Liveaboard Boats: Choosing The Best Vessel For You

Living on a boat is a dream for many, but it's important to consider the practicalities before taking the plunge. From ocean-going catamarans to houseboats on lakes, there are many options for those seeking a life at sea.

For those with a generous budget, luxury yachts offer all the comforts of a floating hotel, while more modest budgets might opt for a second-hand vessel or a houseboat.

For those seeking an ocean adventure, double-hulled catamarans and triple-hulled trimarans offer stability and separate living spaces. Sailboats are also a popular choice, offering plush cabins and the option of an engine for when the wind drops.

If you're planning to cruise, a trawler could be the ideal choice with their large fuel and water tanks. However, they tend to travel slowly, so if speed is a priority, you may want to consider a different option.

For those on a tighter budget, there are still plenty of options. The Cutwater C-28, for example, offers all the basic necessities for living aboard and is easily trailerable.

Whatever your budget and preferences, there's a liveaboard boat to suit your needs. So, if you're ready to embrace the boating lifestyle, it's time to narrow down your search and find your dream vessel.

Catamarans

The best liveaboard catamarans include the Manta 42, Nautitech 44, Voyage 44, Privilege 435, Lagoon 620, Lagoon 380, Dolphin Ocema 42, Bali 4.5, Fountaine Pajot Saba 50, and Voyage 580. These catamarans offer plenty of space, load-carrying capability, and comfort.

The Manta 42 is a popular choice for sailors seeking liveability and affordability. With a price tag of under $300k, it offers spacious accommodation for up to five people. The cockpit is designed for single-handed sailing and is well-protected from the wind and spray.

The Nautitech 44, priced above $100,000, features a unique center cockpit design that provides ample ventilation, making it ideal for tropical climates. It offers several cabin layouts, with the most popular configuration including a spacious center cockpit, three berthing areas, a galley, and multiple heads.

The Voyage 44 stands out for its exceptionally wide beam, providing a spacious center cockpit with plenty of room for tables, sitting areas, and amenities. It features a modern and airy cabin, with up to six heads and several sleeping areas, making it a great value option for a liveaboard catamaran under 50 feet in length.

The Privilege 435, constructed with fine materials and excellent fit and finish, offers comfortable and elegant interiors. It features four bedrooms and enough bathrooms and showers for each person or couple. The center cabin is spacious, with comfortable seating areas and a full galley.

The Lagoon 380 is an exception to the rule that liveaboard catamarans need to be over 40 feet in length. At 39 feet, it offers comfortable accommodations and a spacious interior. The center cabin has excellent visibility and access to the hulls, accommodating eight adults comfortably.

The Dolphin Ocema 42 offers a good balance between performance and cruising. It is designed and built in Brazil with a foam core for reduced weight. This catamaran has four cabins, four berths, two heads, and two complete bathrooms.

The Bali 4.5 is well-suited for coastal sailing, with its "open layout" and flybridge. It features modern interiors and easy-to-clean surfaces, with a side-by-side refrigerator and an efficient ice maker. The owner's cabin has an oversized shower, a wide berth, plenty of storage space, and a separate head.

The Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 is a safe choice for a 50-foot boat, with its flybridge and up-top helm position. It offers extensive liveability and comfort, accommodating approximately 10 people overnight in its four or six-cabin layout.

The Voyage 580 excels in ease of maintenance and repair, with mechanically and electrically simple systems. It features a spacious galley, a cozy saloon, and two spacious cabins, four heads, and three double berths.

When choosing a liveaboard catamaran, consider factors such as size, interior layout, tech and convenience features, and price. The ideal size ranges from 30 to 50 feet, with a width of 40 feet being comfortable. Modern amenities like autopilot systems and bathtubs can be found on newer catamarans. Prices vary widely, with older vessels costing between $30,000 and $100,000, while newer and more comfortable options start above $100,000.

