Cabin Tour - Living aboard a Nonsuch 26 Swallow Sailboat

A guided tour of the cabin of Ben Stookey's Nonsuch 26 liveaboard cruising sailboat. While looking through his library of cruising books, Ben highlights and highly recommends Annie Hill's wonderful book "Voyaging on a Small Income"
Ben Stookey was introduced to sailing at a very young age by his parents. His father sailed a 21 foot sailboat from England to Antigua in the Mini Transat Race in 1977. When Ben was 14, his parents bought a boat in Finland and they spent years cruising all over Europe. Ben's first year of high school was in Spain. Today, Ben lives aboard a Nonsuch 26 named 'Swallow.' He is currently cruising the US East coast, and earning a living from computer programming remotely aboard his boat using a wifi connection.
Ben Stookey's Blog is online at: boat.stooks.me
Annie's Hill's Blog is online at: www.anniehill.blogspot.com
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#SingleHandedSailor #BoatTour #TinyHouse

[@Pedriniman]

Very nice cabin for a 26"...

[@Keeblly]

+Pedro Martins And he Cleared out a bunk because the compost toilet! :)

[@rsuriyop]

I really like seeing clips/images of people standing inside of these sailboats as it reveals just how large or small the interior really is. Which is really important when one considers buying a sailboat. Boat sellers need to take note of that.

[@seikibrian8641]

I hear you. It's rare for reviewers to talk about headroom, and since I'm 6'5" it's an important consideration for me. Even worse, some of my favorite reviewers are shorter than average, so if they don't give actual numbers it's hard for me to judge.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Great video and thanks for sharing. I've owned my sailboat for 3 years now and 8 months ago I decided to move aboard. Don't think I'll ever go back to living on land now!

[@chasedavidson294]

Just moved in my 34' hunter at 19 years old and could not be happier with life, I hope any of you who think they might just be interested in this kind of life give it a try, it's more than worth the leap you have to take to get there.

[@drakeParagon]

Congratulations Chase! Drake's first boat was a Hunter 30 and it taught him so much...it really was an excellent first boat. We wish you many wonderful adventures and fair winds! (✿◠‿◠) ⚓-Monique

[@dbc7772011]

Another excellent video Drake. Very positive. I like how you referred to his port berth as his "garage." Clever ☺️. Also thank you for being so patient to explain systems like the head, refrig electrical needs, flooring (sole?), like most here, I'm contemplating the lifestyle.

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

Loving this video - great memories on my Nonsuch 26 - plus the confirmation that the compost toilet will be my next addition to my Roadtrek RV

[@sunriseboy6435]

That composting head has to be one of the most brilliant devices ever. Like Ben said it freed up a whole lot of space and the smell is quite tolerable. And you're not humping a pile of crapola around the place. It just brilliant.

[@mhannibal60]

And its only a thousand bucks!

[@SevKibz]

Mark Hannibal you could make one with a 5 gallon bucked and some saw dust/ coconut husks if youre not willing to drop 1k for a toilet though.

[@SevKibz]

***** You could technically put it all in the bucket (humanurehandbook.com/instructions.html just crtl+f "urine" to see the paragraph), but many dont since it'll cause the bucket to fill faster. A wide mouth bottle works for most guys, girls usually use funnels with bottles.

[@jackrabbit5047]

Ben seems like a really nice guy.

[@brentkn]

I love the layout of your boat. I hope to own as nice a boat as you do someday. This is a great video. I've watched it a few times now. Definitely an inspiring video. Thank you.

[@toosinbeymen6304]

Thanks for this video tour. I've never seen the inside of a Nonsuch before and am impressed with the layout design. I lived for a year on a 43' boat and actually found it to be a lot more room than needed. The 26 would probably necessitate a greater reduction in personal belongings but that's actually a really good thing, if anyone's contemplating the liveaboard life.

[@bizim_eller]

I thought you needed about 6 months to compost things.. so that little device is doing it in few hours!!! Wow ..

