LIVING ABOARD A BOAT: the PROS & CONS of living full-time aboard a 43' trawler! [NORDHAVN 43]

[@IMRROcom]

Watching this, I think it is funny you have a hobby of looking at Houses, My hobby seems to be looking at Yachts...

[@paulbenoit9431]

Another plus of boat life: No yard work!! Love your videos.

[@riccaruso7791]

I’d miss cutting & stacking firewood! 🪵 lol

[@Puddlepiratesince1953]

Are you kidding. 100 % of living on a boat is the equivalent of doing 2-3 yards a day. The bigger the boat more yards. This life aint for the easy chair dweller.

[@cliffmorgan6085]

We live in the northeast. My wife, every time we get a cord of wood. ( We burn 4 cords a winter). So I tell her " if we lived on a boat wouldn't have to do this. In our line of work we can dock in South Carolina for winter and Connecticut for summer. Plus I've been around boats since I was 15. And now I'm 60. Time to board.

[@gordonlewandowski77]

Random thoughts. For those not familiar with the term, “On the Hard” = the boat is out of the water and on land (resting on what are usually large timber’s and held steady by adjustable brackets that brace the hull against the ground). Re staying in shape, good advice, but also all the chores help and when on the boat at sea or at anchor there is constant motion which means constant small core adjustments (it’s not just “salt air” that makes you tired). So glad Sandy is still part of your production; as I’ve asked before, please never change that. Re sea legs - we find that it takes a bit of reorienting if we’ve been cruising for a few days and not on land during that time. It feels like the land is moving.

[@mvfreedom]

All good points, especially the core adjustments while underway. Our bodies are always working!

[@ChannelKT]

When we decided to buy a boat, someone told us, "It's not a investment for monetary return, but it's an investment for your soul." They were so right, but I do agree that people should really calculate all of the costs involved before jumping in head first. This was a great video!

[@backthebadge4009]

Great episode you guys....We have lived on our 47’ motor-sailor for the last 5 years. Getting rid of all the stuff, was the most cleansing thing I have ever done. It is nice to live with less, and get down to the needs, not the wants part of life. It is also good to know that if everything in the USA or the World goes really bad, we can just move to the safety of a new place. We have enough food to last 1 year. We have a water maker, and all the spare parts and tools to fix almost every possible problem. Remember BOAT= Break Out Another Thousand

[@malekodesouza7255]

The older I get, the more I keep thinking about "simplifying" our life. Less "stuff" would not be so bad. And we do love the boating life...I tell people "we have a cabin...it just floats and we can move it when we tire of the view". With retirement looming, this option is one The Admiral and I have talked about. It will take a definite upgrade, though...more than the 5' rule. Thanks for sharing and I've forwarded this to my wife for her to watch.

[@scaniamanbert]

Thanks for letting us join you aboard,I look forward to watching your videos every sunday.

[@RoyCHaven]

Ok, I learned something from Sean that I can try at home. Fold the bed sheets and put them back in the dryer. I love it.

[@Sharpesfew]

"invest in experience" love that saying....

[@matbailey7730]

Great video and thanks for answering Catherine’s question. Very happy 9yr old. We’re a few years from our living onboard plans but will get there. For now we leave the boat on the Sundays just as you mentioned! Look forward to more videos and following the adventure from the UK

[@mvfreedom]

Oh great, so glad she saw the video. Tell her 👋 from the Freedom crew!!!

[@mmanut]

That was a beautiful 40 ft SeaRay you guys owned. Nothing like your Nordhaven, IMO the Nordhaven is definitely a top of the line boat & as you said very safe and I think they hold their value much better than most boats. GOOD LUCK GUYS AND SAFETY FIRST ‼️ ‼️ ⛴ Vinny 🇺🇸

[@hedhtr4]

Did what you are doing until i reached an age where I could no longer do the necessary maintenance. Loved every minute. Hope you spend many great years with no regrets.

[@DrCrabfingers]

Nice couple....you're living the life that I want to live...I'm glad you are aware of the privilege of your lifestyle. Man that engine room headroom is low....!! What I really like is that you are both quite young...so many people that do what you are doing are retirees and it's great that you are young enough to bring your enthusiasm to your boat for years and years and years...I love it!

[@mozartkeppler4522]

You two are magical. :up: We live in the Cayman Islands, and my Bride and me have considered the liveaboard life. Really appreciate the frank and true assessment of your lifestyle. thank you SO much!!!! I hope you continue to keep us updated on your progression. I wonder, also, how well cats would adapt to the sea life; I think they would do well, however cats do whateverthehell they want, unlike dogs, who want to do whatever YOU want. You two make this life seem possible. Thank you so much!

