Just how claustrophobic is it ?

Storyline

Storyline

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In a few years time we will be faced with major choices, either sell up and buy a house with a mooring or rent present house and set off.

If we go down the liveaboard route could I hear some views on boat sizes. I realise that this subject has been widely discussed and I have read some interesting threads but any input from people who have just set off and are now starting to realise how things are going to work out would be welcome.

I have to make a decision soon regarding our current boat. I am just to embark on the next stage of refitting her and there is a difference if the work is for my lifetime's use or just to improve her resale value.

The boat is a 36' westerly Conway. She has a longish fin and handles beautifully. I would be confident taking her offshore so that is not an issue.

The thing that concerns me is whether swmbo will be on top of one another (not in that way!) and we will regret not getting a bigger boat. I do love the boat and have visions of a workshop/utility room in the fwd cabin etc etc.

Any views most welcome.
 
I would stick with your current boat for the time being, see how much you like the liveaboard life. If you do decide you want something bigger in a year or two you will be no worse off than now and you will have a better idea of what you want in a boat for the liveaboard life.
 
I agree.

We happily lived aboard our HR36 for four years before 'trading up' to a 46ft steel ketch. Biggest mistake I ever made.

If you are happy with your Conway, keep it.

A good balance of size, volume and ability.

Big enough to sit on the hook for weeks on end but small enough not to break the bank if you do use a marina and yard services.

Claustrophobia? Never. The cockpit is your sitting room and the view changes every day.
 
We live, that's swambo and I, on a voyager 35. Ok I've adapted it a bit to give us a bit more comfort but as has been said the cockpit is our lounge (weather permitting). Personally I would be mindful of a westerly's hull moisture content as I've seen too many in our yard having osmosis treatment.
 
Some encouraging replies there - particularly the cost of lift outs and the odd times in a marina. Should not have osmosis problems as she has had a gel peel done at high cost by a reputed boatyard.

Quite exciting thoughts and certainly the work I am going to do will be a lot more pleasant if I think it is for my benefit.
 
Another way to look at it, if you're getting cabin fever you're either not sailing or you're not exploring the place you've just traveled to. So if your'e not exploring and you're not sailing then why live on a boat :D:D
 
Hi Storyline

I lived aboard my Conway for 5 years, three of those cruising around the Atlantic.

She was fine for the two of us,
I must admit to have liked a boat couple of feet longer( who doesn't )
a, I was always paying marina fees for A 12mtr boat
b, I would have liked a bigger Gally and chart table

having said that, she looked after us well,

After 5 years back in UK she is nearly ready for
our next cruise to the med


Cant wait....

Ps bought some Med pilot books from Jordanbassett Bless him
 
chinita said:
Then turn it upside down and ask her again. :p
Click to expand...

Then again those cute hatches under the galley etc? Fun in the summer to open and pass drinks to the kids as theyre swimming between the hulls, then again guess if we ever flipped over they may have another use.

You'd like space for tools? Modified port aft cabin which now sports deep lipped shelves for tool boxes, washing machine where the loo used to be. Door closed when the Boss hasn't tidied, ok - door always closed... Still got our spacious cabin plus 2 more, yes catamarans are amazing :)
 
We have lived on our Moody 33 for the best part of 16 years and crossed the Atlantic four times (twice each way) no problem.

We started looking for a bigger boat but I think what we have saved in mooring fees over that time has been huge.

Hope this helps.
 
Storyline said:
The thing that concerns me is whether swmbo will be on top of one another (not in that way!) and we will regret not getting a bigger boat. I do love the boat and have visions of a workshop/utility room in the fwd cabin etc etc.
Click to expand...

Why change? You love your existing boat and you are confident of her sailing abilities. A new boat will bring its own set of new quirks which you will have to learn about. Even then you will only be able get 4 or 5 feet further away from SWMBO which really isn't going to make much difference!
 
Keep the Conway...and keep an open mind. In the early days of your liveaboard life, the exciting novelty of your new life will wash away any notions of it's not being big enough. In time, you may decide to upgrade...or not. But by then, you'll have seen (and supped sundowners on) many other boats and discussed this very subject with their occupants. The likelihood is also that you'll be passing plenty of places where likely upgrades are for sale.

Claustrophobia?: the liveaboard life should be prescribed as a treatment for it.
 
Our boat is only a tad bigger than yours at 38ft and no problems living aboard 9-10/12. Strange in a way, we've downsized house from 4 bed to a 2 bed bungalow and that feels claustrophobic when we return for a few weeks!
 
I suppose I have little idea of what it might be like. Sailing in Scotland dictates many days spent down below sheltering from filthy weather, sometimes unable to go ashore. I can imagine if would be so different in nice warm weather.
 
We live for half of each year on a Sadler 34. Absolutely no space problems. The Sadler is not the most spacious of boats for her length due to the double skinned construction but we manage to carry two bikes, two inflatable canoes, about 15 fenders, loads of food and drink, full cruising gear. We have met several couples who live for similar periods on a Sadler 26. They also stated that they had no problems.
 
A 2 page thread with all posters in agreement... am I still on YBW?!!!

We plan to move onto our 30 footer at some point in the hopefully not too distant future... :eek: :D
 
I ask my self a similar question. I don’t know the answer. Not so much about claustrophobia.
Just the same if’s.
I doubt I will ever be into sailing round the world. I do want to sail further. So I have gone nuts and bought a 35ft boat
For me the option of selling up and moving permanently aboard is not going to happen.
Keeping the house and renting it out for a while is an option I am considering. Or just keeping the house and going sailing. Coming home from time to time. Sail for a while go home for a bit.
Now I’m nearly there I can think realistically about retiring or semi retiring. To wander on my boat.
I bought the boat I bought because it fit my budget and would fit my short term plans. Which were to be able to cruise a bit more comfortably and a bit longer up and down the coast.
Realistically refitting to provide the creature comforts to live aboard for an extended time. I should have bought a more expensive boat which already had them.
I am a few years from my retirement so while it might be more expensive in the long run. I can do a bit every year. A heat system, Restore pressure water, Replace stove, Re upholster replace cushions, without breaking my bank.

My other plan is keep boat in the nice condition it is with no mod cons, explore locally as time and life’s other commitments permit. When I have more time and a desire to explore some where else sell and by in an other area. Cruise that area.
Who knows if Dylan’s Centaur project works. I might do the same but I will go right.
 
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