Choosing to live on a yacht full-time is not everyone’s cup of tea.
It’s easy to romanticize the concept of living aboard a yacht full-time. However, such an unconventional lifestyle necessitates planning, organization, and the capacity to adapt to change.
If you’re interested in this radical life changing journey, here is what we can advise you based ou our 20 years of experience as yacht brokers.
Living on a yacht : pros and cons
For most folks, living on a yacht full-time is an adventure. There are both upsides and downsides to living on a yacht.
Main advantages about living on a yacht
Relaxed Way of Living
Slowing down and relishing life in an age where life today is becoming faster-paced, more demanding and hectic can be difficult. Unless you’re on a yacht, of course. The feeling of liberation amidst nature is only the onset. Everything becomes much simpler and minimalistic. You only have those things with you on a yacht which are essential.
Low Cost of Living
Living on a boat is frequently associated with luxury and affluence. However, this life is frequently less expensive than other lodgings. You’ll save money on utilities, water, plus the mortgage or rent.
Endless Adventure and Getting Closer to the Nature
The symphony of birds, the swaying of the yacht, and the splatter of waves, all bring you closer to nature when you live on the water. Raucous seals, dolphins, and seabirds will be your neighbors. Indeed, you will have fresh fish for dinner, and watch the seasons change minute by minute.
Main drawbacks about living on a yacht
Small Confined Spaces
It takes some time to get used to the cramped living areas on a yacht. Plus, there are no personal spaces for individuals. Sometimes, living in such small spaces can be problematic, although it may not look like during the initial days of living aboard.
Costly Yacht Maintenance
Maintenance and repair work of a yacht is generally more expensive than one may imagine. Mechanical components are costly, and mechanics are even more so.
Unseen Weather Conditions
It is vital to be aware of the weather on a daily basis when living on a yacht. You’ll also know when the water is disturbed, and you won’t get much sleep as a result. Large yachts are less likely to rock. Furthermore, the correct type of anchorage can help you prevent some sleepless nights, but if it’s storming outside, be prepared to have a hard time sleeping.
Read also : The 5 best sailing boats under 60 feet
What do you legally need to do to live on a boat full-time?
Find a good boat insurance
Choosing the best boat insurance as per your needs is very essential before moving onto a yacht for full-time living. Certainly, this will cover the repairs due to storms, accidents that may occur on the waters. It also protects you from liability if your boat injures somebody or damages someone else’s property. Importantly, be aware that the cost of yacht insurance is higher than the cost of recreational boat insurance. Nevertheless, having a proper boat insurance provides peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Examine various boat insurance choices based on your requirements, destination, budget, and way of life.
Register your yacht in an appropriate location
It’s also critical to conduct your homework while choosing a yacht registration place. All local laws will apply to your yacht once it is registered in a particular region. Many countries with appealing tax arrangements have other drawbacks that you should avoid. You’ll also want to register your yacht in a well-known location or country around the world. If you choose a bad-reputed place, you may be limited in your travel options or, at the very least, exposed to extra detainment and checks.
Keeping ties with administration
While living on a yacht full-time, make sure to have cordial relationships with the local authorities and administration related to boats and yachts. Consequently, this will prove beneficial in the long-term while dealing with any legal complications.
The intricacies of living in international waters
The most important thing to keep in mind while planning to live full-time on a boat is to understand the laws related to living on waters of other countries. Additionally, be mindful of the security and safety while living on international waters.
What is the minimum boat size to live on it full time?
A single individual might be able to get by with a 30 feet one, but a family of six would require something closer to 50 feet. It’s also important to consider how much gear you’ll be bringing onboard. If you want to get a fridge, or a washing machine, you will surely need a larger one.
How much does it cost to live on a yacht full time?
Typical costs you can’t avoid while living on a yacht
- Food
- Water
- Insurance
- Port fees
- Boat/yacht charges
- Fuel
- Power
- Sewage
- Maintenance
- Anchorage
- Marina slips
- Mooring
- Property tax
- Waste management
Non-mandatory costs
- Frequent dining outs
- Entertainment expenses like internet or TV
- Laundry
- Alcohol
Minimum budgets to live on a yacht
The minimum budget required to live full-time on a yacht depends entirely on one’s lifestyle and needs. Living on the yacht costs between $3,000 and $12,000 per month on average. This, certainly, depends on the number of people who will be living aboard and the place you will be traveling around.
Minimum budget to live full time on a yacht alone
This can lie in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 a month.
Minimum budget to live full time on a yacht as a couple
Somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000 a month.
Minimum budget to live on a yacht as a family
The minimum budget required to live full-time on a yacht with family may start from $5,000. Certainly, there is no upper limit as it may go up as per the family size, location, and needs.
The best affordable yachts for full-time living
The options for best reasonably priced yachts for living depends on your needs and budgets. On a general level, following are some affordable boat alternatives for full-time living:
- Beneteau Swift Trawler
- Lagoon 380
- Leopard 44
- Neel 51
- Alliaura Privilège catamaran (view our Privilege 745 for sale)
- Swan Yachts
- Albin North Sea Cutter
- Lagoon 52 catamaran (our Lagoon 52 for sale here)
- Sunreef Power 68 Catamarans
- Trawlers
Read also : 10 Yachts for Sale Under a Million
The best places to live on a yacht
A multitude of quiet beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and blustering winds are all important factors to consider while looking for the dream destination to live on a yacht. Here is a list of some of the best places around the world to live aboard a yacht.
- Australia and New Zealand
- The Caribbean
- The South Pacific
- Mazatlán
- Lagos
- Miami
- Cape Town
- Greek Islands
- Costa Smeralda, Italy
- The French Riviera
Readl also : Top 10 of destinations for Luxury yacht vacations
I want to live on a yacht, where should I start?
Step 1: Pick the Right Kind of Yacht and Documentation
The first stage in the process is to choose a yacht to live on. Consider the type of yacht you want, your budget, and the extent of space and comfort you require. Check all the utilities available on the yacht. Make sure you know everything about the fuel capacity, type and refuel ways to stay prepared.
Once you have decided on the yacht, compile all the necessary documentation related to it. This includes the tax and insurance documents. Also, have in place your passports and relevant sailing or boating licenses and certifications.
Step 2: Acquire the Beneficial Skills and Understand the Pertaining Laws
In terms of regularity and precision, boat maintenance may be worse than residential maintenance. Because boat systems are often less reliable than their domestic counterparts, basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical skills will be required. Also, practice anchoring and sailing.
Next, keep yourself updated with all the related laws in the area where you are planning to live on a yacht.
Step 3: Downsize Before the Final Move
You won’t be able to bring all of your belongings onto the boat. It’s up to you how far you go with your downsizing. However, having a backup plan is always a smart idea. People’s opinions alter as a result of unforeseen events.
When relocating to a yacht to live on it full-time, there are numerous things to consider. It’s excellent to have a decent beginning point for things to put on the to-do list. Use this guidebook as a reference point for planning a full-time life on a yacht. Set deadlines and cross items off your to-do list one at a time. Maintain your focus on the end result.
You may want to select the right boat to live in depending on your project. Contact us to discuss your option and we’ll help finding you the right one!
