EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re introducing a new column in The Log – Nautical Banter. The column will feature a once-a-month conversation with The Log’s editor, Parimal M. Rohit, and OC Weekly’s sales director, Kevin Davis. Kevin is a full-time liveaboard in Long Beach. Parimal and Kevin will have conversations every other issue, exploring some of the practical topics affecting everyday boaters.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY–The romanticism of living aboard a boat could be rooted to the long-running 1980s television show, “Miami Vice,” where one of the program’s two main characters – Sonny Crockett – lived aboard his sailboat in Miamarina. Crockett, who was portrayed by Don Johnson, even had a pet alligator aboard his sailboat home. Johnson might have made living aboard a boat seem cool and easy, but he only played a liveaboard on television. The reality is being a liveaboard is a full-time commitment. It’s a lifestyle enjoyed by those who do it every day, but there are choices and sacrifices to be made. Kevin Davis, OC Weekly’s sales director, sits down with me to discuss the decision he and his wife made a few years ago to leave his 1,000-some-square-foot condominium and live aboard his 34-foot sailboat in Long Beach. (They...
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3 Responses
We lived on our 42 foot Matthews for 10 years, with our Doberman, and loved it. Just outside your door was the kayak, and the sailing dingy. And lots of friends.
Great column about transitioning from home to boat, from a real life, local perspective. Reality, really struck me one morning, as a newbie in a slip, when my neighboring slip mate, was already sitting out, and only about 6ft – 8 ft away from me! My personal space was encroached upon, even though we did express morning niceties. We’re only once a week boaters, I like saying hi to dock mates, we look out for one another, but your article heightens my appreciation and awareness of privacy. How close is too close?!! Maybe I wouldn’t want to be so friendly, if I was a live aboard?? Am I intruding, or too nosey? Or vice a versa? Learning to accept others’ living styles, in adjacent slips, lack of privacy and such tight quarters, are serious BIG deals to consider, OR contend with!!!! Please write more!!!!!
One thing that surprised me about my new live-aboard neighbors is that they brought with them 3 dogs, one of which is a 220 lb. mastiff. They chose the last slip away from shore in a very long shed.
When do you take your 220lb Mastiff back to shore to do his business? Anytime he wants. So just like clockwork, at 2-3 A.M. every morning I’m sleeping on my boat, I hear the pitter-patter of huge feet, hoofing it (literally) down the walkway.
As for being social, it is important to realize that your social life gets “enjoyed” by everyone else at your dock, whether they wish to enjoy it or not. I’m sure you are right proud of your taste in music, for example, but you should be aware that “Rap Music” is an oxymoron to most of those around you.
For good measure, that oh so funny joke spewing forth from your inebriated brain is not that funny as it carries across the water four sheds down the harbor.
But I digress. live-aboards are great!