Living Aboard: The Cruising Sailboat As a Home

Authors Jan and Bill Moeller have lived aboard their 32-foot cutter more than a decade and share their experience in this practical, pleasant-to-read guide for full-time live-aboard wannabe's. Although any sailor who's in the market for a crusing sailboat or who cruises for extended periods could certainly benefit from this book, it specifically targets those who are contemplating life aboard without maintaining a home on land. (In fact, this book assumes its audience has considerable sailing experience. Novices should note that the book contains terminology that beginners may not understand. And while the book contains a plentiful index, it contains no glossary.) After an introductory chapter where the authors challenge the wannabe's expections about life on board a boat, the authors present an instructional and often amusing discussion of such topics as cost (of buying, maintaining, and living aboard a boat); selecting a live-aboard boat (e.g., evaluating boat materials and design); lighting and ventilation; galley design and equipment; electrical systems; maintenance (including obtaining maintenance abroad); climate conditioning; restroom facilities; stowage; aesthetics and creature comforts; boat-to-boat and boat-to-shore comminications; entertainment; safety and emergency preparedness; navigation equipment; housekeeping; transportation on land and water; dockage; pest control; boat etiquette; and special problems of the live-aboard (e.g., getting mail, getting and cashing checks in out-of-town ports, etc.). The authors cover all the topics listed above--and others--quite thoroughly, moving from broad discussions of fact and options to detailed advice based on their personal experience. However, the book was published in 1977, with the latest printing in 1981, so some of the more-detailed technical information may be out of date. Still, a very good read--highly recommended!