Great message to the unaware, stay the course. Many’s years of water taxi experience here, my advice to boaters when they ask me if I know a good mechanic is yes I’m looking at him or her. Learn to be your own mechanic not only will it save you a lot of coin but it might just save your vessel and the lives aboard.
I'm buying a yacht in 9 years to retire on at age 57. I've been a tech and a jack of all trades my hole life and I'm already doing my research for this adventure. Some things that come to mind are 1.) Water Maker, 2.) Washer/Dryer combo, 3.) Starlink Mini, 4.) Solar Array and 5.) being 3 miles off shore and anchoring out will be a priority to avoid wasting money. I'm not a marina fan either.
I don't know where you plan to liveaboard, but Florida keeps changing the rules about anchorage and how long you can anchor in one spot. Derilect vessels are a real problem in Florida and is the reason laws are being made to deter "full time cruisers".
Same here, if your real about it you wanna hear the bad so you know how to prepare or at least the best you can. Where you live? I'm in Myrtle Beach and want to do the same if your close I'm down to meet up and just talk about what you want to achieve if your down to hear what I to achieve
I live on my 26" monohull yacht, on a swing mooring. This is cheaper than living in the marina. I left a noisy, hell hole caravan park to move onto my boat. I have less space in here, but my surroundings are quiet & peaceful. I'm getting used to my 8hp Diesel inboard motor now. I had a few issues when I first used my boat. Then a friend told me about a few things, so now I feel more confident. I learnt to sail when I was 14 years old. My dad taught me & my younger brother how to sail. I love living on the water. 😊⛵
The more you know. The better you can prepare for hell itself like the boss fight of a game- some dude on roblox told me that😂 But seriously. Take a training course and have fun and learn. Be safe out there on the water and have fun but keep up on it because technically.... an ounce of prevention is better than bucket fulls of a cure.
The constant maintenance is always the biggest issue when we are cruising. We've learned that youtube is your friend when doing your own work. The other invaluable thing is having a sea daddy somewhere you can call and ask questions. My old harbormaster, who I became good friends with, saved me so much time and money so many times, by being able to call him and tell him what was going on. Half the time, he could talk me through the fix.
That’s awesome that he was able help you out over the phone. I think it’s time for us to get a sea daddy 😆 But that’s so true about UA-cam. When we were cutting and filling holes on our boat in the boatyard, a contractor stopped by and asked us where we learned to do all that. I simply said, the internet... 🙂
I love how straightforward you both are! SO refreshing! The info and experiences you have the balls to share are all helping me prepare to take the leap. I am grateful!!
Fantastic video! I love your straightforward honesty. It is so refreshing to hear the reality versus the fantasy. One thing I find troubling is the constant depreciation of any boat. It is technically a home on the water, but depreciates unlike a waterfront condo or home. It is still hard to resist the allure.
I was thinking about your air conditioning problem. If you could install an auxiliary inlet tube extending 1-2 meters below the surface (preferably with a strainer), you could reach much cooler water when you’re anchored / docked.
My name is John and my wife and I run our own business called “Marcum’s Marine Service’s” and I specialize in do work on vessels that are docked or moored, I am so sorry about your experiences and those experiences are making it harder for someone like me who truly enjoys working on boats and doing projects or maintenance that makes the owner more comfortable and love their boat even more.
Most marine mechanics cater to the job that makes them the most money. If you have a small job, good luck finding anyone to take you seriously. Recently I need a 9000btu a/c unit replaced. Not 1 company would come do it. I hired 6 different companies to do the work, not 1 showed up. I finally bought a unit and changed it out myself. The companies all were quoting 5-6 thousand dollars to do the job. I did it for $2500, including the cost of the unit. So, 25 to 35 hundred dollars wasn't enough profit for a company to come do the work. Boating is dying, Yachting is growing. Think about that.
You guys are pretty cool, thanks for the video. You have a lot of style! I pretty much have had the same experiences as you and agree with your assessment. I've lived aboard for 11 years now and have slaved away at maintenance including the war on water - which can be won by the way, although there are no shortcuts. The better the boat's build you start with the easier however. Living aboard has a ton of potential benefits, but it has mega risk as well. Thanks for shedding light on some of the drawbacks!
"Where the hell is all this water coming from!?" Me every weekend when I get to my boat. It sucks when you just want to Crack a beer and start partying on a Friday night but you are mopping up water instead.
Hi there I have a dry sail boat and it's old from 1973 no leaks problems we take her out every 3 years for a hull check and clean repaint and overall inspection to make sure it stays dry inside
Great video - I second the insurance! I smacked a grey whale last year, which did some significant damage to the running gear (I have a 37 Bertram) and thru hull. The boat had to be hauled out, but sat on the chalks for a couple weeks. When it came time to settling, not only did the screw me on the repairs 3k for a 10k bill, I had to pay the yard fees. It was really a catch 22. We took on water so the boat needed to be hauled out, but the mechanic and yard couldn't get to it for a few weeks!!! Ugh!!!
And how !!! Then try to get any thing repaired on any boat large or small and you will have the shock of your life. The marine "trade" seems to attract the worse criminal type frauds of all ... they call themselves boat mechanics. Know nothing thieves who you'll meet a lot of as you hire them, one after the other, all as you try to get even one repair done correctly. We are talking self-propelled turds here with invoice pads in hand and very black hearts.
Agreed to all on your list. Finding quality, reliable, dependable, reputable and honest service folks, especially for the diesels, is frustrating. I have learned to do almost everything myself because of it. My bilges stay dry, but I am in a covered slip 🙂 Great videos, a 480 may be next for me.
First let me begin by saying I really enjoy all your video's. Now specific to this video. I spent a year on my 1972 Hatteras 45C in LA and found your comments about the integrity or lack of in the marine industry pretty much the same on the West coast. I have now moved the boat south and keep her in Ensenada Mexico. Big difference. If work is not good or made right they don't work for long. Much smaller community down here. Not to mention Labor costs are much much more reasonable. Thanks for your insights.
Boat maintenance never ends. Always something to do. As far as keeping bilge dry, I use one of those homedepot bucket top shop vacs that helps save space and has multiple uses. It can be used to inflate things quickly too!. Insurance wise - I have used BoatUS insurance for eternity. They have never let me down and I’ve had some major losses - Including destroyed outdrives, theft, and total storm loss. Thanks guys. Great episode with Team Wiff! What happen to your old jingle? I used to whistle that over and over to myself lol.