[@lutang15]

wow cool...nice ..this is great...wow....i like his peacefull kind of speaking

[@svWindward]

FWIW, the map looks spot on in the Rotop video. Thanks for posting them. Cheers!

[@adam56usa]

Thanks for a great video. I liked the part about the head also. Composting is the way to go. No through hulls and no tanks. How great is that. Plus your actually giving back to nature without polluting. Looking forward to your next video.

[@tronalpha9137]

G'day Ben. I can relate to your princaple as my last monohull was an endeavour 26. I lived on it for around 3 years than i went into multihulls and not looked back. Enjoy it whie you can and wish you well. Gerard. Queensland, Australia.

[@c1ifactation]

Would love to have a beer with this guy, super cool dude

[@bmanlooksat46]

Awesome video! Loved the head info... i have been considering and now I'm sold... Thank you!

[@DaveinNewport]

Thanks Gentlemen! I appreciate the direction on the wifi setup..

[@ionuin2488]

What an interesting guy. Wish I had an update on what he is doing now, I have,a,feeling it's something worthwhile.

[@drakeParagon]

sea dreams Done. :) Ben is in episodes #37 and in person in episode #39 coming soon!

[@Wahledu]

Thanks Drake. Ben you are amazing and hope your coaching dream comes true.

[@W4ABN]

The layout is almost like my Nor'sea. Nice looking interior. Very nice setup there.

[@dwaynerobertson3291]

What a great video, and thanks for sharing. Great information in here. Seriously, very useful information for me. That's an awesome cabin for a 26 footer. Composting head looks like the only way to go, for several reasons. Travel safe! Cheers!!

[@mightywashmobile]

I enjoyed this clip. I have been a liveaboard for 3 years. I started out on a 50' yacht, but when my ex and I split up one of the kids went with her so I didn't need all that and I got into sailing. My son and I have been living on our 27' Starwind for a year with no problems. We are currently looking for something bigger but it's definitely sufficient. I look forward to other episodes.

[@drakeParagon]

Hi Dave, thanks! I never thought of plumbing the liquid side of the Airthead... I think that's a neat idea! Aboard Paragon I installed a Jabsco Deluxe Flush electric head, but if I ever replace it then I might use this idea. Happy sailing,

[@DaveinNewport]

Good luck, Power and effeciencey on your renovations!

[@eruston]

Just bought a hunter 27. Nice video, inspirational.

[@drakeParagon]

Congrats! My first liveaboard sailboat was a Hunter 30 from 1982. I hope you enjoy all of our cruiser interviews. :) kzbin.infoplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=30

[@srqlisa7881]

Of of the kids I have watched here on youtube and that is about 30 of them and most can speak 2 languages, and most are so much more intelligent, thoughtfull, funny, experienced kids out there and I don't believe any of them would give up boat life for a sport or public schoo. Besides you give a kid a choice most will choose boat after living on one just like S.V. Swallow. : ) peace Nice video thanks

[@OrieCipollaro]

Super interested in the ease of sailing this thing! I’m not looking to mess with a ton of winches and lines so this thin seems pretty cool!

[@drakeParagon]

I agree! :) I now have a 42 foot Westail, but honestly sometimes I really miss things about the much smaller 32 foot Westsail that I lived on for 6 years before getting the bigger boat..

[@MNeilGri]

The 26 is a lot different inside than the 30. Still tons of headroom. The two quarter births surprised me. Thanks Drake for your video's, they are inspiring and I look forward to whats next.

[@drakeParagon]

Hi warspite2, My first boat was a 1982 Hunter Cherubini 30 which I bought in 1995 and lived aboard for 3 years in Boston harbor. I loved that boat! Then I bought a Westsail 32 and started offshore sailing in 2002. I think the Hunter Cherubini is a wonderful coastal cruising boat! But I wouldn't want to be offshore in a bad storm with one because they don't have a skeg hung rudder. But for living aboard and coastal hopping I think she's a great boat! Happy sailing,

[@zac53659]

Lancer 25's are making a comeback, safe, fun and easy to sail. lol. That 26 Swallow though is so roomy. Man if I had that much space I would be set for life.

