August 7 2023

Can You Live on a Boat in a Marina? Live in Marina Guide

Would you like to know if you can you live on a boat in a marina? The living aboard a boat trend has been taking the nation by storm ever since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. While there are many advantages to living on a boat in a marina, the lifestyle poses some inherent risk. You should also be prepared to cover hidden costs. Just like moving into a new house or apartment, you’ll want to research the best boat to live on year round for your specific needs. As a marine service center, we’ve put together this marina living guide to help potential boat-dwellers make informed decisions.

Question: Can You Live on a Boat in a Marina?

Can you live on a boat in a marina? Yes, you can live on a boat in a marina if you have the proper setup. A ship in a marina is usually much more stable and secure than living aboard. It’s also easier to get around since more facilities and services are nearby. Plus, the weather is usually better since boats don’t tend to move as much at sea. However, most marinas require an application for you to move aboard permanently. In some areas, liveaboards aren’t permitted or there are long waiting lists. Liveaboard slip fees are usually higher and your insurance rates may increase if your boat becomes your primary residence.

Is Living on a Boat in a Marina Right for You?

Living on a boat is a big decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Discover Boating suggests that you should create lists of essential items and discuss with your partner what you can and cannot compromise on. Before you move to your boat, you should consider some questions:

Is this a temporary arrangement before you sail away or a permanent lifestyle change?
Are you ready to explain your choice to your friends and family over and over again?
Are you in a climate that is suitable for boating all year long?
Are you skilled and resourceful enough to fix things on your own?
How will you receive your Amazon orders and are you willing to shop for groceries more often since you have limited storage space?
Are you prepared to do your own housekeeping?
Will your kids be safe and happy in this new environment?
What will you do if it doesn’t work out?

Life Aboard

Living on a boat in a marina; photo of yacht cabin bedroom. After you move to your boat, you may have to carry your laundry to the nearest washer or your groceries from the farthest parking lot. You’ll have to visit the pump-out station and the post office regularly. Living small doesn’t mean living easy, so think about how a typical week would look like and write down how you would solve the problems. Living aboard a boat can present a number of hidden expenses.

Cost of Living Aboard a Boat in South Florida

The cost of living aboard a boat in a marina in South Florida varies depending on the size of the boat, the marina, and the location. Living aboard a boat in a marina can be a unique and exciting experience. However, the cost of living aboard a boat in a marina can vary depending on the location and amenities offered by the marina. According to Better Sailing, the cost of living aboard a boat in a marina can range from $550 to $1,500 per month, which includes expenses such as boat mortgage payment, slip fees, boat insurance, waste management, gas, food, and water.

Live-in Marina Expenses

The cost of living aboard a boat in a marina can be higher than renting an apartment or house in some areas. However, it can also be less expensive than owning a home or renting an apartment in other areas. Some marinas offer laundry facilities, showers, and other amenities that can make living aboard more comfortable. Other marinas may not offer these amenities, which can make living aboard more challenging. If you are considering living aboard a boat in South Florida, it is important to research the marinas in your area and compare the costs and amenities offered by each one. See our Fort Lauderdale marina rates for more info.

Best Boat to Live on Year Round

Looking for the best boat to live on year round? There are many boats that are suitable for living aboard through every season. The best boat for you depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Some popular boats for living aboard include sailboats, catamarans, trawlers, and luxury yachts. According to YachtWorld, some of the best liveaboard sailboats brands are Catalina Yachts (the Cataline 30 is the most popular), Island Packet Yachts, and Beneteau. Life of Sailing recommends Islander 36 as a well-rounded liveaboard sailboat which also has impressive cruising capabilities. While manufacturing ceased in the 1980s, the I-36 was the company’s best-selling model with nearly a thousand built. Islander boats are known for some well-adorned cabins, and many featured elegant wooden interior trim.

Choosing the Right Boat

Living aboard a boat with a dinner table fully set. Better Boat suggests that Sailboats, catamarans, trawlers and luxury yachts all make excellent liveaboard ocean boats. Living aboard a boat offers a unique lifestyle depending on your vessel. Take a tour of the best boat to live on year round to make sure it’s the right vessel for you. If you enjoy the wide open expanse of saltwater like the Atlantic Ocean (or Gulf of Mexico) for boating, you may want to take a look at the following options:

Recommend Live Aboard Boats

Albin North Sea Cutter
Beneteau Swift Trawler
Island Packet 35
Cabo Rico 38
Lagoon 380

Services for Living Aboard a Boat

We hope you gained a better understanding of how to live on a boat in a marina. While Royale Palm Yacht Basin does offer some liveaboard accommodations, we encourage you to use our yacht services in Fort Lauderdale. Our Fort Lauderdale yacht facility is available to rent out to your contractors to complete any boat services you need.

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