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.

Hunter 33

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.

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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.

Lagoon 46

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.

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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.

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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