Best Boats For Living: Choosing Your Floating Home

Living on a boat is an appealing alternative lifestyle for those seeking affordable waterfront living or a change of scenery. The best boat to live on will depend on your budget, location, and personal preferences.

If you're looking for a boat that's high in comfort and has ample space, a motor yacht or cabin cruiser might be a good option. These boats typically offer accommodations such as sleeping cabins, bathrooms, and a kitchen. However, larger boats come with higher price tags and more maintenance needs.

For those seeking a more affordable option, sailboats are a popular choice. They tend to be more cramped and lack certain amenities, but they are economical to buy and maintain, and can still offer a cosy living space for those seeking adventure.

Catamarans, with their double-hull structure, offer exceptional stability and spacious separate living spaces. They are a good choice for those seeking comfort and stability in rough waters.

Trawlers are another popular option for liveaboards, offering wide hulls, hard chines, and ample below-deck headroom. They provide a good balance between comfort and practicality.

For those seeking a more unique option, converted barges and houseboats offer spacious living similar to a luxury apartment or residential home.

Ultimately, the best boat to live on will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Motor yachts and cabin cruisers

Models like these usually have multiple cabins and bathrooms to accommodate families. However, bigger boats also come with bigger price tags and more maintenance needs. If you're looking for something more affordable and compact, cabin cruisers like the Cutwater 32 are a great choice. This boat has one cabin, a galley, and a lounge area with large windows that let in natural light and air. Boats under 40 feet can save you a significant amount of money over large motor yachts while still providing many of the same amenities.

If you're seeking a boat that is specifically designed for the liveaboard lifestyle, trawlers are an excellent option. Trawlers are typically slower boats built for long-distance cruising and come in various sizes. They offer good fuel consumption, which is important with high diesel prices. However, they may not be the best choice if you prioritize speed.

When choosing between a motor yacht and a cabin cruiser, consider your budget, the amount of space you need, and your desired level of mobility. Both options provide a comfortable and functional living space, but each has unique advantages and disadvantages.

Catamarans

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

The Manta 42 is an exceptional cruising catamaran that's also a comfortable place to live. It features great handling and a spacious cabin. The cabin has two heads located in convenient places, three berthing areas, and one large sitting area. The Manta 42 also has exceptional storage capacity, storing 125 gallons of fuel and 100 gallons of freshwater.

The Nautitech 44 is a well-known cruising catamaran with a unique centre cockpit design, making it stylish and functional. The futuristic cockpit allows the crew to enjoy ample ventilation, even in wet conditions, making it ideal for living in tropical climates. The Nautitech 44 is available in several cabin layouts, with the most popular featuring an expansive centre cockpit with below-deck living spaces, three berthing areas, and a galley.

The Voyage 44 is a popular and spacious catamaran with a wide beam, providing plenty of room for tables, sitting areas, and other amenities. The cabin is modern and airy, with light colours and thoughtfully designed furniture to maximise space. Below decks, the Voyage 44 features up to six separate heads and several sleeping areas, including a master head, located in the bow, which is one of the largest available on sailboats of this size.

The Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 is a simple and elegant catamaran with a comfortable interior, smart design, and great offshore handling characteristics. The vessel features four separate bedrooms and enough bathrooms and showers for each person or couple. The centre cabin is wide and features comfortable seating areas and a full galley.

The Fountain Pajot Elba 45 is a modern and luxurious cruising catamaran with a high freeboard and all the living amenities. It has one of the largest centre cabins of any catamaran in its size range, featuring a large settee, a full galley, and access to both hulls. The cabin layout is flexible, and you can order one of several different designs.

The Lagoon 380 is a newer vessel that features modern conveniences and adheres to high safety standards. It has a spacious centre cabin with a full galley and sitting area, excellent visibility, and easy access to the hulls. The mirror layout provides comfortable accommodations for eight adults.

Trawlers

One of the defining features of a trawler is its traditional styling, often resembling a classic workboat. This design aesthetic translates to a practical and functional layout, maximizing space and storage. Trawlers typically have a single diesel engine, located midship, which provides efficient cruising and reduces noise and vibration when compared to multiple-engine setups. Their fuel efficiency means they are economical to run and allows for extended cruising ranges, perfect for liveaboards who plan to travel long distances or spend extended periods offshore.

