Most people who’ve spent any time on a boat, particularly when it’s a luxurious yacht, have probably thought about what it must be like to be able to cast off for good and live out on the open waves, with the convenience of the marina never too far away. Between the gentle breeze, the sound of seagulls, the smell of the salt water and the knowledge that everything you need is right there on board, it’s no wonder some people take the necessary steps to turn the dream of yacht life into a reality. But what’s it really like to live on a yacht, and how does one go about creating a new life that’s both safe and sustainable? Here’s some insight into the experience.
Life on a yacht: pros and cons
The wonderful aspects of living on a yacht—all your senses activated, lots of freedom and flexibility and plenty of time for rest and relaxation—are certainly not exaggerated. Depending on your lifestyle, it can even be less expensive than living on land, and if your whole family is excited about the change of venue, it can be a wonderful way to simplify and reconnect with loved ones and a less frantic pace of life.
But life on a yacht isn’t all fun and games. Depending on the size of the boat, you may find yourself feeling more cramped than you’d prefer. You’ll have to adjust to reduced storage, fewer possessions, possibly fewer modern amenities and the prospects of cabin fever, especially if you’re not used to being in one place for so much of your time. And of course, there’s one major factor that you’ll always need to keep in mind when calculating costs and determining whether yacht life is right for you: yacht maintenance.
The importance of yacht maintenance
For anyone thinking about experiencing life on a yacht, budget becomes a very important consideration. Particularly for novice yachters, the costs of yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL can be surprising, especially if you don’t know what kinds of maintenance you need to be thinking about in the first place. Your engine, sails, sump pump, fresh water system, navigation instruments, rigging, steering system and fuel system are just some of the areas of your yacht that need to be regularly inspected and repaired if necessary.
It’s also important to know what needs to be serviced at what time. This is where developing a relationship with a trusted yacht maintenance company can be extremely useful. By sticking to a schedule of regular maintenance checks, you can ensure that your yacht remains seaworthy and safe and minimize the likelihood of encountering an avoidable emergency.
If you’re interested in experiencing life in a different way, whether it’s just for a while or a more permanent change, the Starboard Yacht Group can help. We’re able to provide assistance when it comes to choosing the right yacht for you, and we’re your go-to source for everything related to yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We’re excited to help you start on your new journey!