Can I live on a 320DA

A

AndyO

New Member
May 7, 2007
22
Raymond, Maine
Hi - I'm considering trading in my 270SLX for a used 2006 320 Sundancer for the purpose of actually living on the boat in the summer. My home is on the market (splitting with the Admiral) and I live a cold climate (Maine). So I was thinking about living on the boat from May through September then renting off season around the lake somewhere (rather than getting into another mortgage payment).

Any special considerations when living on the boat? Would a 320 do the trick? Obviously space/size would be an adjustment and I have 2 young kids (will split time between the ex and me). I have family close by to help with the kids.

It's a very intriguing thought to actually live on a boat but before committing I want to get some expert opinions/experiences.
 
Though I love my 320 dearly, I couldn't imagine living on her long term. My limit is probably in the "couple of week" range. When I finally retire, it will probably be on a trawler (I'm partial to Nordic Tugs, made in the USA!).

-CJ
 
Yes a 320 would be fine for the summer, I know people that live in their cars year round.

Good luck
 
I can probably live on my 32 if I had too, It might even be fun but I also have 2 Kids a 8 and 15 year old and I cannot even imagine spending an extended period of time with them on the boat. They enjoy the boat but the last thing you want is the kids not wanting to come over to see you because there are sick of spending time on the boat. My answer would be NO….to small….
 
There's been some good discussion on this with some considerations you might not have thought of. ( I can't think of the subject to do a search for you right off hand for the thread)

I will tell you I have a slip neighbor living on a 39'er that is not so thrilled with it now. He said he always thought it would be great. ehh.. not so much.

I'll look for that thread.

Found it.... http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14966&highlight=living+on
 
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Hi Andy-
I too love my 320, but I agree with previous posts that anything more than a couple of weeks (especially with kids) might be more adventure than you're looking for. If the "Ex" didn't get all the $$, buy a bigger boat if you plan to live aboard, or keep the boat you have, wait till the child support is done, and buy the big boat you want. Good luck
 
I think I might have a hard time fitting my clothes in that size of boat.
Not enough closet space for me.
 
tawcat said:
I think if it were just me, our 320 would be plenty big. Add anyone else it would get really small real quick!
Click to expand...

I agree if you are by yourself it would be large enough. Cooking would be an issue for me as the electric stove on board takes awhile to heat for cooking, but then you have the microwave. Hopefully the marina where you keep the boat has good facilities.

Good luck, whatever you decide.
 
My first reaction was sure... Then I read that you have small children..
My next reaction was. "Is your ex wife ok with this?" Not sure how far down the divorce path you are, but if your wife wants to argue for full custody, you will have hard time convincing the courts that you can provide a stable home them if you are living on 32 foot boat, no bath tub and the kids either have to share a bed or sleep on the couch.

My bottom line answer is.. No way, not with kids in a split custody situation.
 
You might ask yourself if that boat has enough storage space available for you.
Does it function properly (fit your cloths?) and is it realistic?
 
You can solve the storage issue with a mini-storage rental, but I agree that your kids living aboard, even part-time, probably won't work.
 
How comfortable is the shower and head on a 320 Sundancer? I've only been on one in a showroom, but it looked liked you'd have to be pretty short to use it on a regular basis.
 
If you insist on a SR, I would go with a bridge style. Windows looking out at the water are good for the soul.

Beyond that, I agree...Trawler Time. There is no need to get an apt for the winter. There is a fellow on another site who lives on his 30+ foot Bayliner in Ontario year round. All you need is winter water and an ice eater.
 
In my opinion it’s doable as long as you have a good plan (plan A, B and C). For example,

Plan A: The weather stays nice, the boat works great you have your kids for few days during the week. You go boating, having good time and enjoy yourselves. However, don’t forget that kids will need some extra fun and entertainment regardless how cool your new boat is. Otherwise, they’ll get bored.

Plan B: It’s raining for the next 7-10 days. The nice accommodations of 320DA will get very small much faster, if you don’t have full camper canvas, it’ll be too small even faster. Thus, you need to be able to find fun things (movies, indoor parks, museums, malls, etc.) to do with your kids so, you don’t have to spend all this time stuck on the boat. There’s always an option to take a long cruise somewhere where the weather is nice.

Plan C: The boat breaks and has to come out of the water. Where will you and your kids live while the boat is being serviced? Don’t forget that in the prime season a simple fix will take a long time.

It’s impossible to plan for every small thing, but having a good plan will help you a lot.

We have two kids (4 and 11) and we “live” on the boat like in the summer house during the season (2, 3 or 4 days per week). We even take 1 or 2 weeks vacation and stay on the boat. So, if your kids are with you only few days a week, this is not any different. The way to make things work we diversify our activities. It’s not all about boating. Even on the nice days we mix boating with beach days, so kids can just walk to the beach run around when there. We would take them to different parks so they can have fun. I’m thinking on getting a jetski to add some fun on the water.

As for custody, you have to be consulted by professionals, but Vince makes very good point.

So, my bottom line answer is it’s doable only if you have a good plan(s) and of course some previous experience.

Good luck with your decision. Take your time to do proper research and think about everything very thoroughly.
 
Thanks for all of the valuable feedback. Seems to me that the realistic answer is that I won't be able to "live" on the boat. Also given the fact I'm 6'7", taking showers will get old quickly.

Maybe I'll move down the path of buying it anyway but not consider it home. I can always rent a small place and split time between the two.
 
Until the divorce is final, can you put off buying the boat? You'd hate to have to sell it or give it up in the settlement if you got nailed by the judge. Maybe a lease-purchase?
 
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