Interesting what he says about being liberated by having fewer possessions. I used to have a high stress job which enabled me to buy a lot of toys. I actually did not like walking into my garage and seeing it all, for some reason it actually made me feel more stressed. I've sold a lot of things too, and am changing careers to something lower paid and less stress and I've never felt happier.
Someone once said to me that possessions actually possess you. Each demands a little bit of time and care and money, until ultimately when you have so many, you are no longer yourself, but the registry of the things you own. You exist through them. That's why people have to have the latest smartphone, the designer label and so on. Without them they're incomplete as a person...
I once had an avion 30 ft camper from from the early 1960's that is actually older than I am... I'm almost 60 today. I also served time in the USA Navy where all of my possessions were stored under my rack, or in a 1/2 length hanging locker for dress uniforms. I never felt more free. I could pick up and just go at any time without worrying about the thieves, or the dogs, or the business.. Now, I have 2 homes and a few storage lockers for all of my Sh+t. I will need to sell off all of that before I can move on... if the local GOV goes south because a bunch of welfare voters voted in a socialist Mayor or Governor for their pay check.... I am locked into a failing economy until I can sell. Freeloaders and welfare recipients from my tax money should not have a vote - IMO. Either, own real property and pay taxes - or else be glad for your free ride through life. I have city bureaucrats breathing down my neck about all of my cars, boats, and motorcycles -- increasing taxes, even more red tape for my business... and these free-loaders get to vote on how my tax money is spent???? Who wouldn't vote for more benefits for themselves if it is free money to them and they never worked a day in their life anyway??? I feel much less happy now than if I just had a good boat, a foldable electric bike, and my freedom.
On Vancouver Island, we pay about $400/mo at the marina we're currently at. That's power, wifi, showers, laundry and drinking water to refill our tanks. Less than $25/mo on propane for cooking. Other expenses are food (which you'd pay for anyway!) and whatever boat maintenance jobs we want to do / have budgeted for. Full-time waterfront view!! Anchoring is rent free!!
That would be awesome! Your videos are really interesting to watch. Would be cool to be a part of what you're doing. We don't have any plans on heading to south-island anytime soon. Come summer, we'll be heading to Vancouver for a week likely, then around to shelter island for a few weeks of boat maintenance. But if we make any plans to stop off along south island anywhere, I'll let you know. If you, for any reason, are heading north I hope you'll think about us!! Cheers :)
"A bachlor's refrigerator; bottle of gin, & tonic and milk." LOL. Thanks for the laugh, I needed that. I'm totally impressed and admire your boat work & lifestyle. Wish I was younger, I'd do the same. cheers!
Nice video thanks, I am planning a liveaboard myself in 5 years, so working hard until then saving money and learning know how from books and videos like yours. The idea of freedom and being self sufficient and the chance to explore holds firmly in my mind and heart. Good sailing to you and maybe see you out there.
One word of advice, ensure your engine and drivetrain are A1 before you head out on the great big sea. Replace all lines with new and the rigging (if possible). My two cents, good luck. :)
It's great to see what Matt has done to create a mini home on his boat. Thanks for sharing and giving us an insight into how to live more freely with less stuff in your life. Very inspiring!
Nice old boat, but like they say - buying old often means more is less. The living space on an old 36-40-footer being less than that of a more modern 33-footer. But they certainly used to lay up the fibreglass back in the day, not like modern tubs. You certainly put some work in, refitting all the systems. Enjoy yourself!
Really interesting, Matthew. Thank you! We're just planning to buy our yacht in Australia, and since watching your video I've ordered the Don Casey book. Maybe our paths will cross some day. Safe travels, David
Very interesting. Looking forward to seeing the boat finished and ready to go. Would be nice to see separate vids on the toilet and Navigation as we are in the early stages of preparing our boat to cruise around the world.
Forrest I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your vids! I will become a Patreon ( it's late I will tomorrow sucks getting old :) ) but wanted you to know your doing a great job. This guy seems really kool it's funny how when you start this kind life of Van or Boat when you find your "Ride" you just know deep down it's the right one! Much Peace and Blessings!
The composting toilet sounds a great idea. Surprised it's not done more often, not just for space saving but maintenance. 6 weeks between poo removal is not bad at all. :-)
We're just about to pick up our first ever TINY sail boat this month! very exciting but very nervous too! not a clue what were doing just saw a bargain and thought why not!.. we live by the sea so give it a go ay! hoping it doesnt need too much tlc before we can get her floating! did you have sailing lessons? im told with our little boat which has a small engine too we wont need them after a few trips out with an experienced sailor! cant quite accept that tho haha! Fab video! very best of luck to you! enjoy your travels! Gareth. Wales, UK
Matt, LiPo batteries have many good qualities, particularly weight vs ampacity, but they are very fussy to charge and keep cells balanced, and can be a fire hazard. If it was me, I'd install a bunch of lead-acid units (deep cycle or agm) as low as possible - increasing ballast. They are much cheaper and more forgiving. As much electrical load as you have, I'd recommend 600 to 800 AH lead, and 400+ watts of solar. An elevated stern bracket seems popular for large arrays.
