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Best Locations for retired half time liveaboards?

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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/17/2007 : 13:28:42

I'm looking for ideas on the perfect location for a retired couple to live half time in a condo and the other half on a 54' cruiser. I'm planning 15 years ahead here, but just so you know I'm the type to plan ahead, follow that plan and achieve my goals. So far so good. Maybe some of you can propose locations that I haven't considered or are unaware of. Not easy to find such a location these days.

Here are my basic guidelines for what I consider my perfect spot:
<ul><li>1-2 bedroom condo</li><li>Dock that can take a 54'</li><li>Ocean access</li><li>North American like creature comforts (will not live in a poor country)</li><li>Best bang for the buck: Security, Amenities</li></ul>
Even tough my #1 pick is the United States, once retired I can live pretty much anywhere. I'm starting to look at some of the islands and even Mexico. A condo with a dock is very attractive to the Admiral and myself. The Admiral is not the liveaboard type for a prolong period. She likes to know she's got a land nest somewhere.

Steve Blackburn, Calgary, AB
C250WB - 1999 - Hull 396

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 10/17/2007 13:30:25

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 13:44:23

Steve,
We're considering along the same lines. Shortlisted so far are Langkawi Island in Malaysia, Phuket or Pattaya in Thailand (opposite sides of the Malaysian peninsula), Panama, Costa Rica & Belize. British Columbia would be on the list as well but I want to be able to swim around my boat w/o a dry suit.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 14:05:22

So you're already planning on the Little Harbor 54?

Sorry--can't help you with the condo and dock in this part of the US. I have a 2BR condo with a slip for a 35-footer that can get under a 25' fixed bridge--it might be for sale some time around then...

N. American comforts, security, ocean,... (not on al Qaeda's radar...) Hmmm... how about Vancouver?

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 14:32:41

So, you want a condo next to which you can park your floating condo.......

I'm with Dave, Vancouver (maybe the islands?) in the summer and Baja in the winter?

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 14:44:46

Why pick one place you part time home is mobile?

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 15:01:19

OK, so this is heresy, but I agree with Duane. No, not the agreeing with Duane part, hang with me.

Take a look, with your wife, at a cruising catamaran, like a Lagoon 42 (there are lots of brands, this is just an example). Lots of space, although you must not use all of it, you'll end up overloading the boat. My wife could not conceive of us retiring on a boat (any boat) until we saw the larger cats. Now, it is our plan to live full time on one after retire.

The advantage, as Duane says, is that you can move your house to the best climate each year. We plan to move up and down the west coast of the US as the mood (and weather) suits us...

OK, fire away. ;-) BTW, this is a longer term plan for us too. We have a lot of time to spend together in our C250 before retirement...

Kevin

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 16:04:18

What about the Baja peninsula in Mexico?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 16:15:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kevinmac
 ...a cruising catamaran, like a Lagoon 42 (there are lots of brands, this is just an example). Lots of space...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...for a car, a boat, some bikes,... (?) There you are, sitting on the Lagoon in some marina with a fried-clam-strip "seafood restaurant" and a "convenience store" for groceries within walking distance on the highway nearby... watching everyone having fun sailing and motoring in and out... wondering what your friends are doing, wherever they are... wishing the guy across from you would turn down his stereo and the guy with the row of straight-pipes across the transom would sink...

Ahhh, the life. (I am retired--with boats, car, bikes, kayaks, LR, DR, guest rooms, fireplace, workshop, office, slip, friends and neighbors I can count on,... Totally conventional, I guess.)

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 19:29:45

Puget Sound.

Access to the San Juans, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Inside Passage to Alaska.

There is no such thing as a place that is cheap and secure, IMHO.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 10/17/2007 19:35:30

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 19:51:27

I forgot to add a bullet on my list about weather. I would like to be where there is no winter. I have lived in the North all my life. To me paradise is lined up with palm trees and a continuous summer.

Vancouver is only 10 hours driving distance from Calgary. Went there last summer but was wondering how inconvenient the rain is (same goes for Seattle or Puget sound I hear). How bad is the rain anyways?