Trawlers

The class of powerboats known as trawlers are rugged motorboats built for deep-sea conditions and long-distance travelling. Their wide hulls offer more personal space, allowing for roomy sleeping quarters, bigger kitchens, and ample storage space. The stability of trawlers is also a key advantage, providing a smoother ride in both calm and rough waters.

When considering a trawler for liveaboard life, it's important to think about the number of people who will be living on board and the desired comforts and amenities. The size of the trawler and the budget for purchasing it are crucial factors in the decision-making process.

Some key advantages of trawlers include:

• Seaworthiness: Trawlers with full displacement hulls move through the water, making them very seaworthy, while those with semi-displacement hulls ride low in the water, achieving slightly higher speeds.
• Stability: The shape of trawlers makes them more stable on the water, resulting in a smoother ride.
• Accessibility: Trawlers are generally easier to get into and out of, making them more accessible than many sailboat styles.
• Shallow draft: The draft of a liveaboard trawler is typically less than that of a liveaboard sailboat, allowing for easier navigation in shallow waters and more anchoring options.
• Spacious interiors: Trawlers built on full displacement hulls have ample space for provisioning and stowage, making them ideal for long-range cruising.

When it comes to the interior of a liveaboard trawler, you can expect features such as full-size kitchens, showers or bathtubs, full-size refrigerators, and washer and dryer units. They usually have two bathrooms and can accommodate additional comforts like big-screen TVs and multi-speaker audio systems.

The size of the trawler is an important consideration, with couples typically requiring a trawler of at least 30 feet in length, while families may need 40 feet or more to ensure sufficient living space.

The cost of a liveaboard trawler can vary significantly, ranging from as little as $21,000 to over $5 million. The average price for a new liveaboard trawler is around $250,000. It's important to keep in mind the additional costs associated with owning a trawler, such as mooring or slip fees, insurance, and maintenance.

Living on a trawler can be a satisfying experience, blending the love of waterfront living with other interests and activities. With the right boat and setup, you can truly make it your home on the water.

Sailboats

Liveaboard sailboats are a popular choice for those seeking a unique and adventurous lifestyle. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are some factors to consider when choosing the best liveaboard sailboat:

Space and Comfort:

The amount of space and comfort a sailboat offers is crucial. Consider the number of people who will be living aboard and choose a boat with sufficient headroom, storage space, and living areas. Keep in mind that sailboats have pointy ends and curved sides, which can limit space.

Budget:

Liveaboard sailboats can range from affordable to luxurious, depending on your budget. You can find good options starting from around $50,000, such as the Tartan 37, Tayana 37, or Cape Dory 36, which offer comfortable living spaces and sailing capabilities.

Sailing Ability:

If you plan to sail frequently, consider a sailboat with better sailing performance. Smaller sailboats are slower and more affected by wind and waves, while larger boats offer a more comfortable ride. The ideal boat for both living aboard and sailing may be in the mid-30 to mid-40-foot range.

Compromises and Transformations:

Living on a sailboat often involves making compromises and transforming spaces to serve multiple purposes. For example, you may need to transform saloon settees into a bed or use the galley counter as a workbench. Consider what compromises you are willing to make and what spaces are essential for your comfort.

Location and Climate:

The location and climate will impact your choice of sailboat. For example, if you plan to live in shallow waters or marinas with low overhead bridges, a monohull sailboat with a deep keel may not be suitable. Consider the draft and mast height restrictions of your intended sailing areas.

Maintenance and Upgrades:

When choosing a liveaboard sailboat, consider the condition, maintenance history, and necessary upgrades or repairs. Budget for ongoing maintenance to ensure a comfortable and safe liveaboard experience.

