Life @ Anchor [NORDHAVN 43]

Welcome aboard MV Freedom @ anchor during the craziest time in our lives to date...the Coronavirus pandemic! We couldn't ask for a better time to be living aboard our 43' Nordhavn than right now because we can escape our marina, leave behind an always crowded Seattle and enjoy some time together in nature during the quarantine. There really isn't a safer place to be!
PLEASE NOTE: most public marinas and all state Parks in Washington State have closed to visitors, so if you're thinking of social distancing aboard your boat please prepare to anchor and be self sufficient for an extended period of time. Call ahead to marinas, and read signs carefully, as there are still places to go for provisions, fuel, etc.. while on the water.
Be safe, stay healthy and enjoy!
Website: www.mvfreedomseattle.com
Instagram: @mvfreedomseattle
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Are you interested in what products we use in/on our boat or what gear we use to create our videos? If that’s a yes, check out our Amazon Affiliate shop to see our must haves!
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[@manfredseidler1531]

Every blessing has a shadow, every coin has two sides....having followed the both of you for a while my takeaway is you'd be regretting not having at least given it a shot. No matter the future and the inevitable new norms we'll be facing, you're living out your adventures and dreams now. Thank you so much for your transparency and for sharing. I always am happy when I see a new posting.

[@DirtyHarry771]

Haha The "Back to the future" reference Was perfect!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

The boating life seems exciting and romantic, but I couldn't see myself doing it full time. I'd miss my indoor plumbing, space, cars, garage, friends, and some of my luxuries. I'm good living vicariously through your channel, which you do a great job of. The videography is always stunning.

[@ournautidream8794]

love your videos. we have a 80' Baia (Our Nauti Dream) in Fort Lauderdale. it has always been our intention to Bring it to San Juan islands. we absolutely love Orchas island. we live in Southern California. we have owned the boat for 2 years and have just recently gotten it operational. boat took on water at the dock 2 weeks after we bought it. mechanic working on the port engine left the exhaust unplugged during the engine work. the boat was submerged all the way to the rub rail and the insurance company denied our claim. its been a 2 year legal battle and a lot of repairs. we are looking to ship the boat to Ensemada after we recover from this covid 19 nightmare. for now we live vicariously through you guys, so please keep the videos coming.

[@robertfrost1683]

Thanks and enjoyed the video. Mr Sully looks very happy !

[@plumqik]

Mr Sully is the coolest dog! Just love him!!

[@timburggraaf6823]

hi guys great video very nice scenery. what i realy love is the way Shawn whas picking up Mr Sully like a handbag.

[@robnee3313]

Ah envy... Happy Birthday! That looked like a great dinner, and an awesome birthday cake!

[@patrcrnn]

Enjoy your channel! Happy Birthday! Thanks for the content.

[@ShanLiB]

When I read the comments I find it so amazing that people ask the same questions over and over again without ever watching your videos (where they can see that all those questions have been answered multiple times). Watch all the videos, people (it's worth your time, really). Besides, you've got nothing better to do these days. Enjoy MV Freedom.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Some people don’t have time to watch all the videos sir.

[@ShanLiB]

@@trailerparksupervisor7046 You are correct. But, it's a common thing to see the same questions asked over and over on the channels so, I'm wondering if maybe YT could have a tab on the channel page called FAQ or something. Or, the COMMUNITY tab could have a FAQ pinned to the top. That would be good for everybody.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

ShanLiB yes, good thinking my friend

[@dwdtube1111]

Happy birthday Shawn! Stay healthy and humorous.

[@deanteam813]

Enjoyed, and the clip showing boat maintenance/upkeep...keep adding those. Stay safe.

[@cq7415]

Love all your videos. You have more people on your side than not, you are NOT a threat about a virus. You spend days, weeks alone on your yacht, if you had the virus it would show before you went anywhere on shore. It is the people on land that are the threat traveling to the islands. Totally different circumstances. Thanks for sharing.

[@margieprince4070]

Happy Birthday Shawn! Great video! Would have loved some of your dessert Elizabeth! You two stay safe and thanks for sharing.

