25 December 2023
From selling everything they own to paying off student loans, these individuals are making boat life a reality.
Boats and yachts have long been associated with luxury and the ultra-wealthy. However, a growing number of regular everyday people with average incomes are finding ways to embrace the allure of boat life. Whether it’s renting a boat for a day or living on a yacht for an extended period, there are accessible options for those seeking a life on the water. In this article, we explore the stories of individuals who have chosen to make boats their homes, delving into the challenges they faced, the financial considerations, and the rewards they have discovered along the way.
A Married Couple’s Leap of Faith
Iain and Brioni Cameron, a married couple from Glasgow, Scotland, decided to sell everything they owned and embark on a full-time boat life adventure in 2020. They left their home and bought a boat in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Despite facing challenges, including feeling scammed during the boat purchase process, the couple persevered and sustained themselves by working remotely. Their journey has been filled with excitement and a sense of freedom, and they plan to continue living on their boat until a new adventure beckons.
A College Graduate’s Path to Financial Freedom
Cody Plante, burdened with $80,000 in student loan debt, made the bold decision to move onto a boat full-time to help pay off his loans. By reducing his cost of living significantly, Plante purchased a sailboat and embraced the financial upside of boat life. While there are expenses associated with living on a boat, Plante found creative ways to minimize costs, such as anchoring his boat off the coast for free. His boat life journey not only allows him to save money but also provides him with a unique sense of freedom and control over his financial future.
A Family’s Year-Long Adventure
Mark and Cinda Boomershine, along with their two children, embarked on a one-year trip along the Great American Loop, a 6,000-mile journey along the Eastern Seaboard of the US and Canada. After years of planning and saving, the family moved onto a 56-foot boat to fulfill their dream. Unlike some who sell everything to live on a boat, the Boomershines opted to keep their home and rent it out while they sailed. Their journey has been a mix of adventure and togetherness, with the family spending 99% of their time on the boat, exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories.
Balancing Work and Adventure
Ryan Ellison and Sophie Darsy, a couple with high-powered jobs, made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and live on a sailboat. Initially planning to spend only a year on the boat, they soon found themselves embracing the lifestyle for eight years. Balancing work and adventure, the couple takes short breaks from boat life to spend quality time with family on land. Despite the challenges, they have found fulfillment and a sense of purpose in their unconventional lifestyle.
Conclusion:
Boat life is no longer limited to the ultra-wealthy. Everyday people from various walks of life are finding ways to make boats their homes. Whether it’s selling everything they own, paying off debts, or embarking on family adventures, these individuals have chosen to embrace the freedom and sense of adventure that boat life offers. While it may come with challenges and financial considerations, the rewards are immeasurable. Boat life allows for a unique connection with nature, a simplified lifestyle, and the opportunity to create lasting memories. As more people discover the accessibility of boat life, it is clear that this alternative way of living is here to stay.