sorta agree lithium polymer LIPO are not so good . Very fragile and low cycles less than 1000 is the norm and pricy . Good back up power packs for high discharge rates to kick start a inboard or light pack to use for electric outboard for tender craft or for 24v or 36 v packs to use with electric push bikes . Some can recharge fast as 15 minutes and give 20C plus discharge rates in pulses to kick start inboards . Higher fire risks so best to have them possible to eject over the side if they catch fire . They can ignite spontaneously with no charging inputs or mechanical shock. Often age cracks the insulation and they short circuit and make a lot of heat as they melt and sometimes catch fire. However good to look Lithium ion Li Ion or better still lithium iron LiFe or NiMH Methal hydrid types or look the lead crystal battery solution All these can be interesting .Lithuim Iron are very robust good for 2000 charges plus with low loads slow recharge low discharge cycles Can tolerate in 5 mins recharges and can tolerate discharge 20C plus However that abuse reduces the life down towards 1000 cycles . Unllkly to ever catch fire . Lithuim Ion is the Tesla battery high power density is very good and does to 2000 plus cycles but only slow charge discharge 1c is best . Fairly robust but dont solder them use only compression fit cage solutions or specialized spot welding from expert systems in hands of experts . Look at Tesla wall unit solution how these work systems of 1000 MHA plus are possible replacing the same lead acid systems. Older Hybrid cars like Honda Rrius use the NiMH Methal Hydrid batteries .These Can be soldered with care but best with compression cage solutions .Fairly robust but low power density compared to lithium . Can burn fiercely in fires due to oxygen content but not very easy to ignite accidentally . They have lowwer cycles less than 2000 . Lead crystal are interesting but pricy but can tolerate deep cycles . Abusive deep cycle use 500 cycles plus .Treated well with rare deep cycle rates 1500 cycles plus but they cost a fortune and low power density. Off grid living third world sailing avoid any electric use solutions .Instead go for oil lamp oil burn solutions wherever possible and just have electric as back up. Avoid boiling water with any battery solutions . Avoid engine or petrol or diesel generator solutions Best use solutions KISS fKeep it simple stupid for third world cruising is best as spares are rare and crazy expensive Also your gonna have a major cooling issue trying to keep cool below decks . The best lead acids are the 6 volt golf cart types heavy for ballast but do the 1000 cycles and robust . Learn how to service them check the acid levels and the acid density with the float bulbs and have 200 to 400 amps plus and your good to go . One boy i knew same sized boat had 800 amps in tractor battery types and never had battery issues with solar and wind to recharge them. A tad OTT for me in that cruising boats are already too heavy for upwind sailing so 400 amps is tops for me on that size boat .Love the diesel heater but not much use in mid latidueds
It seems like you are pretty knowledgeable about being able to do so much upgrading on your boat yourself. That probably saved you a lot of money. It seems like you have a lot of different systems going on. I didn't say that exactly the way it sounds. I mean to say couldn't the electrical system simpler and still do everything that you need it to do? Anyway, good job.
Nice upgrades. Would be interested in hearing what you do with the Lipo4 bank. I have similar ideas about my next boat, which I'm leaning heavily towards a Morgan 383.
How interesting! Matt is obviously English so how did he come to be living in Canada? It fascinates me to see people making such radical changes in their life.
I almost did this. Then I acquired four acers surrounded by woods and did a massive garden instead. Partially off the grid without the expense of a dock space. Can do a Barefoot cruise when I want. Perhaps you should offer daysailing for viewers as a Bonus, fifty a passenger up to six should not be a problem. Once a week just to pay the dock fee and what not.
Living on an sailboat can be done as long as you can carry the adiquit amont of solar panles on your boat otherwise you will be best put in at an marina. Gerard.
Paul Kenna I built a Hebridean for my Coromandel. You can read about it, see construction photos, and see videos here: tammynorie.wordpress.com/category/repairs-and-modifications/constructing-the-hebridean/
Can't help thinking that the flue of your Dickinson heater is too close to the cabin side. You're bound to get diesel on the seat cushion too - it should soak it up nicely !😂 Hopefully the heater is fitted with a fuel cutoff solenoid - the earlier ones were a bit notorious for flooding. Sorry to be a downer !
For someone who confesses to be have anxiety, I suggest he has good reason! It is impossible to sail with all those knives, scissors and tools flying about, plus a fridge freezer which is more suited to the Ark Royal than a wee sailing boat. Just buy bottled water from Spar.
Awesome!!! I live aboard the same boat and I wouldn't change it for the world! Steven, would it be possible to connect me with Matthew? He said he was going to be upgrading his dodger and I want to try to buy the old one off of him.
hey Curtis, best way to contact him would be through his blog, there is a link to it in the description of this video, I believe he has contact info on there,
How did you set up your solar?? Me and the kids are preppers could we get your help we are looking to get a boat and do the same as you but I am a little out of my depth ..
Ironic self-deprecation is engaging. But, really, you didn't tell us where you are. And if it's not too intrusive, and in case I missed it, how much did you pay for it?
Yeah and the way it sits on the boat cushion, kinda think it should be surrounded by insulation. He said his fuel tank for it only lasts two days and it takes 90 minutes to heat up. That's made me rethink installing one.
You need to get rid of more stuff Cap. Your 1st woman liveaboard will enhance your interior spaces. Not even a plant Mate! And get rid of those perf tool boards at the companion way. Nice yacht man!
