No experience: Solo live aboard Yacht?

Hi there and welcome aboard!

Your first step is to decide whether you will like boating or not to start with, since you said you know nothing about it. Do that by checking what you like more, sailing or power boating, almost every part of the country has boating clubs that can take you out for a minimal charge and introduce you to both types. Once you choose which type you are and if you really like it or not, then you choose what kind of boating you will be doing, in the sense of "between marinas, in-shore, off-shore, lakes and rivers, transoceanic crossing and world cruising", after that you choose the size of life you want and can afford and sustain.
Remember this wisdom about living aboard a boat: Downsize, downsize, and when you are done downsizing downsize again! You have to understand that you have to let go of many things in your current life.

That's what I can think of right now and you will sure get loads and loads of information and useful wisdom around here so stay around!

Cheers,

You can always search around for videos about "Life on boat" or "Living aboard", BUT, unless you get on the water and have a first hand experience of the feeling, possibility and responsibility, your decision will not be so right in my opinion. I will send you some references by private messaging because I don't like to advertise other websites on a public forum.

Cheers,

One more thing:

There is a thread going on now that I think you should check:

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-yachting-discussion/18886-best-live-aboard-yacht.html

Enjoy!

Cheers,

The stuff you are mentioning are found on motor yachts above 70 feet in length, but I think you should hold your horses and check if you grasp where you are heading and what you are entering. You can search yacht world for boats between 70 and 100 feet and you will find all, motor, sail and motor-sailor yachts lined by thousands! So logically speaking, before you experience the ride, size and amenities on one, you can't decide what you want.

You have to know, that on certain sizes and setups, you will need a professional crew to make your little "town" stay up and running, such boats generate power, produce water, manage sewage sometimes, they also carry many equipment and electronics that needs to be operated, maintained and conform to certain standards. Am not saying it is not doable, it is, but you have to understand what you are getting into and be sure that you are ready for that life style, under ALL conditions and at ANY costs.

I still advise you to go to marinas, go aboard some boats, set sail in power, sail or both and look around for boats to start understanding the classification you will hear all around, like sport fishing yacht, trawler, expedition, multi-hull, mono hull, build material, size, class, range, speed, (top and cruising), capacities (guests, crew, fresh water, oil, fuel, grey water, black water, etc.) and the list goes on! Once you have those in perspective you can build a good criteria to go out and look for the boat you need, even then, your choice might not be right, then you ask professionals (brokers, captains, engineers, etc.) for advise on a specific boat because now the advise you will get is for millions of boats and thousands of builders and options which makes the odds against you by all means.

Again, keep on following your dream, but choose a path where you won't be lost. Sorry if I said anything you don't like, am just addressing what am reading in your posts without really knowing you or what your true intentions and capabilities are.

Have a nice day.

Cheers,

hire someone with a big stick to follow you around.

Every time you think about how cool it would be to live like Sonney Crocket down at the marina have the above mentioned person hit you in the head with the big stick.....

I just spit out my coffee........HAHAHA

Needingchange

Your're teasing all of us, right?

Glad someone else feels the same!
Unless something is lost in translation!

I don't think he is necessarily kiding us, I just think he is total novice...?...at the beginning of looking? Didn't he say that in his first posting.

Anyway here are 3 liveaboards I would like
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/yachtforums-yacht-club/18431-what-would-you-build-%24600-million-lotto-ticket-4.html

How safe is it to operate a yacht SOLO??

When solo operating a yacht, "Size Matters"

What is the boat size? What is the intended use? Which waters? How long each leg is? and many more questions should be answered before deciding Solo, lite crew or full crew. The least demand is having a watch at ALL times the boat is underway, at anchor or docked with running equipment. So, can you stand watch alone at all times?
Another thing to consider, the more electronics and systems you carry, the more your need will be for someone to operate, understand and maintain those systems.
Last point is reaction in emergency, will you be able to putout a fire and restore operation alone? Or manage a leak or failure while you have other boats around you? You should consider your safety and that of others alike and think of your emergency management plan. Add to that this question: Do you want to be working all the time on the boat or you want to have a bubble bath in the Jacuzzi under endless sky?

Hope this answers your question.

Cheers,

Not safe at ALL. It is always wise to have a second person on board in case of emergencies, medical reasons, or even just plain fatigue. It seems like the worst always happens when you least suspect it.

I was seeking experiences of solo cruising. I should have asked what safety precautions can be taken when one makes "solo" day trips in a boat he is capable of handling. I've thought of:
1. Wear inflatable PFD...maybe auto-inflate?
2. with waterproof cell phone/gps or SPOT.
3. Have auto fire control system.
4. Hourly reporting (to ?) and file a plan (to ?).
5. Call ahead for docking assistance when required.
6. Have auto pilot.