the cockpit is a little small, there is deck space for spreading out at anchor, plus a transom platform with a shower on the 376.

A masthead rig with slab reefed mainsail and furling genoa came as standard, with an optional inner forestay for a working/ storm jib .

They have a longish fin keel and deep, semi-balanced, skeg-hung rudder that keeps her on course and minimises leeway.

Tacking the large genoa around the baby stay can prove tedious but gets easier once you learn the knack.

At sea, she is a steadfast passage maker, her generous displacement helping her through any steep seas with minimal fuss or loss of momentum.

Motorboats​​

The 1980s Fairline 40 was a big boat in its day and still has a great deal to offer the long-term liveaboard/cruiser wanting to keep the family happy on the water.

Their large saloons offer plenty of lounging space away from the helm station and there’s plenty of drawers and lockers.

Going below takes you to a large, U-shaped galley with enough worktop and equipment to serve a family of six with ease.

The main cabin is in the forepeak and boasts a large, comfy centreline berth, a roomy ensuite and plenty of easy-to-access stowage.

There’s also a spacious twin-berth guest cabin amidships with heads.

Her cockpit is a good size with ample seating around a fixed table and access to a large swimming/boarding platform.

Being half sheltered by the floor of the flybridge, the addition of a decent canvas tent makes the cockpit a great dining area in all weather conditions.

Beneath the cockpit sole is a vast stowage area and very limited access to the engine room, which is more accessible by lifting the saloon soleboards.

Access to the flybridge is via a steep ladder and trap. Here, you’ll find a long, three-person helm bench.

Her deep-vee, single chine hull offers a soft entry in choppy seas making her comfortable in most sea conditions.

Powerful twin 235-300hp shaft-drive Volvo diesel engines give her semi-planing hull a cruising speed of around 18-knots, with around 24-knots flat out with the bigger engines.

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13 Most Practical Boat Liveaboard Places in the US

If you’re considering moving onto your boat full-time, there is a range of practical issues you need to take into account before choosing a permanent liveaboard location in the U.S.. For starters, if you’re hoping to live aboard whilst working, you’ll obviously need to be close enough to commute to your office every day. For those of you who are retried or remote workers, you can count yourselves among the lucky ones and you have a bit more freedom to choose where you want to live.

There are plenty of stunning spots in the U.S. but not all of them are practical for year round living. At the same time, you need to be aware of hidden fees and taxes that different states impose so be sure to research any destination thoroughly before packing your bags and heading across the country. Living aboard can be a fantastic adventure, giving you the freedom to live in beautiful destinations for lower prices than waterside properties and the added bonus of being able to sail away whenever the feeling hits you. This list takes into consideration practicality and adventure because really the two go hand in hand when it comes to living on your boat!

Read on for 13 of the best places to liveaboard in the U.S. to maximise your quality of life and quality of sailing.

On this page:

San francisco bay, california, newport, rhode island, green bay, lake michigan, corpus christi, texas, san juan island, washington, tacoma, washington, lake of the ozarks, missouri, long beach, california, chesapeake bay, maryland, long island, new york, tampa bay, florida, destin, florida, oahu, hawaii.

San Francisco Bay is a paradise for sailing. The sheer variety of conditions and scenery you can find in the bay makes it an ideal destination for anyone who loves a challenge. Whilst the weather is not as warm as others on this list, if you wrap up well when you’re out and make sure your boat is fitted with a good heater, it can make an excellent choice. From the Tiburon Peninsula to Richardson Bay to the Farallones, there is a wide range of conditions and winds to contend with. At the same time, there’s plenty of developed waterfront areas to eat, grab a drink or go shopping.

One of the cheapest places to live aboard in San Francisco Bay is Oyster Point Marina where reports put the monthly cost at $350 plus a live aboard fee of $200. Generally, the harbours get less expensive as you go further inland. Good choices include San Rafael and Vallejo.

For cruising at the weekends there’s plenty of destinations on offer including Angel Island or the Petaluma or Napa Rivers. If you have longer, you could consider sailing south to Half Moon Bay or Monterey. A combination of cheap rates (if you know where to look), varied sailing, and plenty of destinations nearby make San Francisco Bay a top choice for liveaboards.

