I think it would be a good boat to do the loop. The draft is three and a half feet and the total height (even with the bimini top up) is about 14 feet. It has two 200 gallon tanks with a range of probably around 350 miles. Although the hull is similar to that of a trawler, it does not have the same stability. The 30 mile stretch in the open Atlantic would have to be navigated in calm water.
On my way, I'm going to look at a Sea Ray 390 this week and if it has the room I need I'm going to move in the boat and see how long I can live on the boat, plus I'm planning on moving from Clearwater Fla to the key's. The boat I'm looking at has a generator and a couple of solar panels and twin 454 crusaders, but it's my intention to add a few more solar and possible wind generator so I can go completely off grid for long periods of time. What would you say is the biggest issue with living on board full time?
I've lived on my boat for the past 5 years, and really have no issue with living on it. As you can see in the video it's got plenty of room, like a small apartment. the real issue is where its at, on a dock or out on the hook. my boat is on a dock therefore I have electricity, water and cable TV. if you live on the hook and are completely reliant on your solar panels, wind generator and gas generator it's just more difficult. you still may need a place to park your car or at least a place to dinghy into . I know people who live on the hook, but it's not something I would want to do. if you'd like to talk emvail me at drj550@yahoo.com
Well, I'm thinking living on the hook part time, then docking part time, still have lots to learn, thanks for the email addy, i'll probably hit you up for some info real soon.
key largo dave So, progress report, I bought a Trojan f32 that I'm very happy with and now I'm going to do a little updating and with luck and getting the right info I need I'll be on my way to the key's to live like a bum some time before Christmas till whenever.I'm also going to be updating my SCUBA skills and equipment as I hope to dive for treasure every chance I get while I live there.
+Noah Corpus Hope you enjoy the experience. If you're not already, you'll need to get certified as a diver. Very important to be trained and you also need the certificate to have your tanks filled. Cost is $400-500 for classes and dives
I love this boat! I'm 29 and single no kids. And I can't afford a $250k house. I want to live on a boat forever and fish! But how am I able to to do all this. Its all new. Please message me or right back. Ty buddy!
Actually, it's got more room than a trawler of the same size. I do occasionally take it out to the reef and have been in 3-4' seas. Does not handle it as well as a trawler.
Hey Dave, I'm soon to be on disability and have been pricing motor boats to live on. I found several that need a little work and a few that are supposedly turn key and ready. I plan to travel mine at first up and down the gulf coast line from Texas to Florida and back. I've seen where some guys put solar panels on that provide plenty of electrical power but my issue is almost all boaters who travel are sailboats. I see in the marinas and even at some places there are power boats and none seem to have it on youtube. Do you know of any that are motor boating around a bit who document their trips and or any who youtube their travels. Thanks and nice boat.anchored down but I find only a couple who float their boats around.
+Johny Osborn Hi Johny,Sounds like you do not have much experience with boats (as I did not when I bought my first). Things you should consider...All boats require significant maintenance. My current 40 'Boatel Bluewater is powered by two Chevy 350 gas motors. After purchasing the boat, I had to replace both engines (cost about $10k for rebuilt motors). Mistake I made was not including heat exchangers which means my motors are raw water cooled (sea water picked up to cool the engine as opposed to a closed fresh water cooling). Raw water cooled engines circulate saltwater throughout the engine block which reduces the life of the engine and expensive exhaust manifolds. I mention this because it was something I was unaware of. Many other things to consider; should you buy diesel as opposed to gas motors. The older the boat, the more ongoing maintenance issues you'll have to deal with. You don't have to be an expert mechanic, but it makes things much easier and less expensive if you have some basic electrical and mechanical skills. Concerning solar panels and generators, what you need depends on things like are you planning on running air-conditioning, will your refrigeration and stove be electric or propane, will you have a micro wave, coffee maker, etc.I strongly recommend that you enlist the help of someone who is experienced as you consider what type boat will meet your needs and level of capability. It will get you off to a much more pleasant and less costly start, lol!As far as cruising, there are a number of forums you can google about cruising.Hope these thoughts are of some help, good luck!
Thanks Dave, I have a little knowledge of boats growing up in California but have been away from them the biggest part of my life. I do a lot of vids and read a lot too but like I said it seems mostly sailboat articles are what's available. I don't plan to rush off right away on an offshore adventure and know that there will be lots of things to do and correct if need be before then.I plan on a diesel rig cause I'm more familiar with diesel engines, 27 yrs truckdriver and have a working knowledge of them.Anyway just want to say thanks for the reply. good luck with your boat.
+Johny Osborn -- I just saw your post, and I have a few sites you might find helpful: www.greatloop.org/ www.soundingsonline.com/features/type-of-boat/290203-the-cruising-under-power-lifestyle www.tugnuts.com/
Thanks SeikiBrian, I will be checking out those sites tonight. Haven't been online the last week,went down to East Texas. Sucks not having much money to buy the things I want for the boat except for one piece at a time.
trying to find a trawler to live on in the keys right now. i wanna live on a boat and go back to college for marine biology. looking on craigslist for the past month...if u find any trawlers under 15 grand, then let me know...also have a car worth 13 grand im willing to trade to. thanks
What's it cost you? How did you get in with all the home owners? I would think someone wealthy enough to own a canal house would have to be pretty enamored with (you) to allow you to tie up? Maybe it's an easy $500 per month for them though. Thanks!
I'm skeptical that living on a boat in a canal in the Florida Keys is legal. Please confirm that there are no Monroe County laws that prohibit doing so. If it is illegal then all it takes is one disgruntled neighbor to oust you from your boat; or a code inspector wandering by, as they often do in the Keys.
As long as your a resident, no matter where you live, as long as code dictates, where "liveaboards" can, your all set. If your not a resident, yet, there are plenty of moorings available. Look it up.
I have an 8k generator for use off the dock which powers the entire boat (burns .66 gallons per hour). Fuel consumption for the twin chevy 350's is 1 gallon per mile so I don't cruise, but I do take short trips and spend occasional nights on the water. Sail boats are ideal for long trips, but are not nearly as comfortable to live on.
thanks - I'm struggling with buying a motor boat (and having better living accommodations) and saying in one place for a longer time vs moving around on a sail boat (and less engine and cost issues)....
***** depends on how you want to live. My boat is a 1978, it's not new but it's very comfortable. My expenses are at a bare minimum. I don't go to expensive restaurants, but I do play a lot of tennis and do a lot of fishing!