[@MrMediterrano]

What I find most fascinating about this channel is that the guy has managed to find a good looking highly likeable young woman who likes him back and who doesn’t have children and doesn’t want children and who is able and willing to live with him on a not so big boat and is even willing to work to contribute to a common life. This is like getting 7 7s in a line on a slot machine.

[@springfield03sniper]

Exactly. A lot of people comment on here saying how rich they must be, but they forget that if you get two working people around 40 with no kids, and they have managed finances correctly, they can afford nice things. Kids are expensive.

[@christopherkohel8555]

Hey, hey ‘Sconnies! Another enjoyable video. Laid back and chill. Impressive production and cinematography too. My gal and I love daydreaming of the boating lifestyle...(sigh) maybe one day! Stay healthy, stay safe! Keep the vids coming! (not sure why anyone would give a thumbs down! huh!)

[@barryyoung5022]

Happy Birthday Shawn! Hope you had a wonderful day

[@georgerydberg4393]

Great as usual. Happy birthday!

[@adamsanders1372]

Awesome and once again you have nailed the presentation of your vid👍stay safe and well

[@manueldeleon2872]

You're one of my favorite so far.. I like your boat so much.. I have nothing against other sailboats.. But your boat in my opinion is the most comfortable to use in a sea journey.. I hope you will try to sailing around the world also and show us the beauty of the ocean.. Thanks so much for sharing your story..

[@Deerwood1985]

Drive that boat look super, enjoy, live in the boat must be a nice experience, regards from Argentina.

[@superdrs1960]

Happy Birthday ! Stay safe and thanks for sharing.

[@LockedenLoad]

Happy big 50! Well done buddy have a great day!

[@classicraceruk1337]

Shawm and Elizabeth you are so funny makes me smile. The views are cool to

[@billvandenouden7302]

Been enjoying your videos for a few years you have to say you guys enjoy your desserts that looks pretty damn Vegas Bill be safe

[@pkornbak]

Lovely, what a good couple you are!

[@LivingtheHumanExperience]

Looking good for 65, Happy Birthday

[@jc1701]

Happy 50th birthday Shawn 🤪 no wait 40th! 🥳. PS: Sweet B day meal, lucky man.

[@goodfellasYUL]

🥳 Happy Birthday from Cologne / Germany 🙂

[@Colinpark]

I swear your Nordhaven has a bigger and better laid out galley/kitchen than many of the listings for "apartments" I have seen.

[@mvfreedom]

Colin Park we agree!

[@jimthow7393]

Check out todays Vancouver sun on destination “isolation” trips. Something to think about, as you do your day trips off your boat. I like your videos but perhaps now is not the most appropriate time. All the best.

[@ronward146]

You two have more than made a wise choice by making MV Freedom your home. Under those conditions we face today live aboard's are at a premium especially within the P.N.W. waters of Puget Sound. Make a plan and plot a course and choose what views to enjoy day after day. I'll return to the salt soon enough myself and make a passage to my home waters once again in the future. Keep up the great work on your views and kudos for this share. Happy birthday Shawn... belated of course! P.S. Elizabeth, your dingy skills are more than adequate for inland waters...js Be safe and stay well God Bless

[@3bbadbob]

Thanks for sharing your adventures and you life on your boat. I watch a couple channels with couples living on boats. I've always wanted to know about the dining/food making/preparation for the week...

[@kmrbsc]

Fairly new to your channel. Another great video. Stay safe!!!

[@johnkaiser3868]

Your production values are getting better with each new video. Good job! Keep them coming. Stay safe.

[@ronnchase4872]

Shawn, if you think life aboard is great getting that SS check every month is wonderful! Happy Birthday.

[@subarokec]

I just don't get it how some of you guys think that Shawn is 50 years old. He looks around 35 to me and Elizabeth is sure quite a few years younger. Now I know his age, but I still think that Elizabeth is not even close to his age. Anyways, thank you guys for the best vlogs, I love to see the maintenance work on the boat and all the repairs. Stay happy, safe and healthy!

[@charlesletts651]

subarokec &

[@charlesletts651]

Sorry for the fat finger reply. Love your videos. I’ve been dreaming of the same life ever since my daughter moved to Edmonds.

