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Living Aboard...The possibilities?

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TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/14/2006 : 23:04:45

Hey All...

I've been reading this forum now for quite some time...however, I've never had the need to post anything because everything I've ever needed to find, I've managed to dig up in the archives. So, I'd like to thank all of you for your knowledge from previous posts and in advance for the responses to this one.

Now back to the topic at hand!

My wife and I currently own "Trial Run"...our first boat...a 1984 Catalina 25 Tall Rig Swing Keel. She is the standard layout with the settees on both port and starboard as opposed to the dinette configuration. We've owned her for the length of the summer and have enjoyed a few weekends at anchorages throughout San Diego Bay. Since owning her, I've completely re-wired the entire boat with a Blue Sea 12V breaker panel and a Blue Sea 30 amp shore power terminal. I've installed two Group 27 Batteries and a 10amp Xantrex fixed automatic battery charger. The batteries are rigged to a Blue Sea 1/2/Both Battery switch. I've installed all new interior lights, mast light fixtures, navigation lights and installed Hella Marine LED Courtesy lights in the cockpit. A Stereo has been installed with speakers in the cabin and in the cockpit. I added a bank of three 12v cigarette lighter plug style outlets on the panel as well. Further upgrades included adding a pressure fresh water system and replacing the existing pump action faucets with something a bit more user friendly. Also, she promptly got outfitted with a brand new Honda BF10 outboard as soon as we bought her. The sails are all completely standard equipment...haven't even begun to start playing with the running rigging yet...but it's on the list! She is currently berthed at a marina in San Diego Bay with 30 amp AC power hookup and fresh water readily available. There is a pump out station at the marine which is a 2 minute motor from the slip!

Now...onto the question! My wife and I have made the decision to try to pull off a temporary period of living aboard "Trial Run". Our lease expires in January and due to pending employment changes (leaving Active Duty Navy), we don't want to get locked into another lease. So, we figured we could save an immense amount of money by living aboard! So...the question I pose to all you salty Catalina 25 owners who have attempted this is...What modifications do you think would be MANDATORY for a live-aboard arrangement? And what creature comforts would you recommend? Any inputs that anyone can offer would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Ryan

Also...I can post photos of all of my upgrades so far if you would all like to see them...I took many of the ideas from findings in this forum!

Ryan & Trisha King
"Trial Run"
1984 C-25 TR/SK
San Diego, California

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 01:02:11

Welcome Ryan I am sure you have set off a chain of responses. There have been some recent posts on the topic as well. My response - how long? A lot can be endured if you know the end date to look forward to.

I think the single biggest thing I would miss aboard a C25 is a double bunk. (I'm too tall for the v berth) Many have modified their interior to allow a bunk that two can share and they are posted in the archives I think.

In rainy weather it can be a bit closed in and rain seems to get into everything as the hatch is opened. We use our boat as a guest room from time to time over the holidays - we move out to the boat and the guests take our room. We put a beach unbrella over the hatch to help keep the rain out when climbing out of the boat. If the wind gets it though its over.

My sister lived aboard a Columbia 27 for a couple years with her husband and they are still together. They rigged a tent over the boom. Storage was an issue for them. They had a piece of junk full size van that acted as mobile storage shed too.

One of the neat things about living aboard was the interesting neighboors she had.

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 01:18:21

All...

We have fabricated a conversion to create a queen sized berth across the two settees and over the keel trunk. Only problem for me there is the setup and breakdown everyday will get old. And the access to the head is a bit restricted unless you're willing to climb over each other every time...which isn't always a bad thing!

How long...as long as we can stand each other! Its more of a "Trial Run" to see how we like boat living and what we might want in a larger boat for a more permanent living arrangement. We figure, if we can pull this off, we can live on any boat....right?

As for rain...San Diego doesn't get a whole lot of rain...but I'm sure I could rig a boom tent with a tarp of sorts.

Any other ideas?

