California
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2003
- Posts
- 101
Welcome to Flightinfo.com
- Register now and join the discussion
- Friendliest aviation Ccmmunity on the web
- Modern site for PC's, Phones, Tablets - no 3rd party apps required
- Ask questions, help others, promote aviation
- Share the passion for aviation
- Invite everyone to Flightinfo.com and let's have fun
Any airline pilots out there live on a boat?
- Thread starter California
- Start date
Welcome to Flightinfo.com
- Register now and join the discussion
- Modern secure site, no 3rd party apps required
- Invite your friends
- Share the passion of aviation
- Friendliest aviation community on the web
My buddy lives in a 28 foot sail boat off San Diego shores some where...he's pretty happy.. I mean **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** happy but he's young, single and dad is filthy rich ..lol......so if you have the resources go for it...if you'r like me with 2 kids, wife and 2 dogs forget it ...... 
Mooseflyer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Posts
- 284
I've kinda been kicking around the idea. I'm single and no kids also. I worked with a guy 6+ years ago that lived on a 28 or 32 foot sailboat in the Chesapeak just north of Pax River NAS. Thats about as far north as you can get on the east coast and still pull it off on a nonheated boat year around. The marina he was at had year around showers and good facilities.
Maybe if I wind up over at Aloah or Island or Carib Sun I'll look futher into it. How much would it cost for a 28-32 ft. boat? How would you get it to HI or PR? I sure as heck don't know how to sail.
Maybe if I wind up over at Aloah or Island or Carib Sun I'll look futher into it. How much would it cost for a 28-32 ft. boat? How would you get it to HI or PR? I sure as heck don't know how to sail.
FN FAL
Freight Dawgs Rule
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2003
- Posts
- 8,573
A co-worker of mine lives on a boat down in Racine. We're 135, but we're scheduled and we do have 121 looming in the future.California said:
This guy's last name rhymes with prozac and he has a thumbhole stock AK-47, which identifies him as a Pro-gun democrat. He believes that NFA owneship should be outlawed. Which along with wearing gold chains, slip on shoes and a mullet, further identifies him as a "pro-gun" Democrat. If this is you...or your lifestyle...I'd say go for it, but we're not supporting the gay marriage thing. You're on you're own there.
Aye mate.
Yes, I lived on a sailboat in the Caribe for 3 years while flying between them islands in Aztecs, Twotters and DC-3s.
Loved it....Would do it again, but different wife this time.
Therefore smaller boat and a house these days,
Now adays I sail the islands for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, but main quarters are indoors.
Hell of a good idea to live on a boat for a pilot...The only problem I had was ironing the uniform shirts..Had no AC power abord..Just 12 volt.
In CA however ya have more full time dry-cleaners that can press yer shirts than we had in STX 20 years ago,
Just do it before ya get married and before it is too late...Them womenfolk like the house, the white picket fence, the 2 car garage and all that. No boat.
Yes, I lived on a sailboat in the Caribe for 3 years while flying between them islands in Aztecs, Twotters and DC-3s.
Loved it....Would do it again, but different wife this time.
Therefore smaller boat and a house these days,
Now adays I sail the islands for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, but main quarters are indoors.
Hell of a good idea to live on a boat for a pilot...The only problem I had was ironing the uniform shirts..Had no AC power abord..Just 12 volt.
In CA however ya have more full time dry-cleaners that can press yer shirts than we had in STX 20 years ago,
Just do it before ya get married and before it is too late...Them womenfolk like the house, the white picket fence, the 2 car garage and all that. No boat.
"Just do it before ya get married and before it is too late...Them womenfolk like the house, the white picket fence, the 2 car garage and all that. No boat."
Brother from what I've seen in this industry WRT getting married there is no way I'm gonna do it. And no I'm not gay. I like my life simple and getting hitched, having a family and being an airline pilot doesn't mix.
Any idea on the price of boats???? Cost of a slip???
Brother from what I've seen in this industry WRT getting married there is no way I'm gonna do it. And no I'm not gay. I like my life simple and getting hitched, having a family and being an airline pilot doesn't mix.