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 22:52:01

I moved from Calgary to Vanc Island in 1988 with the intention of getting away from winter. IT WAS TOO RAINY and cold. AFter 8 winters, I moved back here to Sunny Calgary. I also spent a year in Australia. I loved it but could not imagine living there permanently. I've travelled extensively through south Pacific and S America.

Baja Mexico is very nice as is Belize and Costa Rica. I'd live there for the winters, then head north for the spring/summers/autumn.

ONe of the constants regarding boats - the bigger the boat, the less it sails.IMHO, a 52 footer in a condo slip is not going to get much use. A 25 footer in a condo slip is going to get a lot of use.

We have been discussing 'your' topic for years.
We'll keep a homestead here, and spend our winters in a condo with a little boat in the slip.

The logistics of maintaining CDN healthcare will likely be one of your biggest logistical issues. Unless of course, you're wealthy enough to own a 52' boat and a condo in a prime location.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 05:40:02

Joining the fray, I have my list of dreamboats and have spent many hours considering where, when, how, why, who, and what on.

Everyone that I have spoken with that lives aboard their boat has a condo/townhouse someplace. And they all (I make a point of speaking with folks when we get the chance on JD) move around.

I have even spent virtual hours on board considering what I would be doing, becuase quite frankly, I cannot see myself just sitting at the bow watching the hours go by, for me there has to be a purpose.
Also, consider the down time, the equivalent of what you currently do after a full day, supper, home stuff, and planning the next trip.
It's not long before the reality of the condo kicks in.

When we get our 'bigger boat', we will visit the many places from coast to coast, trip through the panama canal, visit south america, the islands, and best of all, we'll have family come visit us for a break because we will surely miss them.

Saterlite HS net access will be a must. Planned visits to docs and dentists will be on the itinery.

The idea grows.

Paul

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 07:39:07

Friends of mine have a place very much like you describe in NC. I believe there are any number of places like that in the Bern and Oriental area. They have a dock large enough for 2 boats, it's a gated community and with real estate prices what they are, probably pretty affordable at the moment. Best of luck with your search.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 10:41:35

Why not put the boat in La Paz (southern Baja, near Cabo) and then live anywhere?

In winter you have the entire sea of Cortez and cruises to southern Mexico, Costa Rica, and south, even the Carribean.

In summer live up north somewhere, whatever strikes your fancy. Perhaps Northern Michigan or Canada along the Georgian Bay? Get a C25 for the summer.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 13:45:06

Donald Trump was here in Calgary last weekend. He said now is the time to negotiate real estate in the US. (in light of the sub-prime mortgage situation)

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 13:46:18

I really appreciate you inputs, and it's changing my point of views of various subjects. My definition of liveaboard is staying at any given spot for no more than 1-2 months then moving on but living onboard full time.

1. BIG BOAT. The main reason I was thinking BIG is the fact that it must be a floating condo since it would be for prolong cruising (semi circumnavigation). Also the security factor for crossing oceans. But then this brings up other sub issues:

a. Realistically speaking I don't see myself living on board for more than 6 consecutive months without flying back and taking "condo breaks" once in a while. Although I love the marina atmosphere, Dave Bristle had a good point about the in/out traffic, noise and proximity to neighbors.

b. Had a look at the Lagoon Catamarans last night and they are indeed floating condos and I don’t see the need to take “condo breaks” on those. I was wondering how difficult it was to get a slip (permanent and transient) and docking costs involved for one of these. It’s good to have a big boat but if it stops you from going where you want to go and gives you headaches then it defeats the purpose altogether. If I would have to call 2 weeks in advance to reserve a slip, then have the stress of making it there on time then it would feel like work again. Also wondering how they sail?