Edited by - TrialRunC25 on 11/15/2006 01:22:28

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 09:00:29

Were you on a sub? If so, you'll do OK... How tall are both of you? (If over 5'6, I hope you have a pop-top.) When you eventually get 5-foot-itis, your next boat will be like a mansion! Storage is generally the biggest issue--I question having a sink in the head, and in your shoes would probably replace that with a hanging locker or shelves.

If you don't have it, my next priority would be a bimini, which many of us mounted just forward of the winch islands so that it covers about half the cockpit (with clearance for the mainsheet to swing) and part of the companionway slide-hatch. Tall rigs make this debatable, since the boom is a foot lower--at least one TR owner shortened the main luff-length--you'll find posts on that issue, too. You'll appreciate a bimini in the SD sun and it'll shelter the open companionway in a moderate rain. (I do know it rains in SD--at least when I'm there.) And a zip-on windshield can convert it to an oversized dodger.

Otherwise, it sounds like you have a very nicely tricked-out home there. How about the standing rigging? If it's original, it's due. (See Catalina Direct.) That relates more to sailing than living aboard, but.......

Best of luck--I hope your future allows you to consider other options soon--the C-25 is a great little boat, but.............

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/15/2006 09:05:27

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 09:37:44

Ryan,

Looks like you have everything about covered. Even though you won't be speding 100% of your time aboard, the C25 will get a bit closterphobic, even for a short stay aboard. A boom tent or bimini to form another living space would be helpful. You've probably already surmised that storage space will also be a problem. I'd invest in as large a dock box as your marina will allow and rent a storage space close by.

I do hope you will spend as much time and effort preping "Trial Run" for sailing as you have for dockside living. Sailboats after all are meant to be sailed. Good luck on you new "post-navy" adventure.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 14:40:27

I'd want a television, a good sized dock box, real easy access to an actual bathroom and shower, some sort of heater and a mini refrigerator. If I were going to live on the boat for more than a month I'd want a C350.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 21:44:12

welcome to the forum.
I like the fact that you read the archives prior to asking questions...as Captain Hook said 'Good form'.

IMHO, Most important factor with living aboard is the marina. If it has good facilities, you have a better chance of enjoying this temporary existence.

I suggest a boom tent and good collapsable camp chairs. A large sized tarp and a raised boom gives you another room on your boat, keeps you dry, keeps the sun out, gives you some privacy, gives you some nighttime storage space, etc.
Good camp chairs are comfortable, stowable and can be used in the cabin, in the cockpit, on the dock or just somewhere else within walking distance of the boat.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2006 : 22:53:59

A pop-top cover would help a lot. It not only creates great headroom (crucial for me at 6' 1"), but also allows a lot of storage because you get a big, very accessable u-shaped shelf on top of the cabin, yet still "inside".

We've done many short cruises (up to a week) with two young children, with all associated ammenities (port-a-crib, bouncy chair, feeding chair, clothes, diapers, toys, etc.). Notwithstanding the height issue, I really don't know how we could have so successfully pulled it off without the storage offered by the pop-top cover.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 07:22:14

Richard is correct and I'm not surprised I didn't think of it in my post on this subject. I have the cover but have only used it twice in 17 years - once to see how it fit and one actual use. It would be a very practical addition for a prolonged dock situation - more than eight to twelve hours. Because the pop top is so heavy, I would recommend the "loaded" pop top supports from Catalina Direct for short duration use. I understand they make setting up the pop top much easier.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 09:33:02

I lived about my C250 for nearly 2 months in a similar situation. It worked out fine, but I was by myself. With two people, living aboard might fray your nerves, you will have to judge that for yourself. I really enjoyed my time on the boat.

The person that said the marina is critical was right on. Getting a slip near the showers and bathrooms would be very helpful.

For me, the upgrades or equipment most necessary were:

Shore power connection.
Electric heater.
A really good mattress. The cushions we have on our boats don't cut it for sleeping regularly in my opinion.
Get a good portapotty (being by myself I used a jug with a cap for most needs, but your wife/girlfriend may find that more challenging) or get your marine head up to snuff to avoid odors and see if your marina has a pumpout boat that will come by regularly and pump it out.