• Pacific Seacraft Flicka: A 20-foot sailboat with surprisingly spacious interiors and has even made Atlantic and Pacific crossings.
• Island Packet 27: Well-built and beamy sailboats offering ample room below deck. Good used options can be found in the $35K to $45K price range.
• Nonsuch 30: Rigged as a catboat with ample room below deck, including a separate shower. No longer in production, but you can find used models.
• Tartan 37: A well-regarded cruiser with a reputation for performance and quality craftsmanship. Offers a roomy living space and a low draft of 4’2’’, making it ideal for gunkholing in the Bahamas.
• Tayana 37: A classic cruiser known for its solid construction and capable of bluewater cruising. Features a warm and cozy interior with rich teak.
• Cape Dory 36: A classic sailboat with a reputation for seaworthiness and comfort. Offers a functional living space with teak cabinetry and storage for two.
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey Series: Modern designs and spacious interiors. Older models can be found within the $50,000 budget range.
• Beneteau Oceanis Series: Comfortable accommodations and sailing performance with spacious interiors and modern amenities. Expect multiple cabins, roomy saloons, and well-equipped galleys.

Houseboats

The houseboats are easy to operate and no special license is required. The staff provides a comprehensive orientation, explaining the operation of the rental and the rules for operating houseboats on waterways. The houseboats have various amenities, including hot tubs, water slides, entertainment systems, fireplaces, private staterooms, and full kitchen galleys. They are also pet-friendly and ideal for families, with safety features such as latches on gates and sliding glass doors, and child-sized personal flotation devices available.

In addition to the houseboats, patio boats are also available for daily rentals. These boats are equipped with features like iPod-adaptable stereos, BBQs, bathrooms, and swim ladders, accommodating up to eight passengers.

Shasta Lake, where the houseboats are located, has been deemed the 'houseboating capital of the world' and is known as one of the best recreational lakes in the nation. It offers a multitude of recreational opportunities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, water sports, and sightseeing.

Overall, houseboats from Houseboats.com provide a luxurious and relaxing liveaboard experience, with something to offer for every group and budget.

Yachts

Grand Banks 64

The Grand Banks 64 is a twin-engine trawler designed by Tom Fexas. It features a raised pilothouse and bow thrusters for easy operation, but what stands out is its massive fuel capacity of over 2,000 gallons and a freshwater tank of 400 gallons. This makes it a true long-range vessel, perfect for those who want to wander the globe in their floating home. Additionally, all of the 64's on the market have stabilizers, and due to their serious capabilities, they tend to attract serious owners, so you can expect to find one that is well-maintained and in excellent shape.

DeFever 48

The DeFever 48 is a great option for those on a budget. Older models can be found for under $150,000, making it possible for many middle-class Americans to sell their homes and move aboard. It features a three stateroom/two-head layout with the master stateroom aft, providing ample room for guests and privacy. Despite its relatively small size, it was designed with full-time dwelling must-haves, such as a full-sized refrigerator, a washer/dryer, and a generator.

Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht

The Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht is a luxurious yacht in its class. It offers an extensive amount of usable outdoor area, which is sometimes lacking in boats that maximize interior living accommodations. The foredeck, for example, has a huge bow cockpit with sun pads, seating, and a dinette table. It also has a huge cockpit with steps leading down to a gigantic swim platform. The Hatteras 90 also has four spacious staterooms, providing plenty of room for guests.

Marlow Explorer 97E

If you're looking for maximum elbow room, the Marlow Explorer 97E is the yacht for you. With a beam of 21' and a full-beam master stateroom, a VIP stateroom, and up to seven cabins and eight heads, there's plenty of space for when family and friends come to visit. You'll also find perks like gyms, Jacuzzi tubs, and crew's quarters with a separate galley. At this level, each yacht is semi-customized, so you can expect to find unique features on each one.

Nordhavn 76

The Nordhavn 76 is ideal for those who want to travel the world. A single diesel inboard provides a 10-knot cruise, and according to Nordhavn, a range of up to 3,800 miles. That means you can sell your house and set sail to almost any destination. The yacht has two guest cabins plus the master, full laundry facilities, deep-freeze capacity, and tons of storage space. The small number of cabins indicates that this yacht is designed for long-term habitation rather than short journeys.

Frequently asked questions