Perfectly positioned on Aquidneck Island, near the mouth of Narragansett Bay, Newport is known as the sailing capital of the world. Whilst this title is certainly up for debate and there’s plenty of other destinations claiming the same, it’s a really popular destination on the East Coast. The area is blessed with a beautiful shoreline and more than 400 miles of coast dotted with beaches. There are yacht tours and a regatta during the sailing season, which runs from mid-April to late October, and there’s some good liveaboard spots available too.

Newport’s popularity makes it an expensive choice but there are some areas that are more reasonable options. Wickford, on the west side of Newport, has rates starting at around $500 per month for a medium-sized boat with access to the town. Jamestown across the bay is also a less expensive option. Getting across to Newport itself is easy enough and the proximity means you can still enjoy all the city has to offer. If walking is more your idea of a good time, there’s a 3.5 mile cliff walk to sink your teeth (feet?) into.

Green Bay on Lake Michigan is another picturesque and convenient choice for liveaboard hopefuls. Green Bay is separated from the rest of the lake by the Door Peninsula and the Garden Peninsula and the islands between them. The waters around Green Bay have been important for hundreds of years, serving as a key waterway for trading fur and pelts. Its history as a port can be traced back to Native American use before British, French and American traders began building military fortifications to secure their hold on the territory in the early 1800s.

You can get to Green Bay via the Fox River, Sturgeon River and Porte des Mortes. Green Bay is ideal for fishing fans as well as offering a large variety of onshore activities from shopping to eating out to the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Green Bay rates start as low as $150 a month if you’re on a strict budget. Be warned, for this price the space will be basic. For higher prices you can find somewhere nicer - you pay for what you get in this area.

A coastal city on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Corpus Cristi is an affordable and popular option for living aboard, offering the practicality of being close to the city but the romance of life at sea. Sheltered by the Padre and Mustang Islands, the waters are home to sea turtles and migratory birds can be seen flying overhead. At the same time, the waterfront is undergoing increasing amounts of development. It’s known as a safe and laid-back city, making it a popular choice if you’re looking for an easy life.

Texas is a great state for liveaboards as boat taxes are relatively low. You can find slips starting at just $150 per month for smaller boats though prices go up for larger boats of course. One example is a 60-foot slip for $3,000 per year, working out at just $250 per month. Some marinas in Texas allow you to pay annually instead of monthly, which can also save you money long-term.

Stunning views, regular festivals and friendly locals - San Juan Island can offer a lot if you’re looking to liveaboard. San Juan is the second largest island in the archipelago between Vancouver Island in British Columbia and mainland Washington. In spite of this, at only 24 miles long, 9 miles wide and a population of 7,500, it’s definitely a small town spot. Here’s a location where everyone knows everyone.

Visitors are drawn by the woods, the beaches and the impressive views of the Olympic Mountains. For cultural activities, there’s a wide range of galleries and studios on the islands thanks to the large number of artists who call the area home. It is also the best spot in Washington for sailing. Despite the drop in temperatures, it’s suitable for sailing year-round, making it an ideal location if you’re planning to liveaboard for 12 months of the year. The best time to sail is from April to October and in the summer you can see orca wales on their annual migration. Be warned, rates tend to be higher for San Juan than other locations but if you have the budget, it’s worth it.

Tacoma is a practical choice for those looking for reasonably priced slips in Washington. Perched on the Puget Sound, Tacoma’s Commencement Bay offers liveaboards city conveniences combined with great sailing. The Puget Sound itself offers good cruising grounds and you can head north to the San Juan Islands for trips. In the South Sound, there are plenty of state parks to be found and fantastic scenery thanks to Mount Rainier only 42 miles away. This is also handy if you’re looking for adventure activities on dry land. What’s more, Tacoma neighbors Seattle and is close enough that you can head over there whenever you’re looking for a taste of the big city.

Rates for liveaboards vary depending on where you’re looking in Puget Sound. Reports for Tacoma put slips at $500 per month compared to $750 in Seattle. Nearby Bremerton is another good choice for keeping costs fairly low. The great news about this location is that there’s a lot of choices for liveaboard marinas so you can find one that suits your needs, be it an on-site gym, a kitchen, showers or storage facilities.

Coming in top for the most break-taking scenery, the Lake of the Ozarks is a truly stunning place to live. Thankfully, living aboard your boat is also fairly cheap, giving you a much better deal than if you tried to buy or rent a lake-side property. The water levels are fairly stable year round and there is a wide range of marinas to choose from who are happy to accommodate liveaboards. Different marinas offer different amenities with some set up for entertaining, with access to BBQs and bars and others better for a quieter lifestyle. It’s a good idea to tour some of them before you decide where to stay to get a feel for the different atmospheres and what you can expect.

