REALITIES OF BOAT LIFE: What Does It Take To Live Aboard A Sailboat? | Sailing Kittiwake

[@mirkosedda3196]

Good tips guys! Always good and realistic content! Enjoy the caribbean ♥️

[@SailingKittiwake]

Grazie, Mirko!

[@pedromedina7349]

one of the better videos I watched about boats. Hello from Panama

[@vraymond108]

I am quite convinced you two are above average in both intelligence and courage. You have solved some major issues extremely well. I know you will both do very well in life. Enjoy!

[@sibrysmi]

Great rounded window into the cruising life. Not sure showing this to my wife will convince her, but then again hopefully the mix of adventure and challenge will inspire not dampen her enthusiasm. Love the channel ❤

[@thomas5495]

The fact that you guys keep it real,honest,informative,and stay true to your selves is why I watch and will always follow you two. The tips,real life instructions and informational DIY that you provide is unmatched in your videos. It is very clear that you have done the research and investigating to learn all that you can about this great cruising lifestyle. And the best part is that you take the time to share it with all of us. Thanks for another great video.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Wow. Thank you! We're humbled.

[@lizsteilkie]

Used to have a Kittiwake gave it to my son! He gave it away! So blessed to be on your journey!

[@barryrizzo2944]

I have to write that was a fantastic assessment of life aboard , probably the best I've seen cheers to you

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, Barry! We made a similar style video on a similar topic you may enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6qxmJZsbbeZjtU

[@eleftheriatagouli6148]

My dad had been a sailor for 35years and always said "the sea is the taughest teacher"!!!❤🇬🇷❤

[@SailingKittiwake]

So very true.

[@philippegiraud723]

Sailing is the most inconfortable and the slowest way to go from a place you wouldn’t like to leave to another one where you wouldn’t want to go... But how wonderful it is!

[@marclawyer2789]

Thanks for the information and the entertainment. Downsizing is step one, and we're about step half, so see you one day out there !

[@bluefm7370]

Oh my......this is the best overview I have ever heard! Highlighting the ongoing challenges and the joys that ultimately make one feeling alive. Thankyou...stay safe

[@EricEpstein]

Well done! I like your clear and upbeat presentation. Be safe and keep having fun.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks Eric! Have a great day.

[@SunsetSpecter]

I'm moving aboard full time sept 9th. You've been one of the inspirations to me. I'll see you out there in the Caribbean.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thank you! See you soon then.

[@archstanton9206]

This video will be of great value to people who are considering the lifestyle you two have taken on. Having watch you since you got the little Catamaran, I can't think of another young couple who has worked harder and put in more effort to reach their goals. The real tests in life don't come when we make the right decisions, they come from learning how to respond when we make a mistake, but muster the willpower to say, "OK, we messed up, lets fix it and move on". And then doing so. Well done to you both, I hope you are really enjoying your time in warm waters. You have earned it.

[@howardbutler6523]

Elena - I've said it before but I feel very inspired to say it again. You are an absolute Goddess. Ryan is the luckiest bloke alive.

[@Tim8mit]

that was a fabulous short essay on boat life and a brilliant performance of reading it out loud.....wishing you fair winds and following seas

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, Tim!

[@olemanjim1415]

What a well thought out, honest bit of work you've put together. As someone who's thinking seriously of sailboat life, I found this episode to be very helpful indeed. You touched all the major points clearly and honestly, without bias and I really appreciate that. Thank you.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks Jim! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@duncan.5228]

That was a good and honest view of what to expect buying a boat. I imagine it made some people stop and think. Good sailing to you.

[@newlifecomingsoon]

This is my dream and I want to thank you for your clear, concise and informative message! 😌🙏

[@spikeafrican8797]

Its honesty like this that has brought a little reality to my future sailing plans... I can't thank you enough.

[@SailingKittiwake]

That's awesome! Thank you.

[@timberkw]

Great tips! Looking at getting my first sailboat to live aboard and explore the world.

[@sageleeone]

This was very well done and shows all the possibilities of good and bad experiences. Thanks for the honest review of boat life.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thank you! Gotta be fully honest 🙂

[@marshallbrowne5371]

Thank you for a very complete list of the realities of live aboard sailboat life. Best wishes.