[@donaldbrown7746]

It would be interesting to see the breakdown of the cost of living on a boat full time vs costs associated with living on land... Also, your thoughts after a couple of months on what you miss or perhaps don’t miss about living land based... What are the things you like about full time live aboard and things that you don’t enjoy... I must say your videos are very well thought out and informative... Cheers...

[@fulltimber]

Happy 50th In advance Shawn ! Well done mate 👍 🍺🍻🎂🥂🍾🍷

[@roberttorres809]

Happy belated birthday Shawn. Thanks for sharing guys and stay safe. Oh, and before I forget; I’d say that Shawn is probable 50 years old...

[@mvfreedom]

Robert Torres well kind of, 50 minus 10!

[@GusCarlson]

Nice and new and shimmery shiny!

[@ChaosImages]

I’m new to your channel and really love it - the boat life, the area you are cruising, and your obvious enjoyment of life together - so thank you, especially in the crazy world we are in at the moment. My only suggestion would be to use some decent music to go with the locations and the vibes - just a thought!

[@davidanderson8381]

50 already ? Wow, and you don't look a minute over 45. (Happy birthday mate and all the best!)

[@mvfreedom]

David Anderson whah whah? 50???

[@davidanderson8381]

@@mvfreedom - Sorry - Cheap shot!

[@wjboom1]

I sold the house, bought a Meridian 490 and became a live aboard last year. I’m just moving back on board today after our winter layup. Plan on going south this fall as I retire. Love your videos and you guys just being you. I’ll keep checking in on your progress. Capt Bill @TemptUs

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmit3075]

Happy B-day Shawn, you have circumvented the sun 50 TIMES in your life....

[@mvfreedom]

JohnJacobJingleHimer Schmit or maybe 40???

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmit3075]

@@mvfreedom LOL! my bad!

[@johnm5714]

I would say 40 too--

[@mitchadkins3831]

You are a lucky man Shawn, happy birthday

[@steveharvey1876]

Stay Well! Cheers!

[@caminator1000]

How do you have confidence at anchor while sleeping? We are new to boating and I don’t think I could sleep. Lol

[@bradbusch9585]

Boom looks fantastic

[@williamwhaley7842]

Happy Birthday to Shawn!

[@ianadkins471]

Awesome vid....making the most of this craziness! Thank you. Mr Sully continues to be the start of the show.....love him!

[@7WetDawg3]

Each video gets better and better!

[@Sirena_Edonismo]

Shawn, I am sorry sorry. You are trapped in a confined space with Elizabeth for days if not weeks and months at a time. Oh, the horror! 🤦🏻‍♂️❤️❤️❤️ You guys are really awesome. Happy belated birthday 🎂

[@jpmerrick8886]

Yeah life's tough and she's smart too

[@jimthow7393]

Oh wow, that’s harsh. I was unaware of this. Thanks for posting this reply. I’m sure MV Freedom will act accordingly. This type of rational reply is what is needed, most will listen too you... hopefully. Thankyou.

[@haroldconnell2973]

Enjoying your videos

[@stuartvarvel27]

I lived on boat for 5 years and loved every minute of it 🇬🇧

[@look4terry]

Nice you guys. We did a trip on a Cat last summer in the San Juan's. It is nice to see some of the same places. Looks pretty empty compared to summer :). I too would like to know how you guys compare the cost of living on land and a boat. I know there are a lot of variables, but ... BTW, even though the Catamaran was a good sailer, we motored most of the time to get to where we wanted to go. Kind of a vote for a trawler. You have to let the wind take you to where it wants a lot of the time on a sail boat.

[@Big_M_Race_Ace]

Geez, everyone should live on a boat, mate I couldn't even afford your dinghy 😉

[@johnbettano6026]

Happy birthday 40yrs

[@jangles55]

Your video skills are A+! Thank you, love the dogs enthusiasm!

[@badlandsbiker9760]

I would love to see how you deal with technology in a more in-depth video. We are considering living aboard for a while but since I still have to work and currently work from home internet is a non negotiable necessity. How are you wired up for it and what would you do different. Thanks.

