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Story from Jam Press (Boat Living)
Pictured: Emma with her partner, Andrew.
Couple feeling ‘trapped’ by cost of living crisis ditch house to live on a boat – saving over ÂŁ500 a month
A couple has opened up about the realities of living on a sailboat – and says that while there are big savings to be made, it’s not for everyone.
You might have to live without a shower, for instance.
For Emma Haley, 27, and her partner, Andrew Knott, 31, this is something they’ve had to deal with for the past year.
The pair felt “trapped” by the cost of living crisis, having previously forked out ÂŁ2,760 per month on rent alone for a two-bedroom flat.
Now, their rent and bills are costing them over ÂŁ500 less per month – but it’s not all smooth sailing, with the digital marketing manager and boating instructor missing a few of life’s necessities.
“Something we definitely miss: showering without stopping the water between washing,” Emma told What's The Jam.
“When we shower or do anything that uses water on the boat, we try to use as little as possible.
“It was definitely an adjustment, but you quickly get used to the small differences of living on a boat vs on land.
“Power is also a big adjustment.
“When we aren’t at a dock, our fridge and freezer don’t work unless we have a generator running.
“We have a lot of things to alter before cruising full time, but living on a boat means never-ending projects.
“But while living on a boat is definitely more challenging than living on land, that's one of the best parts of it.”
While the pair, from Florida, US, explained that boating life isn’t easy, they believe that with the right mindset, it can be enjoyed – and the key is not to expect it to be like living in a house.
And after doing their research, they realised how much money could be saved for the unique alternative.
Now, they spend only ÂŁ2,200 per month all in.
She said: “It is much lower than our apartment once was.
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