Any idea on the price of boats???? Cost of a slip???
2
210FR8DOG
Well I currently live in an S10 blazer in the Springdale parking lot. It's cool though cause there's a Del Taco right down the street. When I upgrade to Captain I should be able to start saving up for a boat. Johnson or Evinrude? power or sails? Aaaaaahhhhhhhh........ the freedom of the water.....one day...one day!!
Don't expect to get anything decent for less than $20K.
A small boat in good shape can easily cost $40K and up, say a late model Catalina 30.
Older, well maintained boats can be a bargain, but many a times previous owners did not spend the dough it takes for good solid care, then the boat deterioates even more, and is going down further in value, then less money is being spent on the boat, etc. A downward spiral.
Boats are expensive to keep and maintain...Let me repeat, boats are expensive to keep and maintain...Figure about 10% of the selling price in annual maintenance, that does not include repairs and upgrades, etc.
A liveaboard slip here in SE Florida is about $500.00 per month plus water and power. Non-liveabord $300.00 or so.
Don't know what the rates in CA are, but a couple of calls to the local marinas will sort that out
TransMach
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2003
- Posts
- 491
Boats,
Mate,
"airline pilots live on boats?" YES ... scumbags like airline pilots live most anywhere they think they can shave a coin or two. I've seen em in boats, cars, pick-em-up trucks, motor-campers, their friends houses and the local freeway underpass.
The real problem is that living on a boat doesn't save much of anything. Probably costs much more than an apartment.
1) The boat you purchase, you will sell for less than you pay for it, plus all the costs that go into maintaining it in it's current condition. Most folks don't consider that a boat is simply disolving as each day goes by.
2) In California, if you can find one, a live-aboard slip is gonna cost you $750 to $1250 and all of that is "after tax".
3) Living on a boat is lots of fun, though. You get to get up extra early in the dark, damp morning to go up to the community toilet/bath facilities to do your "dailies". It's always fun to get to work in sodden, moist clothes.
I tried it myself, couldn't stand it.
TransMach
Mate,
"airline pilots live on boats?" YES ... scumbags like airline pilots live most anywhere they think they can shave a coin or two. I've seen em in boats, cars, pick-em-up trucks, motor-campers, their friends houses and the local freeway underpass.
The real problem is that living on a boat doesn't save much of anything. Probably costs much more than an apartment.
1) The boat you purchase, you will sell for less than you pay for it, plus all the costs that go into maintaining it in it's current condition. Most folks don't consider that a boat is simply disolving as each day goes by.
2) In California, if you can find one, a live-aboard slip is gonna cost you $750 to $1250 and all of that is "after tax".
3) Living on a boat is lots of fun, though. You get to get up extra early in the dark, damp morning to go up to the community toilet/bath facilities to do your "dailies". It's always fun to get to work in sodden, moist clothes.
I tried it myself, couldn't stand it.
TransMach
can't you smell that smell?
I had a friend who was a longshoreman in Long Beach Ca, and lived on a houseboat in San Pedro harbor. It was great to visit him, the lapping of the waves and the slight rocking of the boat was very peaceful.
But... it always smelled like mildew, the onboard water tasted bad, and the bay was often polluted and smelled rank as well..sort took the romance out of it.
I had a friend who was a longshoreman in Long Beach Ca, and lived on a houseboat in San Pedro harbor. It was great to visit him, the lapping of the waves and the slight rocking of the boat was very peaceful.
But... it always smelled like mildew, the onboard water tasted bad, and the bay was often polluted and smelled rank as well..sort took the romance out of it.
Yup, different strokes for different folks, etc.
Part of the charm is going somewhere on days off.
As if ya live aboard an oceangoing boat, as opposed to a houseboat that is
permanently tied to the dock.
Just living in a floating box at an expensive marina gives ya all the negatives and none of the benefits of living afloat.
Been doing it for a few years and would do it again in a heartbeat.
It is a fairly basic, simple lifestyle, and being a fairly basic and simple person myself, I'd love to go back.
