Live on a sailboat?

surething1 · Jun 19, 2008

I cant remember where I read this but I do remember reading about this for sure. About two years ago I read an article in a magazine or a post on a message board or something about a couple who were both rn's and lived in mexico 6 months a year. then they would sail up to california coast and stay at the marine and work 2 consecutive 13 week contracts and then set sail back and relax in mexico for 6 months.

I believe they were early 50's in age. They were US citizens who were semi-retired and based out of some expat community in Mexico they seemed to really enjoy. They were also very much into boats, sailing, and all that other stuff landlovers will just never understand.

Wish I had a link for you but I dont at all. It was just something that I remember reading about. But the point is, it can be done. It has been done. And from what I remember they seemed to be having alot of fun.

I would think marina fees would be less than normal rent. Then again, this is california I'm speaking of so who knows. Its a country itself I swear.

And also consider there are many people who do this in RV's. I sure as hell would rather do it based from a sailboat than from an RV. You could live in Florida 6 months a year and then go live the easy cheap life somewhere in the carib. Aruba, St. Croix, Grenada, or even Cuba.

Sounds like if nothing else u could write a book about your experiences. And indeed you would have some cool stories to tell.

Good luck. Take me with you hahaha.

nursinadream · Jun 19, 2008

Hey, Surething,

Thanks for your response. You are right. I'm sure this living/working/travelnursing thing on a sailboat has been done. I was hoping to attract some ideas and input from some travelers who do this or have met some who do.

Are you a Traveler? I'd love to take you along..... :up:

Deb

surething1 · Jun 20, 2008

Not yet. I will be though. Im in nursing school at the moment. But I did an exhaustive amount of research prior to deciding to go the nursing route. The ability to be completely mobile was one of the biggest draws to the profession for me. That and the never ending learning curve. So, I'm a couple years away from realizing that dream. And when I do, I think Im more inclined to head for Saudi Arabia than sailing. I get seasick.

Just out of curiosity how much are marina fees in florida or wherever u are familiar with? I would be interested to know how much of the housing stipend u can save by staying in a marina.

It would also be really cool if u could do a california contract and then head down through the panama canal and over to florida for a contract. Now that would be cool.

I love my cat! · Jun 20, 2008

Check out Marina Del Rey, CA. Marina Del Rey's dominant feature is that it is one of the largest man-made small boat harbors in the U.S.

It is absolutely gorgeous.

In addition, there are tons of jobs around. Centinela Freeman Hospital is a 10 minute drive from the marina. UCLA has a lot of offices and a medical building close by as well.

Check out Wikipedia for a quick reference.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

9309 · Jun 21, 2008

It's a great idea.

While not working as a traveller, I am doinf something similar right now. I am working at a coastal hospital in maine that pays per diems well. I will be living aboard my small sailboat for the summer in a local marina. I could be on a mooring right acroos from the hospital, and commute by dinghy.

It's a great idea. Good luch.

9309

babe in a boat · Apr 25, 2009

We just read your posting and are about to do the same thing. Did you ever make the move onto a boat? Have you found an agency more suited for catering to your lifestyle? I have never done traveling nursing and really dont know where to start with all the different choices of agencies and all. Any advice will be appreciated.

nursinadream · Apr 29, 2009

Babe, No haven't done this dream of mine yet. Still cruise the travel boards and cruise (sail) the Ohio River and Virgin Islands when time allows.

Good luck. Love to read about your plans.

Deb

CDNORRN · Apr 30, 2009

It's a dream too, inspired by a colleague who did manage to live in marinas along the west coast of the US. Most were based in CA. We/I just recently sold the sail boat and bought a power boat. The plan in the next couple of years is to do the Great Circle Loop (Loopers) down the Mississippi out from Mobile, Alabama...into the Caribbean...and eventually up the ICW, back into the Great Lakes(home). Contracts or per diem work along the way would help generate some income. Plus, help keep me in touch with my field which changes rapidly. I totally believe it is possible. My colleague would commute to work on her bicycle.

RNMomtoBoys · Mar 21, 2011

Wondering if you ever made it to your dream. My husband and I are just lighting the fire on this same dream. We have 2 small boys and would like to, in about 5 years, take an extended sailing adventure with them (home school and all). I currently have my BSN and am looking at getting my Masters in hopes of working from the sailboat so we don't have to win the lottery before we set off on our voyage! Any advice on "work from home(sailboat)" positions or ideas. I had thought about teaching on-line. I really enjoy the teaching aspect of nursing and really enjoy it when we have students at the hospital, so thought it would be a good fit for me. I thought with the trend away from the traditional brick and mortar schools, this would be a smart career move?? I would guess that there are other options as well.

EmergencyNrse · Mar 22, 2011

I've done it in a Class-A motorhome. I would LOVE to do it in a sailboat.

Livin' the dream. Up and down each coast. Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf...

One day...