mr buck

This may be a silly question but........I am moving to Falmouth, MA this Fall and I am shocked what real estate goes for out there (I guess I shouldnt be). So that means I will be renting for a few years, but I was wondering if anyone lives aboard their boats on the Cape? I have a buddy who does it on Long Island and it has me thinking. I know the waiting lists for slips are many years long on the cape. But is it really feasible considering how far north it is?
Thanks,
Mitch

BubbleheadRM

One thing is utilities - heat & water & electricity. Another might be whether you can find an ice-free layover slip for the winter...How will the boat stand up to sub freezing temps for a coupla months ? How will you keep warm when most FB hulls are not insulated and radiate heat like a furnace. You can probably rent a house for the winter - that'll give you time to find a place suitable - there are plenty empty & owners can always use the $$$.

Good Luck !

C's Breeze
35' Bruno
Waquoit Bay

mymojo

Feasible - yes. Practicle - no. There's a fellow by me who has lived aboard his sailboat for the past three years or so in Dartmouth about 30 miles west of Falmouth. He loves it and likely would'nt trade his situation if he had a choice. In the winter months he worked a deal with the marina he works for. He gets to stay at the docks tied to AC power while he keeps an eye out on the boats in storage and wet slipped. In the summer months he moves it to a mooring. he has access to the marina's facilities but I gotta believe it gets real cold in January and February. Ice has not been a big problem thru the use of bubblers that keep the ice at bay.
New owners bought the marina this summer so not sure if his 'deal' will be renewed.

__________________

1967 BW Nauset w/ 88SPL Johnson

dcunniff

Check Kingman Marine in Pocasset.

As others said, it is costly and cramped, but people do it.

Dana

Seneca Lake Dave

I just went on realtor.com and saw over 1000 places to buy in Falmouth, MA...there are a ton of nice little houses for under $300K. That seems pretty cheap for NE standards. In southern California that money doesn't buy an empty lot in the "hood".
Please don't take this the wrong way...but if your job doesn't allow you to buy a nice home in your community, you need to find a job that pays better. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time.

mr buck

Thanks for the input everyone. I will be making enough to purchase a home, but I am fresh out of grad school, went straight there from undergrad, and have no money. So it will be a few years before I will look to purchase a home. Plus there really isn't enough incentive for me to jump into the housing game with the market slowing and foreclosures growing. I think I'll wait it out a few years....

Bldstud

....I don't think you came close to answering his question...and quite frankly who are you to judge how someone decides to settle down or make a career??? I am sure there are plenty of boaters out there that didn't make a great "financial" decision and are running 40'+ boats when they really should be in a 15'Skiff ...... Do you advise them too???

Falmouth is a great town, renting a house for the winter/year is a great way to figure out where you want to settle within the area....and Congrats' on finishing Grad School !!!

HANNAH GRADY

Welcome to Falmouth Mr Buck, I have rental property in Falmouth, I usually do weekly rentals and leave home vacant in the winter. If you are interested pm me. When are you moving up? Maybe I can help you out.

Dan

Seneca Lake Dave

No judgement here. I did respond to the OP's statement about real estate price shock. He is asking for help...I responded directly to his complaint. I don't judge anyone. If you ask for advise on an internet BB, you will get it. Finding a way to buy a home early in life is advise I give everyone. The earlier you build equity and pay off your debts...the earlier you can retire.

csurp

I lived on a boat in Boston for one winter. I discovered that it is the most expensive way there is to go second class.