[@colonialroofingofnorthcaro441]

Hello fellow north Carolinian from durham nc born and raised the best vaca is the outer banks I'm heading down to Southport tomorrow to look at a boat hoping everything works out but wanted to say hi funny but your the second nc sailing channel today so thumbs-up for that good luck God bless and hope we see you out there one day

[@drakeParagon]

Hi peachtree13560, Thank you so much. Yes, Annie Hill is amazing! I'm really enjoying reading her blog and can't wait for my copy of her book to arrive in the mail. Cheers and thank you for sailing with us.. Drake

[@SVSecondChance]

i did the floors in my 26 hunter out of starboard as well and yes white was a bad choice shows every little thing BUT that dirt would be there any way now i know if its clean or not i like it.. it will never rot out or brake keep it clean and it looks great and now its much brighter in the cabin and lighter i gained 1.5 inc. of water line and about .3 knots of boat speed good times happy sailing to all

[@robertorzech7369]

CO is a little bit lighter than air. The best location for the CO detector is around 3 to 5 feet from the floor. Like underneath his CD book shelf.

[@danielthomas3333]

robert orzech C O2 is heavier than air. C O is a different matter and it’s the one that will kill you.

[@DaveinNewport]

Drake, Another great episode! ... Really appreciate the focus on the "Airhead" from what I can tell they are a vastly superior method of dealing with waste. I have met the designer at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat festival and have enjoyed seeing several different installations of the "Airhead" One of them deleted the urine tank and plumbed the "liquid side" directly to the old holding tank...Because urine is sterile it does not come with the same concerns as feces.

[@iinvokemyfirstamendmentrig7937]

He is living my dream. I have for years desired to live on a sailboat. However two things keep me from living such a life: finances to buy the boat, income source while living on the boat. If I can solve these two issues, I could be living my dream as well.

[@rainmechanic]

I Invoke My First Amendment Rights Sailboats under 30ft are dirt cheap... Sometimes Free for the asking.. However 5K will get you a turn key ready to sail 27-30 footer.. Total cost is less than one year paying $500 a month to rent an apartment.. Enough money can be earned working at a marina in some capacity.. Fixing boats, electronics, fry cook, security, ect... If you find the right marina you could probably barter time for a boat slip or dry dock while fixing up a boat.. I think there are more options then your aware of...The only real impediment to this is if you have a wife and school age kids who are not on the same page as you are.... However if your single or without kids this is a very simple to do if you want it.

[@cowpoke02]

@@rainmechanic thanks for the info . i have no experience so smaller is better .. motor be more efficient and faster . lol. good place to start .. not sure about ocean sailing unless i get some where in a day jumping around . lol. you cans sell your stuff and buy a boat or invest in making money .. many ways ti do it . eating less . fasting saves money .. get thrifty . should any way value nee money to survive and have good options for care .. get a head once and then money should grow if careful and smart . .

[@MOTORVESSELFREEDOM]

We have a lot of nonsuches up in new england and they give you great interior space for their sizes.....What a great interview with Ben.....A great character for video.....Nice job presenting Ben and his lifestyle......I cant wait for you to do me one day...lol....You have the squirrel on your microphone too....Make sure you catch up with him again in a year or two....That would be kewl...

[@drakeParagon]

Hi svWindward. We were at anchor right off of the Oriental town dock across the street from the Bean cafe.

[@LazyJack5]

that is a huge 26 foot boat. wow

[@willieowens5289]

I am currently workin on my cabin cruiser gonna live on mobile bay at marina. For real

[@peachtree13560]

Hey Drake! I can't believe you never heard of A. Hill's book. I got it last year and have read it 3 times already! I'm really enjoying your videos and can never wait for "next week". Cheers!