There’s no end to the conveniences on offer in this the Ozarks with dockside cafes and restaurants aplenty, placed at convenient points along the shore. The Lake of the Ozarks is so well set up for liveaboards that you can even get food delivered to your boat! This is the ultimate spot for convenience and practicality, if takeout is your idea of being practical!

A really popular destination for liveaboards, Long Beach offers a large number of liveaboard locations that you can take advantage of. The nearby Channel Islands make a nice destination for sailing trips and you can enjoy other water-based activities like scuba diving and kayaking too. This is a fantastic choice if you want to live in a place where it’s summer all year round.

The only drawback for living aboard in Long Beach is the waitlist for slips. Thanks to a restrictive cap of 10% for liveaboards in each marina, it can be tough to find a free space. There is no fee for putting in a ‘Liveaboard Request’ but you’ll need to be patient. If you have time to spare then the rewards are worth it and it’s a good option for practicality and a high quality of life. However, this destination is not for spur of the moment decisions!

One of the most popular destinations for year-round living, Chesapeake Bay has a lot to offer liveaboards. From rich biodiversity to stunning sailing destinations nearby, there’s a whole range of reasons that this one is on the list. You can choose from a large number of different marinas around the Bay so it’s up to you if you prefer to live near Baltimore, Virginia Beach or anywhere else in the area. At the same time, the Bay offers protection against bad winter weather so it’s a practical choice for all seasons.

Prices can vary depending on where you go and how close you want to stay to urban areas. The starting point is around $300 per month and rates go up from there. For city living on board your boat, you’re going to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 a year here.

Long Island is the perfect choice for living aboard if you’re looking for plenty of destinations to sail to in your free time. You’re at the gateway to New England and can easily head to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in less than an hour. Of course, you can’t forget about New York City as well! Have you ever fancied sailing through Manhattan? It’s a challenging but rewarding cruise with plenty of iconic views along the way. Alternatively, head to The Hamptons for an upmarket experience in the destination of choice for wealthy city-dwellers during the summer.

Long Island itself is 100 miles long and 20 miles wide with bays and inlets, extending into the open ocean. This makes it an awesome destination for sailing, sight-seeing and living aboard. Unsurprisingly, prices are more expensive than others on this list at approximately $600 per month for a 40-foot slip.

One of the biggest attractions for living aboard in Florida is the weather. You can’t beat the year long summer climate that makes really comfortable conditions for liveaboards. There’s a whole range of options if you’re looking to live aboard in Florida but Tampa Bay is an affordable choice compared to other locations closer to big cities. You’ll find a wide range of rates reflecting the location you choose.

In Tampa and neighboring St. Petersburg, you should be able to find marinas offering $500 per month for a 40-foot slip and other spots that are lower. The beauty of Tampa is that the waterfront is well developed with food, shopping and leisure options to keep you entertained. This means there’s no commute inland to get somewhere fun. Be warned, insurance can be high in Florida and local laws means there’s hoops you have to jump through in order to live on your boat. If you can take this in your stride than Florida makes a great choice.

Staying with Florida, Destin is another blissful choice for would-be liveaboards who are looking for a relaxed, subtropical lifestyle. Destin’s beaches are one of the biggest draws for this location, as well as the number of barrier islands to explore. Located on the Panhandle of Florida, Destin is a paradise for leisure activities. The bay and Intracoastal Waterway is perfect for sailing beginners but getting out to the east Pass and the Gulf of Mexico is where the real fun begins. Tides, swells and cross-currents make it a challenging and exciting sailing destination.

The popularity of this destination makes Destin a more expensive choice. You will most likely have to go on a wait-list before you can find a slip. On the other hand, Florida is one of the states with the lowest taxes on boats so that can work in your favour. What’s more, Panama City is within easy reach of Destin for a weekend or head to Choctawhatchee Bay and discover the inland waterways and islands of the Santa Rosa Sound.

Hawaii is an awesome spot for sailing and the island of Maui is considered to be one of the best in the U.S. but Oahu island has a lot to offer liveaboard hopefuls. Honolulu may seem like an obvious choice but there are other options elsewhere on the island that offer practical alternatives. As with other sought-after locations, many of the liveaboard marinas on Oahu have long wait lists and it can be hard to find spaces for permanent stays. Some of the most popular options, including Haleiwa Harbour on the North Shore have wait times of up to 20 years! This is because it’s the only safe harbour on this shore.

