What Equipment is a Must Have for Living Aboard?

[Freesail99]

Unless I missed it, I am surprised no one mentioned a BBQ grill. Cuts down on heat inside the cabin and is a nice way to cook while on the boat.

I will also add that I have the Engel MT45F Refrigerator-Freezer and it is a wonderful thing to have and does not draw much power at all.

[sck5]

I consider my wife to be essential equipment. That means anything she wants is also essential.

[remetau]

We have lived aboard for 5 years in Florida, and I think the answer for the question will vary based on the person and the boat, and what you are looking to get out of it.

We tend to live at anchor at least half of our time.

We use a 2k Honda generator, a Kiss wind turbine, no microwave, a Solar Stik, a 100 amp alternator, no water maker yet (but on the list), Froli sleep system with a custom mattress by Clearwater Mattress, we have 2 TVs on board along with 2 computers, we got rid of our standard water heater and went to a tankless instant heater, three burner stove with oven, grill, 1500 watt inverter, 40 amp charger (with another one on the way), 420 amp hours of batteries (630 on the way again), etc.

There are way too many options and opinions to list in this posting.

[blackjenner]

Originally Posted by Har

The V-berth is getting thick, but it's comfy. I have 4" of foam and 1.5" of memory folded over plus the Froli, so it's 4+3+another 2-3 for the Froli so it's about 9-10 inches thick just like a quality pillow top mattress.

I have good headroom in my cabin to begin with, about 6.5ft, I guess it could be a problem with lower headroom.

We have two Tempur-Pedic mattresses. We figure that, when we go aboard, if it will fit, I will rent a hot knife and carve one up for a berth.

[sailingdog]

I'd second both of these..

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Unless I missed it, I am surprised no one mentioned a BBQ grill. Cuts down on heat inside the cabin and is a nice way to cook while on the boat.

I will also add that I have the Engel MT45F Refrigerator-Freezer and it is a wonderful thing to have and does not draw much power at all.

[Tempest]

Besides all the accomodations,

I consider Fresh coffee and a proper way to make it! Essential!

[Har]

Update: As of Tax Day April 15th I have moved aboard full time. So far nothing to report except that it's all I knew it would be.

Equipment update- Mattress comforty and warm, check. Coffee, instant and hot, check. Wi-fi, check. Just finished installing a GE under the sink water filter, so fresh tasting and hopefully safe drinking water, check.

For now I've decided to go the block ice in the built in cooler route in leiu of refrig. (Hey if it was good enough for my grandmother until 1962 when they stopped delivering it). Still looking at a composter toliet, my head and tank and hoses (I fear) stink, so I have cedar blocks, air freshners, tank odor eaters (only using fresh water to flush with odor eliminator added with every flush).

Still making choices with my "Stuff" and trying to find it a home onboard, and once the gale stops blowing I can't wait to go for a sail and see how the "Stuff" does or doesn't stay put.

Living the Dream!

[eryka]

Congrats! Welcome to the life!!

We'll be looking for you when we're back in Annapolis this summer.

[ChipD]

You might consider high powered wi-fi gear if Internet access is important to you. Check out RadioLabs on the Internet, for instance.
Edit: Just after posting, I saw the end of the thread including your mention that you already have the wi-fi handled.

[sarafinadh]

Originally Posted by blackjenner

We have two Tempur-Pedic mattresses. We figure that, when we go aboard, if it will fit, I will rent a hot knife and carve one up for a berth.

Belay that hot knife for the foam. What you want is an electric carving knife. Often found in thrift stores for next to nothing ; -)