[@mvfreedom]

Exit2 Designs great question and we certainly will talk more about that. Currently we have a WiFi plan through our marina and then a Sprint hotspot while on the water. The latter is OK, so we both end up using our own hotspots from Verizon and AT&T when at anchor. However, at the marina and at most marinas there’s no issue.

[@James-seafan]

thank you for sharing

[@kentreg1]

Enjoy those beautiful San Juans! Jones Island to the NW is a sweet little spot with good anchorage if you haven't seen it. Cheers!

[@mvfreedom]

kentreg1 we tried that first but had NO CELL service anywhere so we went to places we knew were decent.

[@kentreg1]

@@mvfreedom I used to follow "Three at Sea" on YT, they also had a Nordhavn and lived aboard. In one of his vids he installed a wifi antenna on his mast and was thrilled with the result. Also maybe a cell booster? You could do the Satellite thing but that is probably damned expensive. Anyway stay safe and my you never run out of wine! Cheers.

[@mvfreedom]

kentreg1 they were our first inspiration to owning and traveling aboard a Nordhavn!!! And yes, stay tuned for a video on our cell booster installation.

[@missybloo]

Happy Birthday Shawn!

[@ericr.3759]

Another nice place to land in that area is a public beach between the southern tip of Decatur and Rim Island. You can walk the trail on the east end of the beach for views of Rosario and Lopez pass.

[@NormanGrant4Jesus]

I like the videos. Think of buying a boat to take some trips. Was wandering what you needed to visit the Islands or other countries. Such as papers, passport, and do you have to be licensed to sail?

[@MrCanadiandad]

Excellent video. Can't get enough footage of that little cutie, Mr. Sully. He is so happy all the time! Proud to be a Canadian and have such a beautiful West coast. But wish I could visit it more often. ONE question for you. You live on such a plentiful source of so many wonderful tasting things -- the sea. Why is it that you do not take advantage of the food sources at your disposal? If I were in your position I would be eating crab, shellfish, halibut, salmon, and so much more caught fresh every day! So sad to not see you drop a fishing line in the water once in a while and find out what you can catch and prepare!

[@gordonlewandowski77]

Right or wrong, the Gov has declared no fishing. Combine that with seasonal closures and, well, steak!

[@timroden6617]

I think your timing was great. I am afraid it could get ugly just getting to an area that I can get a boat.

[@retiredfederalie178]

Mr. Sully has boat cabin fever.

[@hectorrios5402]

I know I’m late but happy bday🤟🏾🎉🎉🎉🍾🥂’s

[@SLLEPNAD]

Doing the big “Q” the right way! Awesome vis folks. Please enjoy my jealousy.

[@dannyv2335]

Hey, heard you hit a milestone. Happy 21st birthday bud 👍

[@jeffslaven]

Stay safe Shawn, Elizabeth and Sully!

[@robertc.fisher3214]

Do you guys have a cell phone booster, like a WeBoost, A lot of RVers use that one to boost their cell reception and have internet via the phone. I love your boat, it seems like you're doing the most responsible thing by getting away from the craziness of the city.

[@mvfreedom]

Robert C. Fisher check out next week’s video about our WeBoost installation! So far the jury is out on whether or not it earns its keep, so we’ll see.

[@donhappel9928]

@@mvfreedom I haven't tried the WeBoost in a marine application but have one installed in one of my Land Rovers used for back-country travel in the mountains. I'd say it's good for perhaps a 5-10% improvement in coverage. I'd have to give it a pass if I were asked to do it again.

[@scottlandreth1857]

Why do you have a line holding in the anchor line? What does it do?

[@mvfreedom]

Scott Landreth that’s a bridle and it’s main purpose is to take the force off the windlass, it lowers the attack angle of the anchor chain and reduces noise of the anchor chain on the anchor roller. It makes a HUGE difference!

[@chrismcgann8448]

At least we know why we never see her driving the big boat. Haha

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

Happy Birthday sailor. How often does a vessel of Freedoms size/tonnage have to be removed from the water for inspection/certification?

