The liveaboard lifestyle

A boat as an alternative accommodation

Liquid lovers

Sorry guys, I’m not talking about wine, spirits or beer here. Although you could find alternative accom as a seasonal worker on vineyards, this section is about water-based living. Whether you enjoy the open sea, large lakes or long rivers, living on a boat is one rent-free way of keeping a roof over your head.

Houseboats, yachts or cruising ships are the most common option. People who choose this lifestyle are often called liveaboards.

Excerpt from my book about alternative accommodation.

The liveaboard lifestyle is an alternative accommodation option I’ve yet to try.

In my book Stuff the Status Quo, how to spend less on keeping a roof overhead and more on living a life you love, I said there were two forms of alternative accommodation I had yet to try. One was living in a lighthouse, and the other was living on a boat.

So why am I so surprised, after settling into a cute cottage in a country town in Tasmania, that two possibilities have floated into view in the new year. An opportunity to be a volunteer lighthouse caretaker at Maatsuyker Island (also mentioned in my book) and an opportunity to consider the liveaboard lifestyle for real.

2026 is the Year of the Horse. After the Year of the Snake in 2025, which included trials and tribulations for many, this new year heralds a time for bold moves, where opportunity meets preparation. Where the universe delivers what we wished for and all we need is the courage to grab it by the horns (er… mane) and go for the ride of our lives.

After six months of paying $2000 a month to rent a cottage and keep the lights on, I’m considering alt accom options again. Has it been lovely settling into one space and place? Absolutely! Has it been a precious time of stability and anchoring in a community? You bet!

But ohhh, the financial pain . . .

Last week I looked at a liveaboard yacht. I know what you’re thinking. A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into. But hear me out. So is renting. In a past life I owned a classic timber boat and know something about the costs involved. Given a choice to throw money at a property I don’t own, or some alt accom of my own, my past experience says it’s a no brainer.

Yes, owning a liveaboard boat is different to owning a motorhome. But trying out the liveaboard lifestyle is still on my bucket list.

This week an ad for a volunteer lighthouse keeper on Maatsuyker Island appeared in the local media. Hmmm . . .

Perhaps this is the year of the seahorse 😊

Now it’s your turn:

• What unusual alternative accommodation have you lived in?

• How did it change your view of society’s rules?

• If you have been or are currently a liveaboard, say G’day!

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.