Wow.... sounds like Boat US has done you right. So when our channel was able to be monetized, the creators of the song took too long to realease their rights on our content, since we licensed to use it. So we had to file claims on each video with it. Very tedious. That and we would’ve needed to pay to use it for another year, so we just decided to ditch it. I do kinda miss it though.
There are many things you can do to help prevent constant maintenance. I've worked on boats for over 8 yrs as a Shipwreck Journeyman, and it's always the preventions that save boats. And it matters who repairs your boat too
Insurance would be a good topic as my wife and I are retiring and purchasing a liveaboard and look to staying around the Ft. Meyers area, just haven't decided on staying at a marina full time or anchoring out, will be a learn as we go process but need teaching along the way, which is why we enjoy your videos...there are a lot of sailing videos but not enough with motor vessels.
It is harder to find liveaboard cruisers on motor boats for some reason. Have you seen this video yet by the Wandering Knapps? They did a great job covering insurance. ua-cam.com/video/xybqsEIDOzs/v-deo.html
Well i was raised on a houseboat from age 8 to 14. I lived in the swamps of Louisiana by the two lakes. We lived off the swamps ( fish, crap, traps) Houseboat living thats fun is a little more of humble living. It's a walk WITH NATURE
One way to get around slick marine mechanics is to take your boat to a person who has an address where boats are repaired. If you cannot do this, then those slick dudes you call will keep on running off with your money after they've tried to "repair" your boat with screws and springs. Air conditioners are expensive and difficult to repair. Boats qualify as recreational vehicles. That's why they are expensive to purchase, repair, and tie if you choose to dock them at the marina.
What I find difficult about boat life is watching the videos about what's difficult about boat life. I wanna get a boat, and then I don't want to get a boat, and then I want to get a boat.
Thank you for this video. I've been on the fence about this so long I've developed hemorrhoids! Same thing can be said about living in an early 1900's southern mansion. Oh it sounds really cool... until you realize all the windows have to be replaced all 37 of them. The wrap around porch which is severely water damaged from all the southern rain...is a minimum 85k dollar replacement. I could pay my house off twice for that price. Plus I thought the south was warm..... not unless you live past Gainesville lol. Seriously you answered every question I was concerned about. Cheers!
A lot to process here...wow..just found this old video..we have been planning for 5 years to start living aboard..buying our boat at the and of this year and leaving early next year..i watch a lot of videos...and most negative thing I've heard is just general maintenance year round on boat..this is eye opening..gotta make sure I don't show it to the wife..cause I'm still gonna go 🌞 🌴 ⛵
Hi Guys I liked Your straight forward responses. Really pay no attention to the comments about appearence or lifestyle. That is not what You are imparting to Us. We have met some of the UA-cam Sailing people and have found Them delightful. Interacting with some of the other Folks, post COVID19 has been somewhat negative. My Family looks forward to hearing more from You. We should not base the value of the interaction on what We get. But what We give to each other. Simple tricks to save time. Ideas that can be used to make Our boats safer. All this makes things work.
Love you guys, good content and right on with the good and bad. Had a 32' Carver Mariner up north, we used to live on it on weekends, like a second home. Wife passed away and I sold the boat. Living in Florida now and seriously thinking of purchasing another boat to liveaboard, don't know if my new wife would like it as much as I would. What Marina do you recommend? Seems like you've been around the block. I also can do a lot of maintenance myself. Hoping to hear back from you. God Bless.
Same🤩! 2 things to look into #1 Incinolet toilets no environmental regulations no paying for pumping or nasty smells #2 hydroelectric generators, providing reliable power even more so than solar( sun goes down) wind ( wind isn’t blowing consistently enough to really be reliable) hydroelectric as long as there’s water you’ll have consistent electricity, these can be cheaply built or found fairly priced online.👍🏽
There's definitely ups and downstairs in boating..how ever if you have a passion for it ,it makes all the difference and yesss... learn all you can about your boat and do it yourself will make you free from depending on any one else to resolve issues for you not mentioning that you need to know and work repairs in your boat specially when in remote places ...marine ac units are hard to keep up with and take a lots of attention involve many components and service is very pricey.. I'm a marine mechanic/engineer and years ago while keeping a fleet of seven vessels i start to use mini split ac units on the vessels and it worked awesome just find a discreet place for the unit and problem solved.
I have always lived on the hook. AC isn't nearly as essential, if your boat is pointing in to the wind, all the time. No insurance, I agree with that. Make sure your boat isn't too expensive. I lost a very expensive one in hurricane Irma. And, always do 100% of your own work.
I think you all are super kool to do this video, I've always looked at the fun side of boating but never thought about creatures clogging up plumbing, substandard A/C, continuous maintenance or insurance cost. I'll consider charters for the fun side and continue living life on land. I liked and subscribed.
Just found your channel, love it, very honest. Love your comment "look into my eyes, read my lips, I hate them". One of my previous employers did commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, he decided there is good money in the marine industry, we fitted out one commercial vessel, OMG never touched another marine air conditioning install, that vessel haunted is for years.
Great video, love how you get straight to the point without dancing around for 5 minutes. I've been thinking about retirement in the very near future and that I would love to have a boat to live on for 6 months of the year and then live back at home the other 6 months. Hoping to be a snowbird with a boat. Any help by you and your followers is greatly appreciated. Toying with the idea of keeping the boat on the St John River by Seaford. Interested in the idea of either putting the boat on land or leaving it in the water while I'm home during the summer months?
Hang in there gang , battery technology along with better solar charging with small wind power assist is getting better every day. Soon the only reason to go to the marina will be pump out ,refuel ,and fresh water, and more rum LOL.
Sorry it took me 4 months to reply to you, Forget wind, hydroelectric is the answer for consistent power and now there’s freaking incinerator toilets, plus drones can pickup water and rum from shore and bring to boat.👍🏽
Thanx for the negativity! You gotta know these things. So many of these channels are just about some version of glamour. This is all good stuff. Great job!!!