[@marcc482]

You guys are a very down to earth and likable couple... loved your intelligent and very real comments about boat living and ownership... also love seeing how you two interact as a couple... very nice indeed !!! Greetings from Texas 🤠

[@manfredseidler1531]

Look into collecting all your notes from your Q & A and publishing them (before someone else beats you to it) into a "How to transition from land to sea life' book. You guys are so thoughtful, thorough, insightful, and gifted in sharing info. I don't have a boat and will never have one (we currently have 9 in our family) yet I'm drawn to your postings like a good book which you can't put down. I'm convinced you guys would be successful no matter what you'd put your minds to, everything you do is so professional.

[@johnnyhunter4345]

We lived part time on our boat in a livaboard marina for about 7 years. The comradarie among boat owners was our favorite feature. My suggestion is start small before selling your house. Then work you way up to a boat you could live on and fellow boaters will help you pick your next boat. You will learn the layout, features of boats from observations, conversations with other boat owners. Plus your boating neighbors will guide you as you learn how to maintain your boat. We were fortunate to have a landline, water, cable, laundry, heat and a/c, all the comforts of home. We bought right, kept boat for 7 years and sold for about 10% less than we paid. We kept up with waxing, washing, appliances, etc. I still enjoy walking docks and talking with boat owners when we travel.....I call it a sickness... Plan on spending 10% of your boat cost every year on maintenance.

[@terrymalone6355]

Thanks guys ! We're currently building a 67' Aluminum Kat for America's Great Loop. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. We love yalls videos, keep em coming ! Terry and Stephanie

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Perfect timing. I just go back in the house after spending a few hours raking up leaf's and mowing the lawns for hopefully the last time. No yard work when you live on a boat hahaha Of course you just change it to some thing different. Good episode, much enjoyed.

[@rero6212]

It's so obvious that you guys love each other so much, you guys are awesome. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@scottsimonson6468]

I just watched your video. My wife and I have lived on and cruised around southeast Alaska on our 53' Hatteras motoryacht since 2005. (home port is Juneau, AK) I really enjoyed your comments. I agree with most everything you said. Wildlife outside your window every day, spectacular sunsets/rises, moon, stars, peaceful setting. I do miss having a garage...that's my #1 complain as well. I also enjoy the "forced exercise" of longer walks to the car etc. I hope you guys make your way to AK soon! Cheers!

[@timothyzingg4226]

I think Shawn may have been a Proper English Butler in a previous life.

[@snortyhog]

Not with accent!

[@ShanLiB]

I really enjoyed this video. It has a lot of great information and insights. Thanks for taking the time to organize your thoughts and get this to us.

[@orionsbelt3332]

So this is some of the best advice I've ever heard about living on a boat full time. I've been living on my 40ft Luhrs for 2 years now and I wish I would have seen your video beforehand...lol... You touched basis on everything people need to know before making the leap. I must say that it's definitely a learning experience. You realize you don't need nearly as much "stuff" as you thought you needed...lol. And I also, am thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle for sure. Thanks again for the video!

[@jeffstewart3703]

Wow! Amazing...thank you for your honesty and the education...

[@billdillard885]

Great Vid You’s Guys! Really excellent points on living aboard! As an aside note... residential real estate is generally not a great investment tool... there’s lots of data out there regarding that. So you living in a “tiny space” does free up your “investing” opportunities. And great points regarding the dastardly “ Salt Monster” Shawn. We have a Condo on the coast as well as home in Orlando. It’s always a struggle to “educate” owners who come from the mid-lands on why we have to spend so much on the building (or a boat) and its services to stay ahead of the Salt Monster in a sea coast environment! Bravo!

[@junebrooks665]

I to live on my boat and love love love it and would never decide to return permanently to a land based residence Thank you for educating g the world

[@tmac709]

That was a good history of how you two met and how you two planned out how you were going to live on a boat. Your dreams....

[@gilnarvaez1830]

Great video as usual. We lived aboard on our 41 ft sailboat in Boston Harbor and your comments are right on the mark. A sectional?! Never thought about missing one of these on board... but now that you mention it 🧐 .... We miss our live aboard days a lot. We’re currently on a N40 cruising around Florida... hopefully we will live aboard again in the future, perhaps on a bigger Nordhavn 😎.

[@stephenmorgan3036]

Great stuff you two are throwing out there for anyone contemplating the boat life. Don't stop what you guys are doing. We love it.

