Before you try out your wobbly sea legs, check out thing these 11 things you should know about living aboard a houseboat full-time.

A year later, they still think that it was the right choice. In an average month, it costs them around $2,200 to live on the boat. By comparison, they would spend $2,500 to $3,000 to rent an apartment in a similar area of San Diego, and still be paying the boat’s mortgage on top of that.

California is one of the best states to live in. This is for a few reasons. Primarily though, the economy and the weather. The weather especially plays a big part if you are planning on living aboard your boat. California only gets about 33 days of rain a year.

• Not Every Marina Allows Full-time Boat Living.
• Marina Costs Vary Widely.
• You’ll Pay for Utilities.
• Houseboaters Love Lakes.
• Don’t Forget Insurance.
• Linus and Rambo Can Jump Onboard.

Houseboats can’t be registered with the Land Registry, plus no traditional mortgage lender is going to lend against something that could literally sail away. Marine mortgages are available, but in most cases, you will need to put up a deposit of at least 20% on the boat’s value.

As with any home, buying a houseboat is a major investment. It shouldn’t be an impulse purchase. If you enjoy having birds, seals and sea lions in your backyard, then equip yourself with the right knowledge and assistance to guide you in your purchase and you’ll soon be floating on a lake or cruising the high seas.

Some houseboats have been-fitted with alternate types of toilets, to eliminate the need for a black water tank. The two main types of toilets that do not require a black-water tank are composting toilets and incinerator toilets. Marine composting toilets work the same way as house composting toilets do.

Generally speaking though, the typical houseboat insurance coverage can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 dollars per year for basic coverage. Amounts can be higher, as houseboats vary substantially in their design and insurable amenities.