Hello Everyone! I am new to the board, and happy to be here. My husband and I are in the process of selling our home in CT in order to move to Key West, FL. We are hoping to purchase a boat to live aboard- most likely a houseboat. What is the process for purchasing a houseboat- I mean, how much time is necessary after finding a boat to complete the transaction?? As we are moving a great distance, we wish to have the transition go smoothly. We have already found a marina there that will accept us as houseboat liveaboards, we just have to find the boat!! We have about a month to purchase and move the boat and move aboard. Any related information would be greatly appreciated, and I will keep you all posted on our progress... thanks so much! Wish us luck!

I can get a deal completed on a boat in 7 working days, I have a boat that would be great for what you wish to do. It is a 63 ft Leisuretime and would only need prepared for the salt. You can see it at http://lightning.prohosting.com/~pirate13/Leisuretime63.html Let me know what you think

Minnow,

You already have half the battle won!!, I was told after I purchased my houseboat that I should have found a marina first and found out how big of a boat I could have slipped. I got lucky and found a marina where I wanted to be. How big of a boat are you looking for? If you are going to live aboard it has been said nothing less than 50+ feet. I don't think I could live on anything less than 80 feet myself.

Just remember to protect yourself, make sure you get an accredited surveyor, and make sure they look out for your best interest. It is well worth the money to have them survey the vessel and give you a report. It could save you thousands in the long run.

Also, Check out the Pirates site, he has some nice boats. Also go through the Houseboats for sale on www.Houseboatingworld.com. They have alot on there almost way too many to choose from.

Let us know what happens and what you decide to go with.

Kerry

Dear Minnow,

My wife and I are thinking about doing the same thing as you've done. Since this email is being sent to you more than one year after you've made your move to Key West, I'm wondering how the move went and if you're happy with the decision to live aboard. Has it been more expensive than you thought?

Sincerely,

Ed

To my knowledge they have not yet bought.