Will and Tiff, Enjoyed your video. Agreed with all. Presentation was great! You should try using reverse cycle air conditioners for heat when the boat has ice around it! We live aboard and cruise full time (without any permanent moorage). We are currently in Wrangell Alaska cruising for the winter. (currently 31 degrees, light snow, 25 knots of wind). Were it not for Covid we were going to be in the Sea of Cortez for the winter. Over the years it has always seemed to us the more we are out cruising and using all the systems on the boat, the less issues pop up. We also have a UA-cam Channel - Cruising Sea Venture. It's just become somewhat of an out of control hobby. We subscribed and are looking forward to seeing more Florida perspective boating. Looks like Insurance would be a good topic. It took some looking, but we were able to obtain insurance that allows us to go almost anywhere in the world - the insurer was very focused on experience which worked to our advantage. I'll close with our video closing, "wishing you no wind and flat seas". Jim and Rosy, M/V Sea Venture
@@TeamWiff Alaska winter cruising requires great heating systems, big coats and lots of warm drinks. But, when you cruise toward a cove with humpback whales feeding around you then anchor in a cove, by yourself (2 boats is a crowd here), sit back with something warm to drink and watch the grizzly bears on the beach it's just magical. Now to the business side of it all. Insurance. Our agent is: Morgan Wells Vice President, Agent Jack Martin & Associates | 135 Old Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis MD 21401 Office: 443-433-5723, 800-421-8818 | Internal: x21071 Morgan.Wells@jackmartin.com |jackmartin.com He wrote our insurance with Geico Marine. We can travel anywhere, anytime with specific country restrictions (ie: pass on cruising past Yeman right now). In Hurricane season it requires some additional safe guards be taken and the deductible is higher. Morgan specializes in ocean going power boats. We use to be with Markel and got tired of their restrictions on how far north we could be without paying extra, how far off shore we could be without paying extra, etc. I would think you are in a tough market in Florida due to the weather. In the north pacific it's all about your experience due to the remoteness and weather. We have gone as long as a month without seeing another boat, and in many areas you can not contact the Coast Guard due to the fjords, mountains, and distances, so you are really on your own. We have also cruised in up to 50 knots of sustained winds - which is not that uncommon here. (it was blowing 90-110 knots in Juneau's harbor yesterday) I find it fascinating that even though we have a shared lifestyle - cruising and living aboard - it can be so different in different parts of the world.
@@TeamWiff Jim & Rosy have a great channel... I've been watching all of their Alaska adventures. Stumbled upon them a few months ago as they were installing a bulbous bow on their trawler. Cool stuff!
Thank you for your truthful information, I love that you and your wife took the time to let everyone know, it's an adventure for sure 😊💖😊 Congratulations 🎉🎈🎉 job well done 👍😊💖 God Bless Your Success 🙏😇🙏
I just moved to jacksonville I want to live on a boat I am a Nurse out here for work but rentals cost alot so I was thinking about a house boat what would you is a total out of pocket per month. And would you say getting a sound on a sound or bay is better ocean side?
I probably will never own a boat unless I won the lottery but my wife could care less about a boat. she would rather have a farm. boating videos show the romantic side of boating and yet in the back of your mind you know it's a lot of work, not to mention money. Thanks for a reality check. Good video.
I live aboard and no you never catch up , stuff that was new 2 years ago is now due to be replaced again , but I would never go back to land unless health forced me , agree 100 percent about hiring marine trades in general its beer to avoid at all costs
Sorry it took me 6 months to reply to you, Incinolet or comparable no more environmental regulations or pumpout fees andddd a hydroelectric generator for consistent electricity all the time. Hope this helps 👍🏽
Maintenance... cruel and unusual. No truer words have ever been spoken. I just pulled the engine out of my Sea Ray. I don't exactly fit in the engine room.
If I ever did boat life, it would be a hybrid of Boat and RV inland living. I would get a big old boat and mod it into a house boat. Build and design everything myself based on RV technology as much as possible. Basically build a floating RV thats also a boat. I'd have a van and trailer to pull it so I could travel inland U.S. and use the Van and boat inland for RV living, and then hit lakes and the ocean whenever I wanted water life and put the Van and boat trailer in storage. Why limit yourself to water only? The main issue would be if you wanted to camp at RV parks they most likely won't allow house boats, so you'd be relegated to camp on public land when inland, and there's not a lot of that out East. Out west, there's tons of BLM public land you can free camp boon dock. I'm surprised there aren't more people doing this. Might even consider making it a Sailboat /houseboat/RV hybrid...... that would be cool.
With the hybrid water/land lifestyle, you could spend winters down south in warmer climate, and then in the Summer head north to escape the heat, up to Maine, Great Lakes, etc and experience North East Coast water life. You could also cross the country and take your boat over to the West Coast, through Seattle, Vancouver and up to Alaska for the summer. So many amazing land and water destinations in the U.S., pulling a houseboat RV with a V8 or diesel Cargo van you could combine Van life and Boat life and go anywhere.
I have a very similar mindset to yours but I already have everything planned. I actually commented my plans in the main chat just look for Einstein pic! I currently live in an apartment in central Florida and am tired of moving and roomates and drama and how expensive it is to own land in general especially close to a lake or ocean.I literally have everything drawn out I have limitless building materials and UA-cam sooooo now just gotta gather the materials which I have started and save up around 5k so probably 2023 this kind of lifestyle seems like a no brainer and no more throwing away $1,000 a month on shelter. My plans are a little above average but two words of recommendation are incinerator toilets like the Incinolet, so you never have to worry about random environmental regulations that hinder many houseboat plans and a hydroelectric generator will give you consistent electricity even more so than solar sun goes down or wind wind speed is never consistent enough and you need tons of batteries which equals weight and expenses etc hydroelectric generator you can make one yourself, hire someone to build you one custom or you can purchase kits online 👍🏽😎
🤩🤩🤩Hey you guys 🤩🤩🤩 get you an Incinolet, no more environmental regulations to worry about anymore or pumping fees they run from 2k to 4k Also look into making your own hydroelectric generator or find someone that makes them, or buy one offline, those two solutions combined means you no longer have to pay for docking nor do you have to pay to get your septic flushed. Oh ya you have A/C now because of your sweet hydroelectric generator. Boating life just got sweeter now if only you could submerge it for storms 👍🏽
Two suggestions Mr. B #1 Incinolet no breaking unknown environmental regulations and facing huge fines and no paying for sewage removal and #2 hydroelectric generator consistent power all the time make your own or buy a kit online. Eliminates 50% of your problems the other 50% is how to protect from storms.
Concur on marine air Dry bilge… it has never been an expectation so no sleep lost there. Marine techs… you get what you pay for… use a company not a self employed. Better warrantee. Maintence??? I have fiberglass not grass… enough said, it’s work. You left out bumping into things… everything’s smaller, i so enjoy a large shower space.