[@drakeParagon]

Thank you! Tomorrow I will publish a small trailer episode about my Westsail 42 'Paragon' and her 2 and a half year refit. It will hopefully set the stage for countless episodes to follow of Monique and I sailing our own boat!

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Pretty cool. Not sure how I would do doing a live-aboard, but I pretty much live on my phone and laptop for work so it is a possibility. I love the idea of composting head, I don't think thinks like a black water tank age well in many senses of the phrase. For camping in my little squareback where I use a Mr. Heater Lil Buddy, I bought a $200 CO *Monitor* and alarm. I want to know what the CO level is. Up to around 15ppm isn't too bad for you, as I understand, and you can adjust the alarm. I just use 30ppm which I believe is what most of the non-adjustable CO alarms are set to.

[@duckgoesquack4514]

take a shot every time he says wow

[@rae-rae4507]

in a coma now from drinking too many shots......

[@DaveinNewport]

Would love to learn about Ben's wifi set-up. It sounds like there is an amplified antenna that pulls in semi distant WiFi signals. Keep up the great work. Really appreciate it! Thanks Ben for sharing your life. Dave

[@drakeParagon]

Hi Dave, thank you! I hope to interview and maybe convoy a little with Ben in Nova Scotia in the Spring. If we do then I'll try to make a video that covers the wifi set up that he uses aboard Swallow with his Macbook Air. Aboard my own boat Paragon I use an antenna called the 'Super USB Wifi Antenna' made by C. Crane. It works great on my Macbook Pro..

[@thedukeofantioch]

how nice.i wish i could live on a boat like that

[@sunriseboy6435]

Spit in one hand and wish in the other and see which one gets fullest first.

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

the Handbook of Sailing. I have that book! lol

[@xcvsdxvsx]

double rainbow guy returns

[@BenjaminWStookey]

Hey Dave. I use a Rogue Wave wifi antenna, but I think you can get the same thing with separate components for cheaper.

[@Antipodean33]

I heard the sail set up on these are hard to handle in a blow, is it true? Nice little boat with alot more space down below than i thought it would have

[@svWindward]

Hey, sorry for such a terse comment. I love getting to look around other people's boats, and enjoyed the video tour. No question that you were in Oriental, particularly after seeing the deck tour segment - I've been there quite a few times by boat, too - it's just that the map about 30 seconds in pinpoints a location somewhere around the Georgia / South Carolina border. Savannah, maybe?

[@MOTORVESSELFREEDOM]

I will not be bringing over until June and final commissioning by the end of June......July 1st looks like I will be ready to go.......We will meet up anyway! Dinner on Me!!

[@MyWeedgrower]

great vid. how do you have internet while sailing away from land?

[@Browneyes0911]

Thumbs Up, Wish all your dreams come true, God Bless :-)

[@GulfCoastTim]

I will mostly be doing sails in Lake Ponchartrain and trips along the gulf coast. You think it would be good boat for an occasional trip from Louisiana to Florida Keys or Bahamas? Weather permitting of course.

[@drakeParagon]

Will you be sailing your Fountaine-Pajot Lipari 41 catamaran 'Freedom' in Cape Cod this Summer? We'll be sailing through Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown in late Spring/early Summer before sailing on to Boston/Nova Scotia/Newfoundland/Iceland/Ireland.. Hadley Habor, Vineyard Haven, Provincetown, Boston... Maybe we'll see you in the same anchorage?

[@MOTORVESSELFREEDOM]

I will be on the Cape hopefully July 1, 2013.....

[@johnnyohness]

Drake you rock dude. You are living my dream. Can only consider my self a wanabe sailor because I have done soooo little of it. But I am getting to the point finally where I finally might be able to do it. I have so much to learn. Question. When there are 2 or more aboard they share watch time on a voyage. When you are solo how do you manage to get any sleep and keep watch too? I know auto pilots are one thing but even with them groups still have to stand watch. Don't they?

[@magician5841]

looks so homie, I wounder how much the cost of living is yearly?