[@sailingstardreamer]

Another great video nice to see you’re showing people what people have to think about before doing long distance sailing, I know you’ve only scratched the surface. Be nice to see how you have overcome some of the thing that can go wrong. Keep up the great work that you’re going. Enjoy what you’re doing and stay safe. Steve

[@petermerchant4439]

I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you two...

[@trevorbyron8181]

Loved it..thats the realities of sailing...of life too

[@ajax1137]

I find that maintenance is "feast or famine." Periods of easy, less expensive maintenance punctuated by episodes of short, very expensive periods when you replace sails, standing rigging or major engine repairs.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Very true. And lots of unexpected failures.

[@ukrainewarroom]

Do boats tend to be like cars and houses? It's not one expensive repair at once, they all happen together? 😏

[@SailingKittiwake]

@@ukrainewarroom yes, sometimes that happens, but it costs way way way more to buy the parts/materials, it takes months to do the work and you have to pay high fees to haul out and be in a soul-crushing boat yard 😁 Just being totally honest. A car was never ever this tough to own and never ever this expensive to maintain 😁

[@ajax1137]

@@ukrainewarroom It can happen that way but if you engage in preventative maintenance, you can usually catch things early and prevent them from crashing down on you all at once. Sails don't just "fail." You can watch them degrade. Rigging on the other hand, often gives no warning and should be proactively replaced.

[@Hohmies86]

Sounds like basic life any where almost

[@randomtraveler3363]

2:1 ratio of repairs and boat work to sailing, that is a reality many never understand. great synopsis.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Exactly! :) Thank you! Hope you can get to Pilgrim super soon.

[@randomtraveler3363]

@@SailingKittiwake have tickets for flights on the 13th. Just about packed, doing some admin stuff and arranging the required Covid test... Hope it all goes as smoothly as it can in these times.

[@ando4313]

Very well said. Awesomely honest and very true. Keep it up guys. Your the best.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks guys!

[@GaryBickley]

Great honest review of the cruising life. So pleased you have settled into it. Been here since the early days, i know it wasnt easy at first!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks for following along, Gary! So true.

[@geremychubbuck3730]

Very well done and wisely spoken. Keep up the great work, guys.

[@donrumph1]

Excellent advice, and very well presented. Hope you find the sought after "fair winds and blue skies".

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers Don! We have indeed :) The Caribbean is amazing.

[@overlandworld2253]

Great video and great advise guys. As land travellers we would echo everything you said! When we are asked such questions we usually sum it up in two sayings " Everyday is a school day" and "Wanna make God laugh? Make a plan". Looking forward to next Mondays video!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, guys. Oh wow! We didn't realise land travel would be as challenging.

[@overlandworld2253]

@@SailingKittiwake Haha..we cram everything into a car!! Challenging? At the moment we are stuck in Mali, Africa due to a Military Coup here...that is quite challenging. Keep the top class content coming..maybe a boat for us next.

[@SailingKittiwake]

@@overlandworld2253 wow that's another level of adventure! Stay safe xxx

[@YoYo-ml7ss]

Great summary! I found boat life interrupted my drinking life , so bought a cottage in the country instead.🤣

[@RohanTheBT]

Well done, can’t think of anything to add!

[@nealeburgess6756]

Well done Elena. I am continually impressed with the resourcefulness displayed by both you and Ryan. Between you, you have learnt new skills, such as making the storm protection, re rigging the mast and so many more. You are both inspiring. Thank you for your channel!

[@SailingKittiwake]

So glad you take something out of our videos! Rhank you!

[@tiffanytegg3840]

Thank you for your honesty and helpful advice. My family of 7 is considering the boat life adventure in the future 😊

[@Oceans_Sail]

Terrific video! Thanks very much for the freebie :-) I’m in awe of how much you guys have learnt along your journey. Anyone tuning in now needs to see your channel from the very start to appreciate this incredible life expedition you have both embarked upon. Yes, you are right, we all need to be humble and be willing to learn all the time....arrogance in sailing will eventually kill you! But i am surprised you spend more than 15 minutes a day on boat work! ;-) Ha Ha! Make sure you enjoy the sunshine...as well as those tropical showers - great for getting things clean and for free water 💦 Yes. There is almost always an upside...even if it is learning to do things differently next time. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences so honestly and beautifully. All the very best.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Andy, each of your comments makes our day. Thank you so much!

