Best Kind of Boat to live on and dive from

[gr8ful divr]

I'm considering a move to South Florida next year (probably the Ft. Lauderdale area). I've always dreamed of living on a boat. I really have no idea what that would entail, so I guess I have two questions. First what do I need to know before deciding to live on a boat as my only residence (hidden costs, tax issues, daily grind types of things)?

Second, what would be the best type of boat to look at? I think the boat would need to be under $250K but under $200K would probably be more realistic. This boat would need to be big enough to live comfortably on and sturdy enough out at sea to easily make trips to the Keys. Also it would need to be very comfortable for divers and dive equipment (at least 6 divers but even more would be better). I really have no idea where to start with this but I would at least like to start thinking about this now in case I do decide to make the move. Thanks.

 

[Darnold9999]

Spent an hour or so at my local boat show stuck on a boat with the "salesman" - the platform leading to the boat collapsed so we had nothing better to do. The platform lead to three boats, two sailboats and a trawler yacht - all three easy liveaboards in the 40 foot range. The one thing that stuck in my mind was fuel. You can burn a LOT of fuel in a power boat, and if it is big enough to live on, even more. This fellow owned the smaller of the two sailboats and lived on it in Fla. He had friends with power boats and to do the same travelling that he did was beyond them because they could not afford the fuel bill.

My last boat was only 28' but had twin gas engines, 4 barrel carbs and a 500 gallon fuel tank(wish I still owned it). Used to say the that engines on plane would burn more fuel than you could pitch off the back with a bucket. (The current owner of this boat converted to desel a few years back). Unless you are in a hurry, or money is not an issue look seriously at the fuel costs before you buy. Diesel, at 4 or 5 knots is nowhere near as costly as gas at 30 knots, but still a huge disincentive to move the boat.

Lots of other considerations, but this is a big one.

 

[superstar]

I sold my boat mostly because the slip fees kept going up. For what I was paying in maintainence an slip fees I can take the family on a dive trip which is way more fun than caulking bottom planks. I got 1.3 mpg. Your frends will eat all your food, drink all your beer and never pitch in for gas.

 

[tracker]

I agree that a powerboat is expensive to operate and slip fees can be staggering, but if you can afford it, I prefer the Regal 4460 or 3880. You can pick up a used one for around $200,000. Seems like a well built boat for the price. You could always splurge and get a Hinckley. btw, I'm not affiliated with either one, I've just been doing some shopping myself.

 

[gr8ful divr]

What about living on a sail boat? What are the advantages/disadvantages to that option?

 

[victor]

My sugestion for what it's worth is a medium sized sailing cat. Stable platform, loads of space for the length. Fast sailing to reduce fuel costs. Lots of beds to share the cost. With a large inflatable to ride out to dive sites the base can be safely anchored for days or weeks at a time.
Remember that if you live on a boat you don't go to sea that often. If you can ride to anchor you can reduce costs enormously.

 

[superstar]

My cruiser never left the slip, I would take the dingy or the waverunner to go places.