[@Vegeta0585]

Howd you like the westsail? I am looking into getting one myself, might spring for the westsail 42, I hear they're good offshore boats. I would love to be able to traverse the world at my leisure, not just the coast.

[@socializeandgrow1251]

Hey where is he now?

[@hangemhigh2000]

Jealousy stupidity and animosity are the reasons anybody takes the time to go to someones channel to thumbs down any video.

[@MrSohn2000]

Have you ever consider installing a HHO fuel cell generator to maximize fuel consumption?.... If you already done so, I would like to see a demonstration of it.

[@ricardocerdawaak]

great video! how does he earn money to live?

[@ferguswalker7345]

Just curious, why is a skeg hung rudder better in a storm? The only thing I can think of is that a skeg would take the impact of any floating debris and reduce the risk of the rudder being ripped off. But this could happen in a storm or normal weather surely?

[@drakeParagon]

Hi Dave, Thank you. Yes, I'm planning a Facebook fan page, Google+ fan page, Twitter feed, and also Google+ video conferencing hangouts with our viewers. But first I need to finish the renovation of Paragon so that we can push off in March. SOON! :) In the meantime, people can subscribe to the public updates on my personal Facebook page "Drake Roberts' Please check out this Thursday's episode for a sneak peak trailer that sets the stage for what's coming next! Happy sailing, Drake

[@lovejetfuel4071]

What is Ben Stookey up to these days?

[@taptmd]

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Ridiculous.

[@rae-rae4507]

better than saying "I was like: every 3 words...that sends me into the stratosphere......grrrrr.

[@taptmd]

Wow.

[@GulfCoastTim]

Wow that is a roomy little yacht, no to mention really nice. Let me clarify, that is only a 26ft? If he can live onboard a 26, no excuse for me not to be able to live onboard the 33ft Hunter Cherubini I am looking at getting.

[@GeorgeGeorge7]

Is the interviewer Robin Lee Graham? The voice sounds like him.

[@wotan237]

if you sail from port to port, how much does it cost to dock per night or week ? How many spots let you pull in for free ? Or is mooring offshore the way to go and then dingy to shore? Who watches the boat when a person is ashore shopping etc? ( if travelling alone ?)

[@joelskinner8638]

Usually, the docking for a live aboard is determined by the foot, i know in Hampton roads area has a few that are flat rate of $125 per week. The best way is like this guy and just moore off. When you go shopping, its kinda like your house, lock the Hatch.

[@jasoneyes01]

Only 2 types of sailors, rich sailor or poor sailor.

[@RoughDiamondz]

amen bro

[@candisbrendel7396]

right

[@ChristianDehli]

All sailors are rich... it's just that some don't have much money.

[@laxmannate07]

@@ChristianDehli this comment was deeper than the ocean

[@drakeParagon]

Good copy. See you then! Paragon standing by 16.

[@drakeParagon]

Hi magician5841, I think the cost of living on a sailboat varies as much as the cost of living on land... I know people who have sailed tens of thousands of miles and visited dozens of countries on very little money in smaller but seaworthy boats, and others who have spent incredible amounts of money... All depends...

[@aguilasfan96]

Just curious on what kind of jobs allow you to do this? I'm still in college, and after I graduate I would love to spend a couple years on the sea and drift away from the land.

[@drakeParagon]

Hey netsfan101, jobs that you are able to do remotely with an internet connection can work quite well with this lifestyle...building/maintaining websites, graphic design, IT work, etc. A friend of mine writes grant proposals for non-profits and another does copy writing and proof reading. The big challenge, especially depending on where you take the boat, can be getting dependable and fast wifi. Moving the boat also takes planning if you're required to be available a certain number of hours during a normal business week. Of course, there are other people who work as much as possible, save up a cruising kitty, then take off for 3, 6, 12 months or more. There is no 'one way' to live this lifestyle, rather, there are many ways, and you just have to find the one that works for you. Hope that helps a bit. Best of luck with your studies and fair winds to you. ⚓-Monique

[@taptmd]

Wow

[@DaveinNewport]

Drake - Have you considered a facebook channel to promote your videos? would be cool to get a FB notification when new ones come out.

