From Liveaboard to Land, a Tale of Two Ex-liveaboards

   Wow. A whole year on land gone by. It seems like just yesterday we were living aboard our dear Kingsley the sailboat. No lawn to mow, no carpet to vacuum, no house problems (plenty of little boat ones though!).

   After selling the boat we’ve begun quite a land adventure. First we road tripped across the ol’ US (with the cat unfortunately) and landed closer to family and the other Coast, settling here in Eastern North Carolina. We then took a step that surprised many of our friends and family...we bought a land house (or, just a ‘house’ as many people call it). Isn’t house living the opposite of what we just did? Why sell everything, move aboard a sailboat, then move back to land and fill a house full of stuff?

   We may not be certain of the answer just yet but for future liveaboards (and future ex-liveaboards) we’ve compiled a list of things we love about land, things we miss about the boat, and the ways that sailboat living might change you forever, whether you move aboard, stay aboard, or eventually move back to land like we did. One thing is for certain though: living aboard a sailboat for 3 years in the Pacific Northwest changed us forever and was one of the best experiences of our lives. What are some things you love about land? About living aboard?

​~Paul & Amber   ETC
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5 things we love about land:

1. The bathroom. A shower. A tub. After a year it still feels like we’re on vacation when we have unlimited access to a hot shower that doesn’t take quarters (like the marina ones).

2. Counter space in the kitchen. Chef wifey was content with boat cabinet space, the fridge, and the stove/oven aboard. But counter space is key.

3. Indoor condensation is not an issue:)

4. Having space to leave projects out is nice. An office, the garage, the backyard.

​5. Laundry onsite is a huge plus.
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5 things that were better on the boat:

1. Taking everything you own on vacation with you is pretty sweet. Need a cat sitter? Nope. Forget your hiking boots? Nope.

2. Cheaper utility bills. Boat utilities were cheap. With a small area to heat and low electricity and water usage, bills struggled to hit $20 a month.

3. Sailing. It was so easy to go sailing!
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4. Living on the  water in Seattle for well under $100K. Sunsets for days.

​5. Neighbors. Marina folks are a tight knit community.
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​5 ways land living is better since we used to live aboard a sailboat:

1. We buy less stuff.

2. We’re not as attached to the stuff we do have. If it sinks it sinks.

3. We feel more comfortable tackling DIY projects.

4. We (husband & wife) work better together. What land problem is harder than docking your house for the first time?

​5. We think about our footprint more. How much waste do we make? How much water do we use? Why don’t we have solar panels and a windmill on our house?