Can I live on a 320DA

[Bodkin Creek George]

Hi Andy. Divorce is hard on adults but even harder on kids. Been there and got the tee shirt. I worked on a charter boat during mine and lived on the boat but had shore bath and shower facilities. That boat was 45 feet long and still too small. After awhile I rented a two bedroom apt. with a full kitchen above the Marina office and thought I had died and gone to heaven. I now have a wonderful wife and two homes and a 2004 340DA. There is life after divorce so keep the faith brother. Now to the kids. I had three. My advice to you is do what's best for them. Spend your quality time and use your relatives facilities if possible. I think you will very soon loose your sense of adventure living on a 32 footer. It will do you good to get off the boat for awhile and they will see Daddy more relaxed. That said. I wish you all the best and keep your chin up.
George

 

[Iprof]

In post #17 it refers to a fellow that lives on his 30+ Bayliner. His name is Gary and he lives on a 33 foot all year round just east of Toronto.
There is another couple that are living on a 38 foot boat since 2005. They left Keswick Ontario to do the Loop and after doing it twice they decide to winter in South America, they are still there on their boat. She has written a number of articles about living on board and they have been published in a number of magazines. The name of the boat is Diamond Lil here is a link to their web site and blog about living aboard. http://www.mytripjournal.com/melandjohn
While this is a different situation than yours it does point out some of the problems and how they started out to be a live aboard. I will be living aboard our 300DA for 2 months this summer, looking forward to it.

Ken

 

[sbw1]

[QUOTE I will be living aboard our 300DA for 2 months this summer, looking forward to it. Ken[/QUOTE]

My wife and I live on our boat much of the summer and enjoy it too. It's not a very big boat but very comfortable for two people. It will be coming out of the barn in ten weeks and we are looking forward to that as well.

 

[spimik]

Andy-

Sorry to hear about this split- never fun. I've been "through" several at work with co-workers and it always seems to eventually turn into a dog fight between the two adults. The kids get used as pawns and the end result is a messed up relationship with them and loads of emotional scars. It's not about winning the battle here, it is about surviving the war.

I'm no Dr. Phil, but please, put the kids best interest first. If there is a remote chance you two can patch this up and make it work for the kids then do it.

I agree with most on this- 32' is a small footprint to live on. Add in bad weather and your 6' 7" frame and you are in trouble on most boats, let alone a 32'.

Hope things work out over the long haul. Give the kids a hug.

 

[reelrecles]

hey i live on my 340 sundancer year round in downtown toronto...i have the boat fully tarped in the winter, enableing me too use the whole boat and it is very well heated with electric heaters... good luck....how do we say it here a peice of cake

 

[Carver370]

May I ask why you are stuck on a 320 Sundancer? If you were living aboard the entire summer I would consider a Motoryacht of some sort maybe slightly older for the same amount of money.

I live on my 370 myself all summer (April 1st - November 1st) and it never gets too small for me.

 

[AndyO]

May I ask why you are stuck on a 320 Sundancer? If you were living aboard the entire summer I would consider a Motoryacht of some sort maybe slightly older for the same amount of money.

I live on my 370 myself all summer (April 1st - November 1st) and it never gets too small for me.

Hi Carver370 - not necessarily stuck on the 320 but it is a used boat for sale at my marina where I bought my new 270 last year. Given the fact that I've bought 4 brand new boats in 2.5 years and I'm super upside down, I figure my best bet is to keep buying where I've been buying (they'll give my the best deal on my boat on trade). Also, I'm looking into the overall expenses associated with a boat of this size. Man, it's crazy how a foot of LOA adds to the cost to run/maintain a boat. So, if they get a used 370, I'd look at that too.

To everyone - just have to say how much I really appreciate everyone's time and thought put into the replies. I get a real sense of brother-hood and compassion everyone has for everyone else. To be honest, this forum has helped me make my decisions.

Cheers to all. Once you get on your boat for the season, have a drink on me!!

 

[RollerCoastr]

His name is Gary and he lives on a 33 foot all year round just east of Toronto.

Iprof, Gary's current Bayliner is a 3988 Motoryacht, which is a pretty BIG 40 footer. (bridge boat) His previous boat, which he also lived on, was a Silverton Express. (40X?) I didn't know that he had lived on a 33, but it seems that he outgrew his express.

There are two live-aboards near me - a single guy in a 440 Dancer and a couple in their Silverton 39AC. They've been live-aboards for a few years now, and seem to do ok, but I think I would need the space and light of at least a bridge boat if not an AC layout if it were my only residence.

 

[Jeff Mc]

Try a older 390, with camper canvas, or dont forget about houseboats. Good luck.

 

[Carver370]

Hi Carver370 - not necessarily stuck on the 320 but it is a used boat for sale at my marina where I bought my new 270 last year. Given the fact that I've bought 4 brand new boats in 2.5 years and I'm super upside down, I figure my best bet is to keep buying where I've been buying (they'll give my the best deal on my boat on trade). Also, I'm looking into the overall expenses associated with a boat of this size. Man, it's crazy how a foot of LOA adds to the cost to run/maintain a boat. So, if they get a used 370, I'd look at that too.

To everyone - just have to say how much I really appreciate everyone's time and thought put into the replies. I get a real sense of brother-hood and compassion everyone has for everyone else. To be honest, this forum has helped me make my decisions.

Cheers to all. Once you get on your boat for the season, have a drink on me!!

I get where you are coming from! I would take a look at their inventory and see if they have any Aft Cabins or larger used Sedan Bridges possibly even a little older. You will appreciate the space!

 

[Iprof]

Iprof, Gary's current Bayliner is a 3988 Motoryacht, which is a pretty BIG 40 footer. (bridge boat) His previous boat, which he also lived on, was a Silverton Express. (40X?) I didn't know that he had lived on a 33, but it seems that he outgrew his express.

Your right he does have a 3988 now.

Ken