[@terrywinzell4148]

Everthing was so very well said!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks very much, Terry.

[@thegrumpyvidiot505]

Awesome video and advice. A must view for aspiring live aboards!

[@andychallender4767]

Excellent video.....the content and presentation was second to none ...really well done, congratulations on reaching such a high standard of production 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 👍

[@SailingKittiwake]

Wow thanks so much, Andy!

[@clifflong1203]

Unbelievably concise and thorough! You have a real talent at narration and content coverage. Thank you for sharing!👏😊

[@pinot7914]

Thanks for your wonderful work! I love your voice....just perfect! Best wishes to you two! Cheers

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, Sven!

[@richardsimpson2599]

Another great video guys, you are so honest about your life style and the challenges. Enjoy

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, Richard! We just like to tell it like it is 🙂

[@christopherlynch4347]

Absolutely top notch video. Great style, content and editing. Lots of work in there. 👍

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thank you, Christopher! I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment.

[@robertosarafian9735]

Wow that is really well transcript ...thanks for sharing as this is important matters. Roberto s Montreal,Canada guy

[@Casca-su3ty]

Left 1 thing out lots of people lived on a boat because is cheap and can't afford rent or a mortgage! You lived frugally and thats awesome.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Very true, although however cheap you go, you still need to be able to afford maintenance, or safety can be an issue.

[@myjeepzia]

Love it ! Love it ! You guys are awesome , not discouraging at all but full of realistic approach , thanks 🙏

[@NicholleLaVann]

As I'm doing my research before purchasing a boat to live on I came across your video which was informative. Thanks so much.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers Nicholle!

[@waltervega8730]

Great video and informative! Thanks for sharing your tips and advice

[@SVImpavidus]

A brilliant synopsis of boat life. Too brief! So many challenges that we see folks not able to overcome. So many armchair experts that give bad advice or poor recommendations. As you say get out there. Grasp the dream, make it happen. Cracking inspirational video! Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Narration excellent, you are looking great again (sorry you were looking a little tired from the crossing which is understandable), I tell my kids every job has a little photostating work!

[@rexsheldon1042]

Well thought out and very well spoken

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks very much, Rex

[@haighaj]

Amazing video, really good ideas and tips! Can't wait for your next amazing video!

[@SailingKittiwake]

We're so excited to share it with you 😀

[@williamlewis8741]

Hello elena and ryan... thanks for keeping it real, even though sometimes keeping it real goes wrong. but in your case, the strength of your words are a pathway for your collective success. one step at a time, one anchorage at a time and dingy ride to the market become "aller-retour" of your lives. a strong relationship with your partner is paramount. Humility and patience are virtues. With you two, there are no 'airs," unless you're reading a novel by Charlotte Bronté while ryan is at the helm. cheers

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks ever so much, William! You're so kind.

[@erichyney6287]

Thanks, for the insight of your reality.

[@dreadnoughtb3364]

Good tips indeed. As per usual your videos are awesome. I would think that life on land has changed in this year though. Decision making at sea basically is the same but port selection may be an evolving situation. Overall the factors of the equation for at sea/cruiser lifestyle remain pretty much the same. However for many people land life has changed. Information is riddled with mass media confusion. Change the channel and view points can do a 180 in ms. I think maybe that is the reason for the USA boat market boom. You two have made it at sea and if you can make it there you can make it anywhere. Wishing I was younger and better physically. Fair winds and much ♥️

[@zedalis]

Very well written, great job!

[@bobblack4048]

Great video, very informative and useful. Thank you.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers Bob!