If you can find a space, Hawaii life is worth it. From snorkelling to diving, the island life is truly tempting. In the summer months, you can sail to Waimea Bay and anchor on the sand for a romantic getaway. Thanks to the conditions, you can sail year-round and the infamous Hawaiian winds give you plenty to work with, ensuring you’ll never get bored.

Now the only question is, which destination will you choose?

lee rawlings

ahoy do you know list of low price live a boards in south florida, miami to port st lucie area

Katherine Lindell

Thinking about living aboard your boat in Hawaii? Don’t even go there. Hawaii is considered to be one of the worst sailing destinations in the country if not is the entire world. The entire boating scene in Hawaii is tightly controlled by the division of boating and ocean recreation, well known here to be corrupt and dysfunctional under the leadership of a certain Edward underwood, himself A stunning example of compromised agenda. You are currently not allowed to live anywhere in the state of Hawaii on board your vessel. And because the state’s government is so incredibly corrupt we don’t see this changing anytime soon.

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Sailing La Vagabonde: Digital Nomads at Sea & New Boating App

Dreaming of dropping everything to sail the world? Sailing La Vagabonde Riley Whitelum & Elayna Carausu have done just that, becoming parents, digital yacht nomads and internet sensations in the process… 

They sailed greta thunburg across the atlantic and now, together with the young cruisers association, have developed a much anticipated boating community app, milly karsten reports ..

Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu have been sailing around the world for 9 years. With over 1.9 million subscribers to their YouTube channel, Sailing La Vagabonde, and helping to develop and launch the SeaPeople app, this Australian couple are certainly bringing a new and exciting dimension to seafaring.

‘It’s just dopamine hit after dopamine hit’, Elayna and Riley told me over a Starlink call between my London office and their boat off the coast of Amami Ōshima, Japan. 

Having met in Greece back in 2014, this Australian couple just weeks into knowing each other, took a leap of faith and set sail for the rest of the world. Elayna, tells me, “It was just meant to be one month of island hopping Greece and Turkey, and when my return flight to Australia was (…) Riley asked me, ‘do you want to come live on this boat with me and sail the world?’. Elayna was just 20, and Riley 29.

Having followed their journey on instagram and YouTube for years, I was keen to hear about their dreamlike and beautifully documented adventures first hand. However, these seasoned sailors, now parents, digital nomads, and internet sensations, also bring to light a new and continually evolving way of life, where sailors and adventurers can live and work on the go, at sea. They’re one step ahead of the working from home revolution – they’re over the horizon, and showing us what we’re missing out on. But it’s not all been picturesque archipelagos and plain sailing…

How has it been becoming digital nomads with Sailing La Vagabonde and creating content together at sea?

Elayna: It took a year for us to be able to earn a living from the YouTube channel (…) to earn what I could earn at a bar basically, it took a year for that, and it was hard work… and obviously didn’t cover the costs of setting up a production boat for bluewater cruising. 

Riley: If we go back and tell the story… We ran out of money and Elayna was making movies, but very infrequently, (…) a bit of a comical thing in between Elayna and I was that I was very practical, and I was saying well in the end what is it all for? Maybe we should be concentrating on basically anything else… 

Riley then admitted that in the beginning, with little income being made from these videos, he was sceptical, but Elayna saw potential, and asked him to give it time.

E: After a year we completely ran out of money, we had to fly back to Australia to get work. Riley worked offshore again on the oil rigs, for maybe what 3 or 4 months?… And we saved up again then flew back to the boat. 

R: But during that time our audience, which was quite small at the time, were freaking out, and they were like ‘is this going to be the end of the movies?’ … Some of those people said look, ‘sign up for this website called Patreon and we’ll all chip in a couple bucks and we can get you going again’. 

E: We got back to the boat with some savings that Riley had got off-shore, and in that time I’d set up a website with Patreon and I’d recorded an album of cover songs and got people to pre-order… it was desperate times and we got back to the boat and worked real hard for…

R: 10 more years!

What advice would you give to someone wanting to do this?

E: The only thing I would say is, don’t do it in the hopes to make money, do it out of passion.

