Liveaboard Sailboats! 8 things YouTube do not tell you

Considering a liveaboard sailboat? While YouTube paints a picturesque picture, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Here are eight things you might not have considered, gleaned from the experiences of full time sailors Captain Mark and Sharon Noneman, who have lived aboard the 48-foot catamaran Calysto for several years. The couple manages a sailing organization called Calypso Sailing life. Their mission is to help people achieve their dreams to sail and even sail away!

Contrary to the endless sailing scenes in videos, the reality is that you’ll likely sail less than expected when you your boat is your home. Maintenance, weather, and other factors can limit your time on the water.

• • Example: A live aboard couple may find themselves spending more time in marinas than initially planned due to bad weather or the need for repairs. Too much or too little wind, wrong wind direction prevent you to set sail and force you spend more time on land. It is not necessary a bad thing!
  • Fact: According to a survey by Sail Magazine, 78% of live a board people reported sailing less than they anticipated before moving a board.

2- Everything Takes Longer:

YouTube videos often forget this part of the daily life. From simple tasks like grocery shopping to boat maintenance, everything takes longer when you live on your boat. Be prepared for a slower pace of life.  Parts delivery takes much more time when you are in an island, a package may take 2 to 6 weeks to reach you, a mail will take one week minimum.

• • Example: Provisioning generally takes half a day. A quick trip to the store might involve a dinghy ride to shore, walking to the store, and then carrying groceries back to the dinghy and back to the liveaboard sailboat.
  • Fact: Full-time sailors often spend a significant amount of time on boat maintenance, with some estimating that 30-40% of their time is dedicated to upkeep.

3- Everything is Harder ($$$) on a liveboard sailboat:

From repairs to provisioning, living aboard can be more expensive than anticipated. You will need to budget for unexpected costs and be prepared for the financial challenges. You will find out that doctors/dentists, fresh food, marine insurance, storage and maintaining relationships cost more.

• • Example: A simple repair that might cost a few hundred dollars on land can easily cost over a thousand dollars when done on a boat due to the specialized nature of marine repairs.
  • Fact: According to a survey by Cruising World, 64% of liveaboard sailors reported spending more money than they expected before moving aboard.

4- There is Even More Boat Work:

YouTube might show the fun aspects of liveaboard sailboat work, but the reality is that there’s always something to fix or maintain. Be ready to embrace the work or pay someone else to do it. A famous sailing proverb is “Everything on your boat is broken, you don’t know it yet”.

• • Example: Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning the hull, checking the rigging, and servicing the engine can take up a significant amount of time.
  • Fact: Boat owners often spend 10-20% of the boat’s value on maintenance and repairs each year, according to BoatUS.

You can read this famous story to see how you could repair a sail in the middle of nowhere: Sail repair in the Bahamas

5- Taking Breaks:

While YouTube videos often show constant travel and adventure, the reality is that taking breaks and staying in one place for a while can be necessary for rest and for maintenance. When you watch videos, yout think that those people spend 100% of their time on their liveaboard sailboard. In reality you need to take breaks to visit your family and relatives, and to be sometimes alone or simply to go on vacation somewhere else.

• • Example: Spending a few weeks in a marina can provide a break from the constant motion of sailing and allow for more extensive repairs or upgrades to be completed.
  • Fact: When you live aboard, you will most certainly choose to spend hurricane season in a protected marina to avoid the risks of being at anchor during a storm.

6- Slower Pace: A lifestyle!

Living aboard a sailboat is a lifestyle that requires patience and a slower pace. Embrace the tranquility and enjoy the journey rather than rushing to the next destination. Take your time, enjoy the beautiful landscape, take time to meet other people and to discover other cultures and other way of life. , this is the point for most people who choose this kind of adventurous lifestyle!

• • Example: Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, take the time to explore each place fully and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy local food, beaches and local people.
  • Fact: According to a study published in the Journal of Transport Geography, live a board couples have a significantly lower carbon footprint than the average American due to their slower pace of life and reduced consumption.

7- Build a Network:

Building a network of fellow boaters and sailors can provide support, advice, and companionship. It’s essential for safety and a sense of community. You need connections in the industry, in the sailing world, in your destination and at home to help others and also to be helped when you need. The sailors network is very large and you will see that you can count on a lot of friends as soon as you make the effort to connect with then and stay connected!

• • Example: Joining a local sailing club or online forum can help you connect with other sailors in your area and provide a support network when needed. For example, you can join communities like Coboaters   to find crew for your longer passages.
  • Fact: According to a study by the University of Queensland, social connections are a key factor in the happiness and well-being.

8- Life on board: You Will Figure It Out!

Despite the challenges, living aboard a sailboat is an extremely rewarding experience. You’ll learn as you go and figure out what works best for you, creating a unique and fulfilling lifestyle. The key is to be able to adapt to multiple situations and to be resourceful at all time.

• • Example: Over time, you’ll develop your own routines, techniques, and strategies for managing life aboard, making the experience more enjoyable and sustainable.
  • Fact: Many liveaboards sailors report a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from overcoming the challenges of living away and mastering the skills required to maintain and operate a boat.

In conclusion, while YouTube offers a glimpse into the long voyage lifestyle, there’s much more to discover once you’re living it. Be prepared for the realities of less sailing, more work, and a slower pace of life, but also embrace the adventure, community, and self-discovery that comes with living aboard your new home.

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