You already know your boat, so you know whether your cooking facilities are up to your needs.

Other than that, enjoy! Great neighbors, and some great moments await you. Coming home from work after dark, walking with my dog from the car into a quiet marina with a full moon overhead, the water still as glass - that was just one of the great memories I have.

Liza and I think our next home will be floating...

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 10:51:27

The boat sits in a slip at a marina that has full shore power and water hookups. There is a pumpout station that is literally two minutes away by motor. Which is good...it will force me to move the boat every few days instead of just leaving her sitting there and living aboard (like so many other live-aboards I see).

We do have the pop-top and pop-top cover. We started using it while anchoring and now we rarely go on board without at least putting the top up. But for permanent living, the cover will remain on. The storage and head room that it creates will be invaluable! The only thing I might want to modify is the clear plastic windows...might have my canvas guy make some flaps with snaps to cover the windows up for some privacy.

Was thinking of installing a boom topping lift instead of using the pigtail off the split backstay...that way I can lift the boom and or swing it out of the way. But a boom tent could create a nice little "patio" in the cockpit! <b>Do they make pre-fabricated boom tents?</b> I just can't bring myself to permanently sling a blue tarp over the boom!

As for a heater...it rarely gets to the point of being too cold inside the boat here in San Diego...but it would be good to have. Having shore power will make that a reality. Maybe I can find a small one that will fit nicely under the companionway stairs.

The standing rigging does need some attention...as does the running rigging. Will more than likely order the shrouds and stays srtaight from Catalina Direct. Was also going to do the all rope halyard conversion and add a topping lift and a jib downhaul.

That is unless I can convince the admiral to let me add a furler. <b>Anybody find a furler setup for a tall rig that is under $1000?</b>

Thanks for all the input guys...keep it coming...

I will start taking some photos and posting the little modifications that the wife and I come up with as well as some of the work that I've already done.

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 10:56:24

Oh...and Kevin...we currently use a Coleman Air Mattress, but inflating and deflating is getting old. Was thinking maybe we could throw a futon mattress over the conversion and the existing pads. Thoughts?

And yeah...a new little LCD TV hooked up to my laptop will act as my "Home Entertainment Center". Debating on satellite TV, but I really don't watch that much TV. Maybe I'll wait until I buy my C350 before I go that route!

Edited by - TrialRunC25 on 11/16/2006 12:45:01

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 11:28:32

My ProFurl SnapFurl was $650. With sail mod for a 135 and a 110 total cost was $1100. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 14:26:21

Ryan,

I am useless for mattress advice. When I decided to live on the boat, I had a mattress made that fit the V-berth. Ridulously expensive, but ridiculously comfortable. Remember, I have a C250, not a C25, I am not sure what the right berth to sleep in is on a C25.

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 14:41:31

Can anybody offer any advice on this one? We built that conversion into the main cabin, but it can be a pain to get up and over to access the head. Also, the setup and breakdown takes some time. Now I'm 5'10" and my wife is 5'7"...we've tried sleeping in the vee berth with our feet forward....but that made it a real pain to get in and out. Is sleeping head forward a better option? Haven't tried that yet...

Thoughts?

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2006 : 16:33:34

How about head to head, quarterberth to Starboard settee double. Follow the link in my sig.

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2006 : 19:41:17

Alright...so we tried sleeping in the V-Berth last night with our heads up at the bow. The wife loved it...said it was more comfortable than feet forward, but obviouslt not as much room as the queen size conversion. I however felt a little cramped...think we're going to give it another shot this evening. Otherwise, is that double berth conversion wide enoughf or two adults? I stand in my boat and look and its looking awefully tight to me. Would hate to put in all that work and have it not work!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2006 : 20:12:32

It is intended as a very nice berth for one. The idea is to sleep head to head, you in the quarter berth and she on the settee.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2006 : 23:34:15