R: It’s too hard…

E: We’ve seen people start out thinking it’s a good business plan, and hope on a boat and completely fail (…) that can’t come first, you need to sail and have fun and, have the videos be an afterthought and it’ll evolve. 

R: Or you know, the videos can be your passion, but sailing and boats has to be as well, you can’t have that as a secondary (…) you need to be tough basically, you need to be able to live a really hard life, not because you think you’ll make some money out of it (…) very few people are going to get compensated adequately if you consider it a job… If its a way of life that you enjoy, then yeah, it’s a banger way to live!

Are your parents and friends fully on-board?

E: We started at a time when travel blogging was just kind of new, (…) For our friends and family it was really surprising and weird, and when we’d go home for those first few years people didn’t really know how to talk about it with us (…) mostly they wouldn’t even ask, it was like we were doing something so out there it was hard to even talk about it. 

R: Social media still had that stigma… We operate in a bit of a grey zone, because we’re not merely Instagrammers, I like to think we’re not… We are on social media, but we’re not documentary film makers either, although we try to get as close to that as we can these days. So people didn’t know where to put us immediately…

E: We’re definitely not tik-tokers, (…) we’d rather just work really hard on YouTube, make good quality movies that people can sit down and watch and learn something, rather than the fast paced [Scrolling].

What has it been like raising your family on board?

R: The great thing is that Lenny in particular really and truly loves the boat, (…) we’ll spend more time away than he’d like, and that’s exactly how we’d want it, we want them to be excited to go back to the boat.

E: We bought them both back when they were only 6 weeks old, tiny little babies (…)  There’s so many easy little hacks, for example a chair that clips into the saloon table that clips them in when Riley and I have to go and take a reef (…) I think learning to sail trained us for children, because someone always has to be alert (…) someone has always got the kid hat on, like someone’s always aware of where the kids are and if they’ve got their life jackets on.

E: Sailing and young children are very comparable!

R: Equally disastrous!

Sailing La Vagabonde & Greta Thunberg Across the North Atlantic 

In November 2019, climate activist Greta Thunberg made a double crossing of the Atlantic to attend two climate conferences, her return eastward journey was made on La Vagabonde with Riley and Elayna – a harrowing winter crossing, and one which Elayna was not convinced of doing. Yet, when asking the sailing duo what their best experience had been, they’re answer was this:

R: The most rewarding is the most difficult, so whatever your hardest passage was, arriving after that is the most rewarding, so that’s going to be the Greta Thunburg trip across the North Atlantic. 

E: We had a week to prepare for this trip, we had a really great female English sailor, Nicky Henderson (…) so we had Nicky, Riley, Me, Greta, and Greta’s Dad.

R: And Lenny…

E: Who was only one… and when we left there was snow, there was ice on our boat the day we left and it was snowing, in the Chesapeake Bay, it was freezing.

R: Milly it was a ******* disaster!

E: It took us 19 days to get across the other side, and in that time there was freezing cold weather, there was hot water from the Gulf Stream…

R: There was lightning that was striking the water right near… Nicky was at the helm, she is such a rockstar… we just cannot believe how incredible… what a leader she is! 

R: I mean I could talk about that for hours… we had to go up the rig in 20 knots… the furling line for the headsail snapped and I had to go out the front in legitimately… we don’t even know what it was, but it was well over 40, because it had sustained 40 for I don’t know how long, and then the wind picked up and that’s when the line snapped (…) I had to go forwards, like crawling on my belly to try and furl in manually the headsail, while Nicky was trying to go dead downwind… 

E: You felt ‘the sublime’ on that crossing didn’t you 

I asked what this was…

R: More philosophy… So, in order to have an encounter with ‘the sublime’ the necessary ingredients are power outside of your control, particularly if it’s nature, and you need to feel threat of your life, so your life needs to be basically out of your control (…) and it was the first time that I really felt that way. 

E: It’s a feeling of Awe… 

The SeaPeople App

Alongside their sailing adventures, bringing up a family onboard, and creating content for over 1.9 YouTube subscribers, Elayna and Riley have been busy with a new project – working with the Young Cruisers Association to create and launch a specialised app to connect sailors around the world. 

If you’ve watched their videos, you’ll know these two don’t shy away from talking about the rainy days, and trials of living/working/parenting on a boat. They talked to me about their experiences of seafarer’s isolation, particularly through the pandemic, and their difficulties with mental health over the years. 