[@rae-rae4507]

Fascinating look around..thanks for the info.............................................. (dont cut your hair.)

[@svZia-Switch51]

Looks like he might have been playing at the Silos during open mic night?

[@drakeParagon]

Yes, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZm9Y6Cuaa-AiMU

[@rbs.expedition]

213 times -UAOOOU!

[@svWindward]

That's not where Oriental, NC is!

[@darkdevilpk3]

why were you*

[@AcaJudiJudiJudiJudi]

Nice acajudi100

[@darkdevilpk3]

greay video but why were ridiclously enthusiastic about normal stuff lol

[@rae-rae4507]

stoned perhaps?

[@ohlolololololollol]

Did you watch the video? apparently not. What's your gripe with dolphins...

[@viciouswolf1111]

Does nobody just have a standard heads that takes the waste and throws it away, maybe not the most responsible thing and you certainly can't use it in the marina but it is mostly, much simpler.

[@dilligaf0220]

viciouswolf1111 Not allowed in North America. It would only be simple until the USCG busted you!

[@drakeParagon]

viciouswolf1111 I think that most cruising boats have manual pump heads with holding tanks and Y-valves to pump overboard when away from land.

[@dilligaf0220]

DrakeParagon's Real Cruising Life Drake, does the UK still allow direct discharge heads, without a holding tank? How many of those would you like to anchor next to?

[@drakeParagon]

Chuck Farley www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268868/mgn489-amendment-pleasure-vessels.pdf : 7.2.3 Although no specific provisions are made in the regulations for vessels less than 400GT, pleasure vessels should consider the impact when discharging sewage from a sea toilet or holding tank into the sea. Best practice advice is to return all waste generated on board to shore waste reception facilities but this is not always possible or practical. Holding tanks if fitted should be used and should only be emptied at pump out stations or when more than 3 miles offshore in the open sea where waste will be quickly diluted and dispersed by wave action and currents. On vessels without a holding tank avoid the use of toilets in poor tidal flushing areas such as estuaries, inland waterways, inlets and crowded anchorages by using marina/shore facilities whenever possible. 7.2.4 There are many other countries where the direct overboard discharge of sewage is prohibited by administrations/authorities. The provision of “holding tanks” of sufficient capacity to store waste for discharge to shore facilities may be needed for a vessel to comply with legislation in these countries.

[@viciouswolf1111]

Important to point out that these regulations aren't enforced, if you wanted to dump in a bay or marina, which you most certainly should not, you could, nobody would for a start, and even if they did they probably wouldn't care.

[@nelanelasupergirl]

There are many components to doing a pro job. One plan I found which succeeds in merging these is the Denelle Boat Builder (google it if you're interested) without a doubt the best info that I've seen. look at this incredible site.

[@hangemhigh2000]

What are you doing, sleeping? Show a leg, you scurvy lubber. 3:24-4:00 "If I leave it open I can see if it rains" LMAO.

[@lraffucci]

can you up vote this if you are male and wishing you could do this.

[@mikemerritt779]

zero e

[@unclegeemus]

Bloke photogenic as hell, but I'm buttered other way nice kerosene lamp addition chic magnet Comment on floors tough to clean, good kid Yea, seawater pump old school aye aye, got one on my tanzer 22, Smart he notes wide beam those can't tip over no? Two anchors smart (oops other vid) Kid likes hatches, smart goods. Isn't hair a liability? when he's upside down in bilge? one less thru hull comment, good on 'you knows his mast stuff (oops other vid again) Capt. Ron club says add eye patch

[@mzp1422]

marry me

[@ZipZenac]

Good except for all the dumb noises made by the visitor.

[@jasonvoorhees6416]

he throws out all the poo poo and pee pee in the lake when nobody is watching.