Relocating Onto a Boat Saved Us Money, but Came with Challenges

Elliot Schoenfeld and Jennifer Johnson embarked on a year-long adventure living on a boat, with the goal of combining travel and cost-saving measures. Originally with little boating knowledge, they adapted swiftly and managed to spend about $40,000 over the year, though not without some sacrifices.

This account is based on discussions with Elliot and Jen, both 33 years old, during their venture navigating the Great American Loop. Currently, they're residing in a van exploring the country. This conversation has been shortened and tidied for comprehension.

Initiating a Nautical Lifestyle

Elliot admits that half a year before purchasing the boat, living at sea wasn’t even on their radar. But the COVID-19 pandemic altered their plans. Previously embarking on a year-long global journey when the pandemic struck, they found themselves confined in India for five months, prompting a rethink about a longer, safer travel method.

On returning to the U.S., they juggled ideas: an RV, a van, or setting sail. When it came down to a 50-50 chance on boating, they opted to test the waters then, saving the van idea for later.

Jen highlights the balance in their relationship—Elliot thrives on taking risks, while she’s more cautious. Elliot pitched the boat concept, which initially alarmed Jen due to their lack of experience and the sheer responsibility involved in navigating and maintaining a vessel, while ensuring their safety aboard.

Learning on the Go

Choosing a vessel suitable for protected waters was pivotal, giving the duo a chance to comprehend boating fundamentals with scant background, armed only with a solitary sailing class.

While living on a boat wasn't a lifelong dream, the experience became life-altering, instilling boating into their long-term aspirations. The endeavor fostered personal growth, enriched their relationship trust, and imparted invaluable life skills.

Initially daunting due to both being novices, the journey began with uncertainty. However, as Elliot honed his skills and gained adeptness, Jen grew confident in his abilities. By journey's end, she felt ready to extend their travels to places like the Bahamas.

Navigating Challenges

Elliot recalls the first three months as overwhelming with daily learnings, akin to being struck by a flood of information. Covering over 10,000 miles, they faced varied landscapes—from river paths and sandy regions in Florida to the rocky terrains of Canada—each presenting new lessons.

Though not naturally inclined toward boating, Elliot's admiration for water activities translated effectively into this new lifestyle. The couple embraced the frugal aspects of boat living, acknowledging trade-offs such as high weather sensitivity and unpredictable utilities—factors unlike routine land-based living.

Economic Aspects of Boat Life

Throughout their 11-month journey, they averaged relocating every two days, traveling at a leisurely seven miles per hour. Despite 60-mile days, slow travel became part of the enjoyment, culminating in over 10,000 miles traversed.

Spending slightly over $40,000 annually, this budget was considered reasonable, on par with typical living costs like rent or mortgage. Though financially advantageous, the time cost was notable, highlighting the tempo disparity between land and maritime lifestyles.

In subsequent van life, food costs dropped, primarily due to bulk buying at warehouse clubs—an avenue not explored while boating, where proximate but pricey grocery aisles were preferred for convenience.

By persevering through these challenges, Elliot and Jen realized savings that made their adventure sustainable without high initial savings, pointing to the financial viability of such a lifestyle if one doesn't mind slower paces in daily affairs.

For those seeking respite from conventional land-based existence, Elliot and Jen believe that time on a boat offers a unique escape despite its hurdles. Though initially challenging, the skills they honed led to newfound fondness for this unconventional way of life.