It’s certainly a lesser spoken aspect of living afloat… We hear of grand dreamlike adventures and are shown remarkable photos of beautifully calm or high seas, but easily miss checking on a key component of life – connection and community. And so, it seems the SeaPeople app is an exciting step in the right direction.

“SeaPeople is an app designed to bring all the elements of the human side of boating into one place. Sharing your photos, the stats of your trips, your tracking history, and communicating with other boaters has been spread across multiple platforms for too long. SeaPeople brings it all into one place.”

E: We really needed something to connect all sailors… to organise sundowners on the beach, to see who’s around you, who’s onboard, if they’ve got pets or children, where they’re going and at what speed… like you can see the world on a beautiful world map and zoom in on anyone’s boat and ask them a question, ask them if they’ve got a spare part… It’s really for connecting all seafarers. 

R: Everyone on a boat, they’re living this crazy adventure, and everyone’s got a story to tell, that’s why everyone had a blog and these disparate websites that were popping up all over the world for each individual boat… this is a way for friends and family to jump on to see where you are, what you’ve been doing, and then to see other similar people that might be nearby’

SeaPeople: The Hail Feature

For Riley and Elayna, the most exciting part of the SeaPeople app is the ‘Hail’ feature. Unlike VHF, where if someone doesn’t hear you, or the message doesn’t get through, there is no way to find that message again, this feature of the app allows you to broadcast a message which stays out there – creating a space for community, conversation, and advice. 

E: With Starlink, now is the time for an app like this.

R: These ancient devices that we’re still using, like AIS and VHF, it’s just so necessary for this to exist now, for everyone’s safety and just conveniences. 

Download the SeaPeople App

We’re excited to announce the SeaPeople app will be available to download from 10th October this year. Visit www.seapeopleapp.com

How to Watch Sailing La Vagabonde Videos

Follow Riley and Elayna’s latest Sailing La Vagabonde adventures – www.youtube.com/sailinglavagabonde

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11 Best Liveaboard Marinas In The US

Finding the best marina in a country as large and as wealthy as the United States of America is not an easy task. Each state with any kind of boating scene can boast at least a few top-notch marinas.

So, how do you determine which are best? By looking at not just the marina itself but where it is, what its surrounded by, and whether or not you might want to live there. After all, the best liveaboard marina for me might not be the best one for you. This article outlines the best marinas in the US, in no particular order, so you can decide for yourself which might be best for you.

Table of contents

1) 5th Street Marina, Florida

The 5th street marina in Miami Florida is one of the best marinas in the state, which when that state is Flordia is no easy feat. The marina is perfectly situated with access directly into the city itself through the use of the easily accessible water taxis. The marina is moments away from all the bars, restaurants, and nightlife that Miami is famous for. Whether you are planning on staying for a week or a year you will never find yourself tired of what this marina has to offer. The city center skyline is just a stone’s throw from the deck of your boat, you really couldn’t be any closer if you tried.

2) Miamarina, Florida

Miamarina in Miami Florida is not cheap. The cost of living aboard your sailboat here full time is not for the faint-hearted. If your bank account can take it though, you are in for a real treat. This marina boasts luxury and convenience above all else. You are getting the best security, the best amenities, and the “right” kind of neighbors. This isn’t a marina for partying, this is a marina for relaxation. If you are hoping to find yourself living next door to a celebrity, to find yourself, slip mates, with a member of the Miami Heat, this is the Marina for you. It isn’t cheap, but the best things in life never are.

3) Regatta Pointe Marina, Florida

Regatta Pointe is the only Florida marina on this list that isn’t in and around Miami. Regatta Pointe can be found in Palmetto, meaning you are getting the Floridian weather but with less of the party life. The speed that Miami moves at isn’t for everyone, sometimes you want to take it easy. Regatta Pointe lets you do just that. The marina has all the amenities you could need, wifi, gym, salon, spa, restaurants, all right at your doorstep. You also have wonderful access to the coast and the gulf. Perfect for avid sailors.

4) Montauk Yacht Club New York

Montauk Yacht Club, in the Hamptons, is one of the most impressive and beautiful marinas in the country. You are getting the new york lifestyle right at the marina itself. There are three heated pools, two illuminated tennis courts, and a cigar bar. If you are looking for a liveaboard marina to retire to you can’t do much better than the Montauk Yacht Club. You can rent one of the 200 plus slips at this marina on a nightly or a seasonal basis. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a summer home of sorts, then Montauk could be what you are looking for.