[@DoubleUThings]

Good and honest episode, guys! Loved it. Happy greetingz, Wim

[@vanseventy]

Thanks for the info!!! Depending on which phone you have. Most phones now have those round charger bases that they just lay on top of,I know iPhones do.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Oh really? Sounds nice. Another aspect of boat life: the coastline seems void of technology stores LOL We're a little behind with our technology :D

[@vanseventy]

Sailing Kittiwake Haaa. Yes they are pretty far away. I can’t believe how fast you replied. That’s was fast! You guys take care and make sure in those rough seas you have your harnesses on! Keep living your dreams and posting them. I will be on the water someday. Have a few more yrs and I can retire and live the life you guys are living! If you have any questions give me a shout! Cheers guys!

[@kevinfisher1345]

This hi-lighted some key aspects of cruising and living aboard. Often many of these gets overlooked or not mentioned, and they are all important to know or at least be aware of. As you stated many fail or give up simply because such a life style did not meet their expectations. It is a great life style but it is not for everyone. Just as city life style or living off grid out in middle of nowhere is not for everyone. I personally think being out in the middle of the ocean makes up for it all by itself, but again not everyone else will.

[@dabruscar]

Marvelous as always guys x

[@karlmueller9768]

Great tips. Love the videos. Stay safe. God Bless

[@sailingluckybear1045]

I am ready, been living in a 24 square meter condo with my wife and son for the last 4 years (all sleeping on the floor in one room) in Thailand. Building a 27 foot boat and actually if include the deck, it is bigger then our current living arrangement on land :)

[@SailingKittiwake]

Fantastic! Best of luck with the build.

[@rayrodriguez4793]

Nicely done. See you out there. Those that know go slow. Those that know more go slower.💨🌊⛵🏄🏊

[@otroargentinocamioneroenes5805]

I totally agree...good video!

[@gustavopml]

Loved the video. Great when people bring us back to reality. But I'm not giving up yet. Lol Fair winds guys and have a nice week.

[@SailingKittiwake]

It's not meant to make anyone give up :) Keep at it!

[@gustavopml]

@@SailingKittiwake I know it's not. But we need reality shocks every once in a while. Always good to remember that maintenance, beside planning and preparation is a very important part of boat life.

[@maximosapatilla8795]

Your blessed having a boat, me I wish to have a pontoon!

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

Well said young lady. A word of warning..judging by what's happening with a fair number of other young liveaboards..be careful of what you drink. :-)

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thank you! Nah, no big changes on Skua at all 🙂

[@billgomez06]

Great chapter a good reality check. God bless God speed

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks Bill!

[@codemonkey2k5]

Elena I know you have a hard time sleeping in a pitching sea. I was wondering if you've ever tried to rig up a hammock (if you have the room) as it would at least null out one of the axis of movement. I find that for me to be comfortable in a hammock, i need to pull it fairly tight and have the head a little bit higher than my feet. It takes a bit of fiddling, but once you get it set up correctly it can be very comfortable. And with the right rigging, it can be fairly easy to setup and take down. Thanks for another great video, best wishes to you both.

[@rbnhood39]

Glad to hear you guys made it to the Caribbean ok. Any plans to come up to Florida for a visit?

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers. Not for now, we still have the Caribbean to explore 🙂

[@francie2035]

You are such an interesting writer. You have such a great writing style and voice. Very talented!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Wow thanks ever so much, Francie! You made my day.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Have you developed a list of maintenance parts and pieces that you would keep onboard? Filters etc. As well critical parts you may not want to have to wait for and pay import taxes? Like a fuel pump or ?? This is a good video on the realism of the lifestyle! Well done!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers, Kerry! Ryan's got a mental list, which is specific to our boat and the age of our gear.

[@icelandviking1961]

When I watch Ryan work on something and I think why the hell does he not use tool X. Then I back off and remember he does not have the barn full of tools I have. So he must make do with what fits on board.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Hehehe! And each tool weighs quite a bit :) Thanks Kevin. Have a great day!

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

Easy solution: tow a barge with said barn built on it. You just have to think outside the box....

[@floydpeters9494]

One of your best!

[@mellowman8695]

I appreciate the tips. My wife and i are working towards living on a catamaran. Shooting for 7 years, hopefully. Hoping not to have to sell our homes to do so.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Best of luck with it all! You have plenty of time to make it all work 🙂

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Excellent advice well done!!

