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Good Afternoon once again...
With college coming to an end and the premove visit just less than 2 weeks away some serious thought has been put into the move. Recently the thought of offshore living has come to mind as a serious possiblity, after all the initial idea for living in the islands was in the form of offshore living for the summer. I won't speak for Adam (but i know he'd agree) that living on a yacht appeals to both of us more so than of an apartment.
After averaging the rent for a variety of places for the year the total cost is above the cost of a used sailboat in the islands. I'm told upkeep on the boat will be moreso than it would in an apartment but finances aside, what are your impressions on people who live aboard instead of onland. I think if we can make it happen we're going to do it, only because we can't think of any reason why we shouldnt.
Posted : May 21, 2004 12:58 pm
Live aboard life can be hard. Cramped quarters, need to haul in fresh water for showers cooking etc. Need generator for power or the proper equipment.
Another huge consideration is that Hurricane season is upon us and the Islands are always a huge target. Most sailboat and big boat owners are moving their boats out of the Hurricane belt to Aruba. Its a fact of life.
Upkeep on a sailboat is a daily chore and unless your real experienced with boating I would discourage you to do your learning over a summer in the Virgin islands. Its a romantic idea. BUT....
As an experiment find a room in your house and cordon off the approximate size of the average sailboat interior, move all your stuff into this area, and live in only that space for 5 days. Now also imagine it at 90 degrees. Now imagine you and your buddy unable to shower but every few days.
There are a couple of live aboard sailboats currerntly in the trader. They are for sale usually for a reason. Many couples get stressed out from the realities of this type of life and chuck it all and move back inland. Or the boat may be in need of a LOT of repairs to make it safe. Or the boat may not be in good enough shape to sail out of the hurricane belt so they are going to get it sold prior to a storm. Most boat insurers will NOT insure a major boat kept in the Hurricane belt. Most of the boats were taken to other venues last month.
Posted : May 21, 2004 1:10 pm
Topic starter
Thank you for the reply, you've given us things to think about which is what I was looking for.
Posted : May 21, 2004 1:14 pm
Hello Kyle,
Rather then spending a day tackling getting your drivers license spend a day down at the marinas; try talking to folks there about boats, living on boats ect. Independent Boat Yard I think caters to live aboards (Pam please correct me if that is wrong) do some research into the feaisablity. Perhaps you might consider working as a mate on a boat that does weekly charters (if you are qualified or interested) - although you will be working it will give you a feel for whats its like to be on the boat all the time. It is certainly a different sort of housing situation!!
--Islander
Posted : May 24, 2004 5:08 pm
Yes, Independent Boatyard has quite a few live aboards. Compass Point has a few as well. Ruan's farther down the line also. Living aboard at a dock is an entirely different lifestyle than living on a mooring or anchor. A dock liveaboard allows you much more freedom to come and go - however, by the time you factor in the slip rental, water, power, etc. along with the upkeep on the boat you are not saving money over a land based apartment. The savings comes from being "on the hook" and not having any overhead.
Working on a day sail boat is a great way to get your feet wet. Limnos Charters is always looking for new mates at the beginning of season. Captain Nautica is also a good place to try.
Pamela.
Posted : May 25, 2004 9:27 am
I was wondering how long it was going to take for this to come up...I'm surprised that I haven't seen much more discussion about it. My main concern with it is hurricane season...I've done a lot of sailing and have no problem with the cramped quarters, but its not the place I'd like to be in 100 MPH winds. Getting a slip is something we would have to look into, would make getting to work a lot easier. Regarding a mooring, is anyone here familiar with the procedures for obtaining one? I get the feeling its a bit more involved than throwing a cinder block tied to a buoy overboard. If we don't end up living on a boat, I would at least like to do some work aboard boats, thats my kinda stuff. Thanks for the info on who is looking for mates.
Cheers
Adam
Posted : May 27, 2004 12:58 pm
Mooring permits are not hard to obtain. Although not something you can easily apply for until you are here. The cost is $5 per foot of boat length overall. DPNR is not too difficult to work with.
Hurricane holes are becoming more difficult to obtain spots in as the amount of time ahead of a storm during which you can enter and tie up in the mangroves is more limited. I believe, and will be researching this more as season approaches, you cannot enter a hurricane hole more than twenty four hours before a numbered storm is set to arrive.
You can reserve a haul out spot at Independent Boatyard and pay for it whether it is used or not. Hauling out in Puerto Rico or Nanny Cay are also possible but you must plan well in advance. And remember, you must have the sort of job that makes it possible for you to leave during a storm. If you are working in a bar, a hotel or that type of industry then you will be taking care of guests and not your boat stuff! The rule of thumb is take care of your home then get back to work.
By the way, St. Thomas Yacht Club is looking for someone to help with thier event schedule. You might want to send them a resume.
Good luck. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Pamela
Posted : May 27, 2004 1:17 pm
