What do I need to consider to know to decide if living on a boat is a good idea?

Question

I am moving to a small town on the Chesapeake Bay.  I have a really great job but the housing market is dismal.  Given that I haven't seen a house I like for under several hundred thousand I am wondering if I wouldn't be farther ahead to buy a really nice boat and live on that.  

OK, I realize that I need to figure the costs for slip rental with water and electric, regular pump out service, and satellite TV.  They have a great marina here with 500 slips so that shouldn't be a problem.  Fuel for a big boat is costly but basically I am not going anywhere.  

Does this sound reasonable and what kind of boat should I be looking for?

Rosalie · Accepted Answer

Go talk to the people who are doing it now.
 And keep in mind, you have to be ready for living in a very small space.
 If you have a cold or the flu, a boat rocking in the water isn't going to be a ton of fun.
 And you can't do much laundry on a boat.

 But ask the real marina people - they can help you decide.
 You might rent first.

Anonymous · Answer

What are your plans for when the weather is really bad?  You can't live on a boat 365.

Oh and have you looked at the depreciation on a boat?   Your house goes up in value, a boat, like a car goes down.  In the DC area, you can assume your house will make you money, it's an investment.

Lone Cat · Answer

I think it gets cold there.  Also, you need to be good with repairs.  A boat requires a lot of repairs.

Anonymous · Answer

death, sharks, aliens

What do I need to consider to know to decide if living on a boat is a good idea?

4 Answers