[@BenBfd]

I stumbled across your channel earlier this year during the early days of Covid lockdown and binge watched most of your videos. I guess I was suffering from wanderlust at the time! I now really enjoy watching the weekly videos from here in Yorkshire in the UK, it was good to see the short clip of Sandy as well! I hope you get to do the longer trips soon.

[@lawsonshilingkendall4246]

Really enjoyed this session as it brought back many memories and moments of shared experiences having had a trawler on Lake Michigan in the late 80's through the 90's. Related to the idea that most of the time you're in the marina just enjoying the setting and while there was always a ton of work, it was one of those things that provided much of the satisfaction and enjoyment of marine life - like a close friend, you got to know your boat intimately. While we did not live on the boat, we spent a lot of extended stays on the boat. And finally, I totally relate to the sadness felt at the end of the season as the winter months approached, anticipating, more than just a cold winter, a long and dark season. In the fall of 1999 I moved west to where the sun shined all year round. At 78, I will enjoy boating vicariously by eavesdropping in on boat people like you. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

5:51 Starlink is the best for full time travel. Thanks for sharing

[@Big.Ron1]

Thank you. Informative for sure. Be safe and have fun!

[@jeffslaven]

Thank you for this informative video. You have firmed my resolve to but a boat and live on board for my retirement. Love your channel.

[@jimrogers9253]

another great episode. you young folks display a lot of intelligence, maturity, and common sense. my best to the dogs. JDR

[@jimmckinlock8206]

I've been following you guys for a long time and this is by far my favorite video.

[@stevensnow4112]

Really enjoyed this. Very candid and balanced with enough detail. Wishing you well.

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

For the past 60 years I've been dreaming of being on a shanty boat on a river being in the South Lane for the winter and head up to the northern parts in the summer... It was a kid I heard the stories of Huck Finn his river adventures and I was hooked... I hurt my butt off for years so I could retire earlier than most people so in 2009 every tired. But then life showed up... First off my wife who is quite Young refused to quit her job and travel the roads with me to start with. I told her my dreams leading up to my retirement and I thought she was on board with then I found out when the time came she wasn't. So I jumped on my motorcycle and I hit the road by myself and that got boring because I missed her not being with me. It's always more fun when you can share special moments and places with somebody else. And life got real ugly in 2012 when I was in a very serious motorcycle accident.. Just left me physically disabled can't ride two wheels no more. But I do have a caneous spider I can write three wheels on a few good days that I get. I look forward to my physically good days that I can get out just ride for a little bit I miss it so much. You two has been my best friend I get to travel with people like you your adventures become my adventures and I enjoy watching thanks for taking time to share it with me... Much love and prayers be blessed in Jesus name... BBE 🤗🤗

[@mvfreedom]

Wow tragic story but glad you’re OK and living on!

[@davepuranen4734]

We live on our boat on the Great lakes. We agree with your comments. Paticularly the minimal lifestyle and it's not cheaper. Part of boat life is moving one thing to get to another.

[@gavinmarshall6348]

You have now convinced me I could not downsize enough for a boat but I would still love to have one.

[@marcericdavis]

Good advice on the hat and sun screen. We had a great time on out 3 year cruse, but we've both had skin cancers removed despite being careful. The water reflects the sun and doubles you UV exposer.

[@mvfreedom]

Yes and even cloudy days are problematic too!

[@davecolman9446]

I live-aboard a 39' Mainship; nice boat. What I really love about the higher-end yachts, Nordies, Nordic Tug, DeFever, etc. is the dedicated pilot-house with day-bed and chart table.

[@jibsoling1866]

Hi Guys, i love your channel and your boat. We Are living since 24 years on a Boat in the Netherlands. During that time we have got the most funny questions. Like is it not cold, or how do you shower...... haha. But I agree, the only regret I have is, I should have done it sooner. We live more conscious, we live with the elements and enjoy the changing environment. Worry on a low front coming over and extremely appreciate a no wind beautifull sunset. There is only one negative thing on your video. Don’t tell others how great it is, we might end up with to manny people in this so fantastic lifestyle. Haha. Keep them coming the great videos. So Thank full for them.

[@diegoreza878]

The leg lamp 😜 I got the reference. Thanks for the video. My wife and I really enjoyed the candidness 🤙

[@ronward146]

Fun and informative video. Obviously downsizing for practical purposes is a tough to get used to but it does have its payoffs. Cast off at a moments notice and not be tied down with material responsibilities.