5) Bergers Marina, Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most famous boating areas in the world. So famous that it even had a hit Netflix drama named after it. There are plenty of marinas there, finding the right one for you is not going to be easy. So, if you had to pick one marina which would it be? Probably Bergers Marina. This marina is one of the most historical and well-loved marinas in the area. Bergers is located close to all the shops, bars, cafes, and activities that you could want. It is the only marina that truly makes you feel like you live in the town. Not just near it.

6) Marina Del Ray California

Marina Del Ray is the biggest marina in not just California but the entire country. You are going to feel like a small fish in a big pond. And that’s exactly why many people choose to live there. Here you will find countless celebrities, wealthy elites, and likeminded nautical lovers. There are bars, cafes, restaurants, and every kind of boating amenity you could need. They have the best mechanics, details, painters, electricians, and plumbers on-site for 24/7 call-outs to your boat. There are even boat valet and storage services available for residents.

7) Elliot Bay, Washington

*** No longer allows liveaboards

Living in Seattle is not cheap. It’s about as not-cheap as you could imagine. It is far cheaper to live in Elliot Bay than to get a small place in the city itself. You get all the benefits of living in Seattle with a much smaller price tag. Elliot bay has two restaurants and plays host to events all year round. If you work in the tech industry, living near Seattle might be a must for you. Having a well-paying Seattle job without the price of rent can make living in this beautiful marina the financially savvy thing to do.

8) Roche Harbor Marina, Washington

Roche Harbor is one of the more interesting marinas on this list. It is very exclusive, not in price but location. Getting to this harbor without the use of a boat, or a plane is not easy. This means living here can be very a peaceful and idealistic way of living. If you are going to be trying to find a job, then this marina is probably not what you are looking for. If you can work from your boat, with the free wifi, then you are in for a real treat. If you are hoping to spend the day hiking, cycling, fishing, climbing, and camping then Roche Harbor is the Marina for you.

9) Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is an up and coming part of Maryland. The marinas there is state of the art, without the price tag. Since the cost of living there has yet to adjust to the quality of life you are getting great value for money. The marina is so close to the city that you will be spoilt for choice choosing how to spend your days. The marina is also adjacent to the world-famous Baltimore aquarium, spending your free time here with a season pass is a treat very few people get to enjoy. There are wet slips as well as lift slips available so you have plenty of options when deciding how to store your boat and all of your belongings. The sailing around Maryland is tremendous, so you will feel able to stretch your sea legs whenever the water calls to you. Plus, Maryland seafood is some of the best not only in the country but the whole world.

10) Orleans Marina, New Orleans

Living in New Orleans is a unique and interesting experience. The food is phenomenal, the people are down to earth, and the countryside is beautiful. What’s not to love? The marina itself is pretty darn good. You get the basic amenities included for free, plus a few extras. This is one of the cheaper marinas on this list. But that is in no way of a reflection of how good the marina is, just where it is. Out of the US’s major cities, New Orleans is one of the most affordable. If you are lucky enough to be around during Mardi Gras or one of the various jazz festivals you are going to be in for a real treat. New Orleans during Mardi Gras is a truly unique experience. You certainly won’t want to miss it. New Orleans has an up and coming team with the Pelicans, NBA stud Zion Williamson is bound to drag the team to success in the league. Perfect for sports fans and casual viewers alike.

11) David L Clinch Marina, Michigan

The David L Clinch Marina in Michigan is one of the most scenic places for sailing in the world. Not just the country. The city has clung to its roots relentlessly, you get the small-town charm with the big city services. There is everything you need yet you still feel like you are part of the community. There is also a surprisingly great food scene to be found there. Bars, restaurants, breweries, whatever you want you will find. Plus, the cost of living isn’t through the roof. Sure, you can expect to pay a premium for the best slips. But you won’t be breaking the bank.

This list contains a huge array of different marinas, each one has its pros and cons. Though the cons are few and far between. If you are still unsure, perhaps check out the marinas websites to find specifics about what they have to offer and how much it might cost. Pricing a marina is a difficult thing to compare. Some charge by the foot, some by the day, some by the season, some by a mixture of all three. Which marina is best for you will, of course, depend on price, but if money is no object y0u are looking at a pretty hard choice. Do you want peacefulness or a good nightlife? The best food or the best fishing? That’s up for you to decide. Good luck on your quest for the best marina and happy sailing!

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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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