It seems to me that the things you don’t like living aboard are kinda deal breakers at least for me I’m really glad I found your video because I was considering buying the absolute 60 fly or the Galeon 500 fly which would be my home for life after that kind of purchase🤷🏽♂️
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and journey. I was thinking that I would sell my house, buy a live aboard boat and travel up and down the ICW and try the Great Loop. However, the more I research this life style and culture, I am not sure I am skilled enough to maintain the boat myself on the daily, weekly, monthly or annually, nor do I feel that I have enough cash to continue to spend to maintain the adventure and journey. It is my understanding that every year on average expect to pay ten percent (10%) of the cost of the boat..i.e. ($400,000 boat will cost $40,000/per year for maintenance, insurance, fees alone) Perhaps the more I want this dream to become a reality, it is suffers the darkness of a nightmare in disguise. Love your straightforward honestly Team Wiff, would love to enjoy the freedom and adventure you both are experiencing. Salt of the Earth and good people. Really enjoy your videos.
I want to find a huge old yacht and just build it into my house . No motor , never go anywhere , just walk into the boat and say DANG ! I still got stuff I have to fix !
I lived on a 28 ft sloop in a marina briefly, and I will tell you liars and thieves are the new way of life. Water or land. Self dependency is the way to live on land or water.
You gotta really truly genuine be a sea lover for liveboat. Please dont get on this not even as a try. Happiest day of a boat owner are the one he buy It and the one he sell It.
It’s like that sometimes. Living on the ball in Key West was amazing. Made us realize we are going to want to eliminate the docks from the equation whenever it’s possible.
Why don't you just get an RV Solar power setup, get a bunch of lightweight solar panels, Lightweight liFE po4 batteries, and then you can run one of those single room house AC window units. They only use about 500 watts.
As always a valuable video.......thanks. I think you are spot on with marina's as #1......this experience either makes or breaks it. That is if you need to be docked at a marina.......which prefer to. I have been watching you guys and planned to haul my 45' boat from Michigan to Florida during the winter months starting next year. What is alarming that I've found out is that during the 6 winter months..........the likely hood of getting a slip in a marina let a lone a decent marina will be almost impossible. Sadly, I may choose instead to mid south / southwest RV living as there are far more places to choose from as Florida marinas are quite packed and only getting more packed.
I've been a boater all my life. I'm 59yo and retired. I should be having the time of my life. But MARINAS are ruining everything. Marinas are overcharging for slip space, and the slips and marina as a whole is unmaintained. Docks, restrooms, amenities, all in horrible shape. Even the high-end marinas. The problem is marinas are closing and there's not enough slips for boats so, marinas get away with overcharging, and under delivering. So why are marinas closing? Because the waterfront land they occupy is more valuable than the marinas ability to generate money at the rate the owner wants. So, they squeeze every dime they can from the marina without maintaining the docks and such. Then when the marina becomes unrentable, the owner sells to a builder and it becomes a waterfront condo for the rich. I sit here today trying to figure out how much to sell my boat for. I'm thinking whatever someone offers me is what I'm going to take because at least I don't have to keep paying slip fees.
Great message to the unaware, stay the course. Many’s years of water taxi experience here, my advice to boaters when they ask me if I know a good mechanic is yes I’m looking at him or her. Learn to be your own mechanic not only will it save you a lot of coin but it might just save your vessel and the lives aboard.
Any advise on where to learn how to be a marine mechanic ?
I'm buying a yacht in 9 years to retire on at age 57. I've been a tech and a jack of all trades my hole life and I'm already doing my research for this adventure. Some things that come to mind are 1.) Water Maker, 2.) Washer/Dryer combo, 3.) Starlink Mini, 4.) Solar Array and 5.) being 3 miles off shore and anchoring out will be a priority to avoid wasting money. I'm not a marina fan either.
I don't know where you plan to liveaboard, but Florida keeps changing the rules about anchorage and how long you can anchor in one spot. Derilect vessels are a real problem in Florida and is the reason laws are being made to deter "full time cruisers".
I like hearing about the negatives of the lifestyle I'm looking at getting into
Instablaster...
But it's bad when they only talk shit
Same here, if your real about it you wanna hear the bad so you know how to prepare or at least the best you can. Where you live? I'm in Myrtle Beach and want to do the same if your close I'm down to meet up and just talk about what you want to achieve if your down to hear what I to achieve
I live on my 26" monohull yacht, on a swing mooring. This is cheaper than living in the marina. I left a noisy, hell hole caravan park to move onto my boat. I have less space in here, but my surroundings are quiet & peaceful. I'm getting used to my 8hp Diesel inboard motor now. I had a few issues when I first used my boat. Then a friend told me about a few things, so now I feel more confident. I learnt to sail when I was 14 years old. My dad taught me & my younger brother how to sail. I love living on the water. 😊⛵
The more you know. The better you can prepare for hell itself like the boss fight of a game- some dude on roblox told me that😂
But seriously. Take a training course and have fun and learn. Be safe out there on the water and have fun but keep up on it because technically.... an ounce of prevention is better than bucket fulls of a cure.
The constant maintenance is always the biggest issue when we are cruising. We've learned that youtube is your friend when doing your own work. The other invaluable thing is having a sea daddy somewhere you can call and ask questions. My old harbormaster, who I became good friends with, saved me so much time and money so many times, by being able to call him and tell him what was going on. Half the time, he could talk me through the fix.
That’s awesome that he was able help you out over the phone. I think it’s time for us to get a sea daddy 😆 But that’s so true about UA-cam. When we were cutting and filling holes on our boat in the boatyard, a contractor stopped by and asked us where we learned to do all that. I simply said, the internet... 🙂
I love how straightforward you both are! SO refreshing! The info and experiences you have the balls to share are all helping me prepare to take the leap. I am grateful!!
That’s what we were hoping for! Glad you found the info useful to you .
don't be stupid enough to buy a boat. Take your hard earned money and burn it lady, at least that will give you a few minutes of light and heat.
Fantastic video! I love your straightforward honesty. It is so refreshing to hear the reality versus the fantasy. One thing I find troubling is the constant depreciation of any boat. It is technically a home on the water, but depreciates unlike a waterfront condo or home. It is still hard to resist the allure.
I was thinking about your air conditioning problem.
If you could install an auxiliary inlet tube extending 1-2 meters below the surface (preferably with a strainer), you could reach much cooler water when you’re anchored / docked.
That sounds like a lot of experience talking there.
