What type of boat do you live on?

[BrianH]

Perhaps the reason why you are getting such a variety is because there is no one definition of "live aboard". People "live" on boats for a variety of reasons and have a variety of lifestyles - just like living on land in a way.
[snip]
Others buy a boat as an alternative to maybe a holiday apartment to spend a few weeks or months of the year enjoying an open air lifestyle in somewhere nice and warm.
[snip]
On the other hand, if I were on my own, and fancied a bit more "sailing" I would be more than happy with something like an HR 29 or 312.

The above quote selection fits me as I am not a true liveaboard, which I interpret as permanently living aboard the boat as a home. I spend April to October aboard in the Adriatic with a break in August when it gets too hot and crowded. I normally do not cruise far from my north-western base although this year I did get to Corfu but that was a rarity; I normally go no further than central Croatia.

I chose the only motor-sailor HR ever made for its length (31'), which is large enough to be comfortable for one (my usual case), occasionally two, and economical enough by fitting into a 10m berth - it also sails surprisingly well (with new sails) for its type. The draught (1.15m, long keel) also allows me access to much of the Italian lagoon complexes where I am moored that a deeper keel would not permit.

Just as Tranona points out, personal circumstances dictate choices. If I was to move aboard permanently I'd probably look for something slightly larger, just for more storage space, but no more than another 2m.

 

[idpnd]

46 ft steel monster

 

[Beakster]

28ft Fjord motor sailor. I've been living aboard for a month now and I love it. I've got a spacious sleeping area in the forward cabin, I can stand up in the saloon (I'm 6ft tall), and the aft cabin makes a perfect spare room / storage area.

 

[michael_w]

Me and SWMBO, 37' Oyster Heritage, currently in Spa Creek, Annapolis. Don't want to go home!

Boat nearly perfect for sub 40' cruiser. Would like to be able to do 200 miles a day without breaking sweat, which means a lot more length, costs etc.

 

[viejo gringo]

I live on my old westsail 32 when i,m in the uk, used to have a hurley 22 then a halcyon 27 which i lived on comfortably. shes big and comfy for two headroom throughout and the dirty old diesel cooker keeps us warm obviously i,d like more room, but for cruising around the yacht yard patiently waiting for me to get my act together shes been exceptional. theres a new ebspacher going in next month and the cooker is being changed to a force 10, hoping to be away this year, ( he said every year since 2004.)

 

[wklein]

Used to live on a trapper 28 with 5ft head room (not larger 501)

http://brixham.boatshed.com/trapper_trapper_28-boat-32147.html

Great on my own but bit cramped with two now live on a 36ft with 6'2 headroom, certainly a lot easier on larger boat but definitely no happier on larger boat so would not put anyone off living on small boat i Have friends in 60's who live on oyster 26 like kings he is 6'3 and 22 stone, with two retrievers could afford a bigger boat but happy as they are.

 

[galleni]

I live on board our 39ft Malo yacht for 6/8 months a year with my wife. I am very happy with my boat she is a pleasure to sail and live on board.

 

[Windy Tonique]

We live aboard a 47ft Beneteau Oceanis 473 in Greece just now. Just the 2 of us and love the boat. Wouldn't go back to shore life again if possible.

Niall

And very nice she is too having been parked up next to you a couple of times slumming it on a Sailing Holidays Ben 323

 

[silver-fox]

Moody 376, 38ft. Centre cockpit. Two double cabins with en-suite heads so good if guests on board. Unlike many modern boats, the saloon seats make good sea berths with lee cloths and there's also a quarter berth. Good secure galley at sea.

Graham sums up the Moody/Dixon designed package concisely.

We have the Moody 425 - same proposition - but a bit more space (Disadvantage costs much more in the marinas over 12m LOA.)

For the two of us, with occasional guests either would be plenty big enough.

 

[Ludd]

I have a NAB 35(HR Rasmus) actual length 10 .55 metres(+Duogen) but registered in 1973 by a clever man who had her measured between uprights as 9.26metres. Keeps me under 10 and saves a fortune!
Standing headroom(6'1"--boatm,not me!) ,good aft cabin ,centre cockpit. Does me.