I have been living on our 34′ Marine Trader Trawler for almost three years now. In this time I have had so much fun and have seen so many new places. Here are a few things I have learned along the way:
- Water is precious. Conserve, Conserve, Conserve! Shower fast and make sure to turn the water off while in between dishes! It is never fun when you have to stop an adventure just to fill up with water!
Mowing the lawn
- Diesel Engines are incredible, with proper maintenance those things can really run forever! Our Ford Lehman has proved to be bullet proof (knock on wood) over 40 years old and just a few replacement parts here and there! Still purring like a kitten.
Ford Lehman Diesel Engine
- Simple is better, and “stuff” is over rated. Not having much storage space can really limit how much a person can have. But it is so relieving to know that we have everything we need and nothing that we don’t 🙂
Fresh Fish!
- Always be aware and prepared. If you happen to forget something on the boat it is usually a long dinghy ride back to get your forgotten item. A simple check to make sure you have your phone, wallet, and keys can save the day.
Paddling home!
- Anchoring is more peaceful than docking. No doubt about it.
Trawler at anchor
- The sun is powerful. Not only does it power all our electrical needs but it also burns. Always wear sunscreen and keep any delicate items covered.
- Salt corrodes pretty much everything. If something hasn’t been frequently used and washed there is a good chance it will be seized or stuck. RIP to the many backpack zippers that will never again be opened.
- Family and friends think we are crazy. Whatevs we wake up to a beautiful scenery everyday and avoid the 9-5 like the plague. I think they are the crazy ones.
Cruising with friends
- Boat work is impossible to avoid and most projects include some kind of sanding. Sanding dust gets on, in, under, between, and beneath absolutely everything. No matter how much you try to cover the area.
- We are beach bums but appearance is important. We currently have the ability to anchor at night for free in appropriate places. If you are respectful and keep things looking nice and neat people will not complain. If your boat looks like a forgotten about mess you will be sure to be getting some objections.
The Boat Life
With every new adventure there is new knowledge to be gained! I love living on our boat and learning new things everyday! Comment below and tell us what you have learned! Thanks for reading!
Sierra 🙂
I can’t believe you sold your boat, looking at it lowers my blood pressure. Please don’t sell the dog.
They sold the Whaler !!?? 😃
Great post. Having spent a lifetime collecting and spending and then giving it all away to move aboard our boat, I’m glad that you’ve learned Lesson 3 early in life! When I think about the boat I could have bought with the money I wasted on “must haves” through the years…..
Live simply. Best advice !
1. All food taste better when cooked up on deck
on on a grill.
2. Sounds carries farther when your on the water
3. Nothing is more peaceful than listening to the
sound of water at night lapping against the
hull.
4. The sound of water at night lapping against
the hull often makes you have to pee.
5. No matter how bad it sucks, things always
look better after sanding and refinishing.
6. No matter how often you do it, sanding still
sucks.
7. Sleeing in a V berth is “cozy”.
8. Farts linger much longer in V berths.
9. Memories made on the watervlastva lifetime
10. Friends made on the water are the best.
I am halfway through my fourth year living aboard and actively sailing solo as much as possible. Your list is spot on. I retired from the 70 to 80 hr/week corporate rat race and gave all my “stuff” away except for what i need on the boat and some family photographs and selected books. Don’t miss any of the stuff, and love the simplicity and serenity (and frequent challenges) of single-handing. I have a five minute rule…must be able to have the boat ready to leave the dock and go sailing within five minutes of the decision to go (assuming at a dock). Much prefer anchoring however, but as you note there are some in our community who threaten to ruin this privilege for all through their “double-wide down by the river” slovenliness.
Thanks for the list and fair winds.
Tim Lindsay
SV Natty Bloh, 2007 Jeanneau 42iP
Those are excellent lessons learned. Better than the ones in the comments especially.
#6 – Sun. You guys want to be living this lifestyle for a long, long time. High quality. water resistant sunscreen is great but it’s your 2nd line of defense. You still need long sleeve lightweight shirts on the boat and beach and rash guards in the water. For Sierra, lycra leggings to keep the sun off your legs and prevent burnt butt cheeks from prone paddling. Hats in the boat, hats on the beach, hats when you’re surfing and kiting!
It’s a little awkward at first to stay covered in hot climates but you get used to it. Eventually, you’ll find you can’t go surfing without your hat on and your feel exposed if your back and arms aren’t covered. This comes from experience of almost 50 yrs of surfing , couple yrs newly converted to kiteboarding, and living on the beach in Southern Baja, Mex. Develop sun protection habits now so you can go on living your dream lives. Ok, end of lecture 😉
Agree! Protect the skin you’re in!
Great post! Thanks
“Mowing the lawn”, I love that way of putting it.(Ours needs mowing right now!).