@@curtisaitken7027 Scuba diving & Snorkeling Experience 😉
My name is John and my wife and I run our own business called “Marcum’s Marine Service’s” and I specialize in do work on vessels that are docked or moored, I am so sorry about your experiences and those experiences are making it harder for someone like me who truly enjoys working on boats and doing projects or maintenance that makes the owner more comfortable and love their boat even more.
Most marine mechanics cater to the job that makes them the most money. If you have a small job, good luck finding anyone to take you seriously. Recently I need a 9000btu a/c unit replaced. Not 1 company would come do it. I hired 6 different companies to do the work, not 1 showed up. I finally bought a unit and changed it out myself. The companies all were quoting 5-6 thousand dollars to do the job. I did it for $2500, including the cost of the unit. So, 25 to 35 hundred dollars wasn't enough profit for a company to come do the work.
Boating is dying, Yachting is growing. Think about that.
@@michaelpowell9164Wow!!! That’s insane, I charge 195.00 per hour plus the cost of the parts or unit.
Preventive maintenance is a must. Set up a maintenance plan. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annually. Take it from a U.S.N. vet.
Hey! Idk if you’re still around but do you have maybe a list of the daily/weekly/monthly things to maintain? Just started looking into this 😅
Could you expand on your #1 dislike, marinas? What were the issues you’ve had?
Limo tint cuts heat 90% and I never use my AC. Plus it give you privacy and you can look out your beautiful view
You guys are pretty cool, thanks for the video. You have a lot of style! I pretty much have had the same experiences as you and agree with your assessment. I've lived aboard for 11 years now and have slaved away at maintenance including the war on water - which can be won by the way, although there are no shortcuts. The better the boat's build you start with the easier however. Living aboard has a ton of potential benefits, but it has mega risk as well. Thanks for shedding light on some of the drawbacks!
I never caught up with maintenance on our 30' Carver. We now have a 20' lake boat. I can keep up with it. Salt water works on the boat 24-7.
Your air conditioner got crabs 🦀 🤣
Lol
"Where the hell is all this water coming from!?" Me every weekend when I get to my boat. It sucks when you just want to Crack a beer and start partying on a Friday night but you are mopping up water instead.
I know the feeling. Which is why I’ve learned to just settled and be happy for the projects you can whilst drinking that beer. 😆
Hi there I have a dry sail boat and it's old from 1973 no leaks problems we take her out every 3 years for a hull check and clean repaint and overall inspection to make sure it stays dry inside
Great video - I second the insurance! I smacked a grey whale last year, which did some significant damage to the running gear (I have a 37 Bertram) and thru hull. The boat had to be hauled out, but sat on the chalks for a couple weeks. When it came time to settling, not only did the screw me on the repairs 3k for a 10k bill, I had to pay the yard fees. It was really a catch 22. We took on water so the boat needed to be hauled out, but the mechanic and yard couldn't get to it for a few weeks!!! Ugh!!!
That is crazy! I sincerely hope we don’t have to deal with an insurance claim. We’ll be sure to start planning for an insurance topic video.
And how !!! Then try to get any thing repaired on any boat large or small and you will have the shock of your life. The marine "trade" seems to attract the worse criminal type frauds of all ... they call themselves boat mechanics. Know nothing thieves who you'll meet a lot of as you hire them, one after the other, all as you try to get even one repair done correctly. We are talking self-propelled turds here with invoice pads in hand and very black hearts.
Agreed to all on your list. Finding quality, reliable, dependable, reputable and honest service folks, especially for the diesels, is frustrating. I have learned to do almost everything myself because of it. My bilges stay dry, but I am in a covered slip 🙂 Great videos, a 480 may be next for me.
First let me begin by saying I really enjoy all your video's. Now specific to this video. I spent a year on my 1972 Hatteras 45C in LA and found your comments about the integrity or lack of in the marine industry pretty much the same on the West coast.
I have now moved the boat south and keep her in Ensenada Mexico. Big difference. If work is not good or made right they don't work for long. Much smaller community down here. Not to mention Labor costs are much much more reasonable.
Thanks for your insights.
That’s was my first thought about the labor costs hopefully being cheaper, so it’s like 2 knocking out 2 birds with 1 stone. Thanks for watching btw.
Boat maintenance never ends. Always something to do. As far as keeping bilge dry, I use one of those homedepot bucket top shop vacs that helps save space and has multiple uses. It can be used to inflate things quickly too!. Insurance wise - I have used BoatUS insurance for eternity. They have never let me down and I’ve had some major losses - Including destroyed outdrives, theft, and total storm loss. Thanks guys. Great episode with Team Wiff! What happen to your old jingle? I used to whistle that over and over to myself lol.
Wow.... sounds like Boat US has done you right. So when our channel was able to be monetized, the creators of the song took too long to realease their rights on our content, since we licensed to use it. So we had to file claims on each video with it. Very tedious. That and we would’ve needed to pay to use it for another year, so we just decided to ditch it. I do kinda miss it though.
@@TeamWiff geesh. What a headache! Not looking forward to any of that if by some slim chance I get monetized..lol
There are many things you can do to help prevent constant maintenance. I've worked on boats for over 8 yrs as a Shipwreck Journeyman, and it's always the preventions that save boats. And it matters who repairs your boat too
Fiberglass or aluminum
added coolant? please explain.
Hi I'm watching your video may be I can help you about your problems in the yacht I'm a captain her in Dubai for 15 years.
HOLY cow you have the answer. Lolol
This tells me you know nothing about owning a boat that sits in saltwater!
Insurance would be a good topic as my wife and I are retiring and purchasing a liveaboard and look to staying around the Ft. Meyers area, just haven't decided on staying at a marina full time or anchoring out, will be a learn as we go process but need teaching along the way, which is why we enjoy your videos...there are a lot of sailing videos but not enough with motor vessels.
It is harder to find liveaboard cruisers on motor boats for some reason. Have you seen this video yet by the Wandering Knapps? They did a great job covering insurance.
ua-cam.com/video/xybqsEIDOzs/v-deo.html
Long-term that seems like a bad idea. What about medical emergencys 🦺. Climbing up or downstairs. Naw but an RV
Well i was raised on a houseboat from age 8 to 14. I lived in the swamps of Louisiana by the two lakes. We lived off the swamps ( fish, crap, traps) Houseboat living thats fun is a little more of humble living. It's a walk WITH NATURE
Great video! Shades of Jackie Chiles when talking about the marine AC's. Ha!