The interior of a trawler is typically spacious and well-appointed, offering comfortable accommodations for extended stays. They often feature full-size galleys, ample storage, and multiple staterooms, providing a similar level of comfort and convenience to that of a small apartment or condo. The use of wood and warm colors in the interior creates a homely and inviting atmosphere. Many trawlers also offer outdoor living spaces, such as a flybridge or cockpit, which can be utilized for entertainment, dining, or simply enjoying the surrounding marine environment.

When considering a trawler as a liveaboard, it is important to assess your specific needs and cruising plans. These boats excel in offshore passages and extended cruising, offering a comfortable and stable platform. Their efficient hull design and single diesel engine provide excellent fuel economy, making them ideal for long-distance cruising or living off the grid. However, due to their displacement hulls, trawlers may have slower top speeds compared to planing hull vessels, so if speed and quick trips are a priority, other boat types may be more suitable.

Overall, trawlers make excellent liveaboard vessels, offering a unique combination of traditional styling, spacious interiors, and efficient cruising capabilities. Their sturdy construction and reliable performance provide a safe and comfortable platform for extended periods of onboard living. Whether you plan to cruise offshore or simply enjoy the comforts of home on the water, a trawler is a great option to consider when choosing the best boat to live on.

If you are interested in learning about specific trawler models that are well-suited for liveaboards, I can provide additional information and recommendations based on your requirements and budget.

Houseboats

When considering a houseboat as your primary residence, it is important to explore the different types available. Houseboats can be new or used, with new houseboats offering benefits such as warranties, customisation options, and additional services. However, used houseboats provide a more affordable option, with many good-quality vessels available on the market.

Living on a houseboat offers a unique and appealing lifestyle, and it is a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in European and Asian areas. Houseboat communities thrive in North America and globally, and they are suitable for individuals, couples, and even families with children. Pets are also welcome aboard, and they quickly adapt to the liveaboard lifestyle.

Sailboats

When choosing a sailboat to live on, it's essential to consider your level of comfort and the amenities you require. Basic sailboat interiors may only include a berth, oil lamps, a stove, and a bucket, while modern sailboats can offer various creature comforts, such as electric toilets and a full galley.

Catalina 30

The Catalina 30 is a popular choice for liveaboards, offering a modern and spacious interior. It features a large galley, running water supplied by electric pumps, a master bedroom, an enclosed shower, and a head. The dinette can also double as a chart table or workspace.

Islander 36

The Islander 36 is a well-rounded sailboat with impressive cruising capabilities. It includes a spacious and well-designed interior, an enclosed head with a shower and flush toilet, and a long port and starboard settee that converts into a double berth for sleeping.

Contessa 32

The Contessa 32, produced from 1970 to 1990, is known for its cruising capabilities but also offers a thoughtfully designed cabin. It features a separate master bedroom, a head, and a shower in the hallway. The fold-up table in the cabin floor maximizes space.

Pearson 34

The Pearson 34 is a medium-sized cruising yacht with a spacious and complex interior layout. It includes a functional galley, an enclosed and spacious head, a bathroom sink and mirror, and a separate master bedroom with ample clothing storage.

Nordic 40

The Nordic 40 is a rare and capable offshore cruiser with exceptional liveaboard facilities. It offers standing headroom throughout, a spacious master bedroom, and a nearly full galley, making it comfortable for long-term living.

Kelly Peterson 44

The Kelly Peterson 44 is a centre-cockpit cruiser with a spacious interior layout. It features a master bedroom and bathroom, another cabin, berth, and head, a full galley, a booth dinette, and a settee, along with ample storage space.

Nor'Sea 27

The Nor'Sea 27 is an excellent choice for minimalists or single people. Despite its compact size, it offers all the amenities you'd expect on a larger boat, including a toilet, shower, and galley. The forward berth converts into a dinette, and there are two additional bunks underneath the cockpit.

Cal 34

The Cal 34 is a basic yet comfortable yacht from the 1970s. It features a master bedroom, shower, toilet, a well-arranged galley, and a comfortable sitting area. It also offers ample storage space for clothes, food, and gear.

Catalina 38

Another Catalina model, the Catalina 38, offers a spacious and well-thought-out interior. It includes electrical outlets throughout the cabin, a spacious head with a sink, and plenty of sleeping areas.

Hunter 33

The Hunter 33 has been in production since 1977 and provides excellent interior accommodations. It features a full dinette, a toilet, and a shower located away from the master bedroom. It offers standing headroom throughout and a spacious galley with ample storage.

Frequently asked questions