(No microwave, no TV/VCR, no nothing except a good book, a good boat and a good woman..
)Try it
CSY mon threw out a pretty nice beamy boat, the catalina 30. You can find them for 15,000 or so needing some tlc, but boats are like planes. Don't use 'em, you'll be fix'in 'em. I know of a 36 Columbia for around 10,000 in San Diego. Pretty good deal, but I live on my catalina 30 already. Insurance is about 100 clams a year and reg. is 10. I pay about 350 a month for a slip. Some marinas will add 100 more a month for liveaboard and require the boat be at least 35 feet. Let me know if you need more info. As how to get your boat to HI, .......um....... sail it?
CSY mon threw out a pretty nice beamy boat, the catalina 30. You can find them for 15,000 or so needing some tlc, but boats are like planes. Don't use 'em, you'll be fix'in 'em. I know of a 36 Columbia for around 10,000 in San Diego. Pretty good deal, but I live on my catalina 30 already. Insurance is about 100 clams a year and reg. is 10. I pay about 350 a month for a slip. Some marinas will add 100 more a month for liveaboard and require the boat be at least 35 feet. Let me know if you need more info. As how to get your boat to HI, .......um....... sail it?
Is he a fisherman too?
From San Diego, unless it is a cat or tri, plan on an average of 21 days. There is a guy that flies for AA named Bob that has a boat out in Waikiki. I think it is more of a part time living gig for him. But much cheaper than a condo. Remember, more knick-knacks, the longer to "ready" the boat for sailing. And unless you make some nice cash, wind is free.... gas isn't. Sailboat. And if you are in Cali, Catalina or any little cove to anchor in is a great get away even in the winter. I think it is called harbornating....
From San Diego, unless it is a cat or tri, plan on an average of 21 days. There is a guy that flies for AA named Bob that has a boat out in Waikiki. I think it is more of a part time living gig for him. But much cheaper than a condo. Remember, more knick-knacks, the longer to "ready" the boat for sailing. And unless you make some nice cash, wind is free.... gas isn't. Sailboat. And if you are in Cali, Catalina or any little cove to anchor in is a great get away even in the winter. I think it is called harbornating....
JetBlast2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2003
- Posts
- 154
Standby 1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2003
- Posts
- 221
Yep, I used to and loved it (a 32' O'Day with an aft cabin, which I prefer). Keep in mind that once you get above 32 feet or so, the cabin space goes up exponentially. Last month I made an offer on a 37' C&C, but decided against it due to the 7' draft, which wasn't feasible for where I wanted to put the boat. But at 37' the cabin space was very, very large. A/C and refridgeration was a must for me, but you'll need to make up your own list of things you want. Start researching on the internet, starting with various hull materials, then engines, etc, etc, etc.
A word to the wise....purchasing a cheaper fixer-upper with the idea of fixing it up yourself is rarely a good idea. You will end up paying more for your finished product in the end. As previously mentioned, boats depreciate. Don't expect to make any money on this.
But if you like the lifestyle, it's the best. Also previously mentioned, make sure the wife/girlfriend doesn't hate it. Not all do ---- I'm one of those silly girls and I much prefer boats to white picket fences.
Good luck!
....
A word to the wise....purchasing a cheaper fixer-upper with the idea of fixing it up yourself is rarely a good idea. You will end up paying more for your finished product in the end. As previously mentioned, boats depreciate. Don't expect to make any money on this.
But if you like the lifestyle, it's the best. Also previously mentioned, make sure the wife/girlfriend doesn't hate it. Not all do ---- I'm one of those silly girls and I much prefer boats to white picket fences.
Good luck!
....
KeroseneSnorter
Robust Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2003
- Posts
- 1,530
Don't know about blow boats, but a power boat that would be big enough to live on and include a generator for AC power will set ya back about 60k to 140k for a later model used one. Later model is defined as 1985 to 2000 or so. This would get you somewhere in the neighborhood of a 33 to 36 foot convertable with diesel power. I would not try to live on one smaller than that. Most of this class of trawler or sport fisherman will net you all the comforts of home, minus the space. You could equate it to living in a equal size RV. If fishing is not a concern, the trawler would be roomier.