2. LOCATIONS.
a. North Carolina: I’ve always enjoyed myself in NC and definitely would consider living there. Costs are also realistic.

b. La Paz: Saw a TV show on the Discovery channel (don’t remember how it’s called) with this British girl showing homes in La Paz. Not bad, but a little on the dry side for me (no trees).

c. Caribbean: Some islands have convenient amenities however I suspect that you have to look over you shoulder all the time to see if they are not stealing your dingy or something. Have read lots of accounts on theft on boats while people are sleeping in this area.

d. Florida: I’m disappointed because that location was high on my list (as with most Canadians). According to Paul Florida is not really a sailboat spot. I’m guessing because of low bridges and reefs?

e. San Diego area: Never been there but see a few marinas that let people liveaboard and you can always cruise down to Mexico and Panama.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 10/18/2007 13:47:09

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 14:08:45

May as well shell-out two cents... Being brand new to this business of retirement we too seem to be plotting, exploring, sorting and pondering. First off... our generation has an unlimited variety of options as opposed to previous generation(s) Makes ye kind of thankful to be here and now, on this continent where one has choices and opportunities to hearts desire.

It appeared while on the road crossing Arizona, Texas and other Southern States that the entire world was living in high-end coaches, trailers and fifth wheels year round. In many cases people's only home.

What would seem ideal is to have a self propelled 30ft or so long diesel coach pulling a 25 ft sailboat seasonally North/South. In addition own a “no maintenance with workshop”. dwelling (US South Canadians North) or could be a “live-on-board 38-42 footer”, somewhere close/on or bordering the ocean or lake(s). The coach will serve to visit and stay independently with kids, family or friends and to tour inland scenery/lake explorations pulling a car/boat across the continent.

Owning larger than a 25ft trailerable boat on the west coast seems a tad restrictive weather wise unless one is capable of tackling the Oregon & California coast. Going north has no limits except the weather... Owning a 38-42 ft live-on-board and migrating south with a 25footer would be interesting
Staying north year-round with a no-maintenance dwelling of sorts and owning a 38-42 footer close by would be very do-able. I already know that we're gonna miss our 25 footer if we ever have to sell it...

Assets could be liabilities if one plans to visit other continents & cultures by other means than your own sailboat. Staging retirement activities should be something of a priority...

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 14:45:23

Steve, the weather in the Pacific NW is wonderful. We get no snow in the valleys (where everyone lives) but can be skiing in 90 minutes. We enjoy winter sports too much to live far away from the mountains. Summer is hot and dry, fall is incredibly beautiful, and spring is variable. Winter is overcast with light rain and temps in the mid-40's and 50's. The NW is known for rain but, in fact, we get less actual rainfall than most other places. What we get is lots of drizzle and very few strong storms. Personally I now love the overcast weather and dislike hot sunny days.

There is a world of choices. My advice is don't make a choice that you cannot extradite yourself from if it turns out not to be what you wanted. Personally, I would never purchase property in any country south of the USA. We know people who have done it. Being a "wealthy foreigner" in a country of poor people has no appeal to me.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 10/18/2007 14:48:40

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 15:26:54

Randy's right about the rain here. It really never (well hardly ever) rains, it sort of mists with vigor at best. Occasionally we'll get monsoon-like downpours like I remember when I was a kid living in Guam, but they're rare. I really like being up here & sailing up here, but I'm with Steve, I want to eventually be on the banana cruise where I can live in shorts & flip flops the rest of my life.

As far as being a rich foreigner in a poor land, I can see the problems there too, but I've lived in a poor country and have a feel for it. I've also visited lots of 3rd world countries and have rarely felt out of place. Of course I go to some effort to learn the local language, and go out of my way to not be the "ugly American".

That said, one of the reasons that Costa Rica's on my short list is the fact that they have a 96%+ literacy rate. Higher literacy rates translate to low crime rates. They also have a very high life expectancy rate which translates to decent medical facilities and healthy life styles. It's only about 150 miles from coast to coast, and Panama's not too far away, giving you access to both the Caribbean & Atlantic, as well as Pacific destinations.