[@mvfreedom]

Vagabondo5591 we don’t need any certifications but we generally pull out every 2 years for maintenance and inspections.

[@douglasbakker9064]

Thank you for posting such wonderful videos and stories. During your walk in this video you mentioned tank management. My question to you is, where do you drain your grey and black tank? Are you allowed to drain your black tank during your travels?

[@donhappel9928]

In the US, you cannot pump a holding tank overboard unless you are at least 3 miles at sea. There can also other regional and local restrictions; for example I believe the entire San Juan area is designated as a no-discharge zone on the US side. Of course when you cross the boarder into Canadian waters the laws change and you'll find more overboard discharge. Grey water in general can be drained directly overboard and in fact many (most) boats do not have a grey water tank. Most larger marinas and fuel docks have pump-out facilities to empty black water tanks, and in many areas there are mobile services that will come to your boat on a regular schedule to pump them out. There are also some systems for on-board treatment that allow legal discharge however I've found most of them to be somewhat finicky.

[@mvfreedom]

Douglas Bakker the response below is right on, we can empty grey anywhere and most boats have an automatic pump. Black we can’t and certainly wouldn’t want discharge in these waters. Most every marina or public dock has a pump out station that we use 2-3x/month.

[@douglasbakker9064]

@@mvfreedom Thanks for the information. Do I understand this correctly, that you don't have a Gray tank that RV have?

[@jpmerrick8886]

Ah din looks great

[@devintrudeau6351]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY shawn!!!!! its my birthday today also

[@mikeo9594]

Great scenery up there....ever wish it was a tad bit warmer?...Happy Belated Birthday....

[@mvfreedom]

Mike O every day! We love the remoteness of the PNW, the eagles, bears and whales so despite craving warmer waters and temps it’s very hard to leave here.

[@jwrappuhn71]

Great vid guys.

[@toddkarrick6711]

I've heard the saying, living the dream, all my life. You guys ARE living the Dream...

[@mikied8885]

Sooo love this channel!

[@jeffscherer1078]

Thank you!

[@Berrus81]

My guestins are how do you pay for this life? What jobs do you do? And i saw most of your videos and they are great but they are all in the BC area wich is beautiful but do you plan to go out of your comfortzone and really travel the world? I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands 👋

[@mvfreedom]

Berrus81 the reason we haven’t yet left this region is because of that horrible four letter word - Work!!! We both still work and are stock piling funds to one day soon take a few years off to travel the globe. If we win the lottery, maybe even sooner 👍

[@MrMediterrano]

@@mvfreedom What if at the same time you both happened to have to leave the boat for several days or a few weeks in a row and if there was no nearby wind-protected anchoring spot, exorbitantly expensive marina slips being the only other option. Would you then leave the boat on anchor or rather pay $300/day for the marina? PS: I deliberately came up with this scenario because it pretty much exactly matches my options here in the Med.

[@stevecieri2755]

Happy Birthday Shawn. What were the most difficult items to part with, emotionally, financially, and logistically?

[@ericdowney3716]

Happy birthday Shawn

[@ericalbert6954]

Bonjour, Merci pour vos vidéos superbes ! Question : Vous n'avez pas peur qu'on vous vole le "dinghy" quand vous le laissez au ponton ?

[@SLLEPNAD]

Have y’all considered some folding ebikes? I have one and love it. It would greatly increase your shore exploration range.

[@mvfreedom]

SLLEPNAD yes but they’re quite large even folded. We opted for Segway scooters last summer that fold up super small and are pretty light weight. We love them and hope to get them out soon!

[@Richnoonan1]

So fantastic, I think now more then ever you are showing all of us a wonderful alternative lifestyle. Your shooting, editing, pacing, story telling are really good, and getting better with every video. Your use of voice over to transition from one subject to the next is another level from most on youtube and great. I love that you show cooking for some reason it is just fun to see that you both eat so well on that boat. I detest music montages and think they are almost always a total waste of valuable time, your music montages have become shorter all the time, and I appreciate that. I would so much rather hear one of your talking about your life. Even the mundane choirs are more interesting then a music montage..thank you for limiting them. I have spent my life in television and video production, there is a reason why you do not see many music montages on TV..they make people reach for the clicker, or fast forward button. This video was your best..simply great. It is always great to hear details about costs..what does your lifestyle cost? How does this compare to your previous life in an apartment in terms of cost? You are both good looking, smart, cool people...and those are the ingredients for great video..more more more..been watching since the start. THANK YOU..we all need a nice diversion right now.