[@johnjcoxiii9401]

An EXCELLENT Presentation. THANK YOU!

[@williammoss2051]

YOU GUYS ARE EASY TO LISTEN TO AND VERY INFORMATIVE. NORDHAVN JELLY!

[@andrebankston-ct6ws]

Living on a boat is a great experience and lifestyle. Teaches the simple things in life if your willing to put in the work.

[@kennethainley5254]

Great video. Keep up the good work. Stay healthy. Ken from Rhode Island.

[@grahamfawcett4461]

Brilliant! ... "straight talk' ... honest and perceptive ... and thanks for the links to the products you use - they explain how you are able to produce such a high-quality and interesting vlog. Keep it up.

[@the_omg3242]

One aspect that I never see mentioned since you compare it to waterfront property is that you pay your taxes on it when you buy and you're pretty much done feeding government incompetence. No yearly property tax bill that goes up year after year to cover out of control spending by politicians wasting other people's money. And if they do start to get the idea that you owe them year after year, you fire up your engine and take your home somewhere with smarter politicians. (it's a big planet)

[@thomasw5430]

Loved this episode. I for one would not have a. Issue with downsizing- all I really need is a place to keep my Peloton Bike, and a good sound system, since I love listening to music. The digitizing of pictures is really good because you can buy one of those networked frames and just put photos on the frame and have them cycle through. Thanks for the laundry tip Sean! I’ll have to try that with the sheets. I would love to live aboard and travel but since I am pretty much a confirmed bachelor, not really in the cards for me, unless you guys can recommend a boat I can singlehandedly sail.

[@mvfreedom]

Being a bachelor might help you since you don’t have to consult with anyone else! And our boat is very easy to single handle, Shawn’s done it before. Maybe a good video idea 🤔🤔🤔

[@RoyCHaven]

Terrific video packed with useful information. Thanks!

[@kj3rd2657]

Thanks for the good boat info and wishing for the both of you to stay safe on the water.

[@alisavas9526]

Great episode! Loved the format 👍 Very informative too

[@johneveringham1497]

Really enjoyed your video. First .. cute couple . VERY informative. I'm retired.. was raised on an island in Ontario, Canada. Have had a life long dream of living on a boat. Haven't done it yet, however, you two brought up some excellent things to consider. Enjoy your boat life.!!! John E.

[@MizLizzie69]

Excellent advice! We are considering this but are older, so much to consider!

[@johnmichaeltracy9050]

hi guys. thanks for this video. a whole lot of solid advice from you both. the pre water moves makes such good sense. a gradual removal of the extras from ground based life and not just rushing into it. very good stuff. keep enjoying.

[@MsBiggles51]

Great video, and thanks for not having music drowning you out. It looks like a wonderful lifestyle.

[@ianadkins471]

Really great video....and good advice for those considering full time boat life. I considered living on a boat but ended up buying a small 32’ Grand Banks to learn and trip on while living 15 minutes from my house. Like you I find myself always wanting to be on the boat and may do that eventually. It was a very good point about downsizing....which will be my toughest thing. Love your show and sharing the journey. I selfishly can’t wait for you guys to begin you voyages 😝

[@mvfreedom]

We can’t either but have a big trip planned in 2021 while still working!

[@billburkey4774]

Loved the update! Thank you for sharing!! We’re the opposite here. I absolutely love the Selene 57 and my admiral loves the Nordhavn. Both are open ocean capable so it’s a difficult decision! Plus, the Selene can come with two sofas!!! 😃

[@fredsillner4342]

Awesome video! You guys are such a great down to earth couple. Still not sure if year round livable is doable in New England but will be looking at a 35’ Nordhavn next week!! Stay healthy and stay safe.

[@marcericdavis]

Cruising is repairing your boat in exotic ports all over the world. BTW buy Nigel Calder's books on boat repair. Very helpful.

[@SVELFARO]

We love living on our boat here in Vancouver, enjoy you Vids hope to see you up here one day. I look in my mailbox in the marina when i come home from work and its empty every time, Paperless as you say is the way to go.

[@mvfreedom]

No Mail is a very nice feeling!

[@TheJanez59]

Elizabeth, you are just wonderfull woman ! All the best guys !

[@stevelerigny6280]

Doh! You just blew it for me, I was close to getting my wife to think about looking at Nordhavens. The no cozy couch and no lamp conversation killed it! 😂. More work to do now

[@jaywellington9904]

A good episode would be about the tools you have. Basic, boat, and Nordhavn specific. Cheers from New Hampshire, Jay

[@carldewey-us8jx]

Just wanted to thank you for your show.

