Hit films like Sleepless in Seattle made living in a floating home on the harbor a quaint dream for many when it was first released in 1993. Nowadays, the dream is rekindling. The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched on for longer than any of us anticipated when it first struck. People are getting bored and restless after being confined to their homes for the better part of the year.
As a socially distanced way to have fun, people have been renting boats to live in for a while. So what are the benefits of living on the water or becoming a “liveaboard”?
Socially distanced mobility
The first thing you need to know is that there’s a difference between a houseboat and a floating home. A floating home is permanently rooted in one spot, while a houseboat has an engine that gives it mobility. That’s a big advantage during this time when people are confined to their homes and discouraged from having gatherings with people they’re not in isolation with.
As a way to gain back some mobility while practicing social distancing, people have been renting boats and RVs. In the midst of furloughs and unemployment, it’s not been too bad a season for RV loaners and reputable boat dealers. Even if you won’t live on a boat permanently, renting a boat is a socially distanced way to go out and have fun.
With a floating home, you don’t get the ability to move your abode across the water. But you can have a raft or a small motorboat for that.
Lower cost of living
Whether you choose to live on a houseboat or a floating home, you can expect to save some money. A floating home can sell for as low as $200,000. This and the amazing view that comes with it makes floating homes ideal for seniors.
Houseboats also cost less than a normal house — but only at first purchase. There are hidden purchases that come with living on a houseboat. These include the monthly marina docking slip — which will also depend on the size of your vessel — taxes, electricity, and other supplies. If you plan on moving around, you’ll have to save up for marine fuel because it’s more expensive than gasoline. You’ll also have to set aside enough funds for maintenance.
No lawn maintenance
This is a big advantage to living on the water. Everything you dislike about maintaining a lawn is no longer a problem for you. There are no weeds to pull out, no grass to cut regularly, no insects to get rid of. At most, you could have a few planter beds on the porch of a floating home or on the deck of a houseboat. We still recommend that you keep some plants on board because they’re beneficial to your well-being.
Being by the sea is good for you
Studies show that relaxing seascape is good for our body and mind. Exposure to nature in general is known to lower levels of anxiety and depression. The coastal air is also beneficial to our respiratory systems and is able to ease symptoms of sinusitis. Additionally, you’ll have more vitamin D dosage just by going on walks along the coastline.
But the benefits don’t stop at the shoreline. Swimming in the sea is good for you too, cementing the idea of “vitamin sea”. Saltwater helps our skin heal. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for those with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
You’ll have the best view
People shell out a lot of money to go on vacations that will give them a similar view. But if you choose to live on a houseboat or in a floating home, it’ll be your view every day.
You can swim, fish, or go boating whenever you want
Nature is at your doorstep with this kind of living arrangement, so you can interact with it anytime. Just make sure that fishing is permitted in the area you’re staying in.
But first…
Before you pack your bags and start calling yourself captain, there are a few things you ought to do first. The first would be to learn about what it takes to live on the sea. If you want to live on a houseboat, you need to learn about how boats work and what it takes to make them work. The best way to do this would be to go to sailing school. This will educate you on how to deal with weather conditions on a houseboat.
Living on the water is making a splash and it’s not hard to see why. With a beautiful backdrop and nature at your doorstep, you’ll feel on top of the world. The setting also lends you some socially distanced mobility, which can be hard to come by these days.