[@williamsmith2919]

Good health and happiness to you both xxx

[@driftless1870]

Excellent advice.

[@bazmilas8822]

Love the vids, you both are inspiring and the videos are exactly that - inspiring! Where are you both heading next?

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thanks so much, Baz. We'll stay in the southern Caribbean for hurricane season.

[@caromarco6315]

Such an enjoyable video!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Yeeepppeee! Thanks Carolyn.

[@goleafsgo8496]

I truly thought in retirement ( we will be young enough ) I would love to sail and live on board. However channels like yours exhibiting the lifestyle made me realize I would love it but not my wife. We will be sailors for sure but "Land Sailors". Thank you for sharing the whole lifestyle not just the post card shots! PS: Before I hear it she is a keeper and I can't really afford a trade in!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Mike, we’d never suggest that. It’s great that your wife can compromise and be a land sailor. Best of luck with it all

[@goleafsgo8496]

@@SailingKittiwake thanks guys lifes as compromise at times and just seeing the lifestyle it became very apparent to me. Shes a trooper but wouldn't be happy and life is to short! Keep up the great content!

[@PosidenSiren]

Great advice!

[@danmatte1]

Thank you for a great video!

[@kagani6202]

Came for the thumbnail. Stayed for the story.

[@peterhaan9068]

Well said Sir!

[@rasheedmasthan6779]

Beautiful Video ♥️👌👍

[@MikeandTracker]

Great video!

[@theadventuresofaskierandsa8527]

I love your videos and I'm always looking forward to seeing your great content. You have most certainly inspired me to strive towards a life on board a sail boat :) what sailing experience did you both have before sailing away from Falmouth to the Med and onto the Caribbean? Hope you are having an amazing time down there in the pristine waters of the Caribbean :)

[@SailingKittiwake]

Thank you! Ryan had crewed for a guy for 2 weeks when he was in his 20s. 10 years later, we read books and practiced on Kittiwake in the UK a few weekends before we set off.

[@theadventuresofaskierandsa8527]

@@SailingKittiwake that's amazing! Like I said, you guys are really inspiring me and I'm sure you are having the same effect on many others. Keep it up! :)

[@karitane]

Great vlog. Tnx for the reality

[@zubenzenubi]

Where in the Caribbean are you now cruising?. Are you heading south until November for the hurricane season avoidance.. Best wishes

[@SailingKittiwake]

Yes, we are in Grenada for the hurricane season. Thanks Noel.

[@MilesCobbett]

Great video thanks

[@skanegb]

Hi did you use several boats on the shoot, one with tiller and another with wheel? What was the one with tiller?

[@SailingKittiwake]

It's the same boat, a Tayana 37 from '76, which had a wheel when we bought her. We installed a tiller a few months after. Tayana 37s don't usually have a tiller.

[@skanegb]

@@SailingKittiwake ah that the explanation I was confused thinking I had missed you owning a third boat. Thanks for clarifying.

[@shadowofpain8144]

I have a cure for rolling sleep, not every boat could do it but here goes, gimbaled bed. Just like your stove.

[@SailingKittiwake]

It would be cool, but wouldn't work on our v berth. So I kick Ryan out and sleep "horizontal" 😁

[@richardhobbs9038]

It's called a hammock . . . .

[@julioramos6885]

Me gustó mucho el video nice.

[@rasheedabdul1163]

Great ❤👍

[@huntleystefan]

Well done

[@danaparedes5613]

At the beginning, you mention why newbies leave the boat life. You probably have more exposure to this info than I do. I know long term cruisers mostly leave because of health and grandbabies. How do you find out why newbies leave?

[@SailingKittiwake]

By meeting younger cruisers and keeping in touch with them. We did it for the past 4 years ;)

[@ukrainewarroom]

Great video, not everything is roses. As the saying goes, a boat is a series of compromises. But isnt everything in life? Even people spending £100M on a boat have to make compromises.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Totally! And like we say in the video, it's an adventure, so it's not meant to be idyllic.

[@ukrainewarroom]

@@SailingKittiwake if it was easy, everyone would do it. It would also take away from the sense of achievement. You crossed the Atlantic! I bet that was a great feeling of accomplishment that will stay with you both forever.