For many, getting out on the open seas is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a weekend or holiday. But for some, the excitement does not end there. Living on a boat is something many people consider doing, as it seems like a dream come true. What could be better than falling asleep to the sounds of the waves, waking up on the open seas, and drinking a cup of coffee whilst sitting on the deck above?
If you have considered living on a boat, but are not entirely sure it is the right idea, here are 8 reasons to do it:
- Cost of Living
Boat life is far less expensive than life on land. While a boat is an expensive purchase, in the scheme of things, the price of a boat is far less than the price of a mortgage. When it comes to buying a boat, there are boat auctions that auction off quality donated boats for amazing deals. Additionally, those proceeds help others in need, which can make the purchase all the more worth it.
Moreover, when it comes to other expenses, such as bills like water, electricity, and gas, the total of them all combined are usually hundreds less than what you would typically pay for bills while living in a home or apartment.
- Less Clutter
Living on a boat means living a more minimalistic life than life in a home. Boats do not have the same storage capabilities as a house does, meaning that there is not a lot of room for extra items. When living on a boat, less truly is more, as you only have room for the basic necessities. A great rule of thumb is to scale back by 10 percent, meaning if your home is 2,000 square feet, try to scale your stuff down to 200 square feet. While it means having to sell or donate quite a bit of stuff, you will soon find you don’t even miss that stuff, allowing you to re-evaluate what is truly important to you.
- Simple Life
When living on a boat, there are less distractions than living on land. Those who live on boats enjoy the simplicity of life. While you can get wifi on a boat, most people who live on boats spend more time enjoying the simpler things in life, such as nature, getting out in the water, reading, cooking, etc.
- Less Stress
Those who live on boats are not nearly as stressed as those who do not, for there are less distractions to worry about. Because finances cause the most stress in people’s lives, the low cost of living on a boat helps keep people relaxed and not nearly as stressed about life.
- Green Living
If you are interested in living a more sustainable, energy-efficient lifestyle, boating is the perfect life for you. When living on a boat, you are using less resources and more environmentally-friendly cleaners.
- Travel
One of the best benefits to living on a boat is the amount of traveling you can do—from your home. Living aboard means you can take weekend getaways to different marinas, coasts, and depending upon your location, different countries and islands. Plus, travel is a lot less expensive when you have your own transportation and room and board. Moreover, if you work remotely or own your own e-commerce business, you can conduct business while you travel.
- Self-Sufficient
When living on a boat, you will most likely run into problems you have to fix, making you more self-sufficient. For instance, while you could call a landlord to come fix the stove or clogged toilet in your apartment, while on a boat, that becomes your responsibility, especially if you are out in the open seas.
- Neighbors
One of the most fun aspects to living on a boat is the people you meet who also live on boats. While your neighbors may not necessarily be right next to you (which to many is a huge benefit), you will find plenty of people who have the same mindset you do, which can make adventuring a lot of fun.
For these 8 reasons and more, there are plenty of benefits to living on a boat!
Written by: Fantastic Man Magazine
