6 Things We HATE About Living on a Boat

Living on a boat isn’t all rum drinks and colorful sunsets. There’s plenty of things to dislike, and have you questioning your life decisions. We go over 6 things we hate about living on a boat in this video, and even give you a few more bonus dislikes at the end.

From marinas being unnecessarily difficult, to non-stop maintenance, we often have to stop and ask ourselves if this liveaboard cruiser lifestyle is a healthy balance. Truth is, everyday the answer may differ. Let us know your thoughts at the about it all after watching!

Thanks for watching. We hope you enjoy the video!

|| LETS STAY CONNECTED ||

|| MEET THE TEAM ||
Team Wiff is simply our names combined (Will & Tiff). Together we are on a journey to get the most out of our lives, while avoiding being trapped within the societal norm.

What started it all was the idea of living on an affordable boat in Florida for a year. In May 2016 we bought a 51ft Bluewater coastal cruiser which was a powerboat meets houseboat. We lived at several marinas in the Fort Myers area and quickly learned the ins and out of living aboard.

We apparently liked it. Instead of buying a house, we ended up with a Sea Ray 480DB. We think it’s arguably one of the best boats to live aboard. This boat has allowed us to get a taste of the cruising lifestyle, while we’re still working and living aboard full-time, in Fort Myers Beach as well as Key West.

[colnando]

I'm buying a yacht in 9 years to retire on at age 57. I've been a tech and a jack of all trades my hole life and I'm already doing my research for this adventure. Some things that come to mind are 1.) Water Maker, 2.) Washer/Dryer combo, 3.) Starlink Mini, 4.) Solar Array and 5.) being 3 miles off shore and anchoring out will be a priority to avoid wasting money. I'm not a marina fan either.

[jetwag]

Great message to the unaware, stay the course. Many’s years of water taxi experience here, my advice to boaters when they ask me if I know a good mechanic is yes I’m looking at him or her. Learn to be your own mechanic not only will it save you a lot of coin but it might just save your vessel and the lives aboard.

[prentispalmer]

I like hearing about the negatives of the lifestyle I'm looking at getting into

[ralphholiman]

The constant maintenance is always the biggest issue when we are cruising. We've learned that youtube is your friend when doing your own work. The other invaluable thing is having a sea daddy somewhere you can call and ask questions. My old harbormaster, who I became good friends with, saved me so much time and money so many times, by being able to call him and tell him what was going on. Half the time, he could talk me through the fix.

[ADVFGS]

My name is John and my wife and I run our own business called “Marcum’s Marine Service’s” and I specialize in do work on vessels that are docked or moored, I am so sorry about your experiences and those experiences are making it harder for someone like me who truly enjoys working on boats and doing projects or maintenance that makes the owner more comfortable and love their boat even more.

[tonyengland]

Preventive maintenance is a must. Set up a maintenance plan. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annually. Take it from a U.S.N. vet.

[MarkBuildGood]

I was thinking about your air conditioning problem.
If you could install an auxiliary inlet tube extending 1-2 meters below the surface (preferably with a strainer), you could reach much cooler water when you’re anchored / docked.

[Joseph-cyns]

Limo tint cuts heat 90% and I never use my AC. Plus it give you privacy and you can look out your beautiful view

[lisakorn]

I love how straightforward you both are! SO refreshing! The info and experiences you have the balls to share are all helping me prepare to take the leap. I am grateful!!

[dbc]

Fantastic video! I love your straightforward honesty. It is so refreshing to hear the reality versus the fantasy. One thing I find troubling is the constant depreciation of any boat. It is technically a home on the water, but depreciates unlike a waterfront condo or home. It is still hard to resist the allure.

[shelleystclair]

Hi there I have a dry sail boat and it's old from 1973 no leaks problems we take her out every 3 years for a hull check and clean repaint and overall inspection to make sure it stays dry inside

[scottydubs]

"Where the hell is all this water coming from!?" Me every weekend when I get to my boat. It sucks when you just want to Crack a beer and start partying on a Friday night but you are mopping up water instead.

[oldmanrock]

I never caught up with maintenance on our 30' Carver. We now have a 20' lake boat. I can keep up with it. Salt water works on the boat 24-7.

[MsDfunkd]

Could you expand on your #1 dislike, marinas? What were the issues you’ve had?

[somphothbsiratsamy]

There are many things you can do to help prevent constant maintenance. I've worked on boats for over 8 yrs as a Shipwreck Journeyman, and it's always the preventions that save boats. And it matters who repairs your boat too

[MrJuvefrank]

One way to get around slick marine mechanics is to take your boat to a person who has an address where boats are repaired. If you cannot do this, then those slick dudes you call will keep on running off with your money after they've tried to "repair" your boat with screws and springs. Air conditioners are expensive and difficult to repair. Boats qualify as recreational vehicles. That's why they are expensive to purchase, repair, and tie if you choose to dock them at the marina.

[bettydeshotels]

Well i was raised on a houseboat from age 8 to 14. I lived in the swamps of Louisiana by the two lakes. We lived off the swamps ( fish, crap, traps) Houseboat living thats fun is a little more of humble living. It's a walk WITH NATURE

[roger]

Great video - I second the insurance! I smacked a grey whale last year, which did some significant damage to the running gear (I have a 37 Bertram) and thru hull. The boat had to be hauled out, but sat on the chalks for a couple weeks. When it came time to settling, not only did the screw me on the repairs 3k for a 10k bill, I had to pay the yard fees. It was really a catch 22. We took on water so the boat needed to be hauled out, but the mechanic and yard couldn't get to it for a few weeks!!! Ugh!!!

[davidcrabtree]

A lot to process here...wow..just found this old video..we have been planning for 5 years to start living aboard..buying our boat at the and of this year and leaving early next year..i watch a lot of videos...and most negative thing I've heard is just general maintenance year round on boat..this is eye opening..gotta make sure I don't show it to the wife..cause I'm still gonna go 🌞 🌴 ⛵

[jamesmandas]

Give it to me straight. Everything in life has trade offs. Thank you!