[@johnguz76]

San Juan county now is asking all visitors to stay away from the islands.Even went as far as asking residents to not go to the mainland unless absolutely needed.And if they go to mainland to do a 14 day quarantine.

[@bengt_axle]

I agree with this. I think if you are a live aboard, you should go back to your home marina and stay there until the government orders are lifted, walking your dog only outside your own home marina. Island hoping is an unnecessary recreational activity. I think it is quite disingenuous to read 1(a)4 the way she does (13:46), when the sign clearly states they don't want recreational users. In Spain, Italy and Louisiana, Covid-19 has grown because of people coming from the outside brought it there. If you are on a small island, you may not have medical facilities to care for more vulnerable residents such as the aged or the immuno-compromised. So cruisers, stay away, just like the rest of the population that is refraining from all unnecessary travel. You only truly experience freedom when you have the ability to say, "I won't do this, even though I want to, because it may harm others, and that does not bother me." True freedom actually comes from forbearance, just the opposite of always trying to exercise your rights.

[@angelakrisinger2246]

@@bengt_axle Actually, Friday Harbor's first case was brought on to your island by one of your own . Check the facts before making erroneous accusations.

[@fromyonderpeaks]

@@bengt_axle Elizabeth reads what it says. Of course you can go for a walk while maintaining proper social distancing. Kudos to her for checking the proclamation and being conscientious in adhering to the accepted protocol . If you are worried about coming across these two on a hike, get off the trail or road and let them pass. Stay a long way away. You can be conscientious and take precautions too, if you are worried. Nobody will get Covid-19 from what they are doing, guaranteed.

[@islander7277]

@@angelakrisinger2246 Having the virus brought here by a Firefighter who has lived here for 40 years is a lot different than a couple of selfish people gallivanting around in the islands and posting it on youtube.

[@angelakrisinger2246]

@@islander7277 Careful... your pitchfork is showing...

[@sb1806]

that eagle was eye balling sully

[@mvfreedom]

Steve Bryan indeed he was, so we had him wrapped up in our arms to avoid a situation 😉

[@kevinbrooks1104]

How do you keep the moisture off of your clothing because inherently whenever you are on the water there's alot of moisture in the air? I hope this makes sense to you.

[@Dan-sd5bm]

HI is there a formula to estimate the cost of insurance for a Nordhavn? Thanx

[@mvfreedom]

Topcat it all depends on where you’re cruising and where you plan to cruise, but typically 1-5% of the boat value is where you might be.

[@jerryb953]

Thanks for keeping us entertained. You are doing a great job. Its just what we need. Be sides of the fact that you have a great channel for those of us who love boats. spent a lot of time in the SAN JUANS in the past. Sutia was one of our favorites. You might have it to yourselfs.

[@murph58]

Hi. I'm viewing your vlogs from France. It so wonderful to watch your travels and experiences. I was wondering if you ever find the nomadic lifestyle difficult at times.

[@mvfreedom]

Leslie Beautridge hi! Right now we have a home port in Seattle and our travel is only in the Pacific Northwest of the US and British Columbia, Canada, so we still have connections to a consistent community. But currently we’ve been away for nearly a month on the hook, and after this experience we can imagine how difficult a nomadic lifestyle might be when you’re constantly on the move or in a new location for even longer periods.

[@Orchidart59]

Happy 21st Sean. Would love that Biscuits recipe. Looks so you. I would love to know how you wash and dry your gear?. Would like to see more of how you food shop on boat living. Do you exercise on boat? When not out walking. From Cheryl-Anne in Queensland Australia.

[@dougdillard9006]

OMG... We love that dog! and of course the two of you also.

[@ericdowney3716]

I understand everything your doing. I like it.