One way to get around slick marine mechanics is to take your boat to a person who has an address where boats are repaired. If you cannot do this, then those slick dudes you call will keep on running off with your money after they've tried to "repair" your boat with screws and springs. Air conditioners are expensive and difficult to repair. Boats qualify as recreational vehicles. That's why they are expensive to purchase, repair, and tie if you choose to dock them at the marina.
What I find difficult about boat life is watching the videos about what's difficult about boat life. I wanna get a boat, and then I don't want to get a boat, and then I want to get a boat.
Thank you for this video. I've been on the fence about this so long I've developed hemorrhoids! Same thing can be said about living in an early 1900's southern mansion. Oh it sounds really cool... until you realize all the windows have to be replaced all 37 of them. The wrap around porch which is severely water damaged from all the southern rain...is a minimum 85k dollar replacement. I could pay my house off twice for that price. Plus I thought the south was warm..... not unless you live past Gainesville lol. Seriously you answered every question I was concerned about. Cheers!
Give it to me straight. Everything in life has trade offs. Thank you!
true that!
A lot to process here...wow..just found this old video..we have been planning for 5 years to start living aboard..buying our boat at the and of this year and leaving early next year..i watch a lot of videos...and most negative thing I've heard is just general maintenance year round on boat..this is eye opening..gotta make sure I don't show it to the wife..cause I'm still gonna go 🌞 🌴 ⛵
Incinolet toilet and hydroelectric generator will make your life on the water much better 🤩👍🏽
@@professionalguy9346 explain please
Hi Guys
I liked Your straight forward responses. Really pay no attention to the comments about appearence or lifestyle. That is not what You are imparting to Us. We have met some of the UA-cam Sailing people and have found Them delightful. Interacting with some of the other Folks, post COVID19 has been somewhat negative. My Family looks forward to hearing more from You. We should not base the value of the interaction on what We get. But what We give to each other. Simple tricks to save time. Ideas that can be used to make Our boats safer. All this makes things work.
Love you guys, good content and right on with the good and bad. Had a 32' Carver Mariner up north, we used to live on it on weekends, like a second home. Wife passed away and I sold the boat. Living in Florida now and seriously thinking of purchasing another boat to liveaboard, don't know if my new wife would like it as much as I would. What Marina do you recommend? Seems like you've been around the block. I also can do a lot of maintenance myself. Hoping to hear back from you. God Bless.
Wow....This was very informative...I’m learning so much about boat living just by watching you guys!!! Keep sharing your experiences I love it!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it. We’re also learning from others on here as we go.... that’s why we love UA-cam! 😆
Truly enjoying your videos!
Oh yes, I experienced same thing with a motor home. Getting a good person without problems or finishing the job!!
This video was very good!!! thank you!! Plan is next year to move to a boat. so a lot to learn!! oh we are in Florida too.
Same🤩! 2 things to look into #1 Incinolet toilets no environmental regulations no paying for pumping or nasty smells #2 hydroelectric generators, providing reliable power even more so than solar( sun goes down) wind ( wind isn’t blowing consistently enough to really be reliable) hydroelectric as long as there’s water you’ll have consistent electricity, these can be cheaply built or found fairly priced online.👍🏽
I built my house 16 years ago and have been working on it ever since! That’s the price of owning where you live.
There's definitely ups and downstairs in boating..how ever if you have a passion for it ,it makes all the difference and yesss... learn all you can about your boat and do it yourself will make you free from depending on any one else to resolve issues for you not mentioning that you need to know and work repairs in your boat specially when in remote places ...marine ac units are hard to keep up with and take a lots of attention involve many components and service is very pricey.. I'm a marine mechanic/engineer and years ago while keeping a fleet of seven vessels i start to use mini split ac units on the vessels and it worked awesome just find a discreet place for the unit and problem solved.
I have always lived on the hook. AC isn't nearly as essential, if your boat is pointing in to the wind, all the time. No insurance, I agree with that. Make sure your boat isn't too expensive. I lost a very expensive one in hurricane Irma. And, always do 100% of your own work.
You guys are cool and you crack us up!
I think you all are super kool to do this video, I've always looked at the fun side of boating but never thought about creatures clogging up plumbing, substandard A/C, continuous maintenance or insurance cost. I'll consider charters for the fun side and continue living life on land. I liked and subscribed.
Live on the hook. Go off-grid. Don't pay rent, presently we are living in Curacao and it is great, having just sailed from Brazil.
Just found your channel, love it, very honest. Love your comment "look into my eyes, read my lips, I hate them". One of my previous employers did commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, he decided there is good money in the marine industry, we fitted out one commercial vessel, OMG never touched another marine air conditioning install, that vessel haunted is for years.
Haha! Some things just aren’t worth the headaches they cause. Glad you enjoyed the vid.
Bilge on my current boat is always dry ? And my former boat too. Except for a small box like hole where the pump sits. There is around a 1/2 inch.
Informative video, my wife and I are looking forward to
Great video, love how you get straight to the point without dancing around for 5 minutes. I've been thinking about retirement in the very near future and that I would love to have a boat to live on for 6 months of the year and then live back at home the other 6 months. Hoping to be a snowbird with a boat. Any help by you and your followers is greatly appreciated. Toying with the idea of keeping the boat on the St John River by Seaford. Interested in the idea of either putting the boat on land or leaving it in the water while I'm home during the summer months?
Hang in there gang , battery technology along with better solar charging with small wind power assist is getting better every day. Soon the only reason to go to the marina will be pump out ,refuel ,and fresh water, and more rum LOL.
Sorry it took me 4 months to reply to you, Forget wind, hydroelectric is the answer for consistent power and now there’s freaking incinerator toilets, plus drones can pickup water and rum from shore and bring to boat.👍🏽
Is there an aluminum hull boat you don't have to paint every year or two?
Thanx for the negativity! You gotta know these things. So many of these channels are just about some version of glamour. This is all good stuff. Great job!!!
Will and Tiff, Enjoyed your video. Agreed with all. Presentation was great! You should try using reverse cycle air conditioners for heat when the boat has ice around it! We live aboard and cruise full time (without any permanent moorage). We are currently in Wrangell Alaska cruising for the winter. (currently 31 degrees, light snow, 25 knots of wind). Were it not for Covid we were going to be in the Sea of Cortez for the winter. Over the years it has always seemed to us the more we are out cruising and using all the systems on the boat, the less issues pop up. We also have a UA-cam Channel - Cruising Sea Venture. It's just become somewhat of an out of control hobby. We subscribed and are looking forward to seeing more Florida perspective boating. Looks like Insurance would be a good topic. It took some looking, but we were able to obtain insurance that allows us to go almost anywhere in the world - the insurer was very focused on experience which worked to our advantage. I'll close with our video closing, "wishing you no wind and flat seas". Jim and Rosy, M/V Sea Venture
That sounds frigid! Thanks for commenting. We’ll be sure to check our your channel. Who do you have for insurance?
