Posted on 03/10/2019 9:48:59 AM PDT by amorphous
A recently retired friend is thinking of selling his home (which is paid for) and buying a boat for himself and his wife to live aboard without ever having lived aboard a boat before.
Are there any FReepers who have done something similar, or who have experience living this kind of lifestyle, or have advice I could maybe pass on to them?
I, my friend, and others I'm sure, would love for you to expound on your reasons/thinking for selling and moving back into an RV - as someone of experience.
Though I have a RV, I haven't spent more than a few days in it at anyone time. I can see were living on the road, unless you spend a lot of time parked, can cause a lot of stress too, finding a place to stay, dealing with traffic, etc.
I'm usually glad to get back home, so I can rest. lol
Neither RV nor sailboat, cruiser is an answer for someone seriously concerned about if/when SHTF. If that is the major concern coupled with quiet and solitude and not travel, then would suggest the specific sites that sell SHTF locations— like in Idaho or mtns. Some of them out West are ornate self sufficient caves/ natural mold design into the side of a mtn sort of thing. Independent water source, solar power/batteries etc. All the technology of RV and sail (to include the wind generators) have been applied to the SHTF scenario.
But, have to say— if medical/clinical needs are in the picture— one has to be within reach of professional medical help if chronic illness, etc. Will say that along with the SHTF back up location, one can venture out within travel range of the location in a Class B RV or tow a high tech small trailer (so one has wheels or if needed to jettison and high tail it to SHTF location).
all the above from the perspective of “what could go wrong” coupled with a more apocalyptic SHTF mentality (which changes a lot— like— food in storage for 10 years in situ, with plenty of water, heat source etc— and discrete).
https://www.frugal-retirement-living.com/
These people did it. I think they are ashore now. Tell your friend to read all the newsletters while on his rented boat.
They’ve never lived on a boat before, but want to be able to sail to foreign countries? What could possibly go wrong?
Living full time even in a permanently berthed boat is expensivw, as docking fees can be astronomical, as well as necessary maintenance to prevent rot, leaking, etc, & disposal of sewage & garbage. One can NOT just dump into the waterway.
Plus, if you’re docked in a hurricane- prone area, you may need to move quickly on short notice to a secondary dock, which requires foresight, preparation, practice, & money. Alternate routes need to be considered & practice runs made.
Are your friends knowledgeable in maritime communications? Can’t just call 911 on a cellphone.
Do your friends understand ocean & wind currents? Astronomy?
II knew a couple who sought the romantic gypsy life, boating between the Gulf Coast, Caribbean islands, & Latin America.
They knew a hurricane was coming & thought they could just turn around & get out of its direct path.
Storm surge 200 miles away from the hurricane capsized ‘em.
Hell that happens in the bays at St Pete’s beach.
People take over the derelicts all the time.
that was a great series. No longer in libraries. Those kinds of series were a motherlode of information on how life was in another time. That was back when Florida was a backwater.
Ping.
Why would you guess that?
Because you know about a book that other people might not know about, does that give you a feeling of superiority?
Perhaps they should consider a ‘memory care’ unit.
_______________
funny.
evil
but funny.
Ideal boat is a schooner with a crew and cook.
Everything else is work work work.
Really it’s a sense of freedom. We never buy new anymore so when we do buy we will pay cash. If you live in an RV and are retired as we are you can literally pick up and go on a moments notice. It would enable us to be near our kids and grandkids (and great grand daughter). when ever we can guilt them into inviting us! If you are into RVing you learn the nuances of travel. For example when we go to Yellowstone of Mt. Rushmore we stay on a Wal-mart parking lot on the way and save the nightly camping fees! You also learn you can dump your tanks at Flying J for free...stuff like that!!! Main thing is to leve early in the morning and stop early...don’t do those marathons>
Thanks!
You convinced Me!
I was going to rent a
Daysailer in
Mission Bay!
No Fn Way.
Full Time Voids Warranty,,,
Thanks.
I’ll be Truly in the Market
In November.
22-25 ft. Minnie Winnie.
May I ask Your age?
A different option would be to book themselves onto a cruise line. Study the prices and find a way to stay aboard full time. I know people have done it. Everything is taken care of. All meals, concierge service, lots of new people to meet and lots and lots of travel. There’s basic medical services available and a worry free environment. The trick would be to find affordable cruises and become a serial cruiser. I once added up the costs and found it less expensive than assisted living facilities.
That is for travel trailers. I don’t know about motorhomes, they are a totally different animal. But definitely ask that question. We own a 5th wheel that is for FT use. Love it much more than living in our house. I cry on the way home from our long trips, begging hubby to turn around.
Don’t Cry!
I’m “Downsizing” now,
which may take a Year.
Still Working, but
Arizona is my Goal,2020.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.