If you don't mind doing a ton of refurb work you can go much older and find some good deals for under 60k on a late 60's or 70's bertram or hatteras, but you will have to hunt a while to find them. And they will require work. As stated above, a blow boat can be had for much less, plus little to no fuel cost if you want to go somewhere.
I never lived on one, but do some 2 and 3 day fishing trips. Currently we are running a 31 foot walkaround with twin outboards and a generator, It has a crapper, shower, fridge, stove, microwave etc... it could be lived on but I would not recommend it! If it gets that tight, the boat goes before the house does. But on the plus side, we got it five years old and lightly used for less than the cost of a new Full size 4x4 truck. However when you consider that its new price ran around 100k and we got it for about 40% of that, it tells you how well a boat holds its value. The original owner took a 60% beating in 5 years. I can expect to take about a 10 to 20% beating if I were to sell it now (it is a popular type right now so it is holding its value, next year may be a different story). But I have a fishing habit, so I figure its cheaper than having a drug, or flight attendant habit in the long run!!!! At least the wife lets me go play with this one without calling the divorce lawyer
If you are not mechanically inclined, or have never spent time on the water, DO NOT attempt to live aboard, It will cost you a fortune in maint. from normal wear, and repairs from newbie mistakes. Operate a 19 to 23 footer that is trailerable for a few years to get a feel for it. Anything over about 27 feet and the maint doubles or triples.
P.S. If any of you ever get down to the Wilmington NC area PM me. Always looking for an excuse to go fishing. All I ask is that you pony up some cash to help split the cost of fuel and bait and give a hand in the cleanup when done. Also I come from a long line of semi redneck airline pilots!!!!! If you are the uptight type dont bother!!!!!!
If you don't mind doing a ton of refurb work you can go much older and find some good deals for under 60k on a late 60's or 70's bertram or hatteras, but you will have to hunt a while to find them. And they will require work. As stated above, a blow boat can be had for much less, plus little to no fuel cost if you want to go somewhere.
I never lived on one, but do some 2 and 3 day fishing trips. Currently we are running a 31 foot walkaround with twin outboards and a generator, It has a crapper, shower, fridge, stove, microwave etc... it could be lived on but I would not recommend it! If it gets that tight, the boat goes before the house does. But on the plus side, we got it five years old and lightly used for less than the cost of a new Full size 4x4 truck. However when you consider that its new price ran around 100k and we got it for about 40% of that, it tells you how well a boat holds its value. The original owner took a 60% beating in 5 years. I can expect to take about a 10 to 20% beating if I were to sell it now (it is a popular type right now so it is holding its value, next year may be a different story). But I have a fishing habit, so I figure its cheaper than having a drug, or flight attendant habit in the long run!!!! At least the wife lets me go play with this one without calling the divorce lawyer
If you are not mechanically inclined, or have never spent time on the water, DO NOT attempt to live aboard, It will cost you a fortune in maint. from normal wear, and repairs from newbie mistakes. Operate a 19 to 23 footer that is trailerable for a few years to get a feel for it. Anything over about 27 feet and the maint doubles or triples.
P.S. If any of you ever get down to the Wilmington NC area PM me. Always looking for an excuse to go fishing. All I ask is that you pony up some cash to help split the cost of fuel and bait and give a hand in the cleanup when done. Also I come from a long line of semi redneck airline pilots!!!!! If you are the uptight type dont bother!!!!!!
Last edited:
Daveman
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2004
- Posts
- 633
So true with your first statement, as well as the price. And just to add to the second paragraph, Many people have had good intentions concerning the fixer-up thing. Yet in the end, it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.Standby 1 said:
As far as you being silly, I'd say that's my kinda girl.
Share this page
Latest resources
-
-
-
-
-
AC 90-89C - Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing HandbookAmateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook
- Neal
- Updated:
