The Reality
Disclaimer:
We aren’t complaining at all. We love our life! But a few of you out there seem to think our lives are a bit different than they are reality. Some people think we’re just lounging on the deck, sipping fruity cocktails & soaking up the sun. We wish! However, If you stepped on board with us for a week, you’d realize it’s anything but a vacation.
If you think this is the ultimate life of luxury, here is a look at what "paradise" actually entails.
The "Glamorous" Maintenance
Forget room service. Living on a boat means being your own plumber, electrician, and mechanic. A few examples are:
The Head (Toilet): We’re talking about cleaning crud-filled tubes, pumping out holding tanks, and in case you didn’t know: No! you cannot flush toilet paper! And if you do, we will maroon you at the dock.
Current Engine Issue: We’re currently stuck in our slip until we fix a major engine issue. We’re hoping to not have to go down a deep rabbit hole to fix it but as always, it’s a possibility.
Mast Off/Mast On: We spent many pretty pennies for new standing rigging just to ensure that the mast doesn't fall down in “interesting weather”.
The High Cost of Freedom
They say a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into, & they aren't kidding. We are dipping into our retirement savings & hoping the payoff is worth it.
$$$ for lithium batteries.
$$$ for a solar arch and panels.
Ongoing costs: Slip fees, Starlink for connectivity, boat insurance, diesel & all of our land life costs on top of that.
Survival vs. Comfort
In a house, you take hot water and space for granted. -Actually, we don’t anymore! 😁 On a boat, everything is a calculation.
Temperature Control: We aren't always in balmy weather. Sometimes it feels like it’s close to freezing (at least to me 😂), & if the water heater is leaking (which ours was), it means no hot showers -until the new parts come in. -Which is always a fun mystery.
The Water Run: We’re constantly filling five-gallon bottles every few days just to have fresh water to drink. Someday, our budget will allow for a water-maker!
Safety First: You have to remember to shut off the propane every single time you cook so you don't blow up the boat. You’re constantly checking the bilge and testing safety equipment.
Physical Toll: Your body takes a beating. You are constantly bumping into things in tight quarters. And then there’s the seasickness -for most people, (I’m one of the lucky ones), & if you’ve been following us for a while, you know of the "harrowing experiences" where we weren’t sure if we’d make it out okay.
What Else?
Between the skyrocketing costs of repairs & the reality of climate change -bringing more frequent, violent storms, the logistics are getting harder. How do you get prescriptions at sea? What happens if your autopilot fails on a long passage?
It’s a life of constant problem-solving, physical labor, & financial risk.
Is It Worth It?
We think so. In no way are we complaining. I just thought I’d point out the reality of our life. There’s fun & adventure & joy but we work for that in blood, sweat, tears & stress. Matt is the blood & sweat & I’m the tears & stress. 😆 We feel very lucky to be able to do all of this. But would YOU want to do all of this? If so, you are just as crazy as we are & we hope to see you out on the water. If not, go to your comfy bed knowing that you won’t sink during the night or have to spend all day the next day in the bowels of a boat. 😘 -In fact we might be wishing we had your life….
Disclaimer:
We aren’t complaining at all. We love our life! But a few of you out there seem to think our lives are a bit different than they are reality. Some people think we’re just lounging on the deck, sipping fruity cocktails & soaking up the sun. We wish! However, If you stepped on board with us for a week, you’d realize it’s anything but a vacation.
If you think this is the ultimate life of luxury, here is a look at what "paradise" actually entails.
The "Glamorous" Maintenance
Forget room service. Living on a boat means being your own plumber, electrician, and mechanic. A few examples are:
The Head (Toilet): We’re talking about cleaning crud-filled tubes, pumping out holding tanks, and in case you didn’t know: No! you cannot flush toilet paper! And if you do, we will maroon you at the dock.
Current Engine Issue: We’re currently stuck in our slip until we fix a major engine issue. We’re hoping to not have to go down a deep rabbit hole to fix it but as always, it’s a possibility.
Mast Off/Mast On: We spent many pretty pennies for new standing rigging just to ensure that the mast doesn't fall down in “interesting weather”.
The High Cost of Freedom
They say a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into, & they aren't kidding. We are dipping into our retirement savings & hoping the payoff is worth it.
$$$ for lithium batteries.
$$$ for a solar arch and panels.
Ongoing costs: Slip fees, Starlink for connectivity, boat insurance, diesel & all of our land life costs on top of that.
Survival vs. Comfort
In a house, you take hot water and space for granted. -Actually, we don’t anymore! 😁 On a boat, everything is a calculation.
Temperature Control: We aren't always in balmy weather. Sometimes it feels like it’s close to freezing (at least to me 😂), & if the water heater is leaking (which ours was), it means no hot showers -until the new parts come in. -Which is always a fun mystery.
The Water Run: We’re constantly filling five-gallon bottles every few days just to have fresh water to drink. Someday, our budget will allow for a water-maker!
Safety First: You have to remember to shut off the propane every single time you cook so you don't blow up the boat. You’re constantly checking the bilge and testing safety equipment.
Physical Toll: Your body takes a beating. You are constantly bumping into things in tight quarters. And then there’s the seasickness -for most people, (I’m one of the lucky ones), & if you’ve been following us for a while, you know of the "harrowing experiences" where we weren’t sure if we’d make it out okay.
What Else?
Between the skyrocketing costs of repairs & the reality of climate change -bringing more frequent, violent storms, the logistics are getting harder. How do you get prescriptions at sea? What happens if your autopilot fails on a long passage?
It’s a life of constant problem-solving, physical labor, & financial risk.
Is It Worth It?
We think so. In no way are we complaining. I just thought I’d point out the reality of our life. There’s fun & adventure & joy but we work for that in blood, sweat, tears & stress. Matt is the blood & sweat & I’m the tears & stress. 😆 We feel very lucky to be able to do all of this. But would YOU want to do all of this? If so, you are just as crazy as we are & we hope to see you out on the water. If not, go to your comfy bed knowing that you won’t sink during the night or have to spend all day the next day in the bowels of a boat. 😘 -In fact we might be wishing we had your life….
Zephyr, still wishing he could be a real boy with thumbs to help Daddy!
Thanks for reading! I promise to have a video out for you next week! Hoping all of you are staying healthy!
