everybody thinks im nuts !!!!

[cactusmariner]

Sounds like you are following your dreams, and mine too. In three years, I plan to do the same, and I think that a 28-29 foot boat would be perfect for singlehanding/live-a-board. I would go today, except the need to get my daughter out of school and pay for a wedding.

David

[patn44]

I lived on my Columbia 8.7 for about two years, had snow on the cabin top both winters...and that in New Orleans area. It was great. Wish I were still there. I just learned not to shop. Except for things for the boat of course. Lost weight, got the teak varnished, went fishing most evenings, read, had my computer and phone and AC etc all the comforts of boat.

[Cat400]

Jimmyd
Lighten up. There are many opinions out there that not always meet our individual expectations. Good luck with your live aboard decision.

[onepimpinsummer]

I live in Key West Fl on a boat(though in a slip) and 2 of my friends live on 20 footers. One a trailer sailer and the other a nice flicka 20. The one with the Flicka lived on the trailer sailer for 1.5 years before selling it to another friend and buying the flicka. They both are happy with living on their respected boats. I built a 20 footer that I had planned on spending a few months aboard in the Bahamas and I think it would have been comfortable enough. That was an open boat too. No cabin, just a removable canopy. Still might do it, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I know several people that live on 27 and 28 footers around here and they do fine so I don't think a 28 is a bad live-aboard. 2 people would be a bit cramped though. The good news is they are cheap to buy, cheap to sail, and easy to find if you need a place to live. Down here living on a boat is the cheapest way to go anyways. I don't think Boot Key Harbour has that many derelict vessels, but I'm sure it has quite a few still. I think they estimated 300 derelicts in the lower and middle keys. I met a guy the other day that has a contract to go get them out of there. He is doing some mods on a derelict houseboat to go haul them out. Regarding the "go get one and fix it up" comment. Yes you can, but it has to be done legally and I think the process takes 30 to 90 days before you have ownership to the boat. I imagine there are some fees as well, but a few locals here have done it successfully. After wilma I went out in my 19 foot powerboat surveyed the damage. It was pretty chaotic. The 148 foot, 30 million dollar sailboat grounded in the flats was quite interesting. No salvage rights there. My boss surveyed the boat and the owner is apparently running his business from the boat, grounded, in the middle of the flats. They have cameras and security to keep people out of there while the arrange transportation to get the boat removed. Ok, getting off track. I was up in Boot Key Harbour a few weeks ago. I'd consider a move there if/when I get tired of Key West. Definetly a nice place to spend a few months(though summer? hot, humid, WINDY for sure once in a while, but typically less windy than winter/spring). Good diving and reef trips in the summer! Plenty of restaurants there for work too. Castaways(on water near entrance to Boot Key H) was looking for help a while ago I noticed. everybody is always looking for help though. hey well good luck on the boat in Marathon. Should be a good time! welcome to the keys........T

[salty_dog_68]

you are in boot key. i was there may 13th and 15th. we spent a few days diving sombrero reef and coffins patch. we did not stay in the harbor. we anchored just outside of the channel entrance two nights and on the reef one night. now that it has been a few months what do you think? the cheapest water i could find was .25/gal. i thought that was an outrageous price for tap water. we also were suprised that there is no dive shop at any marina or on the water. we had to cab to get air fills. other than that it was a cool place to stop and hang out for a few days.