Date: 24 March 2016. Before Outfitting.

© janice142
 

When preparing for life afloat some questions are bound to arise. Those who enjoy the social aspects of life might find living on the hook (at anchor) an unwise decision. Though I love solitude I know I need to interact with others. For me, having access to the internet has been a huge benefit.
 

M/V Slow Dance at anchor.

[Photo taken by S/V Island Time.]

In looking at the above photograph I can surmise a bit about life on M/V Slow Dance. The first thing I noted was no solar panels. I do not see a wind generator either. Thus I am guessing his power is all provided via generator. Life for him is no different at anchor than it would be in a marina.

It is a good life too.

For me anchoring out can mean anything from a quiet nook far from "civilization" to a crowded anchorage. Truth to tell, I rather prefer the quieter places especially if I have access to the internet.
 

I want to get away from it all, with a smidgen or two of decadence thrown in!
 

Key West anchorage ↑

An online friend said "I'm a pretty social guy and love people. I'd go crazy too without the internet and because I live alone out in the country, I have to rely on my cell phone (Sprint) for internet access. It keeps me sane but only scratches that itch for social interaction but doesn't really cure it."

There is a lot to admire about a fellow who knows what makes him happiest. He told me he has owned several RVs over the years and spent time traveling. In that regard he knows what comforts and conveniences he requires to be content.

Because he has journeyed over the highways he has experienced many RV parks. Some have a lot of amenities. Others provide a place to park and all the mosquitoes you can swat for free.

Cruising is very similar to those who travel the highways. There are times we want to get away from it all. I do. Plus of course I want my stuff with me.
 

Life afloat truly is the best of all worlds.
 

A marina can offer you everything, and then some.

 
For social interaction a marina can be just the ticket. There are lots of marina types. Some are upscale and most not-so-much. Just because one place is not right for you does not mean all are bad.
 

Marinas really are quite similar to the park choices found in the RV world. In overnight accommodations there are fabulous suites in Park Avenue hotels and the lower cost mom and pop motels. Each have their own charm though amenities vary greatly.
 

For those moving from an RV to a boat having that experience of living in smaller quarters will be helpful. You can probably estimate how much space your stuff will require.

My Singer Featherweight sewing machine has not been used of late. It is too valuable to sit unused. That is embarrassing.
 

Hint: you have too much stuff. All of us do. Even me on my Seaweed has Stuff that needs to go. Lethargy and that it is stowed away out of sight keeps a 1937 antique Featherweight sewing machine aboard. I need to drag it out, take pictures and find it a new home. The thing is worth $300 -- 2/3rds of the cost of the new anchor chain I want.

That is my motivation.
 

Besides, I want to be anchored off this beach in Gulfport, FL...

But I digress...
Once you find your Dream Boat, just remember you can make her your own. You can add Renogy solar panels. You could add an Air Breeze Wind Generator IF you are going to be some place with lots of wind. Unless you are immediately heading down island I would suggest you hold off on the wind genny for the short term.

The prices on solar have come way down from what it was decades ago.
 

Remember this first though: until you're nearly ready to
leave the dock there is no need to outfit for Off-the-Grid life.

Many people spend literally tens of thousands of dollars and then discover they do not like living on a boat.

Some prefer to marina hop. Others wish to remain in their marina community and simply venture out on weekends once or twice a season for a fishing trip. There is no one option that suits everyone. Finding your style is as important as finding your boat.
 

Lady Pamela at the C-Quarters fuel dock.

A slim minority seldom visit marinas for more than a day or ten per year. Until you are SURE you want to cruise I believe you would be best off buying the boat that suits your current life, not the one you Might desire down the road.
 

Try cruising first before you dump untold $$$ into outfitting.
 

The Boot Key anchorage before it was a mooring field, circa 2001 or thereabouts.

Read, read, read, and imagine too. One series I wrote that might inspire you begins with this piece:

Finding Your Boat (part 1)

All the best to one and all. Life is wonderful afloat. Just take your time before buying gear you won't need immediately.
 

Have you ever traveled in an RV or camper?
Were you camping with minimal amenities or did you prefer resort-like services?
 

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© 2016, 2023

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