pros and cons of houseboating as solution to economic meltdown?

[ima_sinnic]

I'm almost 60 and don't have much money saved. But I am daydreaming about cashing in everything and saving some more to buy a houseboat as a way to escape what I perceive to be a coming meltdown here in the U.S. What would be the pitfalls? Anybody have any experience with this?

[truthseeker1]

1. No experience, but share the sentiments

My husband and I have spent a great deal of time mulling over selling our house and moving someplace cheap to rent for the next couple of years - we've also considered just buying an RV and being nomads for awhile.

[ima_sinnic]

8. yes, also thinking about RVing

--and since I have absolutely no experience with houseboats, this might be more realistic

[bowens43]

2. The cost and availibility of gasoline if there is a meltdown?

How about a sail boat instead?

[ima_sinnic]

9. gasoline, good point

--but maybe a houseboat can just drift in a river for long periods?

[underpants]

3. Off the top of my head-Docking fees? Personal Property tax?

How much will it cost to heat it in the winter?

Actually it sounds like a good idea those are just what popped into my head. They may or may not apply.

[ima_sinnic]

12. docking fees, good question

--the tax thing must be true no matter what is owned, an RV or boat.
I will look into these questions.

[havocmom]

4. Reports on ocean life indicate catching supper might be difficult

occasionally. Then there are the pirates to consider. If you do it, be well armed. Stay out of the paths of hurricanes. Otherwise, sounds good to me.

I'm sad most lighthouses are now automated. There is one on an island that always seemed appealing to me. ;)

[elehhhhna]

6. The pirate part is true...

and if you live & travel on a boat you need to protect yourself.

[ima_sinnic]

11. actually, I had been thinking of rivers rather than the ocean

--but it'd be nice to be able just to cast off from US shores if things get really REALLY bad
--and getting at least one if not two guns is part of my plan no matter where I live

[havocmom]

15. If you can stay on a river in the US, seems pointless to try

You won't be spared any of the coming mess.

[elehhhhna]

5. we are considering this also, for retirement...in 20 years...

ima, just don't swim off the back of your houseboat--the exhaust pools there and it'll Carbonmonoxide ya.

where will you anchor the boatmobile, matey?

hey we should google up some boat-lifestyle message boards!

[ima_sinnic]

10. very good advice about the CO at the back of the boat!!

--and yes, I need to do some serious research, including message boards--good idea!

[LisaLynne]

7. Well, it's not recommended ...

for a Fourth Level Zombie Infestation according to "The Zombie Survival Guide", but it might be nice to be able to push out into the water to get away from the *ies.

[oneighty]

13. Boats are a high maintenance item

There are docking fees. There is marine growth. Worms will eat a wooden hull. Salt water will eat a steel hull. Fiberglas is best, but must be hauled up on the hill and cleaned frequently. You must have holding tanks aboard for waste materials and they cannot be dumped at sea. (At least it became that way on commercial fishing vessels I crewed on). The ocean is unforgiving a bad storm can ruin you.

Just a few things one might encounter from personal experience.

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Also. it helps to be a good engine mechanic. Avoid gasoline engines hold out for diesel. Be sure to carry spare parts and a small diesel powered generator if you can afford one.

All in all living on a boat is not very much fun. I would avoid it.

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[ima_sinnic]

14. thank you for the dose of reality ; ) (nt)

[oneighty]

16. You are welcome

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