[@kurtisarnold2788]

Thanks for sharing so openly about your experienced and perspectives.

[@bgjr2304]

You two have a great chemistry

[@amyboxerowner7704]

A wonderful fun video! Good information and video! Continued safe travel!

[@KandiSueTheBlue]

That was a great video. You guys work so well together and are fun to watch and when you come to Australia, let's get together.🌬🌴😎🦘

[@mvfreedom]

Yes! Mr Sully looks forward to meeting Kandi one day 🐶

[@brianbright7501]

I say it each time, you guys are awesome!!!!

[@mvfreedom]

Right back atcha 😁😁😁

[@joshcrafts5659]

This video was helpful and informative! And also the part about how you two met was nice

[@lucianosantucci108]

Great work. You answer so many questions that are helpful for people who are reluctant.

[@guymanges3628]

Your doing it right. With Shawn's age and health and being a tinker he needs a boat or the like for quality of life.. Bless you two

[@karlsamuels5300]

Hi Guys, sure enjoy your videos, especially the ones sailing the west coast. Your Q&A was well answered. How do you find someone that has a love for the sea? Although I am a navy veteran, there is no was my wife will ever give in to me and enjoy life on a boat. I follow a few couples sailing the world. This allows me to escape and find a sense of harmony. Thank you, to you all. Cheers. BravoZulu.

[@tjborekvideo]

I am doing early research on this topic for 5-10 years in the future, and your video was very informative.

[@thomasdoig]

I'm from Port Washington WI so what a small world! Great video. Thanks. My wife and I are casting off the lines 9/17/2022 in a 44' Krogen for at least two back-to-back loops and then we're not sure!

[@mvfreedom]

How cool, and yes small world indeed! We always loved boating to PW for Fish Day 😉

[@rockobeam2706]

I grew up on a boat and still live aboard my own 34 years of my 36 alive. Thought I'd see the pros and con's.... never had a shop or big couch, so can't relate lol. Nice boat guys. Maybe see you on the water sometime. I'm up on Vancouver Island Campbell river area. Stay safe there.

[@andrebankston-ct6ws]

I am able to put up a Hammock with large serta foam pillows outside on the back deck and one inside. Works just as nice as a big sofa.

[@uk1922]

Good luck with your dreams. Stay safe.

[@sinashahidi8697]

I loved that Ka-ching sound in the middle of the video! I have the exact same alert for purchases made on my e-commerce and I think I spotted the same cheeky smile on Shawn’s face when it sounded! 😉

[@jamesmulhern6733]

Wonderful vedio. You as i have said ade a sound choice with the boat you have now. Go where you want when you want . I hope to do this in a couple of years. I have been planning for this type living for 3 years now . Thank You for explaining things that is simple and very understandable. Sfe cruising you too.

[@jimbaker8624]

Terrific video. Very helpful.

[@johnlatulippe5939]

Great video. You guys make an excellent couple.

[@BoatingJourney]

Love this video! And thank you for the shout out 🥰🥰. We hope we're right behind you guys!!!

[@robertsackett4650]

Bravo. A fine livaboard video production extravaganza.

[@chuckcline9728]

Awesome video! From the Clines - live aboards in Sitka, AK

[@mvfreedom]

Can’t wait to get up there next year, maybe even live there for a year 🤞

[@stephenyork4419]

Great Video, as usual, lots of great info. Well Done!

[@guyrowland894]

Great segment guys. Very informative.

[@toneloc2943]

I love the video, and as for your internet issues, look into Mi-fi. It’s just a portable wall plug-in WiFi device, better than hotspot, much better. My family used it off grid when we lived in southern Oregon. Thank me later 👍

[@polarbear111000]

Hi from Lions Bay Canada!! Hope to see you guys back up here soon ;)

[@47vulcanride]

Excellent vid, very informative for anyone considering doing this. Thanks. Tim in CA

[@tybarbier]

I love it!! great job on working hard at accomplishing this goal!

[@dennismalcolm6620]

YOU BOTH ARE A SPECIAL COUPLE!!!!.I WOULD ALSO FOLD THE SHEETS AND COOK FOR YOU ELIZABETH. YOUR SMILE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. SHAWN YOU ARE A LUCKY GUY. 😉😋😍🤩😎

[@James-seafan]

excellent video very informative thank you for sharing shawn elizabeth and mr sully

[@carlpaladino427]

Very interesting video. Lost of calculated thought went into you decision.