Boat Living: A Healthy Lifestyle Choice?

Living on a boat is a unique experience that can bring a sense of freedom and adventure. It is an alternative lifestyle that requires preparation and adaptability. While it may be romanticised, the reality includes challenges such as limited space, maintenance demands, and higher costs for marine parts and labour. However, there are also health benefits associated with this lifestyle. Research suggests that individuals who live near the ocean report lower levels of depression and anxiety, and being on or near water can positively impact psychological health. The gentle rocking of a boat may even remind you of being rocked to sleep as a baby. So, is living on a boat good for your health? It certainly seems that spending time on the water can improve your mental and physical well-being, but there are practical considerations to keep in mind before making the move.

Living on a boat can reduce stress and improve mental health

Living on a boat can be good for your health and well-being. Boat life offers a unique set of challenges and rewards that can enhance your overall sense of well-being and provide a boost to your self-esteem. Here are some ways in which living on a boat can reduce stress and improve your mental health:

A Sense of Freedom and Connection to Nature:

Living on a boat allows you to embrace nature and experience a sense of freedom that is often lacking in land-based living. You'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the water, with seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life becoming a part of your daily life. This connection to nature can be calming and soothing, providing a sense of peace and tranquility.

Improved Mental Wellbeing:

Research supports the idea that being on or near bodies of water is beneficial for psychological health. A study by the University of Exeter Medical School found that people living near the ocean are 22% less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. The calming effects of water, known as "blue health," were particularly notable among lower-income households. Additionally, the sounds of water can help reduce stress, as noted in a 2013 study.

A Supportive and Tight-Knit Community:

Boat communities tend to be strong and cohesive, as they are often united by a shared love for the water and a unique lifestyle choice. This sense of community can provide a support system and a sense of belonging, which can be beneficial for mental health. Neighbors are often willing to help each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and safety.

A Simpler and More Active Lifestyle:

Living on a boat encourages a simpler and more active lifestyle. The limited space on a boat promotes minimalism, and the daily upkeep and maintenance of a boat provide built-in exercise. This active lifestyle can contribute to improved physical health, which in turn can positively impact mental well-being.

Reduced Stress and Improved Sleep:

The gentle rocking of a boat at night can be soothing, evoking the feeling of being rocked to sleep as a baby. This can lead to improved sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining mental health. Additionally, the unique challenges of boat life can foster a sense of self-reliance and problem-solving skills, reducing stress by empowering individuals to take control of their environment.

While living on a boat may not be for everyone, it can offer a range of benefits that contribute to improved mental health and reduced stress levels. From enhanced connections with nature to a supportive community and a more active lifestyle, boat life presents a unique set of advantages that can positively impact overall well-being.

Boat life encourages a more active lifestyle

Boat life also promotes a simpler and healthier lifestyle. The limited storage space means you will only keep and buy what you need, leading to a reduction in impulse purchases and clutter. Cooking in a small space also tends to be simpler, often resulting in healthier eating habits.

In addition to the physical benefits, boat life offers a unique connection to nature. The gentle rocking of the boat at night can be soothing and reminiscent of being rocked to sleep as a baby. The motion of the boat, even in a marina, can also improve your muscle tone.

Living on a boat also provides the freedom to live anywhere on the water while still enjoying the comforts of home. You can choose to live in a marina, which offers a sense of community, or opt for a more remote location. Either way, you will find yourself more active as you explore your surroundings and interact with nature.

Boat life also encourages a more active social life. Marina communities are known for their strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Neighbours help each other out, and socialising is often easier than in traditional neighbourhoods.

Overall, boat life presents a unique opportunity to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle. It encourages physical activity, simplifies daily routines, and provides a connection to nature and a supportive community.

It can be a more affordable way of living

Living on a boat is often more affordable than living on land. In cities like Vancouver, a residential mooring costs between $550 and $850 a month for a 25- to 40-foot boat, whereas renting an apartment starts at $1100 a month. Even when you factor in the cost of a marine mortgage, living on a boat can be significantly cheaper.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, boats are generally smaller than houses or apartments, so they cost less to heat, cool, and light. Secondly, property taxes are usually lower for boats than for land-based properties. Thirdly, waste management, gas, and water costs are typically lower on a boat.

However, it's important to note that boat maintenance can be expensive. Marine parts and labour are usually more costly than their household counterparts, and if you hire a contractor to do the work for you, the costs can add up quickly. So, if you're considering living on a boat to save money, it's crucial to factor in the potential maintenance costs.

Another way to keep costs down is to do your own maintenance and repairs. Basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical skills are essential for boat life, as boat systems tend to be less reliable than those in houses. If you're handy and able to fix things yourself, you can save a lot of money.

Overall, living on a boat can be a more affordable option than traditional housing, especially in expensive cities. However, it requires careful planning, preparation, and a certain level of self-sufficiency to make it work financially.

Boat communities foster a strong sense of community

Living on a boat is a unique experience that offers a sense of freedom and closeness to nature. But one of the biggest benefits of living in a boating community is the sense of community and camaraderie it fosters. Boat life attracts a certain type of person, and this shared interest creates a deep and lasting bond among neighbours.

In a boating community, you'll find yourself surrounded by people from all walks of life, including retirees, students, professionals, and young families. Yet despite their diverse backgrounds, they have all chosen the same unconventional lifestyle as you. This shared experience creates a sense of camaraderie and fosters a supportive community.

One of the best things about living in a boating community is the sense of safety it provides. Crime rates are typically lower in marinas than in housing estates. Strangers stand out in a boating community, and your neighbours will quickly notice anyone who doesn't belong. Many marinas also have additional security measures in place, such as locked access gates, security guards, and CCTV.

The boating community is also a great place to learn and seek help. Your neighbours have likely faced similar challenges and can offer advice and support when things go wrong. This sense of mutual support and problem-solving enhances your feeling of well-being and self-esteem.

In addition to the strong sense of community, boating communities often offer beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The cost of living can also be lower than traditional accommodation options, making boating communities an attractive choice for those seeking a more affordable and unique lifestyle.

So, if you're considering living on a boat, keep in mind that you'll not only gain a sense of freedom and closeness to nature but also become part of a strong and supportive community.

Boat living connects you to nature

Living on a boat connects you to nature in a way that living on land cannot. When you live on a boat, you become part of nature, whether you like it or not. Seabirds will perch on your boat or dock lines, manatees will nuzzle up to you, and dolphins will swim around you. The shrimp will nibble at the seaweed and barnacles on your hull, and wading birds will ignore you as they feed. You become a familiar part of their world.

Sunsets are more spectacular, the moon feels nearer, and the sky is your ceiling. You will hear the music of the birds, the splashing and swaying of the boat in the wind, and the patter of rain on the deck. You will share your neighbourhood with noisy seals, otters, pelicans, and other seabirds. You will fish for your dinner and feel the seasons change.

Research shows that being on or near the water is beneficial for psychological health. A 2019 study by the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK found that people who live near the ocean are 22% less likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. The effects of "blue health" were especially high among lower-income households. A Canadian study in 2018 showed that people living closer to water lowered their risk of mortality by up to 17%, with protective effects particularly notable among women and older adults.

Wallace J. Nichols, the author of *Blue Mind*, explores the scientific reasons why being in, on, or under water can make us happier and healthier. He says that "simply the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin, and inducing relaxation". Being on a boat can be considered a type of medicine for reducing stress.

Boat living can also help you embrace a simpler life. You will have less space for material possessions, and you will be more in tune with the natural world around you.

Frequently asked questions