What It’s Like To Live On A Boat
Ahoy bitches. If you’ve ever jokingly gotten into a dog cage or locked yourself in the bathroom to sit with the consequences of a late night Taco Bell run then you can relate to what it’s like living on a boat.
My Tiny Home
I get this question all of the time and I’ll refer back to my snowflake reference in Life OnBoard A Yacht As A Deckhand, that all boats are different. Thus, all crew quarters are different, but all have the same thing in common: they’re small as Hell.
At the end of the day, I have only stayed aboard two yachts. I have though, been able to step foot on quite a few to check out their set up. No, you perv, not what you think. I have a boyfriend.
Use Your Imagination
If I were able to post pictures of my previous cabins, my dear readers, I would. Sadly, due to security purposes you will have to paint a picture in your creative little minds.
Imagine, after the long hours you’ve spent studying for exams, dozens of phone calls made contacting agents, captains, owners, managers, you land your first job, walk aboard, head down below and in your approximate 120 foot living space is a few drawers, your bunks, a bathroom head and yea that’s pretty much it. I’m making it sound awful, but really it’s just an adjustment; as long as you’re not a freakishly large human.
Cabins
Generally all crew members have a roommate as well. Roommates can be your significant other if you’re in a relationship on board, a member of your department, someone of a different gender, really anyone as long as you guys get along. Roommate or not, your crew really becomes your family. It’s hard not to get close to your neighbors when you can hear them fart through the wall. I’ve learned ear plugs and eye masks are a must on board any boat.
Just like a home, your cabin becomes your space. You usually chase the sun and therefore don’t need many clothes. Yachts have a lot of hidden storage space for luggage and larger items like surf boards or spike ball so you don’t typically have to store those in your cabin either. Still, you definitely learn how to live minimalistic <insert stress emoji>!
Perks
Lucky crew members have portholes but I’ve lived without one and actually preferred it. It was nice having an always dark space if need be for naps and relaxation. The biggest perk though about yacht living is not having to pay for any necessities. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks are provided for you always! Same goes for any toiletries. All covered! Also instant hot/cold water for showers. Small things make all the difference.
As a crew member on yacht, you usually are restricted to the places on board you can occupy. Guest areas are meant for guests and therefore are typically not used by crew even when guests are off. Crew stick to crew mess areas where there’s a place to eat, a TV, a lil pantry and ya that’s pretty much it.
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Psych!
Okay now that the owners have stopped reading, you can disregard that last paragraph. Except for the master. Don’t fudge with the master cabin. On God.
Living on a yacht can be the funnest [yes funnest, I don’t care if it’s not a word] most exciting time of your life while also being the toughest at times too. In the end, the experience, stories and people make it all worth while. If you’re interested in life on board check out How To Get Started In Yachting.
Comment below what other aspects of yachting y’all want to read about!
