Where do live-aboards congregate online? I want to make the move to live-aboard in the L.A. area and know that it's a tough environment, so would like to be able to discuss the ins-and-outs with people who have experience and knowledge. I'm looking for a very simple environment, in a sailboat that's even maybe ... a Catalina 27'? And a marina that allows live-aboards. And would love to learn how to be a good "neighbor." Stuff like that...
LIVEABOARD in Los Angeles?
- Thread starter mrbarnard
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Catalina 30
Sorry that I can't tell you much about live-aboard but if you are going to go for a simple boat that isn't too big I wouldn't go any smaller than a Catalina 30 to live aboard. It has head room, a head with a shower, and other nice items. You should be able to find one that will fit your budget as well. Good Luck!
Sorry that I can't tell you much about live-aboard but if you are going to go for a simple boat that isn't too big I wouldn't go any smaller than a Catalina 30 to live aboard. It has head room, a head with a shower, and other nice items. You should be able to find one that will fit your budget as well. Good Luck!
minimum length
California marinas are able to be selective about boats they'll permit as liveaboards. Many have a minimum length in the 35-40' range. You won't even make it to the wait list with a Catalina 27' I've lived aboard in several different marinas in California. As a general rule, to be considered a good neighbor in a liveaboard community you must not only maintain your boat to the highest standards, but actively use it. The guy who sails his boat AT LEAST once a month year around is the type of neighbor most liveaboards want. The non-boater who bought a cheap boat to serve as a floating condo is the type of marina tenant nobody wants to have around, including most harbormasters. Come the rainy season the non-boater will try to get away with throwing a blue plastic tarp over the deck rather than repair a leaky hatch, thus transforming the "neighborhood" into a slum. As far as sailboats are concerned, if it's not the sort of boat you'd take on a long ocean passage, it probably won't serve well as a liveaboard vessel.
California marinas are able to be selective about boats they'll permit as liveaboards. Many have a minimum length in the 35-40' range. You won't even make it to the wait list with a Catalina 27' I've lived aboard in several different marinas in California. As a general rule, to be considered a good neighbor in a liveaboard community you must not only maintain your boat to the highest standards, but actively use it. The guy who sails his boat AT LEAST once a month year around is the type of neighbor most liveaboards want. The non-boater who bought a cheap boat to serve as a floating condo is the type of marina tenant nobody wants to have around, including most harbormasters. Come the rainy season the non-boater will try to get away with throwing a blue plastic tarp over the deck rather than repair a leaky hatch, thus transforming the "neighborhood" into a slum. As far as sailboats are concerned, if it's not the sort of boat you'd take on a long ocean passage, it probably won't serve well as a liveaboard vessel.
Finding a liveaboard slip
It can be hard to get a liveaboard situation. the easiest way is when it comes with the boat you have purchased. Here in Marina del Rey there are hundreds and hundreds of slips being rebuilt along with the apartments they provide a back drop for. These slips are of course unavailable for years at a time and we have seen people chasing slips left and right for a while now. The Marina I am in never allowed any new liveaboards in the first 6 years I was there. They had all they wanted. Then recently the Dockmaster asked for anyone who wanted a liveaboard situation to sign up. Probably 50 people signed up. I am not sure why they allow it now but not before. They now rent by the slip size so a 27' boat in a 30' slip pays for thirty feet. I hear a trend is for 35-40' becoming the new standard small slip. So a 27' would pay the same as a 35-40' boat in the same slip. Regards, Big Joe
It can be hard to get a liveaboard situation. the easiest way is when it comes with the boat you have purchased. Here in Marina del Rey there are hundreds and hundreds of slips being rebuilt along with the apartments they provide a back drop for. These slips are of course unavailable for years at a time and we have seen people chasing slips left and right for a while now. The Marina I am in never allowed any new liveaboards in the first 6 years I was there. They had all they wanted. Then recently the Dockmaster asked for anyone who wanted a liveaboard situation to sign up. Probably 50 people signed up. I am not sure why they allow it now but not before. They now rent by the slip size so a 27' boat in a 30' slip pays for thirty feet. I hear a trend is for 35-40' becoming the new standard small slip. So a 27' would pay the same as a 35-40' boat in the same slip. Regards, Big Joe
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