Hey guys. If you've been looking at the links in this forum you've probably stumbled across this one. If not, check it out. They have just about maxed out how well a 25' boat can be utilized. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73272168864&fno=17
We live on our boat for 1 month in the summer. 2 adults 1 kid and a dog. We have used the vee berth for 2 and the quarter berth for the other. Last year we tried the conversion of the whole saloon to a queen. Comfortable, but a pain in the butt to get to the head. I guess for every option there are some downsides. We're anchored out most of the time. Try to get to a marina every 3 or 4 days.We have a boom tent. It's made of sunbrella. I recommend it. Keeps you dry in the rain with the cockpit a usable space and keeps the sun off if its too hot. I rewired our boat as well. This winter, i intend to move the panel to stbd and add another batt at the same time. (may have said that before here). When i do that, I'm going to install some cabinets that I have almost all cut out to better maximize the space above the settees. We found out last summer that if you run a stereo it really eats up the power, thus the 2nd batt. Our p.o. had wrapped the cooler with 4 inches of insulation, so we use it for beverages and produce that need refrigeration.
I'll try to dig up a pick of our boom tent and post it for you. I'd like to see pics of your rewire also (i'll post some of mine when i finish the cabinets and move the panel).
Also on my wish list is to add a bowsprit so that i can extend my anchor roller out from under the roller furling drum. When we're in the Gulf Islands and San Juans, the bruce type anchor seems to hold better than the danforth. I have a hard time keeping all that stuff clear of the furling drum when i retrieve it.
I very much recommend the boom topping lift.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2006 : 23:47:00

P.S. I thought i had stumbled on a brilliant idea when i glued up some pvc pipe to use to hold the boom tent straight or at least bowed. Then my son in law came up with tent poles made of fiberglass that break down to store 2'long. They work great. Almost all camping supply places have them in a variety of lengths.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2006 : 23:53:31

P.S.2...we put shelves (4) in the space where the lav sink would be. also 2 under the portlight on the toilet side. Really maxes out the bang we get for our buck in storage.

Edited by - on

TrialRunC25
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/19/2006 : 22:39:00

Frank...now I gotcha...actually there is a mini-fridge in the opening to my quarter berth right now and we've removed the cushions so we can get some extra storage space back there.

Dave...Thanks for the link and the ideas. I was toying with the idea of removing the lav sink and making either hanging or shelved storage there. But, haven't come to a final decision yet. I'll get some pictures up of the modifications that I've made thus far this week.

So the Admiral and I spent the whole weekend on the boat...including sleeping. We switched it around....put our feet forward...there is a ton more sleeping rom...its just a pain to get in and out. So, we went back to the idea of how to make the main cabin queen bed conversion go a little more smoothly. I've got a few ideas that i'm going to tinker with this week...we'll see how they go.

We also managed to pull all the old carpet up and cleaned the floor underneith. We installed some new Amber Hella LCD Courtesy lights in the cockpit as well as secure the refrdgerator for sea. We went nuts with Lysol Mildew Remover with Bleach throughout most of the tight spaces and cleaned her up pretty good. I have an enormous, grey tupperware bin that has been deemed "the project bin" that is almost empty now! Time for another trip to West Marine to fill it back up!

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 11/19/2006 : 23:40:45

thats funny, i have the same sort of tupperware bin for projects. also for stubborn odors that dont leave no matter how much you clean, i have found some citrus odor absorbers that work very well. they take away the bad smell and dont over power you with perfume. ill remember to get the label off one and tell you what they are. my queen setup works with the dining table as a part of it and a piece of plywood for the filler piece. ill post a pic of that as well if you like. what it does with the filler cushion is turn the whole of the saloon into a bed. i think we will always be experimenting with our setup till we get it just right. we dont use the table in the saloon except for using it as part of the bed setup, or at least not in the way it was designed. the pedestal is somewhere in the garage and hasnt been on the boat since we owned it.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/20/2006 : 10:42:47

Ryan, have you looked through my site? I put the small refer in the v-berth, it leaves it as a good berth for one person which since it never was a good berth for two is no loss. My Airconditioner is in my quarterberth, have you noticed it?

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 11/20/2006 10:44:42

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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