@@TeamWiff Alaska winter cruising requires great heating systems, big coats and lots of warm drinks. But, when you cruise toward a cove with humpback whales feeding around you then anchor in a cove, by yourself (2 boats is a crowd here), sit back with something warm to drink and watch the grizzly bears on the beach it's just magical.
Now to the business side of it all. Insurance. Our agent is:
Morgan Wells
Vice President, Agent
Jack Martin & Associates | 135 Old Solomons Island Rd. Annapolis MD 21401
Office: 443-433-5723, 800-421-8818 | Internal: x21071
Morgan.Wells@jackmartin.com |jackmartin.com
He wrote our insurance with Geico Marine. We can travel anywhere, anytime with specific country restrictions (ie: pass on cruising past Yeman right now). In Hurricane season it requires some additional safe guards be taken and the deductible is higher. Morgan specializes in ocean going power boats. We use to be with Markel and got tired of their restrictions on how far north we could be without paying extra, how far off shore we could be without paying extra, etc. I would think you are in a tough market in Florida due to the weather. In the north pacific it's all about your experience due to the remoteness and weather. We have gone as long as a month without seeing another boat, and in many areas you can not contact the Coast Guard due to the fjords, mountains, and distances, so you are really on your own. We have also cruised in up to 50 knots of sustained winds - which is not that uncommon here. (it was blowing 90-110 knots in Juneau's harbor yesterday)
I find it fascinating that even though we have a shared lifestyle - cruising and living aboard - it can be so different in different parts of the world.
@@TeamWiff Jim & Rosy have a great channel... I've been watching all of their Alaska adventures. Stumbled upon them a few months ago as they were installing a bulbous bow on their trawler. Cool stuff!
Thank you for your truthful information, I love that you and your wife took the time to let everyone know, it's an adventure for sure 😊💖😊 Congratulations 🎉🎈🎉 job well done 👍😊💖 God Bless Your Success 🙏😇🙏
whoa, thank you so much for the info on the marine AC....I had a feeling about most of the others but assumed it would just be noiser
That was the funniest video I watched lol
But at same time good info thanks for sharing from the UK
Just stumbled across your channel. You two are cool! Lol. Great wake up call for the dreamers like me. Thumbs up + sub'd.
I would love to know what percentage of the time boats are moored at the marina vs. traveling.
😂
...more than one would wish for...
Well done guys, informative and entertaining.
I just moved to jacksonville I want to live on a boat I am a Nurse out here for work but rentals cost alot so I was thinking about a house boat what would you is a total out of pocket per month. And would you say getting a sound on a sound or bay is better ocean side?
I probably will never own a boat unless I won the lottery but my wife could care less about a boat. she would rather have a farm. boating videos show the romantic side of boating and yet in the back of your mind you know it's a lot of work, not to mention money. Thanks for a reality check. Good video.
Man when you had to calm down, I laughed and laughed....so real.
Thanks for the reality check!
I'm thinking to buy a liveaboard. I have zero sailing experience and the boat I am looking at is a trawler yacht. Any advice
I spend most of my time on the hook in romote and exotic places. What I dislike the most are storm anchoing concerns.
Chaaa that’s why my housefloat is going to be able to submerge completely and anchor on the bottom during storms. Spring 2023
Old men playing loud AM talk radio in the marinas all night. Boat hulls are giant speakers transferring noise.
Plug in ac really helps keep boat dry.
Great video and thk you for talking me out of this!
🙀 Maybe give it a try, and see if you like it. Overall we are glad we did it.
I live aboard and no you never catch up , stuff that was new 2 years ago is now due to be replaced again , but I would never go back to land unless health forced me , agree 100 percent about hiring marine trades in general its beer to avoid at all costs
Sorry it took me 6 months to reply to you, Incinolet or comparable no more environmental regulations or pumpout fees andddd a hydroelectric generator for consistent electricity all the time. Hope this helps 👍🏽
guys , why don't you have millions of subscribers? You will get those soon.
Today you got mine.
Maintenance... cruel and unusual. No truer words have ever been spoken. I just pulled the engine out of my Sea Ray. I don't exactly fit in the engine room.
Sometimes if I take 1 more bite of dood than I should, I don’t fit down there. Gotta love Sea Ray... they sure do know how to pack it all in tight!
Yes I think you all are cool 😎👍👍 new supporter here have a great weekend looking forward to watching your videos 👻🙋
I had a marine Mechanix that was supposed to rebuild my carburetor amd stole it insread.
Thanks so much for this vid guys!! Are there any 'smaller' issues that annoy you which perhaps you didn't expect before starting to live on boat?
If I ever did boat life, it would be a hybrid of Boat and RV inland living. I would get a big old boat and mod it into a house boat. Build and design everything myself based on RV technology as much as possible. Basically build a floating RV thats also a boat. I'd have a van and trailer to pull it so I could travel inland U.S. and use the Van and boat inland for RV living, and then hit lakes and the ocean whenever I wanted water life and put the Van and boat trailer in storage. Why limit yourself to water only? The main issue would be if you wanted to camp at RV parks they most likely won't allow house boats, so you'd be relegated to camp on public land when inland, and there's not a lot of that out East. Out west, there's tons of BLM public land you can free camp boon dock. I'm surprised there aren't more people doing this. Might even consider making it a Sailboat /houseboat/RV hybrid...... that would be cool.
With the hybrid water/land lifestyle, you could spend winters down south in warmer climate, and then in the Summer head north to escape the heat, up to Maine, Great Lakes, etc and experience North East Coast water life. You could also cross the country and take your boat over to the West Coast, through Seattle, Vancouver and up to Alaska for the summer. So many amazing land and water destinations in the U.S., pulling a houseboat RV with a V8 or diesel Cargo van you could combine Van life and Boat life and go anywhere.
