Many people who consider living aboard a boat, particularly those who want to live on a sailboat, are seduced by the romance of the lifestyle. But to create a satisfying life afloat, most people ultimately need at least a few creature comforts. Potential "liveaboard boaters" (i.e., boaters who make their vessels their primary home) need to consider these details as they're sifting through various used boats for sale or considering how to outfit a liveaboard boat.
Electricity: Marine Inverter Needed to Run Appliances
Most people want the comforts of home in their liveaboard galley, and that could include appliances such as a microwave or blender. Although it's possible to buy 12-volt versions of these common household appliances, those tend to be underpowered compared to their 110-volt cousins. Meanwhile, many people also want computers, printers and other electronics on board; these also require standard AC current.
Therefore, liveaboard boats that spend much time away from the dock (and the dock's power cord) probably want to consider a marine inverter.
Marine inverters take 12-volt DC electricity from a liveaboard boat's 12-volt batteries and turn it into standard household AC current, allowing the use of standard appliances and electronics.
When considering how big an inverter to purchase, base the figures on how much AC power the boat might need now, but add a margin of up to 50% for additional appliances, electronics, and other uses in the future. Larger boats and boats with a microwave oven generally need a minimum of 2000 watts in marine inverter power..
Temperature Key to Liveaboard Comfort
It's nice to dream about sailing south in the winter and north in the summer. But realistically, many liveaboard boats will spend plenty of time in conditions that their owners consider either too hot or too cold. That's where marine heat, marine air conditioners, and good ventilation for the boat come in.
Permanently installed marine air conditioners such as those available from Mermaid Marine Air, when properly sized for the boat according to manufacturer instructions, are capable of keeping the interior of a boat cool and dry even when the temperature is sweltering hot outside. Portable units also are available that will cool a small boat or one cabin on a larger vessel. Some boats, particularly power boats and a few larger sailboats, can use household units mounted in an exterior bulkhead. Another option to consider is a rooftop unit designed and sold for the RV industry; sometimes boats can mount these permanently on a flat cabintop.
But unless the boat has a robust generator capable of producing lots of 110-volt power away from the marina, marine air conditioners only will work at the dock.
Marine Ventilation May Feature 12 Volt Fans
Good ventilation systems, meanwhile, can keep a liveaboard boat comfortable without much electricity, especially if there's a moderate breeze blowing. The key is to make sure each cabin has both a supply of fresh air and a way to move the stale air out.
To plan air flow through the boat, experts recommend drawing a detailed diagram of the boat's cabins, hatches, ports, companionways, and doorways, looking at how the breeze can flow unobstructed through the boat. Often, strategically placed 12-volt fans, especially larger ones designed for the recreational vehicle industry, can assist this air flow.
Diesel, Electricity, Propane Possible Sources of Heat
Meanwhile, some source of warmth also is essential for year-round comfort in areas where the nighttime temperature drops below 50 degrees more than occasionally.
Heaters on boats most often run on electricity; many boats, in fact, use their marine air conditioner units in reverse cycle mode to warm the boat, and others bring in portable electric heaters during the winter. Other options include diesel-powered furnaces that produce enough heat for an entire liveaboard boat, and bulkhead-mounted propane boat heaters that can heat one cabin.
Good Lighting, Comfy Cushions Make a Difference
Little details make a liveaboard boat a home; boaters considering living aboard shouldn't skimp on things like good reading and task lighting.
Common 12-volt marine lighting fixtures tend to be underpowered, since electricity generally needs to be rationed when the boat is away from the dock. However, new high-powered boat LED lights can produce the same amount of light for significantly less power draw and heat than more common halogen and xenon bulbs.
And finally, potential liveaboard boaters should focus on comfortable seating and mattresses by carefully selecting foam and fabric for cushions, and by making the foam as thick as possible. If possible, boaters should test the foam they're considering by sitting on it and even lying down on it at the upholstery shop.
Lastly, custom-made innerspring mattresses designed specifically for boats can fit even odd-shaped and curved spaces, and they can make the difference between a sore back and a comfortable night's sleep on a liveaboard boat.
Jane Anderson - Jane M. Anderson spends as much time as possible on the water, working and sailing on boats. She grew up sailing Sunfish and Rhodes 19s on ...
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