One of the options I want to explore is putting one of the big catamarans into charter somewhere in the Caribbean and letting other folks pay for & take care of it while the mortgage gets paid down. After 5-7 years, take it out of charter & refit for retirement. Voila, floating condo that I didn't have to pay so much for. I don't know how good of an idea this is, I know that charter boats tend to get beaten up, but it seems like a viable option to get into a bigger boat than we can afford in a reasonable amount of time.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 19:24:58

Costa Rica sounds really good and I will seriously research it. David described my vision very well mentioning the banana cruise, flip flops & shorts. I'm looking for a relaxed time and move around slowly. Screw the sporty type of sailing in 20 knot winds and 15 foot waves. Once I'm done with let's say Costa Rica, then I move on to somewhere else so location becomes a non-issue from that perspective.

[url="http://www.marinaservices-yachtdelivery.com/"]Costa Rica Marina[/url] Perfect example of a spot I would stop for a few weeks.

You can get a nice 1995-1999, 41 foot Lagoon for about $225K. Considering you don't need the condo/house, cars, property taxes, once you get the equity back it's not difficult to pay it off and have left overs. True freedom from this point on. You can bring much improvements and repairs over the years making it really comfy. Once you're done with that (getting too old) then sell it and buy the condo at one of the multiple locations I have visited.

About the pacific NW, I'm thinking of taking the C250 down next summer to cruise the San Juan's and check it out. 5 day cruise with Admiral and 2 kids (9 & 12), multiple restaurant stops and safe moorings. Maybe other North Westerners want to join me? Would be nice since I have no coastal experience (just lakes). Taking my Navigation certification this winter (got basic cruising so far).

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 10/18/2007 19:39:35

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 21:23:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">About the pacific NW, I'm thinking of taking the C250 down next summer to cruise the San Juan's and check it out. 5 day cruise with Admiral and 2 kids (9 & 12), multiple restaurant stops and safe moorings. Maybe other North Westerners want to join me? Would be nice since I have no coastal experience (just lakes). Taking my Navigation certification this winter (got basic cruising so far).<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Steve: There are several people on this forum who have indicated an interest and are tentative planning to sail the San Juan's this coming summer (go to: "living on board concluded" thread)

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 21:35:06

Steve
15 years goes pretty fast save your money for whatever.
I think it's either....
North is cool.
South is warm.
paulj

In the San Jaun Islands it will take you one day to go some place and one day to get back.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 22:22:24

Steve, it was not my intent to put SoFla down. I'm pretty sure most places in the US are thin on 'supply' posts close to deep water. The bridges over the IntraCoastal are either Bascule or High flyers.

We love the sailing areas around here. When you wake up in the morning and find yourself sitting in a glass flat sea of crystal clear water near the beautiful keys, it's a done deal, this is a great place to sail. Check out some of my sailing videos on my website (click on the sig pic)

That said, with a boat able to handle the waters outside of the Fla coastline, then we would stretch our wings and head to other locations as I mentioned.

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 10/18/2007 22:23:04

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 22:53:22

Steve, would love to join you in the San Juans. Five days is not enough. Two weeks is more like it. Really, five days wont allow you to experience the San Juans.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 08:46:50

The trouble with a "five day cruise" is you get only two days out and you have to turn back. And if you have to be back in five, you might be in the kind of trouble that gets discussed here every few months.

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 10:27:07

Randy...and I would love for you to join me!

San Juans are that big huh? LOL. It takes me 1 hour to get from end to end to the lake then....I turn back. Good! Then let's plan for more than 5 days. You're right Dave, you go 2 days out, then have to run back. I'm flexible, just have to sell the Admiral on a longer cruise. Maybe we could plan for a smaller less ambitious cruise then?

I need to install my wheel steering but probably wont have auto-helm and GPS. Hand held VHF is a must to purchase though, so I'll get that too. Randy I believe you have a GPS and know you have an auto-helm so I guess you're going to lead the pack.

Man, I'm all pumped up now. Really looking forwards to this! Maybe we should start a new thread about this and maybe have more boats join us? I'm thinking of a pack of no more than 4-5 is good. More than that is hard to get moorage for everyone sometimes. I'll have a look at the post Henk talked about.

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 10/19/2007 10:31:55

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