I have a very similar mindset to yours but I already have everything planned. I actually commented my plans in the main chat just look for Einstein pic! I currently live in an apartment in central Florida and am tired of moving and roomates and drama and how expensive it is to own land in general especially close to a lake or ocean.I literally have everything drawn out I have limitless building materials and UA-cam sooooo now just gotta gather the materials which I have started and save up around 5k so probably 2023 this kind of lifestyle seems like a no brainer and no more throwing away $1,000 a month on shelter. My plans are a little above average but two words of recommendation are incinerator toilets like the Incinolet, so you never have to worry about random environmental regulations that hinder many houseboat plans and a hydroelectric generator will give you consistent electricity even more so than solar sun goes down or wind wind speed is never consistent enough and you need tons of batteries which equals weight and expenses etc hydroelectric generator you can make one yourself, hire someone to build you one custom or you can purchase kits online 👍🏽😎
🤩🤩🤩Hey you guys 🤩🤩🤩 get you an Incinolet, no more environmental regulations to worry about anymore or pumping fees they run from 2k to 4k Also look into making your own hydroelectric generator or find someone that makes them, or buy one offline, those two solutions combined means you no longer have to pay for docking nor do you have to pay to get your septic flushed. Oh ya you have A/C now because of your sweet hydroelectric generator. Boating life just got sweeter now if only you could submerge it for storms 👍🏽
Can some of this be mitigated with a smaller livable sailboat? I appreciate this....looking to retire this way.
Two suggestions Mr. B #1 Incinolet no breaking unknown environmental regulations and facing huge fines and no paying for sewage removal and #2 hydroelectric generator consistent power all the time make your own or buy a kit online. Eliminates 50% of your problems the other 50% is how to protect from storms.
Concur on marine air
Dry bilge… it has never been an expectation so no sleep lost there.
Marine techs… you get what you pay for… use a company not a self employed. Better warrantee.
Maintence??? I have fiberglass not grass… enough said, it’s work.
You left out bumping into things… everything’s smaller, i so enjoy a large shower space.
You have no idea how helpful your videos are thankyou. Why dont you try fresh water for a few years and see what is better salt or fresh ???
I like ductless minis on boats. they work well and are ultra amp friendly.
It seems to me that the things you don’t like living aboard are kinda deal breakers at least for me I’m really glad I found your video because I was considering buying the absolute 60 fly or the Galeon 500 fly which would be my home for life after that kind of purchase🤷🏽♂️
What size of boat do you own
Cant you put a screen on this intake or something on that air conditioner to keep things out of it
I'd be interested in hearing more about the "why" of marina life being bad. Saying it's bad isn't really helpful without an example. Thx.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and journey. I was thinking that I would sell my house, buy a live aboard boat and travel up and down the ICW and try the Great Loop. However, the more I research this life style and culture, I am not sure I am skilled enough to maintain the boat myself on the daily, weekly, monthly or annually, nor do I feel that I have enough cash to continue to spend to maintain the adventure and journey. It is my understanding that every year on average expect to pay ten percent (10%) of the cost of the boat..i.e. ($400,000 boat will cost $40,000/per year for maintenance, insurance, fees alone) Perhaps the more I want this dream to become a reality, it is suffers the darkness of a nightmare in disguise. Love your straightforward honestly Team Wiff, would love to enjoy the freedom and adventure you both are experiencing. Salt of the Earth and good people. Really enjoy your videos.
I feel the same as you. The more I look into it the more the glamor fades. Maybe up and moving to Thailand is better.
I want to find a huge old yacht and just build it into my house . No motor , never go anywhere , just walk into the boat and say DANG ! I still got stuff I have to fix !
I lived on a 28 ft sloop in a marina briefly, and I will tell you liars and thieves are the new way of life. Water or land. Self dependency is the way to live on land or water.
Very insightful video. Question: Would you recommend spending more to avoid more problems? Such as a new model year?
Your dad must be proud that your with Will, Tiff.
You are so right marinas like mobile home parks suck
Thank You!
Right now my biggest boat problem is that i don't have one. I want the Bering 70.
Maintenance you say? Flex-seal the f-ing thing. Everything that moves, flex-seal.
You gotta really truly genuine be a sea lover for liveboat. Please dont get on this not even as a try. Happiest day of a boat owner are the one he buy It and the one he sell It.
What I don't like about living aboard a powerboat --docklife😂😂
It’s like that sometimes. Living on the ball in Key West was amazing. Made us realize we are going to want to eliminate the docks from the equation whenever it’s possible.
It gets worse if you have a sailboat...you can add a lot of more reasons there.
But it's helpless!
Boats are great!
Insurance..that the big bad...good one....you need insurance but they put a hook in you
Very good job!
good video!! Marina "free" WIFI sucks
Reading between the lines I get the impression Will doesn't like marine a/c's.
Why don't you just get an RV Solar power setup, get a bunch of lightweight solar panels, Lightweight liFE po4 batteries, and then you can run one of those single room house AC window units. They only use about 500 watts.
As always a valuable video.......thanks.
I think you are spot on with marina's as #1......this experience either makes or breaks it. That is if you need to be docked at a marina.......which prefer to.
I have been watching you guys and planned to haul my 45' boat from Michigan to Florida during the winter months starting next year.
What is alarming that I've found out is that during the 6 winter months..........the likely hood of getting a slip in a marina let a lone a decent marina will be almost impossible.
Sadly, I may choose instead to mid south / southwest RV living as there are far more places to choose from as Florida marinas are quite packed and only getting more packed.
The RV isn’t a bad plan actually. Have you considered staying on a mooring though? It’s quite comfortable that time of year you’re looking at Florida.
@@TeamWiff Yes but I hear those are even tough to get sometimes?
Dock neighbors!! Drama!!! Lol
Did the survey show any of those problems?
I've been a boater all my life. I'm 59yo and retired. I should be having the time of my life. But MARINAS are ruining everything. Marinas are overcharging for slip space, and the slips and marina as a whole is unmaintained. Docks, restrooms, amenities, all in horrible shape. Even the high-end marinas. The problem is marinas are closing and there's not enough slips for boats so, marinas get away with overcharging, and under delivering.
So why are marinas closing? Because the waterfront land they occupy is more valuable than the marinas ability to generate money at the rate the owner wants. So, they squeeze every dime they can from the marina without maintaining the docks and such. Then when the marina becomes unrentable, the owner sells to a builder and it becomes a waterfront condo for the rich.
I sit here today trying to figure out how much to sell my boat for. I'm thinking whatever someone offers me is what I'm going to take because at least I don't have to keep paying slip fees.