Meraki

Hi Kerry, Living aboard a cruiser is absolutely possible and enjoyable. I'm not a c'cer, but read that you may consider a marina (probably in winter? Cruising GPRs in icy conditions is not recommended / unsafe). This still allows you the freedom of summer cruising and comfort of a winter mooring. Most of what I write will relate mostly to mooring with access to electricity / water etc. I alternate between a halogen and oil filled heaters which heats the boat well and doesn't have the drying effect that blow heaters have on my skin & eyes. This is just personal preference learned through trial and error. Both of these heating options can be regulated and have their own benefits. Halogen also provides a light source and oil heaters can be safely left on during the night to avoid frosty mornings. I have found both options to be very cost effective. I have a gas heater installed on my cruiser but found it more difficult to regulate the temperature when using this and not at all cost effective. I've also found that thermal lined curtains, a cosy blanket / throw and a couple of well placed cats go a long way towards keeping you toasty warm and cosy throughout winter I'm pretty new to this boating lark myself, but you learn a lot through trial and error. The learning is all part of the process and adds to the adventure. I can wholeheartedly recommend Nauticus 27 for being a well built, solid boat, with a great layout and lots of well appointed storage space. I've been aboard a Dawncraft and looked at a few other makes, but the layout of Nauticus was much more to my liking and has a sense of much more space than other makes of the same size. I don't have a shower on board and I don't think that I would sacrifice the space to install one, again, this is just personal preference. You become increasingly resourceful as a boater and can always find a way to access wash facilities via marina's or local gym's / leisure centres. I use an electric steamer to cook most of my food, which is both cost effective and quick (and much tastier!) I have found that internet access can be hit and miss occasionally, but is mostly reliable should you need it for your work. I don't bother with a TV (but didn't for several years in a house). Netflix and catch up TV can be viewed on a laptop or similar portable device which also saves space.There is often a local cafe close to many mooring locations, with access to WiFi, which you can also make use of. Research your area well prior to getting a mooring considering things like public transport links (should you need them), accessibility to GP / health services, leisure facilities and local shops (home delivery is available to marinas). Local resources will be of more importance during winter months when weather is bad or you'd like to access some social activities closer to home. Most marinas have a mail box service, but you could consider post restante (where available) or having your mail forwarded to a friend, relative or home address. I bought my boat on ebay. I also looked on Preloved, Friday Ads and Gumtree. I would recommend a private sale for a GRP boat as it cuts out the brokerage fees which are factored into the sale price. Keep a little money aside for essential boat maintenance and those things that can and will pop up and require fixing out of the blue (e.g. engine problems). I haven't seen many Nauticus 27 boats for sale for under £7,000 of late, most seem to be around the £8,500 - 9,000 mark that I've seen recently, but there will be some that come up. It is just a case of keeping on top of what is coming up for sale and good timing. Do plenty of research, know what you are looking for and when you see it, go for it! I love living aboard and wouldn't change it for anything! Happy hunting! I wish you all the best in your new adventure!

Direct Line specify that the house that they are covering is not left unoccupied for longer than 60 days. A log of residence & visits is a really good idea should you ever need to claim. Good luck!