New liveaboard

[Ross]

What you use for a sleeping pad is a matter of choice. My preference is for a very firm bed with only enough padding to keep my hip bones and shoulders from getting sore. I installed a fan under my vee berth to keep that area dry. The house I grew up in didn't have a shower until I was 15 we either took a bath or washed with soap and a washcloth at the sink. That method still works and saves a lot of water and plumbing effort.
I have a dedicated solar panel that drives computer fans when the sun shines. At present I run four but the little panel could handle two more. The fans and the panel are not connected to the rest of the boats electrical system.

 

[KandD]

We are in our second year of life aboard. If I could start again, here are some things I would have done:
1) Don't move ANYTHING onboard unless you are going to use it right away! We've spent the past year trying to sort through what is needed and what is junk we collected over the years. A few months back we tossed 1/3 of our unit, donated 1/3, and kept 1/3 of our storage unit, we since pulled enough stuff off the boat to fill a 5x15 unit with more to go.
2) bedinabox.com, we absolutely LOVE our bed. it's a fraction of the price of tempurpedic and more comfy. They will also cut the bed for you, although I don't know what they charge.
3) I haven't done it yet, but I've been told a chlorine tablet in the bilge keeps bilge science experiments at bay.
4) WM makes a pump-out adapter that screws into your fitting that pump out clamps onto instead of holding the seal to the fitting - best $20 ever spent

thats all I can think of for now, we're learning as we go as well.

 

[zeehag]

if you are truly allergic to latex, talk with a discount upholstery place--one where you can get the bits and make stuff--pick and choose, like here in san diego at ufo....most upholsterers and cushion makers are able to get their parts at a wholesale place--consult as to what would make the best cushions for your boat--there are ways to keep moisture to a minimum, but latex CAN kill ye..allergies dont go away--they get worse.....good luck!.

 

[Bill1565]

Living aboard is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Do not buy anything till after you have needed it and slept on the decision. You can quickly fill a 30 footer with useless, expensive crap. Sleep on the cushions that came with the boat. Use the bedding, pots, pans dishes you already have. Wear the clothes you own. Just 'cause you have an outfit doen't make you a sailor.

 

[zeehag]

Living aboard is like nothing you have ever experienced before. Do not buy anything till after you have needed it and slept on the decision. You can quickly fill a 30 footer with useless, expensive crap. Sleep on the cushions that came with the boat. Use the bedding, pots, pans dishes you already have. Wear the clothes you own. Just 'cause you have an outfit doen't make you a sailor.

this is true--but, allergic to latex, make sure the cushions are well covered--inthe bed--use a mattress cover to keep the latex from you. see how that works-

 

[Ross]

this is true--but, allergic to latex, make sure the cushions are well covered--inthe bed--use a mattress cover to keep the latex from you. see how that works-

If you are living alone, you are a long way from help both in distance and time. I would switch to urethane foam and polyester fiber fill covers. Probably good insurance in the long term. There are many density's of foam for cushions.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Find www.catalina30.com They've solved most of your questions. Buy a packaged shower sump from West Marine. Read the West Marine Advisors http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...51&catalogId=10001&page=West-Advisor-Articles

Read this: http://www.amplepower.com/primer/index.html

Take it step by step you'll do fine.